Sterling Middle 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.

I recommend this school, it's very good.

Our three children attended Herndon Elementary more than 30 years ago, and my husband and I, now grandparents, volunteer at the school once a week. The demographics may have changed, but this school is still a wonderful place for students to learn and grow. The teachers are dedicated, the administration encourages everyone to do their best, and there are wonderful resource teachers for any child who needs a little extra help. Statistics do not always tell the whole story. These amazing and talented students are on the way to bright futures!

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.