GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
My child has come home with soiled clothes several times that they didn't even notice had happened. The children noticed but not the two adults in the "small" class. My child says he wasn't able to get their attention to go in time. When he tells them he had an accident they make him fend for himself or even worse once time told him to stand in the sun to dry off. Three hours later when I picked him up he was still wet through his pants & undies & was even bluish, it was a cold winter day. Some power seeking rude staff . They never co-operate with parents. They try to impose new rules like dictators; they try to dominate on Parents like small kids. Teachers are not great, whereas some of them are okay. Some of the good ones cannot even speak up to their co-workers & help the parents. Communication varies greatly.
This school has undergone tremendous changes in the three years my children have been here. There seems to be a BIG problem with overall communication between those in charge and teachers. Principal Manoatl is a very micro managing leader who meddles quite a bit in the curriculum year to year. There is also a mismanagement of funds coming to the school and resources are NOT allocated to the places they need to be. There are many children in the school who do not speak English, and yet there are only two full time ESOL teachers to serve them. Teachers are rightfully annoyed and overall moral is so low, that some fabulous educators are leaving DES. Principal Manoatl concerns herself with aspect of "education" that really are none of her business. This school would be much better off taking a hands off approach to her educators and letting them do what they do best--teach! They know what works, what they need and how best to serve their students. I personally hope that Principal Manoatl gets board and moves on. This school could use some new leadership...pronto!
Both of my kids love this school and we have been here for many years and gone through administration changes as well. The current administration and PTA do a TON of work to get parents and families involved with monthly activities. Not to mention keeping everyone up to date on events going on via newsletters/emails/website info etc. Fantastic school, Fantastic Administration and Fantastic Teachers - truly a rising star in FCPS. As for test scores, there is only so much you can do with demographics you are dealt with and if English isn't your native language, but the pull out specialists work diligently to get the kids that need extra help the assistance they need.
Four stars out of ten is a gift. Dranesville was not a good school when we were there and I don't suspect much has changed. It is in the Fairfax County system, but don't be fooled. Look at the test scores. My child HATED going to school there. We are in a real school now and both of my children are learning.
We have a new principal and great teachers! They really care about the kids, many of whom have challenges (disability, language, economics, etc). My kids love going to school on most days :) The parents are in the school on a regular basis helping in and out of the classroom. My oldest is in 4th grade and youngest is a kindergartener.
Dranesville Elementary is a wonderful place. Everyone makes you feel welcome. Teachers are warm & caring & inspire the kids to strive for excellence. The PTA is very involved, committed & consistant in supporting the school. Dranesville is like an extended family & we love it!
I am very pleased with DES. The front office staff is friendly and helpful and welcoming to the kids and parents. Ms. Romberg is highly qualified and leads her staff with a hands off attitude, which gives them leeway to encourage our kids to be themselves. The teaching staff is awesome, retention is good. The school is neat, the library is big, and most teachers know all of the kids in the building. The SACC program could use deeper supervision though. In general, it is a wonderful place to experience elementary school.
Dranesville Elementary is such a wonderful school for our children. We are so fortunate to have such a high achieving, well rounded successful program. The principal and staff are top notch and their ability to teach and share their knowledge with the children is outstanding. Great school spirit and excellent programs for the children. I highly Praise the school, staff and all of their efforts on behalf of the children. A+++
The principals and office staff are wonderful! They have been very accommodating to my special needs child. Good class sizes. PTA efforts are outstanding, but parental involvement could be higher. You see the same parents over and over again volunteering at the school, attending special events. Tremendous effort has been put forth in 2005-06 to offer more after school programs. Academic programs are very good...lots of opportunity for kids to learn a variety of things.
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
1515 Powells Tavern Place
Herndon,
VA 20170
Website: Click here
Phone: (703) 326-5200
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