Nottingham Elementary School

Posted: July 7, 2026

This is one of the most engaged and active community learning environments you can imagine. We have multiple children attending the school and the staff has been fully engaged, very proactive in communication, and the kids feel excited to go to school. The school hosts multicultural night, STEAM night, and seasonal festivals that really tie the community in with the school. There is a large concentration of parents who have high expectations and clearly have the resources to make sure that the kids get what they need. Nothing is perfect but this school is incredible.

Posted: July 7, 2026

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Posted: March 11, 2024

Nottingham is an exceptional neighborhood school that has created a nurturing environment for our children. The sense of community is truly special, and our kids are thriving. The dedicated staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a fantastic place for learning and growth. Highly recommend!

Posted: March 11, 2024

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Posted: June 7, 2023

Amazing school with outstanding leadership and wonderful teachers. We had a great experience for both of my kids studying for several years, starting from pre-k grade at Nottingham school. I highly recommend it.

Posted: June 7, 2023

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Posted: May 29, 2023

We had a wonderful experience with Nottingham elementary (NES) from pre-K and up! We didn’t think much about schools when we bought home, as APS is generally good in north Arlington, but we are so glad and feel lucky that we bought our house in NES neighborhood!
I can speak of my own children’s teachers, the teachers are so dedicated and attentive to children’s individual needs. The principal Dr. Gardner and Assistant Principal Dr. Lynch seem to know everyone and their strengths and needs, going out of their ways to help doing what is best for children and address parents’ concerns.
Children with disabilities or delays get fantastic services, detailed evaluations, allocated extra resources, and feel welcome. It is amazing how kids learn how to help each other and accommodate those with disabilities instead of bullying, I see that as a culture that the school has built.
We only had our children at NES so it is hard to compare, but we could not ask for a better school. Hearing what other public and private schools are form other parents on weekend sport bleacher, Nottingham elementary is a gem!

Posted: May 29, 2023

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Posted: March 19, 2023

The Nottingham community is wonderful. You get to know the teachers and parents and it is a really close and supportive community. My daughter loves going to school every day and has a wonderful and caring teacher.

Posted: March 19, 2023

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Posted: December 27, 2019

Nottingham needs new leadership fast before it becomes the worst elementary school in APS.

Posted: December 27, 2019

I’m hoping APS relocates principal to another location. She’s all about decreasing Identified SPED students regardless of it’s necessary for student to receive an appropriate education.

Posted: December 27, 2019

My child should have an IEP. Admin only cares about numbers and not other factors. Will be reaching out to a lawyer for steps moving forward.

Posted: December 7, 2019

I’m currently looking into private schools for my son.

Posted: December 7, 2019

My child’s teacher does not send home weekly newsletters, graded papers or reply to emails. She should not be an elementary school teacher.

Posted: December 7, 2019

Administration does not monitor the instructional program on a daily basis. Teachers need to be observed to make sure they are using county adopted resources.

Posted: October 22, 2019

The school needs to figure out how to help my child become a better reader. It makes no sense that her teacher does not know her reading level and allows her to independently read texts that are three grades above her reading level.

Posted: October 22, 2019

The school has a zero homework policy, which equates to the school not having an effective approach to homework.

Posted: October 22, 2019

My daughter's teacher does not know my child. She literally has her independently reading texts that's way above her reading level for 40 minutes a day. When I emailed about this issue, she replied that she does not know her reading level since she did not perform a developmental reading assessment on her. So, basically my daughter can read whatever she wants because you are too lazy to find out what books she should be reading. Also, I found out that the library does not restrict her from checking out books that are out of her range.

Posted: September 2, 2019

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Posted: September 2, 2019

I had an issue with bullying in the classroom, I found out through a third party that it was happening at all. The teacher never notified me. I brought it to the attention of the school counselor and we dealt with the issue, However I would have liked the teacher to communicate better, especially when my 2nd grader had 3 separate incidents at school that brought him to tears that she was aware of.

Posted: July 31, 2019

My daughter is now in third grade. She has issues with listening and following the rules. Her teacher in second grade drove me crazy with emails and notes home, to the point where I had her tested for ADHD (at the teacher recommendation) which she did not have according to comprehensive diagnostic testing. After many conversations with other parents, we determined that this particular teacher was routinely not very nice to her students. A few examples are she took away soft tissues, that I sent in, when she had a runny nose, did not let students get drinks of water after recess, and was very sarcastic with her class.

Posted: July 31, 2019

So far, Nottingham lives up to its reputation of not being a fun learning environment.

Posted: July 29, 2019

To be frank and honest, NES needs a lot of work. We recently moved to Arlington and when we enrolled, learned that NES recently hired a new administration. I was shocked to see the unfriendliness of the administration. For example, they hardly acknowledge you when you enter the office, and they'll finish their conversation among themselves before even looking at you. Also, the state tests in Virginia are not rigorous compared to other states. Furthermore, a majority of NES students receive gifted services which is why the school performs so well on a yearly basis. Another issues I have with NES is that my son did not complete one project. No social studies posters, dioramas, presentations or science fair, nothing. I do not feel this school is challenging enough based on benchmark results released by central office. In sum, a majority of students do not show much growth throughout the school year. This result is mostly because of teachers not requiring their students to complete challenging tasks/assignments.

Posted: July 29, 2019

My daughter has severe tests anxiety because of the amount of tests she had to take last year. Her teacher uses up instructional time by requiring her students to take a many assessments (quizzes, check ups, and tests).

Posted: July 29, 2019

Last year, my daughter on average took 3+ online assessments per week. Because her tests were online her teacher said it was school policy not to send home the actual tests for fear of future elementary students cheating in her class. This is the most ridiculous policy I’ve ever heard and feel if a parent requests to see an online assessment the teacher should have no qualms printing it off and sending home in that students backpack.

Posted: July 20, 2019

Posted: July 20, 2019

Posted: July 20, 2019

the principal is absolutely horrible. She never attends any after school activities, and she makes it her lifes goal to harass teachers. she is also unapproachable as a parent. if your child has issues with bullying, this principal will actually punish your child if your child is the one being bullied!

Posted: July 20, 2019

there is absolutely no inclusion in this school. my child was left behind and ignored completely.

Posted: July 20, 2019

the principal allowed my child to be bullied constantly because of a reading disability. other students actually attacked my child and the principal ended up only ridiculing my child!

Posted: July 20, 2019

if you like your child drowning in worksheets, and making absolutely no progress whatsoever, this is the school for you!

Posted: July 20, 2019

completely horrible. you are better homeschooling your child. your child would learn more watching a television 24 hours a day.

Posted: July 17, 2019

The responsive classroom model is meaningless and encourages no actual consequences for inappropriate behavior. This summer, my son's behavior has worsened as he's used to getting away with everything while at school.

Posted: July 17, 2019

My taxes are too high for a school like Nottingham. There are too many families who wished their child went to Discovery during the boundary changes.

Posted: July 17, 2019

My son's teacher used whole-group instruction for teaching. At times, he desperately needed one-on-one support, however this was not going to happen in her classroom since he didn't have an IEP.

Posted: July 17, 2019

The environment in this school is not great for teachers/staff. I heard a bunch of teachers will be out on maternity leave this school year. This means my son will more than likely have a long-term substitute for three months.

Posted: July 17, 2019

My son's teacher spent little time helping him throughout the school year. During a parent-teacher conference, she said he'd have to go through Child Study before receiving accomodations such as, paper/pencil assessments, study guides, small group instruction, etc. I ended up paying lots of money for a tutor in all subject areas.

Posted: July 17, 2019

Teachers do not have many years of experience.

Posted: July 17, 2019

Principal has one year of experience in her role.

Posted: July 17, 2019

SPED department is new every year. Quality of SPED program suffers because of this.

Posted: July 17, 2019

My child will be going to Discovery next school year.

