Catoctin Elementary School

Catoctin Elementary has improved vastly since the County reorganized all the schools of Leesburg. It is very community oriented, which is what you want. The teachers are very good and very encouraging.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately this school has been receiving an unwarranted amount of complaints this year due to several parents who are upset at the re-districting in Loudoun County. They are spearheading their efforts at the 5th grade level and they truly do not know what tree they are barking up. This School just hired a highly experienced 5th Grade teacher that comes with an impeccable pedigree of education and experience. Unlike many educators these days, this teacher s primary focus is on the education of our children. It is not just a job to this teacher; it is her life's work. Rarely do you find someone as dedicated, knowledgeable and caring as this "star teacher". So I am making a plea to all the parents who are frustrated with the change of schools. Please stop the complaining, your child is in the hands of a master educator. If your goal is to make the teachers frustrated to the point that they consider moving on, you may just get your wish and lose out on the best thing for your child. #Knowthefacts
—Submitted by a parent

My son was removed from this school following 2 years of issues. I am beyond disappointed with this school and it's staff. The administration does not seem to have good control over the daily operations at the school. Children are not being taken care of in the way they should be. My son will now be home schooled until another option is found.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my family's third year at Catoctin Elementary. I love that so many children can and do walk to school from the surrounding neighborhoods. I appreciate that it is an established school catering to a community that includes families and teachers who attended Catoctin as children, teachers who have provided continuity by sticking around for decades, and a diverse group of families whose children spill out of the school each day as peers despite many differences. The teachers and staff are dedicated and supportive, and easy to communicate with. In volunteering with the PTA I have met many caring parents who reach out in different ways to support their own kids, the school staff, and the entire Catoctin community.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to school there for three years and loved every single one! THe teachers are fun and you learn a lot without really knowing it! THe only problem I had was not being challenged. I wanted to skip second grade for a higher level of classes I was not ready to give up my great teacher and good friends

I am so happy to hear that Catoctin Elementary is a warm, energetic school. Both of my children attended Catoctin. One went on to Yale and is now a professor at TXA&M. The other went to Kettering, is a Mechanical Engineer and designs for Ford. Both continue to tell me that Catoctin played a huge part in their love for learning. Keep up the great reputation for Catoctin and the wonderful staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that often the work that a parent and/or child is willing to put into their education is what they will get back. Catoctin has received a less then positive response from the public over the last few years due to circumstances that were beyond the schools control. If you are looking for a fantastic education in a warm and inviting school, Catoctin is where you want to be. If you are looking for the glitz of a new building then look elsewhere. I believe that if you truly study all the statistics concerning Catoctin and view the big picture you will see all the fantastic things happening and the great education the staff is providing.
—Submitted by a teacher

Catoctin is undergoing positive change. There are many new teachers with energy that are reviving the spirit at Catoctin. Mrs. Moyer, Mrs. Stephens and the PTA are working overtime trying to restructure a school that was not on the radar of LCPS for a few years. It is now and lots of positive things are happening! It's a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred my second grader to a private school because of my disappointment with Catoctin.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been at Catoctin for 2 years now. What an outstanding school. From the front office to the teachers putting in the extra after school hours the staff is friendly and make you feel as though you are a part of a family. Everyone is always treated with respect and the staff will go out of their way to help the children and the parents. I find the administrative team to be knowledgable in all the aspects of the school system. My questions always are answered in a timely mannor. What a wonderful place to be and the kids have great teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

After Mrs. Mills, the quality of this school is much worse then before. The principal is notvery responsive and the warm atmosphare is gone. But there are super teacher! (Mrs Shelton, Mr. Vadermer, Mrs. Benett for Music, Mrs.Wagner, Mrs.Bolden.) The Quality iismade by the teacher! The Quality Catoctin is lower then the other schools in this area. Catoctin is very unflexible for after school activitis. Creativity after school is missing! ( they ignore all offers of after school workshops for the kids)
—Submitted by a parent

This is the second elementary school my children has been two in three years. I do not feel that the staff and environment are up to the same standards of the other schools in the area. The inside is very old looking and the teachers seem to be either very young or very old. The principal is not very responsive to questions and have a difficult time being available to discuss issues.
—Submitted by a parent

Catoctin is a really good school that reminds me of the grade school I went to when I was a kid. The teachers are outstanding and the atmosphere is warm in this older, neighborhood-based school. If you are looking for a good school that your kids probably won't get re-zoned out of, skip the big-box subdivisions and check out the Southwest side of town. You'll be glad you did with this school.
—Submitted by a parent