Dominion High School

Dominion High School is truly a wonderful school. I would say that the administration did the best that they possibly could do given that this school takes from such a "special demographic" (the neighborhoods are not quite as homogenous as the rest of Loudoun). Dr. Brewer, and the Vice Principals put their heart into this school and it was very obvious to me and everyone else. The one problem I personally had was that the teachers would consistantly give unreasonable amounts of homework. I would stay up past midnight almost every school night trying to get all of it done. Although, now looking back, I can say that the massive workload definitely prepared me for college. Its very interesting to me that Dominion takes students from a middle school that is set up for students to do poorly, and yet DHS is STILL able to fill in the gaps and have their students perform well academically. IMO, I think Dr. Brewer should take over as the principal at SRMS the next opportunity he gets and run both schools if at all possible. DHS is a small school with a big heart. I just hope it stays that way.
—Submitted by a student

I wish I could give Dr. Brewer 10 stars. He is an outstanding leader, mentor, and principle. I had concerns about my daughter going to school there and actually thought about moving back to FFAX. We are so glad that we did not move. I actually wrote Dr. Brewer a long email and he immediately responded back. He addressed all of my concerns and lived up to all of his promises. How many principles know every kid's name in their school and can actually have a conversation with them. My daughter graduated this year with honors and is going to VA Tech in the fall. We could not be happier with the school and most importantly the principle!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I think what a previous review meant to say is that the principle micro-manages quite a bit. Teachers have said that they feel constrained at times and have little freedom to use creativity in their classes. School spirit was extremely low when my two kids went to school there and the quality of the sports programs for the most part are lacking in support from the administration and funding to help build that. The principal would not allow a sports booster club until last year as the county decreased their funding and there was no choice.There have been, at the least, over a dozen students that have switched to other public schools in the district to benefit from superior sports programs and academically Dominion ranks about the same as the those other schools in the district. My son and many of the former students I have talked with over the years felt that college was a breath of fresh air when it came to expression both by students as well as teachers. They said they felt like they were treated as if they were still preteens at Dominion. That is not to say that Dominion didn't have it's share of good teachers- but they lack the freedom from the ones I've spoken to.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to laugh at some of the reviews. The principal is "too over involved"? How is that even possible? Don't you want you principal to be involved in your child's education? My favorite: They installed "escalators" at Dominion? There are no ESCALATORS in Dominion, only an ELEVATOR for those that are in wheelchairs or can't manage the stairs due to disabilities. And all two story high schools have them. It is the law. Get over yourself. This high school is STERLING! From an informed, involved administration, to teachers that truly care and want to teach. My children and their friends, which are incredibly diverse - have enjoyed and benefited from their experience at Dominion. I have a freshman now and I am busy sending gift boxes to our daughter and several of her friends that went to college. [They are sophomores now.] If the review you read is poor it is probably because someone, or someone's kid broke the rules and they just aren't happy about it. You can't beat how organized, up to date and wonderful this school is. If you take the experience they are willing to provide you, you can only thrive and succeed. I have seen it with my children and their friends.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Excellent principle. Gets to know each student personally. Kids are held accountable for their own work, and encouraged to set goals.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a current freshman, I can't say enough wonderful things about the school. The teachers keep parents up to date, the administration does everything possible to keep parents informed on events and the facility itself is clean and safe. Bravo to a great example for our students!
—Submitted by a parent

Band program is great; orchestra (strings) program, however, suffers from being led by a teacher with no interest in or working knowledge of stringed instruments. Spanish teachers have been spotty at best (don't know about other language teachers). Administration is difficult to deal with. Do not expect to have your emails answered in a timely manner, and do not expect that you know your children or your child's needs better than Dr. Brewer does. There is virtually no communication from the school, other than the required grade reports. One or two teachers stand out as making a huge effort to let the parents know what is going on, but by and large parents are on their own trying to figure things out.
—Submitted by a parent

Dominion High School has a bad administration and I believe that they spend too much money on useless things. The athletics program needs to improve
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Excellent teachers and staff working together to create a safe, learning environment. Parents need more envolvement in the school.

I think this is a terrific school. The principal is very involved with the children, the teachers are very caring and the staff is very good. My child is having a good high school experience at Dominion High School. I don't worry about her when I drop her off in the morning to attend this school and I truly believe she is getting a first rate education at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible. Kids are horribly behaved. Administration does absolutley nothing about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Dominion High School is one of the most prestigious high schools in the commonwealth of Virginia, however I feel that if they put more money to work on teachers of value instead of constant 'improvement' of there facilities, there ratings would be much higher. 2 years ago the school installed an escalator and is one of 3 high schools in the nation with escalators, all 3 schools are located in Northern Virginia I might add.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel the across the site ratings are too low. I am conservative by nature but I am justified in this response. My daughter is a junior and has nothing short of a great experience to date. The administration is caring and hands on, yet not overbearing. Dr. Brewer shows a real concern for all students. DHS recently received the Governor's award (for academic excellence). May I point out they were one of only 17 High school in the entire Commonwealth to acheive this honor. Any parent reading this should highly consider DHS not only for the overall experience but their many prepatory courses towards going onto higher education.
—Submitted by a parent

Dominion is a wonderful school. I applaud Dr Brewer for his involvement with all students. My daughter, who is a senior, has been academically challenged which is the one attribute that motivates her. The school counselors also do an excellent job helping and preparing students and parents with the college application process.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. Very dedicated teachers and a very effective administration. Under the leadership of Dr. Brewer these kids really get a great start. I am a fan of private schooling and school vouchers in many instances but this school should certainly be a shining example of public education working the right way.
—Submitted by a parent

This is school is one of the best schools in the area. The am impressed with the entire staff. I have a lot of respect for a principal who stays involved with every student. He obviously cares a great deal and it shows.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a recent graduate, I must give credit to Dominion for instituting a school based on integrity and respect. It was refreshing to enroll my daughter in a school that promotes learning in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. Hats off to a principal who remains involved, builds a community within the school, and works to keep parents in the loop. His dedication and commitment to his students isn t just reflected by a score on a test. He has proven himself vested in all aspects of student life, whether cheering at away games or showing up at a student s home to discuss issues or concerns. The community is a better place with this type of leadership and accountability. Other schools should take lessons!
—Submitted by a parent

There are good things and bad things about this school. The staff as a whole is average - some of them are outstanding, and some of them are definitely not. The administration is not particulary good. Though I have to give the principal credit for providing a safe envioronment for learning, he can often be condescending and far too involved. An overwhelming majority of students have had him show up announced on their doorstep at least once. It's good for a principal to be involved, but he takes things too far! It is true that the administration can be poor at returning emails or answering questions. They and the guidance office are known for runarounds. The school sometimes makes me think that we are only there to be brainwashed, as well as pushed to make the school look better. The one bright spot are some outstanding teachers and strong academics.
—Submitted by a student

School has horrible teachers and administrative staff are highly inexperienced, sustandard even at a state level.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student I have to disagree with the former review. I have experienced first hand the atmosphere that Dominion provides and it is all but encouraging. Before dropping out and completing high school elsewhere I had to deal with segregated homerooms and an administration that imposed its political views on the students. Over all, shotty preformance and an apathetic administration that puts the schools reputation above styudents' needs.
—Submitted by a student