Forest Grove Elementary School

When I first researched Rolling Ridge Elementary, I was admittedly concerned. The school's GreatSchools rating was lower than others in the area, and the pressure to send your children to a "top-rated" school felt overwhelming. After three years with children enrolled at Rolling Ridge, I can confidently say those initial concerns were unjustified. This school has exceeded expectations in every way. My children are thriving academically. Their teachers have not only challenged them to grow in their education but have also encouraged their independence. The faculty genuinely cares about the students’ success and well-being. My kids feel happy and excited to go to school. I couldn't ask for a better environment to send my children.

Our family recently moved from Lowes Island to Sterling Cascade, and the transition to Sterling Elementary has been an absolute revelation. If you are a parent considering this school for your children, please know that it is a hidden gem. Principal Jennifer Short and Assistant Principal Colt Fletcher lead with total transparency and a deep commitment to safe community, diversity, and academic excellence.The progress of our daughter Aafiya in the Special Education program has been life-changing. Thanks to the expertise of Ms. Karen Rios, Ms. Ericka Valles, Mrs. Long, Ajima Sarah, and her other dedicated teachers, Aafiya improved so much in just six months that she transitioned to the standard school bus. She is more communicative, confident and engaged than ever before. Our first-grader, Sophia, is equally thriving under Ms. Jessica Thor and her team, including Ms. Alissa Westrick, Maria Burel, and Cody Horvath. Sophia comes home excited and curious every day, which is a stark, positive contrast to our previous school experience.The administrative support here is truly unmatched. Ms. Rubidia Saravia Martinez spent an hour personally helping me navigate ParentVue and transportation forms to ensure everything was correct. She helps with everything you need as a parent. Additionally, Mr. Rafael Cruz (Transportation Lead) was incredibly responsive and helpful as we navigated the StopFinder app. Finally, the school’s use of ClassDojo is a total game-changer for parent-teacher communication, keeping us connected to our children's progress daily. We are so grateful to be part of the Sterling Elementary community. Ms. Short, thank you so much for all the wonderful things you and all your great staff and teachers do for our children and community.

Our daughter is in her second year as a teacher at Hutchison, and we’ve visited the school many times and done some volunteer work there. This large school with students from many countries is exciting and vibrant. The administration, office staff, support staff, and teachers are dedicated to providing students with a quality education and many extra activities to bring success and pride to them.The school does an excellent job in communicating with families, providing translations in Spanish and other languages. There are many evening and weekend events for students and families to enjoy, including those sponsored by local charities including Girls on the Run, She Believes in Me, and other community partners.The building is in good condition, with large outdoor play areas, and abundant parking ( a rarity at most schools,)Fairfax County Public Schools are top rated among Virginia school systems.

Absolutely terrible school - awful principal and guidance counselor - they didn't care about my daughter or her rights in the slightest. There was a trans boy in her class that would scream and curse at her if she did not remember to address his correct pronouns, all kinds of other weird woke stuff in the curriculum. Pretty much sums up Fairfax county in a nut shell.