Posted: July 15, 2019

I’m hoping this school year is better for my child. However, I just heard she will have a brand new teacher due to teacher turn over.

Posted: July 15, 2019

My child did not have homework assignments all school year.

Posted: July 15, 2019

Every grade level has at least one effective teacher, however if your child is not placed in their classroom then they will ultimately complete worksheet after worksheet.

Posted: July 15, 2019

I sent new principal many emails regarding my child’s teacher not meeting her needs due to lack of differentiated instruction. My child was “pulled out” of classroom for an online reading intervention that could have easily taken place in the general education classroom.

Posted: July 15, 2019

A majority of my child’s general education teachers had very little training in working with student’s with learning differences. Additionally, not all teachers at Nottingham use the reading and math workshop models, which the county requires. So, my child struggled this past year as her teacher did her own thing.

Posted: June 20, 2019

I’m moving so my child can attend a better school.

Posted: June 20, 2019

School has a no homework policy. I believe my child failed her Math SOL due to this decision.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Every year, my child has had a first year or new teacher from another school division, which equates to her teachers missing work to attend many professional developments.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Don’t bother requesting your child’s teacher - she feels her STAFF is the single most important entity when it comes to this decision.

Posted: June 13, 2019

Do not go to the principal. She’s not approachable or open to suggestions once a decision is made. If you have an issue, I recommend going to the assistant principal.

Posted: June 13, 2019

Typically, students with learning differences go to one teacher per grade level. This is largely for staffing purposes regardless of what each child truly needs.

Posted: June 13, 2019

My child says bullying has decreased. It’s largely because of the counselor.

Posted: June 13, 2019

Nottingham should be one of the best schools in Arlington. Unfortunately, due to poor leadership many teachers leave every year. I recommend applying to Arlington Traditional School or paying for private school.

Posted: June 13, 2019

There’s a no homework policy at this school. So, it’s hard to evaluate at this present time.

Posted: June 13, 2019

A majority of Teachers at this school use a ton of worksheets to teach content. My child comes home every Friday with a backpack full of busy work.

Posted: June 13, 2019

The counselor handles most of this. My child states he barely sees administration visiting his classroom.

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

The school could not be more adversarial or unresponsive to learning needs. If your child has special needs, budget in for a tutor because the school is not going to help you.

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

Overall, quite negative. The upside is the parent community and some teachers were good. But overall negative due to adversarial and unresponsive, principal and vice principal, a school that denies kids learning needs and refuses to help them, and incredibly high teacher turnover.

Posted: July 17, 2018

There isn't a consistent approach - it's teacher by teacher.

Posted: July 17, 2018

Some were great, but the turnover was disturbingly high. Had three terrible experiences with awful teachers. Many, many new teachers because all the good ones leave. Some leave mid-year.

Posted: August 23, 2016

Posted: August 23, 2016

Posted: August 23, 2016

Posted: August 23, 2016

Principle micromanages and operates as if constantly afraid of parent backlash. Teachers belittle students, which has become a culture in the school amongst the students as well. School testing success is due to high economic status of parents and the affordability to pay for private tutors.

Posted: June 2, 2014

Part 2/2 Tag because it was too violent. Than shadow tag because it was too high paced so it became walking shadow tag. Then people were tagging too hard so they were given pool noodles to tag with. You can guess what happend. This has happend with almost every fun thing they had at this school.March madness was a staff basketball game between another elementry school that the kids would attend. It too became too competitive so they stopped keeping score. This turned into the staff scoring in their own baskets and because that was too competitive it was banned. How is this preparing us for the future when we are trying to get a job thinking that you will get the highest paying job just because someone else has it. All of this is because of the principal. And one last thing. Every Wednesday the kids would get let out of school 1.5 hours early. Now this is to be replaced with Spanish lessons. So in conclusion great school had great teachers (until they all quit because of the principal) and horrible admistration. (Pelosky)

Posted: January 27, 2014

My child started kindergarten this year and we were pretty excited about the school. Unfortunately, our experience so far has been pretty "meh." Very average, 3Rs education so far. Not much in the way of themeatic teaching, no science, very little differentiated instruction, weak classroom management. Strong parent involvement. Hope it gets better in first.

