Bush Hill in Fairfax? Anyone know anything?

[Anonymous]

I know it is one of the smallest elementary schools in FFX, neighborhood, based. Great commute for parents, kids walk to school playground, homes reasonably priced, test scores not top-o-the heap, but a bright child should do OK..
Anyone know more? First or second hand? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I actually do know a bit about this school, as one of my nephews attends. It is a nice little school with a strong "community feel" to it. It has a very high degree of diversity, both ethnic and socioeconomic. The facilities are in good condition and the school is located in the midst of a quiet, safe neighborhood, several blocks back from noisy Franconia Road. The school has a nice music program with chorus plus both beginner band and orchestra available. I don't care much for Twain Middle school but Edison High is one of the smaller Fairfax High Schools, has the IB program as well as really good vocational options (including the Ford funded automechanics program and the A+ certification computer tech. training program), plus band, orchestra, and so forth.

[Anonymous]

That was a pleasant and helpful response! Thank you. I didn't know about the music program....
And I didn't realize that Edison is one of the smaller Fairfax high schools, though I did know about the IB program.
Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Curious to know your reservations for Twain. Will probably leave child in private school, but go public for HS. Just wondering.

[Anonymous]

17:35 here. My reservations about Twain Middle school is really just my perception ... not based on direct info other than two of my nephews, who seemed to do okay there but not great. My biggest issue with the school is the pure size of the place in terms of number of students. Not the school's fault of course. But middle school years tend to be awkward and difficult anyway, so the social and maturity requirements are high in that type of situation. The reviews on greatschools.org seem to confirm my impressions.

One thing I neglected to mention about Bush Hill is that they offer an advanced math track (starting in 5th grade?) that enables some of the kids in 6th grade to take 7th grade math.