Saratoga Elementary School

This is a large school in the Fairfax County with a diverse population (ethnicity, disabled, inclusion, etc) There are many school activities including a mentor program, International Night, Math Night, Ice Cream Social, assemblies on bullying, REACH reading program. There is attention to the arts, music, (band, choir, strings) and PE. A lot of technology is also used from Smart boards, to blackboard. I see so many parents rating this school sounding like they want specialized, individual treatment outside the norm. Or after care -which well the school isn't a daycare. It is hard to do when running something so large. From what I've seen of the Principal she is fair and plays by the rules. My son transferred here from a small private school 2 years ago, so it is hard for me to compare. Public school seems a lot easier and a little more chaotic and the transition was tough at first. But he is doing well. Unfortunately in this day and age of education a lot of resources have to be spent on the bottom 20%, and some on the top 20%...those like my son are a bit stuck in the middle coasting along. I do wish there was more parent/teacher interaction.
—Submitted by a parent

According to conversations I've had with several parents. We have come to the conclusion that Saratoga Elementary pick and chooses the child they want to cater to. Our children fall thru the wayside. We pretty much have to assume that we the parents will be our child's primary teacher. My guess is that very few teachers are pretty much satisfactory for the most part "C" and the others are failing our children "D". These same teachers return every year with the same below average results with lack of care and patients. Depending on which child they prefer to give more attention to, the child and their education are not Saratoga's top priority. The principal is not a final source to go to for a solution. She lacks care and compassion. In my opinion, I actually rate the principal at no-stars "F-for Failing our future". The only reason I give the school 2-stars, is because those are for the few teachers and staff that are trying. The principal should allow these people to run the school. :-(
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for 3 years, and my daughter for 3 months, before I removed them both. I am so dissapointed with the lack of help offered by the Principal, but mostly by the apathetic attitude of a my daughters' Kindergarten teacher. My daughter was so advanced in her reading abilities, and even though I constantly asked for her to be put in a reading group that met her needs, it did not happen. The teacher did nothing to help her progress. It was very dissapointing. The office staff however, are very helpful. My son was in third grade, and his teacher was grumpy. Why teach?
—Submitted by a parent

This school could benefit if the Principal would show interest in the child s well-being. All my children have come through this school and as of my last child attending. Unfortunately, there hasn t been much change in the principal s attitude. She is very shallow, uninvolved, not really interested in having any extra activity in the school "before or after school". In theory, if it wasn t for SACC being a Fairfax County Gov. program she probably wouldn t have that either. One thing she will get involved in is when a child needs to be disciplined, but that doesn t mean much if the principal is not taking extra steps to make the discipline a learning experience. Discipline should teach the child an alternative way of going about handling life circumstances.
—Submitted by a parent

i went to school here when i was a child and the teachers were great!! Some of them were really strict but i didn't hate it. We did all kinds of great activities and some of the teachers were very involved came up with great methods of teaching. At least that's what i remember! I loved it! if i lived in the area my kids would definitely go to that school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two children that attend Saratoga from K-6. I have been very disappointed in Saratoga. The principal is very cold...doesn't return phone calls...does not like to be contacted. Although they verbally invite volunteers, volunteers are not welcomed. The teacher are average. They do not go above and beyond for ambitious children. For such a diverse area, the staff is mostly caucasian...not including cafeteria and SACC workers. The test scores are also very poor. I look forward to moving out of this school district.
—Submitted by a parent

My two kids have known no other school, and both are doing just fine thanks to Saratoga's superb and dedicated teachers and staff. Future visitors to this website who are perhaps thinking of moving to this area should have absolutely no concerns about the quality of this school. In fact, it's a great reason to move here.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! I have 2 children attending Saratoga and this administration really cares about all of these kids. All of the teachers are excellent and help children make their goals and strive to learn about and beyond. They make learning fun! Also the SACC (after school program) here is top notch. I can't say enough about them! Thank you so much Saratoga!
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent school, with very caring teachers. Children receive a lot of homework and are encouraged to do their best at all times. The school has an excellent library and reading is encouraged. There is a lot of parent involvement, which also makes this a great school.
—Submitted by a parent