Ashland Elementary School

This is a very desirable public elementary school set in a nice neighborhood. Having the school set in the neighborhood sets it apart from many of the other schools in the area. COMMUNITY! Teachers are excellent. Leadership is very good, though they take hits, but that is part of being leadership - people take the chance to complain about you if they are not entirely happy. It is a safe, clean and happy enviornment.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children go to Ashland and we LOVE it! I had my reservations, having grown up a private school child but I do not regret it at all. Ashland is wonderful and I am so happy with the teachers and the education my kids are getting. Recommend it to all.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is very friendly. We have a very active PTO who work hard for our children and our teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children who attend Ashland. It is an awesome school with a caring staff, great extracurricular programs (e.g. running club, gardening club, etc.), and wonderful field trips. I agree with earlier comments that the P.E. teachers are phenomenal. Our kids come home and educate us about nutrition and exercise. I do not think this school is overrated. We love Ashland!
—Submitted by a parent

I choose Ashland because it was rated the best in Prince William County. Don t let the ratings fool you, like they did me. This is the first school that my daughter couldn t wait to get out of. We are now moving, so that my 2 children do not have to attend Ashland. I was not impressed by anything at this school! It is very over-rated.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my children have attended Ashland for their entire elementary school education. I've been a parent volunteer in the classroom, as well as outside the classroom. My children have participated in the extracurricular activities. Based on all that experience/exposure to the teachers, staff and facilities, I believe I have a pretty good base to judge the school. Overall, it's a great school with a wonderful, caring faculty and staff. Teachers are enthusiastic to be there and that carries over to the classroom and interaction with the children. The staff is friendly and supportive. The principal and assistant principal make a great team and are truly dedicated to the kids and the school. The Music Teacher is very proficient and loves to teach music--my kids have thoroughly enjoyed their classes with her. The PE teachers are phenomenal! They do a great job teaching the kids about healthy living. Kudos to all!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The teachers are very caring and concerned about each and every child's educational needs. All three of my grandson's teachers have left an indelible mark on him that I believe will shape him into a fine, outstanding gentleman in the future. If you are looking for a supportive school that cares about the family and not just the child, you need not look any further--the only choice is Ashland Elementary School.

My children have been attending Ashland since it first opened and I have nothing to say but wonderful things about their educational experiences. Decisions are made based on what is best for the students. Ms. Jordan, principal is out front greeting students as they arrive each morning. It is obvious that she has a good rapport with the students! She and Ms. Webb, assistant principal work very well together. They pick top notch teachers to educate our children. I just cannot say enough good things about the staff at Ashland! It is the best school around!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an outstanding principal and asst principal. In addition, all the teachers are the absolute best. I agree w/ other positive comments in defense of the principal. Volunteer and take some time getting to know all the many tasks involved with the running of a school. There is so much more to the task of being an administrator and a teacher than most parents realize. The principal is not a politician-and is not there to play politics w/ parents. She is wonderful to the students, and very supportive of her team-the teachers etc. If given the time, you may see the bigger picture goal the principal has towards the education, inspiration, and genuine care of the students at Ashland.
—Submitted by a parent

Average school... PE teachers have amazing ideas and plans, the PTO President is enthusiastic and the school is safe. There is one third grade teacher that teaches by telling stories and making the lessons interesting, everyone else seems to use a checklist! Not an impressive staff!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal at this school is what keeps a good school from being a great school. She seems to have no people skills at all. She is very unfriendly and unapproachable. I choose this school based on the high test scores, but if I had met the principal beforehand, I would have picked a different school. The assistant principal is wonderful, and very approachable and friendly. I think when you have a principal that doesn't seem to like the students or the parents, it sets the tone for the entire school.
—Submitted by a parent

amazing school! There is a new K teacher there Mrs. Neufang. Mrs. Neufang is an outstanding teacher. She teaches way above the pwc standards and she treats the children as they are her own. The first three years of education are extreamly important and i feel so blessed that my son had her.
—Submitted by a parent

In defense of the principal...she is the person who has to make the difficult decisions that may upset parents. My thought is, she is always thinking big picture since she has the school as a whole to worry about. I'm sure there are a lot of things about her day we aren't aware of...my first meeting with her was a wonderful experience and that is the main reason I decided to transfer my daughter there. I've subbed in the school there and can tell you...everyone has a bad day every now and then but that doesn't make them unapproachable...besides there is a reason we have an assistant principal (a great one at that)...both are very approachable...if they seem in a hurry, it's probably because they are. I think maybe everyone should volunteer at their childrens school to see just how busy a day can be for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Ashland is a great school. The teachers are fantastic, office staff, cafeteria hostesses & custodial staff are wonderful! The Specialist Teachers (Art, PE, IT, Sci Lab, Librarians, Guidance Counselors) are top of line. As mentioned by another parent, I'm not impressed w/ the Principal. She's not people friendly and unapproachable. I also have to question her decisions regarding the gifted (Signet) program. It seems very odd that certain 'all gifted' classes were created last school year and then suddenly this current school year just as her own child would benefit from the newly created classes. In my opinion she has very poor management and people skills but the AP well makes up for the Principal's shortcomings. The school has more volunteers than you can imagine. The community is also very active in supporting the school. Overall, we are thrilled to have our child attend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved to Ashland from Arlington, at first I was very concern; however my daughte is in Ms. Capotoso's 1st grade class and we love it. The school is great and the teacher is wonderful. I can't wait for my other daughter to start kindergarten here.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent school! We want all of our children to be in this school. The best education, staffs, and teachers! Get your children into this school then you won't want to move anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

I really like this school and my children like it as well. I'm not crazy about the Principal (she's not particularly friendly and approachable); however, I do like the Asst Principal. The music teacher also leaves much to be desired. With that being said, the curriculum seems to be very good, most of the teachers are excellent, there are a lot of opportunities for parent involvement and although the school is not enclosed by a fence, I don't feel there are any safety issues as the neighborhood in which it resides is very nice and safe. The school gets high SOL marks as well. I love that they have P.E. 2xs a week and the PE teachers are awesome! I would recommend this school as we are very happy with it, overall.
—Submitted by a parent

Ashland is a fantastic neighborhood elementary school. The quality of parental involvement is exceptional, to include a PTO sponsored after school language program, offering 4-5 languages for students in grade 1-5. 'Specials', such as music, art, computer, PE & library are fantastic; there is also a gifted program! Extracurriculars offered include drama, & chorus. The PE instructor sponsored a 5K/1mile fun run last fall in cooperation with Forest Park HS! My daughter loves Ashland, and we are more than pleased!
—Submitted by a parent

I am more than pleased with both my children's teachers. They are very creative, concentration on reading and math skills is outstanding. Fun and interesting class projects. My kids are learning so much and enjoying it along the way. Ashland is a wonderful difference from their previous school. Ms. Mizzell and Mrs. Weinberg are great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent