Ashburn schools

[Anonymous]

Our family is considering a move to Ashburn (Willowsford or Belmont). I am looking for feedback/experiences with the schools in those areas. We’ll need
Elementary, middle and high recommendations please.
Thanks so much!!

[Anonymous]

I'm interested in this as well. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Recommendations aren't going to help that much because you are looking to buy in areas that get rezoned frequently. You are unlikely to end up at the same school where you started.

That said, schools in Ashburn are good across the board. The demographics differ slightly depending on neighborhoods, but the schools are solid.

[Anonymous]

Check if the schools have full time kindergarten on Mondays and full time AAP (if interested) instead of pull outs. I think Loudoun schools do not have this but I may not be correct. As mentioned earlier, there are frequent rezoning.

[Anonymous]

OP just so you know, some of those zoned schools that are undergoing rezoning are overcrowded for 2018-19 (e.g. Briar Woods and Rock Ridge HS).
Just like in FCPS there can be variance from HS to HS in languages offered and advanced math courses. Your children might end up taking more courses online than anticipated.
Gifted and Talented Programming in ES and MS is very different from FCPS. The test scoring cutoff is higher but services are more limited.
Grade inflation in HS can be an issue with students getting As in AP classes but not passing the exams.

[Anonymous]

we looked at model homes in Willowsford. I was surprised that there was no elementary school in the community, since it was large. The realtor told me that the community voted against having a school in the neighborhood, which was a huge turn off to me as far as the mindset of the neighborhodd.

Anyway, the neighborhood is actually split into two different elementary schools. Just FYI.

If you don't want to get rezoned, I would try to move physcially close by to the schools you want to attend.

have you looked at Brambleton or South Riding? They are both built out so the school situation might be more predictable.

[Anonymous]

Belmont. Newton Lee to Belmont MS to Riverside HS.

[Anonymous]

They're all equally good in ashburn. Seriously. Briar Woods is essentially the same as Stone Bridge just 3 miles away. My kids have attended Ashburn schools and I have taught in them. Buy a house you like and can afford, the schools will be absolutely okay either way.

[Anonymous]

Do not do it. The Ashburn schools are overcrowded. Many neighborhoods change schools constantly. The instruction is not up to par with other school systems. Sat scores are lower here and overall math instruction is below average. Move here if you plan to hire good tutors for your children.

Don't even ask about it if your child has an IEP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:we looked at model homes in Willowsford. I was surprised that there was no elementary school in the community, since it was large. The realtor told me that the community voted against having a school in the neighborhood, which was a huge turn off to me as far as the mindset of the neighborhodd.

Anyway, the neighborhood is actually split into two different elementary schools. Just FYI.

If you don't want to get rezoned, I would try to move physcially close by to the schools you want to attend.

have you looked at Brambleton or South Riding? They are both built out so the school situation might be more predictable.

Being physically close to the schools is in no way a guarantee that you won't be moved around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check if the schools have full time kindergarten on Mondays and full time AAP (if interested) instead of pull outs. I think Loudoun schools do not have this but I may not be correct. As mentioned earlier, there are frequent rezoning.

Nearly all Loudoun schools have full day Kindergarten as of this fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:we looked at model homes in Willowsford. I was surprised that there was no elementary school in the community, since it was large. The realtor told me that the community voted against having a school in the neighborhood, which was a huge turn off to me as far as the mindset of the neighborhodd.

Your realtor was right.

http://www.loudountimes.com/news/article/willowsford_property_a_no_go_for_needed_dulles_elementary_school323

[Anonymous]

Belmont - If the house is in Belmont Country Club the school boundaries are set. There was some fighting a few years ago about the high school but everyone is happy with it now. The schools are Newton Lee Elementary, Belmont Ridge Middle School and Riverside High School.
I would check to see if Newton Lee has all day Kindergarten for all students. The previous poster is incorrect about all elementary schools having full day for all students. Some schools (our Ashburn school) had a lottery last fall for full-time spaces. I do know that the Newton Lee gifted students are bused to another school for the Futura program.

Willowsford is still being developed so the boundaries will change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not do it. The Ashburn schools are overcrowded. Many neighborhoods change schools constantly. The instruction is not up to par with other school systems. Sat scores are lower here and overall math instruction is below average. Move here if you plan to hire good tutors for your children.

Don't even ask about it if your child has an IEP.

Good lord the drama. You make these sound like failing schools LOL. I've had a perfectly fine experience with IEPs as a parent and educator in LCPS.

[Anonymous]

If in Brambleton - Legacy Elementary is pretty good, then Brambleton Middle School and Rock Ridge /Briar Wood high school. The middle/high school boundaries keep changing. There are two more elementary schools Creighton's Corner and Madison Trust close by. But Creighton's Corner rating is not that great and Madison Trust is a new school so not many details are available.