Nysmith School in Herndon | Military Town Advisor

Posted: March 12, 2026

Our family has been a part of the Nysmith community for the past 9 years. We have two children in the program, both started in kindergarten, one of which is about to graduate from 8th grade and another finishing up 5th grade. Our son and daughter have benefited greatly from Nysmith's rotating classrooms for different courses with subject-specialist teachers. This learning model keeps children engaged, a chance to really dive deep into topics and offers critical touchpoints throughout the day with over a dozen committed teachers as they maneuver through classrooms. There is plenty of opportunity for academic acceleration for interested students (if your child loves math, the sky's the limit). Besides having small class sizes, we have found that the difference has been the dedicated teachers - they take the time to really know your child. The teachers are phenomenal - whether it be a core subject or an elective course, our kids come home eager to share what they have learned and are genuinely excited to go to school each day. The coursework can be challenging, but kids are learning in a way that does not create a stressful experience. If they are struggling to understand a topic, teachers make the time to help them. In our experience, there is not a lack of resources and many times, teachers knew what our kids needed before we even thought of it - that is the level of care you get at Nysmith. Our eldest will be graduating from the program this year and is more than prepared to succeed in high school. Much credit goes to the supportive teachers at Nysmith who have truly changed his educational trajectory. Our children have blossomed into confident, capable and thoughtful young leaders - we are ever so grateful to be a part of this community.

Posted: March 1, 2026

We were at Nysmith for five years, and the trajectory has gone from good to bad to worse with alarming speed. After speaking with families who were there before the founders passing, the shift is clear: the current Director, Mr. Nysmith, prioritizes the business over education. He is a businessman with a fragile ego and a penchant for verbose, rehearsed rhetoricthe weekly newsletter is a prime example of this. He seems determined to silence anyone who points out that "the King has no clothes."

Leadership and Staffing Concerns
If you report bullying, you become the problem. Teacher quality is incredibly inconsistent; while some are great, others lack the necessary qualifications for their subjects. The school intentionally omits teacher profiles from their website to hide this fact. Teachers are often shuffled around based on administrative convenience rather than student needs, with personal loyalty to the Director valued above pedagogical expertise.
Furthermore, the school counselor is deeply problematic. In my experience and that of other families, she appeared to protect bullies while berating the victims. It sounds far-fetched, but I witnessed this repeatedly. A handful of "loyal" families seemingly run the school, and their children are treated as untouchable, regardless of their behavior.

Lack of Autonomy
Department directors have no real authority. Every decision must pass through Mr. Nysmith. Do not be misled by the "faked kindness" of lower or upper school directors; they are unable to take independent action. If a problem arises, the ultimate result is almost always inaction.

Academic Reality vs. Reputation
If you value genuine learning and human connection, look elsewhere. Many families stay due to cognitive dissonance, but the "Gifted" label was dropped from the name for a reason. The school struggled to support my truly gifted child.

The "high performance" the school touts is an illusion built on:
Extreme Homework Loads: Overloading students to compensate for classroom gaps.
Negligible Breaks: Only 30 minutes total for both lunch and recess.
Outside Resources: Most students attend heavy extracurricular tutoring.

The high achievement is a result of the families' financial resources and effort, not the school's curriculum. The bar for entry is low; as long as you can pay, you are in. If you care about your child wellbeing and integrity of character, then look elsewhere.

Posted: January 19, 2026

We sent our daughter to the Nysmith School for about a year and a half. She started in the 5th grade mid-year because we believed she would receive a better education than in a public school. What we didn't know is that Nysmith considers its students "special" meaning there are no guardrails for misbehavior. One particular incident at the school made us decide that we could not leave our daughter at Nysmith any longer. Another girl hit my daughter on the head of with metal water bottle and when I picked up my daughter from school, she cried telling me what happened. I immediately turned around and went inside to the school to speak to the administration. The counselor there explained to me that because the kids are special at Nysmith that I had to be understanding. She didn't seemed considered at all about reprimanding the other little girl and instead focusing on how I should see how special children were different and how they needed to be treated. The next day, when my daughter went to school, all the little girls in her grade isolated her for snitching on her classmate. No steps were ever taken by the school to talk to the other little girl. I talked to different administrators at the school about the incident and all their responses were the same. Nysmith children were special so there would be no discipline. That's when we decided to take our daughter out. This school is a terrible place allowing children to believe they are so special they are immune from rules. I would not recommend this school.

