Sonnie Penn Elementary School

Subpar teaching. They will not teach more that required by state. Little to no homework given. Especially in kindergarten. No homework and very little learning. More of a child care where they do lots of coloring. Principal is invisible.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a school for the kids with the special needs and the school teacher, at least the one teaching my kid, put no effort to stop bullying. She even was one to bully my kid and hold her hands around my kid's cheeks and said "You are the worst kid in my class!". My kid has language development delay and she was transferred to Penn when she was in the third grade. It turned out a nightmare. She had been bullied badly in her class since she could not express herself well and her teacher had no insterested in stopping bullying. My kid has problems on reading due to the language development delay but she is good at math. Before she transferred to Penn ES, she was in the advanced math class when she was in the first and second grade and in the special education in reading. But Penn ES put her in the special education for both math and reading and didn't want to differentiate my kid's different needs. After a struggled year in Penn ES, we moved to Fairfax County in order to let my kid get better education in FCPS. It became one of the best decisions in my life. My kid has been treated decently in FCPS since then and there is no tolerance on bullying in her current school.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school! Both of my kids have been there from k-5. Super teachers who truly care for the students. This school uses Baldrige In Education. This program really gives students ownership over their behavior and study choices. Behavior trackers and the Zero Hero program again reinforce expectations of quality students. Family Fitness Nights and the running club are two favorite programs that my kids attend.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a student at Penn ES for five years now and loves the faculty and staff there. The school really appreciates diversity amoung children and their families and supports them in so many ways. The PTO works hard to support the school and offer financial help to benefit the needs of the children. The guidance support at the school is available for children when they need to express concerns and are quick to contact parents if there is something to be shared. It is a positive place and the team there really seems to care about the students there.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter has been at Penn for the last three years and my younger daughter will begin next year. I couldn't be happier with the school. Teachers care about ALL students, and do everything possible for every child to succeed. The atmosphere is friendly. The PTO provides many wonderful programs events. This is a top-notch school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's first year at Penn and so far, I have been pleased with my child's progress. In response to a few behavioral issues, I was notified and sat down with members of the staff to discuss the best way to remedy the situation. I believe they care about my child's progress and well-being and especially the fact that they have a valued interest in my child's future not only as a student, but as a well-rounded individual. I don't find that everything the staff does is always the best way to handle certain issues, such as detention for such young children who may not fully comprehend the meaning of this form of punishment, but I have seen the effort they put forth to do their best in making sure no one gets lost in the shuffle. At least this has been my experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Penn is one of the best school, my son has been in. Great team, great teachers, they really care about the student.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Penn. I have 2 children attending. I have been very satisfied with this school. I would have no qualms about pulling my child out if I was dissatisfied. Penn has some great teachers and is a safe environment. There is no bullying allowed. They have a lot of great programs that my children enjoy as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Both our children attend Penn Elementary and my wife and I are thrilled with the school! I was on the Advisory Council for the past two years and my wife is the PTO president. We have seen first-hand how 'plugged-in' and effective the staff and faculty are, and our children love their teachers. Our daughter's academic ability was identifed, challenged and improved by all three of her teachers. Our son wishes his kindergarten teacher would teach him 'forever.' We can't speak for anyone else, but I doubt you could find a harder working and caring staff and faculty than the people at Penn.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending Penn for 3 years now. When I compare to the previous school this school by far beats it. I have loved every teacher my children have had. I love the staff at Penn and hope they continue the good work.
—Submitted by Crystal Lay, a parent

I don't feel as if my child is in danger at this school. Penn is always on top of security. There are some teachers who are dedicated to teaching and treat the Children fairly. I am sorry, but I think the staff only treats you well if you spend all of you're time volunteering and join the PTO. This isn't fair to all families. I also agree with the first post about reverse racism. Because this area is richly diverse all children must be created equal we should not just tip toe around the ethnic cultures and let them get away with everything in fear.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Sonnie P. Penn and I've never had a problem with the way they have displined my child. The principal cares about this school and it's students and staff. I have volunteered many times and I believe the staff and principal are caring and concered about are children. I think this is a wonderful school and proud that my child attends here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have never had as many problems with my Children's schools until we moved to Prince William County and my oldest son started attending this school. They have big issues with alot of things. However I do think there are some teachers who are definately committed to giving all Children a good education without being too overbearing and realizing that kids will be kids sometimes. Most of the Senior staff have a problem communicating with parents without being defensive. This is a 'Do no wrong' school. (so to speak) Even though they say they are very interested in tackling issues such as bullies, violence, and such. It is pretty much a cover. My Child has come home several times and so have many of his/her friends and complained of being picked on by other Children constantly and there is nothing done besides talking it out. The 'Bullies' are never told to stop, never confronted by a teacher or anyone else. When My child first started going to school at Penn I was excited and eager to get involved, but after time passed and I saw how different the staff is behind closed doors I began to wonder if I had entered my Child/Children into a Military academy. I have many times (more than 10) seen problems with 'reverse' racism in this school as well. Because Northern Virginia is a richly diverse area I think the schools should be nurturing of all children, ALL races, all sexes etc. This school has a huge issue with this and I cannot begin to stress that enough!