Potowmack Elementary School
Sterling, VA 20165
Phone: (571) 434-3270
District: Loudoun County Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 569 students
Potowmack Elementary School, a public school located in Sterling, VA, serves grades PK-5 in the Loudoun County Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Potowmack Elementary School is a public school located in Sterling, VA. 569 students attend Potowmack Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 4/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning data from Virginia Department of Education, and using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course data from Virginia Department of Education. |
| Student Growth | 3/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Virginia Department of Education. |
Posted: April 30, 2026
Posted: April 30, 2026
Posted: April 30, 2026
Thanks a lot from Kristin.Bashore she is very helpful and nice with people I ragestred my
Doaghter she explained everything for me I recommend her higherly .
Posted: April 30, 2026
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 19, 2024
Overall, Potowmack Elementary School provides an exemplary educational environment that nurtures and develops each students potential. I am grateful for the positive impact the school has had on my childs academic and personal growth. I highly recommend Potowmack to any parent seeking a high-quality education for their child. The school rating for this school is not fair in great school - especially misleading in Redfin. The curriculum is both challenging and engaging, encouraging students to think critically and creatively. My child has shown significant improvement in their reading, science, and math skills, thanks to the personalized attention and innovative teaching methods employed by the teachers.
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 19, 2024
Posted: May 4, 2021
Amazing school overall!!! Administration, teachers and staff far exceed expectations!!!! Both of our children are alumni and were extremely happy at PMK!!!
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: May 4, 2021
Posted: February 24, 2020
8.5 - 9.0 out of 10. Shocked at the rating provided by "greatschools.org". It does not comport with our experience. Unfair rating based on our experience as parents of 2 students.
Posted: February 24, 2020
Steady, relevant, full support of staff to assist if needed.
Posted: February 24, 2020
Only positive experiences thus far. Engaging and responsive teachers/staff.
Posted: February 24, 2020
Students held accountable. The staff truly cares about the students and are directly involved in their character building.
Posted: February 24, 2020
Very involved staff and PTA. Teachers care about the environment they provide and are enthusiastically supportive of each child's needs.
Posted: February 24, 2020
Consistency in helping students with additional needs. As a parent of a child in need, we have been nothing but elated with the support by both the school and county.
Posted: February 24, 2020
Safe and healthy environment. Heavy support in teaching kindness to each other.
Posted: May 28, 2019
The homework plan was communicated clearly by the teacher at the beginning year and weekly communication was received to keep the parents in the loop which aided in keeping my child on task.
Posted: May 28, 2019
My child really enjoys all of his teachers and has had a positive experience with each one.
Posted: May 28, 2019
Posted: May 28, 2019
Communication from the principal has been very helpful.
Posted: May 28, 2019
Posted: May 28, 2019
PMK participates in the Watch Dog program and has taught my child signs to look for and ways to react in a bully situation.
Posted: May 28, 2019
It has been great so far. The staff has been very friendly and easy to communicate with. The curriculum this year has been imaginative and engaging.
Posted: February 15, 2019
My kids have had a great experience thus far at the school. We have been happy with our decision to send our kids there.
Posted: February 15, 2019
Posted: February 15, 2019
Posted: February 15, 2019
Posted: February 15, 2019
Posted: February 15, 2019
Posted: February 15, 2019
Posted: June 20, 2018
My kids really enjoy Potowmack. The teachers and staff are very supportive. They also have a very active PTA.
Posted: June 20, 2018
Posted: June 20, 2018
Posted: June 20, 2018
Posted: June 20, 2018
Posted: June 20, 2018
Posted: June 20, 2018
Posted: August 25, 2017
Posted: August 25, 2017
Posted: August 25, 2017
Posted: August 25, 2017
Posted: August 25, 2017
Posted: August 25, 2017
Posted: August 25, 2017
I made the best decision when I moved my child to this school. Great teachers, wonderful community!
Posted: August 3, 2017
I have two children at Potowmack and I couldnt be happier.
