South Jefferson Elementary School

Like many schools and work environments, South has it's issues and we seemed to run into all of them. We left private school to expose our child to a more realistic peer learning environment only to find out the educational values the teachers we were assigned were dismal. Classrooms are noisy and undisciplined, with students distracting others during learning time. We tried our best to get involved to help teachers to provide a greater learning environment but there was no desire for improvement. We changed schools to find things can be very different with inspirational teachers. If things are not working out at this school, there are better schools in the county. I am sure there are good teachers in this school, we were not fortunate to have those.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have one child at South Jefferson and also attended this school when I was a child. We love the staff. It feels like a family there and always has. Classrooms are overcrowded but this is at no fault of South Jefferson staff. The teachers do very well with what they have to work with and my sons learning is above average. Thank you to all employees of South! Keep up the good work! To those moving here from the city and having negative comments about our country schools....go back to the city!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not teach math and the teachers are biased towards kids that have roots in the neighborhood. Most of the teachers seem to be a little backward and afraid of technology. They tested only 70 per-cent proficient in math. Check their westest scores and websites to get an idea of what I mean. If you value education, please find another school for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been somewhat disappointed up until now. My child went to a private school for the first two years and, now in 1st grade, is repeating the work he did in Kindergarten. No foreign languages are offered in primary here and they only have physical education one day a week. He was also using computers in kindergarten but doesn't have access to them now at South Jefferson.
—Submitted by a parent

One can see that over three years time, views of SJE seem to be changing. I have my third child in SJE and while we found no better elementary school (Loudoun, private or otherwise) in 97-01, we find things quite different now. While there are some really great teachers, they seem to be farther and few between. The school is very overcrowded, which is the norm for this county at the present time.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not the kind of school to send your child to if you aren't expecting 'tough love', whether your kid needs it or not. The goal of each class is to pass tests. Not learn, not grow as human beings. Just stay quiet, pass tests, and leave the staff alone. After two weeks of this, I decided enough was enough, and pulled my kids. The office couldn't have cared less.
—Submitted by a parent

School was a disappointment...sorry to say...very little parental involvement....level of education was 'less' than par....lack of school to parent communication...Think twice before enrolling....
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Northern Virginia to Charles Town, WV for more land and space. We have a 3rd and 5th grader at South Jefferson. Generally a caring environment, however, teaching staff is hit and miss. Resources are slim with no computers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child at this school (the last of 3) and I am a teacher in Virginia. We recently relocated from Loudoun County Schools (Virginia), where the parent-driven 'over achiever' is the norm and where test scores is the priority. I have found South Jefferson to be an extremely friendly and warm place to be for the transition of my 5th grader. The teachers are wonderful and they care for their students. I think my son is getting every bit the quality of education that Loudoun offered. As a matter of fact, he likes it better and is performing better. The only drawback at this time is that the school, though clean, is overcrowded and the facility is not always functioning at its best. This is because Jefferson County has recently begun to grow at a surprising rate. I would recommend this school next to any in Loudoun.
—Submitted by Susan Houck, a parent

I have three children who attend this school and again there is no better education. The teacher truely care the class sizes are still small and the kids learn so much more then simply academics. They nurture such a true sense of family. I am getting ready to pay for private school for my middle schooler and know we will never be as happy as we were here. Thank you so much for your dedication!!!!!! My kids prefer to read over video games and I know I have this school to thank!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school in all categories. I have three children attending this school and I couldn't pay for a school that would give my children the same education. The teachers are very different and they all seem to love their job. I am very proud of this school and the care they put into each individual child.
—Submitted by a parent