Langley High School

My daughter is a graduate of Langley and my son is currently a junior there. Both children had wonderful experiences at the school, both academically and socially. They were encouraged to take advanced courses (both Honors & AP) but were not forced to do so. Thus, they took advanced courses in their areas of interest and excelled. Socially, both were able to find many friends with similar interests even though neither are/were considered in the 'popular' crowd and neither participated in school sports. The one incident of bullying/teasing that my son experienced was addressed immediately by both staff and principal - of course my child did report the incident to the teacher of the class. An ethics program is being expanded this year to address this and other issues of adolescence. One of the great strengths of Langley is its Humanities program, both History and English, at all grade levels. The depth and quality of the instruction is outstanding! Parental involvement is both encouraged and appreciated at the school level. I just had to say 'yes' to volunteering and I haven't lacked for opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been a wonderful experience for me! Although some people are cliquey, many of the people are not. The students and faculty are extremely friendly and focused on making the school the best it can be. The teachers make an effort to help the students grow and give them the confidence they need to do whatever they want for example, running for Student Government. I do not think that I could be more happy anywhere else. Langley was also ranked #13 in Newsweek's article about the top high schools in America!

Langley has a false sense about it. Childen are very clickish. If you are not one of the pretty people whos parents have paved your way in life... count on your children being treated very poorly. Activities are reserved for the popular people and your kids will be excluded even if they try. The school brags about the high test scores... The real reason scores are so high is due to the upper class families who move into the district rather then the staff itself. Do yourself a huge favor and move your children into an institution where kindness & integrity reign over power and cruelty. Try Loudoun County. Great schools, all new, good staff, co-operative attitude. I moved out of the area to protect my children.
—Submitted by a former student

Langley High School was wonderful in preparing my daughter for college. She has done extremely well in her first semester and much of that is due to the excellent education she received at Langley. The honors and AP classes are well taught and plentiful. It is a large school, so getting involved in extra curricular activities is helpful. Also being in band, orchestra, sports, etc. will help form lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved to this area so my daughters could attend Langley. My only other choice would have been a private school - Langley is that good. I don't regret my decision at all. I have seen no evidence of 'maliciousness' in any student I have met (certainly no more than a normal teenager) and the opportunities provided by the school academically and in extracurricular activities are impressive. Parental involvement is extensive.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best schools in the country, let alone the state. The teachers are very good, and this school offers an exceptional amount of AP and honors (GT) classes. About 98% of the students go to college after graduation, and the school is very safe and has made many efforts to keep it that way. The bar is raised at this school and it does an excellent job preparing your child for college. Langley is one of the elite public schools, and as long as your child is emotionally and socially comfortable, they will be well prepared for a bright future!
—Submitted by a former student

I feel that my child, (11th grade this upcoming year) has not been happy. She does not have problems making friends, or that sort of thing, however, Langley has proven to be a very snobbish school in the fact that it concentrates more on the style of clothes, makeup, relationships, and out of school activities, including drinking and drugs, than actual school work. This means if the school has high rating, that is only based on parents expenses out of school on private tutoring and nothing else. This school which seems to have the most income through the students and parents, does not spend the money on improving its educational system, and that's a shame. Other schools, in much less 'wealthy' areas, have much more to offer the students than Langley. Do not send your child to this school just because it has 'high ratings'.
—Submitted by a parent

Langley is a school that rates above and beyond any other school in its area. There is no comparison. Perhaps, to some, the student population and social aspects are a potential downside, however, finding your place and learning to escape the shelter of your principal, teachers and parents is all a part of growing up and high school in general. Students have to learn to be independent and establish who they are and will become as individuals. Langley is the perfect environment in which to abet this process.
—Submitted by a former student

I have to admit, the teachers here were wonderful and very thorough, except for a few bad apples.
—Submitted by a former student