South County Middle School

My experience here was awful the teachers and staff members are lacking to do there work for example they don’t pay attention as much to the students I heard that students were vaping in the bathroom and talking about starting Gangs and other violent activities.

I am very disappointed with our experience at this school. My children have consistently been bullied and teased by their peers, and the school has not handled these situations properly. Instead of making real efforts to resolve incidents, almost every issue is simply brought to the parents without meaningful action taken on the school’s side.Communication from the administration is minimal, with the exception of a few caring teachers. Unfortunately, not all staff members are welcoming or supportive, especially toward new students. This made the transition very difficult for my children.Academically, I am also concerned about the quality of instruction. My son, who is in fifth grade, has mentioned that some lessons feel like they are being taught at a first-grade level. In addition, students who struggle in certain subject areas do not seem to receive the extra support they need. Teaching should be adjusted to meet students at their level, but that has not been our experience.Overall, we have not felt supported, heard, or valued as a family. I truly hope the school takes concerns like these seriously and works toward creating a safer, more supportive, and academically appropriate environment for all students.

We love Halley's principal, teachers, and the PTO. The school provides a sense of community and identity for my kids, who love going to school each day. No school is perfect but Halley does an incredible job with its diverse mix of kids. Don't let the ratings sway you away - talk to a Halley parent for real insight.

I do not recommend this school for special needs children. This is my daughter’s third school in the county and we are having a horrible experience. The school makes me feel like the worse parent in the world. Constant emails and calls letting me every bad thing my child did that day. Not one good report despite not having ANY issues at her other 2 schools. It’s like if your child doesn’t fit into their cookie cutter example of a good student, they treat them like criminals. Instead of providing my daughter help they decided to isolate her and not allow her around any kids her age. The principal has threatened to suspend my child for doing things related to her autism. The principle is a nightmare! I’ve made a discrimination complaint against her with the county. I hate my child is at this school and I’m working with the region to get her moved. Otherwise legal action will be taken.

I've been at this school for 7 years and now I'm in High school and the experience was okay fights were taken care of never stopped which shows the admins work which isn't all there fault but they could do better then just interviewing students and suspending kids but overall the teachers here were really nice and the school isn't all that bad.

Lorton Elementary stands out for its diversity and unique character. While it may be considered an underdog, the constant changes in systems often overlook the real achievements of its students. Don't be misled by the statistics; this intimate school boasts some truly exceptional teachers.

My first grader thrived last year. The teachers, the administration and support staff all genuinely care about the kids and about their learning. Their teachers are responsive and action-oriented. There also is a very engaged PTA that plans and provides extra opportunities for learning, fun and growth. The student body is diverse which leads to shared-learning and cultural understanding. I couldn't ask for a better learning environment for my child.