Arlington Traditional

Posted: February 26, 2026

We had such a wonderful experience at this school. My kids absolutely loved going there every single day. Even after we left and moved out of the school district, they still talk about their time there and often say they wish they could go back. That alone says so much about the positive impact this school had on them.

The teachers and staff truly meet students’ academic needs based on each child’s individual ability. They make sure every student gets the support they need to succeed. Whenever extra help was needed, it was provided with care and dedication.

Safety was never a concern for us. We never experienced any incidents with our children, and the school always maintained a secure and nurturing environment. Communication with parents was consistent and clear, which made us feel involved and informed at all times.

The school is culturally diverse and respectful of all backgrounds. The entire school community is supportive, welcoming, and inclusive. From teachers to administrators to other families, everyone plays a role in creating a positive atmosphere.

If you ever have the opportunity to send your child to this school, don’t blink — take it. We will always be thankful for the experience and the strong foundation it gave our children.

Posted: February 26, 2026

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Posted: January 16, 2026

Bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad

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Posted: December 16, 2024

Both of my children had excellent experiences at this school. Because of the teachers and the learning environment, they look forward to attending school everyday with excitement. A diverse school with excellent academic and behavioral standards. Character and education are at their peak at ATS, and I couldn't ask for more!

Posted: December 16, 2024

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Posted: February 1, 2023

We are so impressed with the high output of our children's learning and their overall happiness and pride to be a part of this wonderful community. The entire staff is excellent, including the new principal and assistant principal. There are many aspects to discuss on what makes this a positively unique school, one of them being the truly diverse student population. The method and model works, and I feel incredibly lucky to have my kids attend this school.

Posted: February 1, 2023

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Posted: November 10, 2020

Highly overrated. My son has been taught the same things repeatedly from 1st grade math material. The principal is there just to be there .. not actively involved in supervising the teaching style of the teachers . One of them had the audacity to call my son “ slow” and challenged his abilities but this quickly changed after he scored very high on Continental Math League . Teachers would pay close attention and praise children, whose parents make donations to the school . Example : The dad is millionaire and donated to the school and the daughter gets the longest part of Christmas performance. Highly unfair to the rest of the children . Unacceptable , unfair . The principle has learned one phrase over the years and constantly repeats it : have a magical year, have a magical year . The same thing every year . One thing is positive about this school and it’s the administrative stuff - they are kind and helpful. The rest - avoid at all cost

Posted: November 10, 2020

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Posted: November 10, 2020

I truly hope that for the best of the students , the principle of this schools resigns . She simple has been passively waiting for her retirement there without being actively involved into what is best for each and every student in this school

Posted: April 15, 2018

This is an excellent school. Our two children, one of whom has learning differences, have thrived.

Posted: April 15, 2018

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Posted: March 8, 2017

In addition to its strong academics, ATS focuses on behavior and character as important foundations for elementary learning. Reading and loving to learn is valued in all aspects. The school community comes together weekly during assemblies and each class puts on a play for the entire school. These are some distinctive aspects that make ATS a special place. We love the teachers, its central location and its diversity bringing in kids from the entire county!

Posted: March 7, 2017

Posted: March 7, 2017

Whether it is the gifted program pushing otherwise bored kids to do a little more, or the extra attention for a struggling student, ATS has a proven track record of success. A blind lottery results in kids from all kinds of backgrounds and yet, year after year, they outscore their surrounding schools. They take kids in and teach them, no gimmicks, just learning.

Posted: March 7, 2017

The teachers whom I know and love the most, say the school wouldn't be what it is without the strong leadership at the top. The principal sets the expectations, the school lives up to them, something is working here at ATS!

Posted: March 7, 2017

Posted: March 7, 2017

Posted: March 7, 2017

Kindergarteners get homework and this is not the case in all APS schools (about 30 minutes a night). It seems like a lot for first-time parents, especially with little siblings running around, but it quickly becomes routine and when the siblings get to K, it seems way easier on everyone. Expectations are high, but results are, too!