Posted: August 3, 2017
Posted: August 3, 2017
Posted: August 3, 2017
Posted: August 3, 2017
Posted: August 3, 2017
Posted: August 3, 2017
Posted: July 12, 2016
Every teacher my child had was very dedicated and communicated well with parents. The teachers and staff create a positive environment.
Posted: July 12, 2016
There are quality teachers at Potowmack. The staff is dedicated to the students' success. Teachers work in grade level teams and share resources to enhance learning opportunities within the curriculum.
Posted: July 12, 2016
Posted: July 12, 2016
Students are treated as unique individuals. Some students have specific needs that may require special attention or a different approach to promote success.
Posted: April 3, 2016
Posted: April 3, 2016
Posted: April 3, 2016
Posted: April 3, 2016
My child began attending Potowmack Elementary in the 3rd grade. I choose Potowmack Elementary because of the positive comments I had heard about the school.
I have been impressed with the teacher's thus far receptiveness and commitment to ensure my child is challenged. The PTA is active and supports the school whole heartily. The principal is dedicated. Most mornings and afternoons she is assisting the safety of children at the crosswalk entrance directly in front the school.
I feel that Potowmack Elementary is a good example of a school that has embraced diversity and promotes a great learning environment for all children to include my own.
Posted: December 16, 2015
Posted: December 16, 2015
Posted: December 16, 2015
Posted: December 16, 2015
I am so thankful for this school for my child. The teachers and administration really care, and the community of kids and parents is truly wonderful. My child is thriving and feels safe. Being the daughter of an elementary school teacher myself, I had some insights into figuring out what to look for. I was a little apprehensive in the fall as this is not my child's home school, but all worries dissolved in the first few weeks. Thank you Potowmack!
Posted: November 9, 2015
Posted: November 9, 2015
This school is not working out for my child at all. Hope they make some changes
Posted: November 6, 2015
Posted: November 6, 2015
Posted: April 18, 2014
Great school with caring teachers and friendly families. My oldest started kindergarten here last year and has learned so much. The teachers keep the parents involved, and the parents also talk to each other (and we just moved into the area in time for school so we knew no one ahead of time). It is a surprisingly collaborative community I fear we will not easily find again if/when we leave the area.
Posted: February 27, 2014
Potowmack Elementary is a wonderful school with great leadership and a caring staff genuinely invested in providing a quality education. My son loves the school staff and activities there. They really focus on incentives, not only for academic achievement, but emphasizing character. The PTA has strong parental involvement and treats the staff very well to show our appreciation.
Posted: November 1, 2013
One amazing school with caring and fabulous teachers and parents. We feel so fortunate our child is receiving such a great public education.
Posted: February 8, 2013
I have three children currently attending this school and my husband and I say that we lucked out getting to send our kids here. Our kids are not white and I have only volunteered a couple of times in 3 years. And my kids are graded fairly and all of their teachers and the other administrators at their school have gone out of their way for them. My kids have been noticed for doing good deeds and have received awards. This is a great school. My mom is a retired school teacher of another state and she came to visit my kids for lunch and was so impressed with the students, the projects in the hallway and my kids knowledge not just of math and reading and history, but of art and music. And I have noticed that my kids and other kids at this school miss school when they are not there.
Posted: August 11, 2012
I attended Potowmack quite awhile ago- I started there in 2nd grade in 1999, and graduated from 5th grade in 2003. It was a wonderful school and the years I spent there were amazing! The only year that wasn't so good was 3rd grade, because I had a pretty bad teacher that year, but all my other teachers were excellent and I learned so much from them. Mrs. Snow, my 4th grade teacher, is the only one of my teachers who is still at Potowmack currently. She was one of the most wonderful and caring teachers I have ever had, so the kids of today are very lucky to still have her there! I also had lots of nice friends and was never bullied by any other kid. The PTA activities were so much fun and my parents and I loved going to them. The drama club was great- I was in it and performed in the play in both 4th and 5th grade. When I look back on my childhood, it puts a smile on my face and I get all nostalgic, and I can definitely say that a lot of it is due to having had the privilege of attending Potowmack Elementary!
