Wolftrap Elementary School

Wolftrap has changed. Many classes are 30+ in many grades, some are in excess of the VA state law size limits. Large class sizes are here to stay. Also, the new principal is changing the AAP program due to the very large % of AAP students. What exists now is cramming them into oversized classes and not providing fully certified AAP staff or full program academic services. I agree with the older posting and ratings from 2010 but not today's reality. Beyond the AAP issue is that some teachers are just "going through the motions" of teaching and need to retire. It is sad to watch the decline of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school. We have been happy with the teachers and staff. However, the class sizes are too big. My daughter's class has been on average 30 kids for grades 1 to 4 and it does not appear anything is going to change going forward. My son's class is 27 kids. I have no doubt that such a large class size is detrimental to the kids' school experience and learning progress.
—Submitted by a parent

I have sent 2 kids through this school. Its a good environment with caring teachers. Both my children have done well and enjoyed their time at their.
—Submitted by a parent

Kindergarten and first grade teachers and students seem to be more helpful and understanding of their fellow students with special needs. Once the special need student gets in the higher grades the attitude changes. Teachers and students alike have the attitude that special need students infringe on their time and space. Little understanding, tolerance or desire to help these students become part of the class is displayed. Special need children know they are different and yet they want to belong. They need the help of their teachers and fellow students to achieve this.

I am a parent ( two boys; 7 and 13), a former science teacher (grades 5-10) and I worked as a director of a small private school for 4years. We LOVED Wolftrap and favored this school over any other elementary schools in Vienna town, McLean, Oakton and Mantua areas. Wolftrap has a very unique principal. She is running this school as it is her own household. She is monitoring dismissal EVERY DAY, despite rain, heat or cold. She knows every child, his parents and family. She is at every school event, celebration and activity. Teachers are thoughtful, educated, attentive and kind. SACC is great. Kinds feel very welcomed and safe in this school. Our older son just graduated from Woltrap and a little one is in second grade. They are both bilingual and gifted. Our older son is very shy, but little one is loud . School challenges and pay attention to gifted kids as well as to loud kids . Yes, you have to pay attention to your children education, help them and tutor them. We call it PARENTHOOD. If you want to pay money, place your children in private school and forget about them good luck.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and gym classes. Good music program. Playground has wide assortment structures for kids to play on as well as soccer and baseball fields.

Honestly, I don't know how you could expect more from a public school. We moved into this area for the schools and Wolftrap has exceptional academic and extra-curricular programs. Students get into the Advanced classes based on five different components and three of them are quantifiable, so don't know how anyone could force their way into that. The principal knows every single student by name. The school has an uncommonly low teacher turnover rate, so the principal must be doing something right! Opportunities to volunteer and get involved are posted on the website constantly - making it easy to get involved. It has been a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Meets every expectation I have for my children at an elementary level.
—Submitted by a parent

We have several children who have attended Wolftrap from K through 6th grade. It's an excellent school with a wonderful, effective principal who knows every student by name, good teachers, and very involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Agree with some others comments. Curriculum is weak, with inexperienced teachers. Outside tutoring is a must. If you have a bright kid, expect to need to be in the teacher's office to advocate for him or her. Loudest kids get the most attention, not necessarily the smartest. Most political principal you have ever seen. Works the crowds like a politician and plays political favorites, too. Had to fight tooth and nail to get child pulled up into AAP classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Good place for my child. The teachers work extremely hard, and the children are treated well. Specialists take the time to know all the children. But, the number of students per class is too much in some classes.
—Submitted by a parent

There is not much teaching in this school, be prepared to teach your child or get outside tutoring, otherwise they will be left behind in class. The teachers are not very well qualified. The school environment is very cold and PTA and some aggresive parents basically control the school environment. The school plays favoritism when it comes to GT center. They have great after school activities and SACC is pretty nice.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though my child is on the top of the class I can not give credits to WES for this. Too many tests for the kids and not enough learning experience. However I am very happy with SACC at WES. Great SACC staff and great after school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though my child is on the top of the class I can not give credits to WES for this. Too many tests for the kids and not enough learning experience. The new principal appears to be caring but in fact I feel she only cares about the school rating but not about problems the parents discuss with her. However I am very happy with SACC at WES. Great SACC staff and great after school activities. Wait list for SACC is very long but if your child gets in, you will not be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Great curriculum, teachers, and adminstration!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent parent involvement both in and out of the classroom contributes to the students success. The principal is new to the school and our interactions with her have been wonderful. She listens to your concerns and tries to resolve issues as best as possible. The teachers we have worked with this year have been great. They put the children first and make sure they understand the curriculum. If the student is struggling they offer a wide range of resources and ideas to supplement the class work to include a capable staff of specialists for GT and LD students. The school follows a program that teaches self-discipline, respect, flexibility, creativity, accuracy and other 'habits'. This year they started a Chinese language program that targets kindergarten and 1st grade students. Be warned that their SACC center is the smallest in the area and has a long waitlist.
—Submitted by a parent

my name is Julia.I started going to Wolftrap six years ago. When I finished primary school my parents moved me to England and no other primary schools could compare to Wolftrap. I loved it there.
—Submitted by Julia S-W, a former student

Wolftrap is a very nice school. I have found the ethical/caring about others reinforcement that is being taught to the student body very comforting. I think the class size is too large and that does cause me some concern.
—Submitted by Rose Varca, a parent

The curriculum is excellent. There is some overcrowding. This year, some classes will be large, and most of the fourth grade is housed in trailers behind the schools. It's hard for new parents to get involved, because the PTA is extremely cliquey and doesn't welcome new members. Many extremely pushy parents hold their children back an extra year in kindergarten, so be prepared for your child to be in kindergarten with 6-7 year olds. Also, many children get a lot of outside tutoring so it may be tough for your child to keep up.
—Submitted by a parent