Lorton Station Elementary School

Very active school with great teachers and a good atmosphere for all of the students.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school almost destroyed my daughters love of learning. We relocated to the area and chose this neighborhood beause everyone said this was a "good school". My daughter came home from 1st grade crying and all she could tell me about her day was who the teacher "yelled" at. I regularly went to have lunch with her and volunteered in the classroom. After seeing the way the teacher humiliated the students IN FRONT OF A PARENT, I wondered what was happening when I was not there, It took 2 months and an actual sit in at the office, refusing to leave to get anyone to listen and I demanded her class to be changed. Year 2 - The teacher actually called the kids STUPID and when I called the teacher myself, she admitted it, said the kids were awful and was combative. My daughter is now in private school and I cannot warn you enough to stay away from this school. I have never seen a principle that works so hard to avoid parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons attended this school, my oldest for 4 1/2 years from K-4 and my youngest for kindergarten. My oldest child had special needs and it was hectic as he progressed through the school. The staff always had a heavy turnaround between school years resulting in lack of continuity for a special needs child (2 different principals, 3 different special education teachers, and 2 different IEP coordinators). Two of the five general education class teachers he placed within his time there were ill equipped to deal with a special needs child; one who did not have the temperament and the other a first year teacher. The staff that does stay on is friendly and professional and both of my boys did have the same kindergarten teacher, which was nice. The school also has a very good mix of all ethnicities.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attented this school for two years, kindergarten and 1st grade, at the time the school was awesome as were the teachers. We moved away for a few years and now we are back at Lorton Station and I am beyond dissapointed. This school has gone down hill fast. The quality of teachers is, well there is no quality. One Mom confided in me and told me to get my kids out of Lorton Station as fast as I could. I am considering just driving them to a nearby school so they have a shot at a better education. Since school started two months ago I have had nothing but problems with the nasty and rude office lady. The way she spoke to me was unbelievable. She spoke down to me when I was trying to sort out a bully problem my son was having! I guess she doesn't realize I don't have to work so if anyone deserves to be spoken down to it would be her! I don't suggest sending your children here, Lorton has many other elementary schools with great reviews. Also the quality of kids that attend this school is what you would imagine in SE dc
—Submitted by a parent

My son has spent first and second grade at this school. I have had a very good experience. Teachers have been good and I see progress in myson. He seems to like school. They were responsive tonal of my concerns. The school is verybdiverse which is a plus. I don't have any complaints. Stay involved, support the teacher, be open to teacher suggestions...
—Submitted by a parent

I would have to say that in the beginning when my daughter attended 1st grade and I loved Mrs. Flowers she was the best teacher that she ever had! Throughout the years she's been there I've had some really unprofessional teachers who have there ego in the way of being an educator. I like when teachers take pride in being a teacher and would do nothing but the best to educate. I feel this school need to re-evaluate the teachers, staff, and principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought this school was great. My son attended kindergarten and 1st grade here. I
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in first grade, and I think the scholl is organized and stricted. The only problem is that the classrooms are too small. But other that that, so far, I am pleased with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

About student getting 'penalized for being too smart' in GT - It's sad, but seems to be true...I've had the same experience with my child this year. The same story and same reactions from everyone involved. I could sign under every word of yours. Very disappointing experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school has done well, looking at 5 years post start up. The classes are very diverse, but the teachers (mostly) are well trained and kind. The principal is tough and principled, which often comes across to parents as inflexible and occasionally rude. My daughter's experiences since kindergarden have been very good overall. Given the school's demographic challenges, I am impressed so far.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is trying its best. It is a little overcrowded but they make it work. They have good teachers and good programs. My son loves the music program, the chess club and GT center. He is in GT and he is being challeged.
—Submitted by a parent

Very unimpressed with LSES. Administrative staff is unhelpful and combative. Unorganized classes and not a good experience. I am pulling my child out.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends Lorton Station Elementary School and this is one of the worst schools in Fairfax County. He/she is in the gifted and talented program there and was actually penalized for being too 'smart'. When asked about an assignment that seemed to be graded incorrectly, the teacher said that my child's answers were correct but were marked wrong because the words she used in her answer were not words that a third grader should know. This incident occured in a gifted and talented class at the school. The principal dismissed the problem and nothing was done. A school that penalizes students for being too smart is a disgrace to the county. A GT Center class that requires students to 'dumb down' their answers is doing more harm than good and a principal that allows this to happen should be replaced.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a really good school. They really prepare kids for GT. Communication from Teacher is good.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Lorton Station's Gifted and Talented Program. The teachers are wonderful and they keep my son academically challenged. The school has an excellent strings program-- and Ms. Martin is such a dedicated music teacher! My son cannot stop playing his viola!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has caused us to move out of the area! They have extremely poor communication from the principal all the way to the teachers. They offer no help to students especially if they are new to the school, they are unkind in general, and in no way nurturing. If you are looking for a cold staff, lack of communication, and a place to destroy your children's self confidence you will have found it at this school. Avoid is all I can say!
—Submitted by a parent

LSES has been a wonderful experience for my children. They have been here for the last three years (2nd and 6th grades, presently). While both of my children are very different when it comes to their learning processes, they have both excelled - both in and out of the classroom. The principal, Mrs. Garrison, is a fantastic leader and an incredible woman. She possesses a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping these children any way she can. The academic programs here are superior to our last school. Fairfax County has proven it's first rate reputation here at LSES. We are very sad to have to leave!
—Submitted by a parent

The students are tough, but the Principal keeps them under control. All teachers and leadership are stressed trying to meet school goals and keeping children under control. Principal and teachers are kind but could use more training on tactfulness. Great strings program. Great in safety.
—Submitted by a parent