Posted: October 23, 2013

Nottingham. I am a parent who had doubts about public elementary school. But after all the recommendations and research, I decided to try it out. I am pleasantly surprised what an outstanding school it is. It is a close net community and the educators are thoughtful, well informed,caring, and nurturing. The principal's passion for education, well being of the school and every student in the school is exceptional.

Posted: September 10, 2013

Four of my children have attended Nottingham. The first two had a wonderful education with superb teachers. Unfortunately, the best teachers have left, largely due to the micromanaging and unyielding behavior of the principal. The last few teachers assigned to my children have generally been nice enough, but were hardly inspiring, encouraging or creative thinkers. And several of the new hires have actually be rather mean and intolerant, particularly of boys.

Posted: August 10, 2013

As a rather new parent, I was excited about this school based on its rating and reputation but quickly realized that there are inherent problems. 1) There is no supervision at recess and little in the lunch room which has led to some bullying issues. The school insists at PTA meetings that there is no funding to support a new hire for this purpose. They tried to hire Extended Day to help out, but many would never show up. Not acceptable 2) The principal is 'rigid" and rather unfriendly for such a position. I have no doubt this has its effects on morale. I realize people are upset comments about her, but clearly they never had to seek her help with a problem 3) The kids are versed on what bullying is and how to report it, but it still exists, though I have never witnessed it so much in an early education school. I am afraid the school rides on their reputation to a degree. What really drives success in this school is the level of parent involvement and dedication. That is unmatched.

Posted: March 1, 2013

My son just graduated from Nottingham last spring. I cannot say enough about this school. We transferred him from a "choice" school in which he was not receiving adequate stimulation and was struggling in some ways. Nearly every teacher who we dealt with at Nottingham was challenging and warm. His fourth grade teacher was a saint who helped us to identify our son's ADHD issues and begin to work with him. The administration (in particular, the asst principal) was very supportive in helping us to work through his issues. The principal has very high standards and may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I believe that she is effective. Nottingham is the best thing that ever happened to our son.

Posted: May 15, 2012

The school has a great reputation but I have a concern that the school is riding a bit on it. We have been made aware of several instances of bullying that have been seemingly to brushed under the rug. These are instances reported to me/us by our child, other children and other parents. Kids may not be getting beaten up on the playground, but Nottingham needs to broaden their understanding of bullying, in my opinion. Extreme cliques, shoving in the hallways, name calling and etc seem to be par for the course, sadly. This is all "normal" kid stuff, I suppose, but the best of the best should have a zero tolerance policy that is strictly enforced.

Posted: March 21, 2012

Nottingham is an amazing learning community with involved parents, engaged and happy kids and fabulous teachers who really care about the kids. The staff and administrators are supportive and helpful. There are amazing programs for every interest and special need, and the school has a wonderful spirit of fun. The after school enrichment options are diverse and creative - everything from sports to arts to science and more. The PTA is super active and all levels of participation are appreciated. We have been a Nottingham family for 5 years and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great elementary education experience for their children.

Posted: January 17, 2011

I've had my child at this school for 2 years now and the teachers are better than we could've hoped for. The principal - not so much. Submit a FOIA request for the school's scores and you'll see the teachers are doing a fantastic job while the principal's scores are consistently not up to par. This has been illustrated at several recent PTA meetings we've attended. I've met with both of my kids' teachers and it's obvious they do not receive the trust or credit they're due. We are worried these great teachers are going to quit because of one ineffective principal.

Posted: November 27, 2010

Nottingham is an amazing school. The teachers are incredibly dedicated and hard working. The principal has extremely high standards and holds the teachers and staff accountable. This has not always been popular with some of the teachers who were used to the do-nothing former principal. There is an enormous amount of parental involvement. The PTA funds many "icing on the cake" activities.