Posted: March 7, 2017

Your kindergartener does not have a great chance to get into this lottery school, but if he or she does, chances are strong you will absolutely love it! The school takes kids from all levels and all backgrounds and teaches them with passion, kindness, and dedication. The teachers love their jobs, the kids take pride in their school and their education, and the school offers opportunities (like weekly assemblies and class plays) that are unique in the APS system. It's been ranked #1 in the entire state of Virginia on the Niche school rating system (niche.com) and it's no accident! Whether your child is a quick learner or needs a little extra help, ATS has a winning strategy to meet kids where they are and make them stars. As the mom of ATS kids, I've seen and loved the school first hand! There is a reason their waiting list exceeds 200 students per grade, people want their kids at ATS and there is nothing like having your kids around other kids with supportive and appreciative parents. It's a special program in a wonderful school system. Arlington is lucky to have this ATS option!

Posted: October 13, 2016

Posted: October 13, 2016

Posted: October 13, 2016

I have no basis to form an opinion on this. I assume it's effective based solely on interaction with the teachers.

Posted: October 13, 2016

Posted: October 13, 2016

Homework isn't enough, they actively engage with the student on building character traits and demonstrate a strong interest in the long term well-being of the child. We're inviting them to our home for dinner and never did this at the previous school.

Posted: October 13, 2016

Posted: October 13, 2016

Our son recently started kindergarten at ATS and we've welcomed the engagement of his teachers. They believe strongly in character development and have provided great suggestions (we're open to ideas) to complement the practices we have in place (complete work first before playing, share with others, calm conflict resolution, empathy for others). They have ample opportunity to play, it being kindergarten, and that was important for our son.

Posted: August 10, 2014

My child was 113 on the lottery, got bumped up to 70 then 20 then I found out the VPI which gets the first 20 spots doesn't verify income so you can just sign up for VPI and be assured one of the first 20 spots.

Posted: May 16, 2014

We transferred here from another public school, but have also experience from a private school. Our two children love ATS, and we are very pleased. It is excellent academically, but what we most appreciate is the focus on character and international atmosphere. Students are for example actively involved in helping their sister school in Uganda. It is worth trying the lottery.

Posted: January 16, 2014

ATS is a wonderful school that emphasizes a very structured and positive learning environment for the students. The staff and teachers are excellent, very dedicated, hard working and committed to the community. The turnover rate among staff and teachers seems to be very low and there is a great sense of community and loyalty to the institution among the families. When we were told that our daughter had a spot in the kindergarten class, we thought we won the jackpot. Now our son is in kindergarten at ATS and our daughter is in 2nd grade-we still feel like we won jackpot.

Posted: August 10, 2013

I just graduated and I miss this school. Along with being great it has a lot of fun activities you can get involved in. You are a lot of time in one classroom but you have awesome teachers with you! I like it because there is an assembly every Friday where you learn about other cultures or find out news about upcoming events. They also have a GREAT music department. Every 4th and 5th grader has to be in the chorus and participates in band or chorus. I love the concerts!

Posted: June 13, 2013

ATS is a wonderful school. It took us about two years to get in from the lottery wait list, but it was worth the wait. Excellent visual art and music programs. We have been very pleased.

Posted: May 16, 2013

Drew Model School. Love montesorry program in this school. My child is so happy and I can see her improvement.

Posted: September 29, 2011

ATS is a great school, but it isn't for everyone. And that is what makes it so special. The unifying force at ATS is not only the principal, awesome though she is. It is instead the fact that every student at ATS has parents who choose to send their child to ATS and who believe that education and involvement are important. In terms of skin color and ethnic origin ATS is quite diverse, but the emphasis on learning that comes from every home is not diverse at all; we all believe in it or we wouldn't send our kids here. So if you don't believe that academic achievement is important, ATS is not for you. If you don't believe that character and respect are important, ATS is not for you. And if you re hoping that anyone will, or should, have a soft spot for your low-achieving "darling" at ATS, think again. It's not that kind of school. This is a school where smart kids, even REALLY smart kids, can achieve and not be held back by constant focus on the lowest common denominator. ATS is a stunning achievement, basically a high-performing private school in the public system. If your child is up to the task - and they don't have to be brilliant, just motivated - there is no better school.