Annandale High School

I have a son in kindergarten and I’ve had the worst experience. He’s really talented when it come to academics but the teachers are teaching so many kids that they don’t have time to really look at all their strengths. I guess that’s public school for you.

Wonderful school. Very tight-knit community. Great administration when I worked there...Mrs. Jackson-Muir, Dr. Beaty, and Dr. Fallen.

There was a mouse problem, like a SEVERE MOUSE PROBLEM. The kids had to literally be bribed to behave with fake money.

Our family has been part of Pinecrest's community for over a decade. Our older son attended Pinecrest from 1st through 6th grade, and our younger son has been there since preschool and is now entering 5th grade. This school and community has played a vibrant role in both of their lives socially emotionally and academically.Pinecrest is unique (in our opinion) due to its emphasis on community. It's a smaller school compared to the big name private schools in the NOVA/DC Metro area, but the environment is warm and welcoming. The teachers really care and know the students as learners and as individuals and they go out of their way to support and engage them. The faculty is positive and communicative, and they get to know the kids well.Class sizes are small, which allows for a high degree of individual attention. The facilities are smaller than other schools in the area, but they are well-maintained and modern/updated. The charm of the campus adds to the school’s character, and care has been taken to ensure spaces are inviting and functional.The Head of School is approachable, and deeply involved in the school community. He is a newer hire who replaced a long-serving and much-loved head of school, and he has stepped into the role with confidence and care. He is an innovative thinker and seems to know every student by name and takes the time to engage with families. His responsiveness and leadership have been especially valuable in recent years as the school has added more students and increased after school learning opportunities.Pinecrest remained open for in-person studies during the pandemic and handled this difficult time with thoughtfulness and grace. Since then, it has continued to grow in size, spirit and stability. It truly feels like a school on the rise. Our family is grateful for the part that Pinecrest has played in our children’s lives and would strongly recommend it to families looking for a nurturing, close-knit academic community.