Looking for elementary school recommendations near Reston

[Anonymous]

In the not too distant past Dogwood was doing so badly that FCPS had to give families zoned for the school an option to transfer to other schools. I know that's no longer the case, and maybe it's better now, but it still is viewed with some caution by parents considering schools in the Reston area.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! All of the elementary schools in Reston are fine. It is a great place for kids - tons of extracurricular activities within a short distance. Hockey, little league, soccer, football, fishing, dancing, music, tennis, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, you name it. Playgrounds all over the place. All kinds of neighborhoods to choose from, even the outskirts of Vienna if you don't want the HOA. Skip the commute and live in Reston.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In the not too distant past Dogwood was doing so badly that FCPS had to give families zoned for the school an option to transfer to other schools. I know that's no longer the case, and maybe it's better now, but it still is viewed with some caution by parents considering schools in the Reston area.

As the PP, I am aware of this former choice to opt-out. I made that choice (though more for the former year-round schedule), and came to regret it. The only way for a school's reputation to change, is for those with direct experience to share with those who do not have that direct experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In the not too distant past Dogwood was doing so badly that FCPS had to give families zoned for the school an option to transfer to other schools. I know that's no longer the case, and maybe it's better now, but it still is viewed with some caution by parents considering schools in the Reston area.

As the PP, I am aware of this former choice to opt-out. I made that choice (though more for the former year-round schedule), and came to regret it. The only way for a school's reputation to change, is for those with direct experience to share with those who do not have that direct experience.

On the flip side, if a school's administration is more in "help the at-risk students" mode or cannot balance the needs of ALL their students ... it won't work as well. Of course your kids won't be in trouble, and I guess it's a matter of "your 4th grader reading at a 7th grade level" at non-Dogwood ES and "your 4th grader reading at a 4th or 5th grade level" at Dogwood ES.

Not all parents are willing to take a chance and "reverse school snobbery" (delighting in your DC's Title I elementary and bashing folks who choose higher-achieving schools) isn't terribly helpful, either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In the not too distant past Dogwood was doing so badly that FCPS had to give families zoned for the school an option to transfer to other schools. I know that's no longer the case, and maybe it's better now, but it still is viewed with some caution by parents considering schools in the Reston area.

As the PP, I am aware of this former choice to opt-out. I made that choice (though more for the former year-round schedule), and came to regret it. The only way for a school's reputation to change, is for those with direct experience to share with those who do not have that direct experience.

On the flip side, if a school's administration is more in "help the at-risk students" mode or cannot balance the needs of ALL their students ... it won't work as well. Of course your kids won't be in trouble, and I guess it's a matter of "your 4th grader reading at a 7th grade level" at non-Dogwood ES and "your 4th grader reading at a 4th or 5th grade level" at Dogwood ES.

Not all parents are willing to take a chance and "reverse school snobbery" (delighting in your DC's Title I elementary and bashing folks who choose higher-achieving schools) isn't terribly helpful, either.

call it what you like. I did not bash a single school in my post, nor did I criticize those who make other choices. If you've had a direct experience and care to share, feel free. I was simply trying to give insight beyond SES and test scores.

OP, there are a ton of great schools in Reston. As traffic increases, consider living on the same side of the toll road as your office, it can save you 15-20 minutes some days during rush hour. If you want to go private, I have friends who are happy at Edlin in Reston.

[Anonymous]

You can't go wrong with either "astronaut school" in North Reston (Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin).