Kings Park Elementary School

I'm not sure in which class the previous parent has a child, but I can say I have a child in Kings Park now (2nd grade) and she LOVES her teacher. Her teacher always returns my emails and or phone calls within 24 hours. Her teacher really seems to enjoy her job and always has a smile on her face. This year has been better than last year, but all in all I think the staff at Kings Park has been great to my children. Hopefully your child will have my child's teacher next year.
--Submitted by a parent

When we moved back to Virginia I was pleased that my son would be going to Kings Park Elementary because we heard nothing but great things. Well I have to say that is not the case anymore. They have had so many changes in the past two years it should be considered unacceptable. They have had two principles, three assistant principles, several teachers changing to perform other jobs in the school or just outright leaving. There is no continuity of care taking place whatsoever and my sons teacher this year is by far the worst I have ever seen. I am a teacher myself and have never seen someone so hateful around children. It makes you question why they chose to work with kids in the first place. You have to hunt them down just to ask a question and not really get an answer. Now I should say that I am sure that not all the staff is this way but a good majority are and it is sad to think that these are the role models that our children look up to. I am hoping for a better year this fall but am not counting on it. I understand this is the my opinion but I want my child to feel that he can express himself and that his future can be what he chooses not what someone tells him it has to be.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here recently from out of state and was hesitant to send my kids to such an 'old' school. Our previous one was new and seemed more modern in their teaching techniques, classroom environment, teaching tools, etc. HOWEVER, my kids have had a great year thus far, and the teachers are AWESOME (we have Ms. O'Neal and Ms. Valcour) Top Notch! They take the time to teach my kids and the atmosphere is positive and fun! The staff had been friendly and helpful. The events are community and family centered. Communication is the best I've seen. Way to go Kings Park!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Another great start to the school year. I sent my first grader and Kindergartner off to school this past week and am already overwhelmed by the wonderful staff and administration. The front office staff is nothing but professional and the principal and vice principal are top notch, so naturally, it follows that the teachers are also amazing! So thrilled to be here.
--Submitted by a parent

In the past few years, my child has had one good teacher. When I say good I mean a clear communicator, willingness to teach multiple types of learners, dedicated to the curriculum, encouraging of parental support, and overall accepting of help. However she left! As our children grow each one is different and we can not force our children in to certain criteria, for the ease of our teachers, the budget, or the administration. I understand that money is a huge issue, however, fairfax county is one of the richest counties in the country. Our children deserve a free and appropriate education according to law, under any circumstances. I ask, is your child getting what she or he requires?
--Submitted by a parent

My first experience with this school was the office staff. One person in particular, but once I got over her and knew that my child would not be dealing with her, I have been nothing but 100% completely satisfied. Try not to judge this school by the office staff, as I did. My son's teacher, Mrs. Beavers has been absolutely WONDERFUL!!! I can only hope my youngest son gets her. My goal for my son was to learn to read while in Kindergarten. I made her aware of my goals for him. Within 2 months my son WAS A READER!!! I don't mean Jack and Jill stuff either. Highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school with great leaderhip. KP is only getting better.
--Submitted by a parent

I heel my child's education is suffering. The overall atmosphere at the school is horrid. Now it seems that the teachers are unable to teach everything that is supposed to be taught in the class so they are sending it home. An entire unit has been sent home since it can not be taught at school. I spend a tremendous amount of time working with my daughter on home work and projects but now I am homeschooling my daughter while she is enrolled in a public school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to respond to the comments of the previous parent about her daughter's unhappines and the ignorant inexperienced teacher. For anyone who has familiarized themselves with the FFX County education budget, it is clear that the majority of teachers and staff are overwhelmed due to increased class sizes, pay freezes, reduced resources and on and on. I'd venture to say that this person's daughter is feeding off of her mother's negative attitude toward the school. I have never had any issues with the administration at KP and think to the contrary that Mrs. Skerker and Mrs. Passentino are doing a phenominal job at turning this school around. I'm sorry about the experience that your daughter is having but maybe if you changed your attitude toward the school, she would too.
--Submitted by a parent

I am totally dissatisfied with my daughter`s teacher attitude and absence of attention to parents` comments and concerns. She is absolutely ignorant, indifferent. My daughter does not like this school at all and keeps talking about her previous one (in Arlington) all the time.
--Submitted by a parent