Westbriar Elementary School

We recently relocated to Virginia from Los Angeles, California. I had many concerns about the school such as its diversity composition, the teachers, administration etc... as a parent of a Kindergartner coming into a completely different environment. Now, I am pleased to say that Westbriar has succeeded in alleviating all fears. Mrs. Foster is an amazing Kindergarten teacher ,Principal Goodwin works hard to make Westbriar a welcoming enviornment for all students, and the staff are great in helping parents navigate the procedures of the school. Parents are very active in volunteering and the results of the hard work put in by all to make this a great school, can be seen in the children's caring nature, and also in the schools achievements of having been one of 86 schools in Virginia to receive the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence. I love this school and so does my six year old daughter. It's only been about four months, but I feel like we have been here longer. Westbriar truly cares about the well being of all its students and I hope my daughter can finish out her elementary years at this wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our kindergartener came from an overseas pre-school experience, where he was taught in Japanese. Though we speak/read English he was not at the same standard as other English speaking students in his class. The teacher, Miss Couch, thought outside the box and had him work with the ESOL teacher throughout the year. While they do teach to the test (find me a school that doesn't), he made amazing progress over the year (from low 30's to exceeding the minimum passing requirements). The teachers & staff worked exceptionally hard and kept me involved with quarterly meetings to eval his progress. They did this on their own time and were very accommodating to my schedule. This type of care excedes concern over SOL's, it goes to the nature of caring about getting kids excited about learning. I do not regret moving here for this school. As for diversity, our Kinder class was comprised of children from Indian, Korean, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Chinese, & Western cultures. A lot of Diplomat & foreign Executive kids, integrated with kids from working families. A really neat blend for ethnic & cultural diversity. No one culture emphasized. They all mesh letting kids be kids, not politicians.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is a wonderful supportive environment. The staff we have worked with over the last 3 and 1/2 years have been the best! My children have special needs and their programs in that area are outstanding. They are currently working on creating a social program called 'Friday Friends' for children who need support in that area. I do agree that the children are taught based on the SOL's but that is a state wide problem, not just a Westbriar problem. I have also found that the new principal is much easier to work with and is far more supportive than our last principal who was only interested in favoritism and money raising.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is over rated.The principal and administration impossible to work with.The teachers are good and care about the students.However the adminsitration wants them to teach to the test and only care about the SOL's.I moved to the city so that my child could become a well rounded member of teh society and I am very disappointed with the quality of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Vienna in 2005 and chose where we were living because of Westbriar......and we were very happy with our choice. The teachers have been academically challenging and caring at the same time. The administration has been wonderful and regularly asked my wife about our daughter's experience. Furthermore the parents have been very supportive and active in the school's activities. Westbriar is a great small school for any student.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful School, excellent staff. I can only say good things about the academics. SACC is also good.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a good school for academics, but if you want your child to be happy, this school is not for them. I moved up here and I went to this school. Yes, there are some teachers that are very supportive and nice, but others that will make your child want to go home. I belive that the academics are excellent, but if you want your child to have a good time... go somewhere else.
--Submitted by a student

We have had a great experience with Westbriar. My son and daughter are attention deficit. The school has very good special education programs that allow our children to be mainstreamed, but also provide adjustments when necessary. SACC program is also good. In general, the staff is very supportive. The clinic attendant is terrific.
--Submitted by a parent