Posted: May 31, 2011
I am a student at Potowmack Elementary School who is going to enter sixth grade next year. I do not believe that this school is bad in any way. The PTA activities that are organized, such as Bingo Night and Variety Show, are very fun. All students are treated equally and are given the same chance to learn.
Posted: August 15, 2010
I am horrified to read the review which labeled this school and teachers as racists! I am parent of one non-white kid studying there for four year now. My child has done extremely well both academically and socially. Apart from an unruly kid case in 1st grade, there have been 0 instances of bullying or mistreatment. There is a great bit of parent volunteering and involvement. However, it's all free labor and to the benefit of all children. Their children might be benefiting a bit in terms of social comfort level in school, however, I do not believe that they get free ride academically. Both my child and I absolutely love this school and the teachers.
Posted: May 19, 2010
We have been with this school for 3 years now. It is a great school with very good teachers and an excellent principal. The PTA is excellent too. This school has differentiated instruction from grade 1. Kids dont feel pressured as they are put in groups based on their ability level. They are all made comfortable, so they can do their best. The PTA organizes Chess, Cricket,different language classes, several other sports and craft activities after school, to cater to all the kids. The school offers well rounded education which is what our kids need to do well in life.
Posted: May 18, 2010
Potowmack Elementary has been an amazing school for my boys. We've been here for four years. We have had AMAZING teachers every year. I love that each class has levels of learning for each child. The effort the students and parents put in shows in the output of the child's education. The principal does a great job of hiring highly educated, creative, and caring teachers.The PTA is wonderful as well. The activities they provide during and after school are diverse and interesting to not only the students but the parents as well! We HIGHLY recommend this school.
Posted: May 17, 2010
This is a racist school where white kids get more attention and recognition. Even if the child is academically way ahead, the teachers will prefer the white kids to non white kids. The other factor that drives the grades and recognition is the parents volunteering a lot. Their kids then , even if they are below grade level get straight As in their report cards. In some classes, the study material provided is much below standards . Overall, I would say.. stay away from this school if you are not white.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fox Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Great Falls | VA | 3.4 mi | |
| 2 | Fox Mill Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Herndon | VA | 7.7 mi | |
| 3 | Franklin Glen | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 9.9 mi | |
| 4 | Lakelands | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Gaithersburg | MD | 10.3 mi | |
| 5 | South Riding | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chantilly | VA | 10.9 mi | |
| 6 | Water's Landing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Germantown | MD | 12.4 mi | |
| 7 | Old Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 13.6 mi | |
| 8 | Stonehurst | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 13.8 mi | |
| 9 | Barkley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 13.9 mi | |
| 10 | Shreevewood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 14.6 mi | |
| 11 | Lewis Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 15.1 mi | |
| 12 | White Flint | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 15.2 mi | |
| 13 | Little Rocky Run | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Clifton | VA | 15.3 mi | |
| 14 | Falls Church City | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 16.3 mi | |
| 15 | Kings Park West | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 16.3 mi | |
| 16 | Middleridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 16.8 mi | |
| 17 | Broyhill Crest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 16.8 mi | |
| 18 | Willow Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 16.8 mi | |
| 19 | The Willoughby | Condominium/Townhouse | Chevy Chase | MD | 17.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashburn | Ashburn | VA | 5 mi | |
| 2 | Kentlands | Gaithersburg | MD | 9.8 mi | |
| 3 | Chantilly | Chantilly | VA | 10.2 mi | |
| 4 | Vienna | Vienna | VA | 11.8 mi | |
| 5 | West Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 14.5 mi | |
| 6 | Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 14.9 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| NRO Chantilly | 11.2 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 15.5 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 16.3 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 20.1 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 20.8 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 20.9 mi. |
| Pentagon | 21.6 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 23.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 23.8 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 24.2 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 24.2 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 24.5 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 26.3 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 27.6 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 31.6 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 33.3 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 34.8 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 35.5 mi. |
| Shepherd Field | 40.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 45.6 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 48.9 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 49.7 mi. |
