As with everything there is good and bad to be found at every school. I have had a child at Nysmith for the past 8 years and I am well acquainted with the good and the bad. I will start with the good. Teachers are very accessible and most (not all) are helpful. The curriculum is above grade level
... Read more in al aspects from even the Fairfax County GT program. Now for the bad. The new administration (Ken Nysmith) is not exactly sympathetic and does pay attention to complaints and negatively reacts to constructive comments. He should not be running this school. The tuition is high, but no higher than other private schools in the area who do not have the academics or programs offered to the children here. Teachers leave to get higher benefits offered by the public school system. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/04/09
I started going to Nysmith in Pre-K where I was in the Busy Bees. Over the ten years that I went there I fell in love with the school because of our close community, our talented and guiding teachers, and the great education that the kids there will receive if they are truly passionate about learning
... Read more and being the best that they can be. When I first started high school I was really nervous but Nysmith has provided me with a strong foundation that will help me succeed in life. The teachers really help students learn through new experiences. Not only do they provide depth and passion when they teach but you can tell that they really care for their students. They take the time to go into depth about lessons so the students get the best out of their learning experiences. Even though it is pricey it's worth every penny. Read less
Posted by a student on 10/02/09
Nysmith is a school with overcharged tuition and unqualified administration now. We had wonderful feeling before 2005 When Carroll Nysmith run the school. After many nice and perfect teacher left school, the new director in pre-school is not suitable to work for this school and derail the original principles.
... Read more Middle school director was not taking responsibility. New hired teachers are not experienced and stable. You may not get what you paid as for kids to get good education. We found our children doing very good in Fairfax county GT program. GT has lot more better student body comparing to Nysmith and responsible teachers. Current school is running as a for profit company by low admission standard and low test standard such as drop IQ tests and IOWA test for 2nd grade. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/01/09
This is the second year I have had my child in the school and she loves it. Each day at Nysmith is a good one. The cost of tuition is high but the results have been worth the cost. Great building, teachers and high quality peer students. I will be sending my child as long as the quality remains at
... Read more the current standard (or better) and I can afford the tuition. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/30/09
In our experience, it is a good school (though probably not worth the ever-rising tuition) for students who are bright, organized, motivated, rule-following children. It doesn t seem to bring out the best in children who don t fit into that box. We moved two of our children to the Fairfax county GT
... Read more program, where they have been just as successful and challenged, and it s free! While many graduates go on to great success at local public and private high schools, I have also seen more than a few who haven t transitioned well or excelled, particularly in large public high schools. It is a for-profit school owned and run by the Nysmiths. There is no outside board or check-and-balance on the administration. I believe Ken Nysmith believes only his own press, has little vision for the school and leads simply by defensively reacting to complaints by parents. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/29/09
Please read my review. Nysmith is a private school and yes, the tuition is similar to the many of the other private schools in the area. However, there are no 'large' donation requests like other schools. Yes there is Sally Foster. It's wrapping paper folks. One humble parent's insight is this: our
... Read more incredibly shy son has flourished. Just one example to counter another comment - they do place your child where he/she should be for math. Algebra in 5th grade? No problem. Balancing equations in Chemistry in 6th grade? absolutely...and THEY SOAR and have CONFIDENCE. They hold their heads up HIGH. I wish I had that confidence when I was a kid! From the gentleman that guides me thru the parking lot in the morning, to the office staff that is so wonderful and so patient with me, it's worth every extra hour we have to work! Talk to PARENTS.:) Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/18/09
Our two kids have been enrolled in Nysmith for 6 and 4 years respectively. My children love going to school everyday. They are 1 to 2 years ahead of their peers (trust me I have verified this to make sure the money we spend is worth while). My daughter tested at a 7th grade level (she was in fourth)
... Read more on the IOWA test. I am so happy to have my kids in such a safe and enriching environment. I think the teachers are great. I credit them for giving both of my kids such a love of learning. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/08/09
Please think twice before considering this school. The school used to have a better reputation but has been going down hill. Enrollment is down because parents are realizing that they are not getting results for the 'college tuition' like fees they charge at this school. The principal is nonresponsive
... Read more and fake. He puts on a smile in the morning when he greets the children and parents, but he doesn't care about the children and doesn't respond to parents' concerns. I am switching my child to another private school for Kindergarten and realized that Nysmith's Pre-K curriculum is not as advanced as it claims to be. I feel very disappointed off that my child didn't get the preparation he needed for Kindergarten. I will not recommend this school to anyone. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/03/09
Can't argue with success. Simply look at how engaged the Nysmith children are. Ask about what high schools the grads attend - and how they fare in the high schools they attend. And, where they are accepted for college. It's not luck. It's having a great foundation and love for learning.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 07/17/09
My daughter has been in Nysmith since pre school. Now she is going to 2nd grade, she feels staying there until 8th grade. She loves school environment.
... Read moreRead less
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Herndon schools — Nysmith School For The Gifted is located at 13625 Eds Dr, Herndon VA 20171. 13625 Eds Dr is in the 20171 ZIP code in Herndon, VA Nysmith School For The Gifted is a Private school that serves grade levels PK - 8.
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Test Score Ratings
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not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
