Hickory Run

We have been struggling for 3 years at this school. My child is doing very well in school but is not challenged and the pace of learning is slow and not engaging. We have never really felt welcome as parents and we don’t feel the administration has ever made an effort to know my child. Some grades give homework and other grades don’t. Teacher communication differs by grade level. But I often don’t know what my child is learning or how they are doing until the report cards come out. The kids are constantly being tested on skills they have not been taught. The testing is a bit excessive. There is a lot of teacher turnover as well as a lot of part time teachers. There is a lot of non academic time including screen time as early as kindergarten. The PTA is very present and constantly fundraising. Every event is for raising money. However instead of focusing on opportunities to benefit the students most of the budget is geared toward teacher perks. They do arrange after school classes but they’re very expensive and probably a fundraiser too. The principal is overly supporting teachers over students. This school has a Japanese immersion program but the parents treat this like a separate private school. The entry is by lottery but it seems the majority of the class is made up of local kids. I believe the school would be stronger without the language immersion program. It seems to segregate kids. We don’t feel any community at this school and it’s sad because it’s a small school that has the potential but communication and family engagement is poor. There are several PTA members that are heavily involved and don’t seem to welcome newcomers.

4 of our children have attended Siena Academy so far, and I'd confidently categorize it as an outstanding educational institution. The teachers have been exceptional and well formed in the Montessori method, the parents are engaged in the education of their children and the school community, and there is also a vibrant parish community, which all together create an unparalleled learning environment. The school fosters independence, creativity, and moral development in each child, making it truly one of a kind. We have appreciated the school’s deep sense of community and commitment to nurturing the whole child. It truly is one of the best schools in the DC area for its age group. Siena Academy sets a high standard for quality Catholic education and it should be a top choice for families seeking both academic and spiritual growth for their children.

Some of these categories - social-emotional support and family engagement - ERS is completely off the charts. The school community gets together regularly to help improve the property and all get to the experience the joy the kids have going on hikes at Wolf Trap. Group camping trips, hikes and other activities outside of the school setting further bring the kids and their families together.The area where I marked low on special education is because it is an outdoor-based preschool program. The kids are outside rain or shine, hot or cold. They learn about the nature around them and how to interact with and respect each other. The loving nature that the teacheres approach the students across a range of emotional spectrums is impressive. We love the teachers who share a passion for the kids of course, but also the outdoors. Our first child has attended since he was two and next year is his last year. We've looked to the school as our outside consultants to help us raise him and create an environment that fosters his growth at school and at home. Very grateful for ERS and highly recommend. We're planning for our 7 month old to begin fall of 2025.

As a parent with one daughter who’s already graduated from The Eastern Ridge School and another in her second year, I can honestly say this place has been amazing for our family. The school’s approach is all about letting kids explore, ask questions, and learn through hands-on experiences—most of it outdoors, which our girls have absolutely loved. It’s thoughtful, nurturing, and really focuses on helping each child grow in their own unique way. We feel so lucky to have found it.

As a teacher at this school, it is so rewarding to see these students excel! I am so impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of Mina's teaching philosophy. She gives them a strong foundation in STEM and phonics, and it serves the students so well; many are well above grade level and all are excelling.