Springvale

In comparison to schools nearby, the school is way below average. If you are looking to move into this area with kids elementary age, I would consider looking elsewhere.

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.

I don’t recommend this school ever. It’s so bad that there is bullying every day and don’t do anything about it. I filled a complaint took my information down No ONE bothered to call me back and update me about my complaint. If your child bullied or cyber bullied don’t even bother to call them , they tell you it’s not their responsibility to take care of it. Worse school ever. ZERO STAR

This school has no clue what is going on ever within the student body. My special needs son has a bus he takes, we get told there’s an app for it. Cool. Bus is late, get to Aldrin, report it. Get a snide response from the secretary going “that’s a transportation problem” as if students not making it to class is a big deal. Strike 1. Other me secretary tells me “yeahh we dont know when the busses are delayed and we rely on parents to report this.”Strikes 2 and 3. You not only don’t know, but you rely on people who also don’t know whats going on to report on it? Where is the logic? Is this place run by mice in tutus? Seems so.Secretary in closing out right states “yeah for some reason this bus driver never reported a delay”What the heck? So these drivers can just muck off?

Worse experience ever with this school . They bring your child down

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.

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.