Browns Mill

I'm writing this in the hopes that it provides others with a more nuanced snapshot of one family's recent experience with the school, as most who fill out these forms are either extremely positive or extremely negative. As context, I had two children go through Wolftrap a few years apart, finishing recently. Overall, we had a positive experience and would recommend the school. Huge pluses for us included: *** the amazing levels of parent involvement; truly, the PTA is full of rockstar parents who spend enormous amounts of time and energy creating tons of fun events that really build community, and the teachers get SO MUCH community support*** the staff focus on always doing better; when the school learned that something like 97% of the students met or exceeded the state standards as determined by testing scores, they met to discuss how to get that last 3 percent there, tooThat said, no place is perfect and that was also our experience at Wolftrap. Our major concern with the school was that quiet, well-behaved kids slip through the cracks when they have issues. Both of my children are quiet and generally well-behaved, but both had issues crop up that totally flew under the radar of the staff. One child is extremely gifted in one core subject but they are peer-level in another core subject (which is ok! peer level is ok!)... this meant that my child was not in full-time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) but was also not being challenged in the core subject in which they are extremely gifted. The school eventually agreed to pull my child out for the top level of AAP (Level IV) for the core subject that they are extremely gifted in while keeping them in regular classes for other subjects, but had I not fought for it, I am 100% certain that my child would have slipped through the cracks and not been appropriately challenged. My other child is what the district calls "Twice Exceptional" (2E), which means that they are very smart but also have a disability (such as ADHD, autism, physical disability, etc). My child struggled with their ADHD and completing their work, but did not get the support that they needed because they were not disrupting the class, bullying others, etc. In the end, would another school have actually noticed these issues on their own? As a parent, I'm not really sure. The classrooms are full of a variety of kids and the reality is that if you don't advocate for them, they might not get what they need, wherever that is.

Colvin Run Elementary is truly one of the best schools in Virginia. The principal, Mr. Ken Junge, along with the dedicated teachers, staff, PTO, and the broader community, create an exceptional environment for students. Mr. Junge’s passion, vision, and relentless attention to detail shine through in everything he does, and he has fostered a culture of care, excellence, and commitment across the school. Parents are very active and engaged, which makes the PTO especially strong, offering excellent after-school programs and year-round activities that enrich the school experience and make it fun!

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.

Read the reviews because they are true. My daughter did the pre-k program and kindergarten. Academically, the school is good. My daughter did very well and excelled because they really do push beyond their grade level. However, schools should also be about community. There is no community because the school has poor communications and poor leadership. From the owner, to the dean of students, to the teachers. They are all rude and egotistical. They don’t take constructive feedback well at all and refuse to address any problems head on. The Dean of Students can seem nice, but he’s so clearly afraid to make any decisions on his own. Everyone is rigid and cold. They don’t do something as simple as parent/teacher conference and when we asked the teacher to meet so we can discuss progress, her response was that it’s not their protocol and that she has to check with the administrator first. My daughter started a new private school and it is night and day. Better communication, friendly staff and teachers, lots of activities, and everyone knows you personally and cares about your child.

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.