Posted: November 3, 2025

Coming from a different country where public schools were all we have known, I was initially not sure if private was truly worth it, especially in a county like Loudoun that has a reputation for good public schools. However, many people said that private schools could offer more and I should send my children to one, if I could.

I liked the Montessori concept and that is where I sent my daughter through the kindergarten. Then Nysmith was recommended by a parent who had visited many private schools. My daughter loved it and thrived! She attended Nysmith through 3rd grade and then, due to some changes in our family, we had to leave Nysmith. My daughter was devastated and so were we. She was even more devastated after briefly attending 4th grade at a top rated local school within a wealthy Loudoun County zip code.

The approach was very different from Nysmith. It made me recall another parents experience with a couple of children who felt the difference between good public school and then attending a private one (which, unlike Nysmith, allows children to learn beyond their grade level only from 5th grade). At Nysmith, children in my daughters 3rd grade were allowed to take 5th, 6th or 7th grade math. Computer skills at Nysmith are a tool, integrated in the program of studies. There, children used Chromebooks in all classes. Science class had no hands-on projects and only reading and note taking. My heart sank... There were only two main teachers and an art and PE teacher. At Nysmith, there are 12 classes, each with two different teachers. At Nysmith, children learn foreign languages from Pre-K, here: you start in 5th grade, etc., etc.

Thankfully, we are back and it means the world of difference for my daughter and for our family. I couldnt imagine her being bored at school vs. challenged and inspired, as she is at Nysmith. We couldnt be more grateful for being part of the Nysmith community.
Nysmith has been for her what I envisioned for my children: a school that will be challenging while nourishing their curiosity in a supportive environment. You have to see it to believe it. The way I encourage you to think about what school to choose for your child: its a once in a lifetime opportunity to give your child the best educational experience during their formative elementary years. I cannot imagine a better place for my children than Nysmith.

Posted: October 30, 2025

Since my child started at Nysmith, it's been an incredible experience. After 3+ years here, we all look forward to each new grade because every year is more interesting and exciting than the last.
What Makes Nysmith Special
Hands-On, Joyful Learning: There are tons of hands-on activities, science projects, experiments, and critical thinking exercises ("Logic" class starting in 1st grade) daily. Nysmith's philosophy of "a world-class education in a joy-filled experience" isn't just a mottothey live it every day. When I ask what she learned, she responds: "In which class?"
Building Confident Communicators: Children give presentations regularly. By graduation, all students want to speak at the ceremonythey had to implement time limits! I've already noticed a big attitude change in my daughter (no longer anxious about presenting). That growth comes from encouraging teachers, capable peers, and a culture that celebrates effort.
Rich Curriculum: Multiple classes daily with two teachers per class starting in 1st grade; languages from Pre-K (French, Spanish, Latin); art integrated beautifully (when we visited and saw student artwork, we gasped"This is the STEM school?"); computer skills as tools, not replacements for hands-on learning.
Exceptional Leadership: Mr. Nysmith greets children every morning, often with Daisy, his dog who occasionally dresses up to cheer students. Mrs. McClousky, the Lower School Director, knows every child by name. Children literally flock to her for hugs. This culture of care extends to all teachers and staff.
Community: Families are wonderfully diverse, coming from all continents. At a recent social, another parent remarked on the kindness herewhen I came to a class party, the whole class immediately asked how they could help.
Why This Matters:
As someone with a psychology background, I cannot overstate how critical elementary years are for forming academic identity. Nysmith's "joy-filled education" creates intrinsic motivation, builds resilience, and shapes whether children see themselves as capable learners. Those early beliefs'I'm good at this,' 'I can figure things out'will carry them through life's challenges.
While tuition isn't inexpensive, financial aid is available. A friend's bright autistic son was struggling at his former school. Since switching to Nysmith, he's thriving, , and the impact on their family has been remarkable.
Visit and see for yourself. You'll be impressed too.

Posted: September 18, 2025

It is hard to believe this will be our last year at Nysmith after 13 years and 3 kids. Our experience here has been special and our kids have thrived thanks to the exceptional education and the nurturing environment created by the dedicated teachers and staff. As two of our children have transitioned into public high schools, they have been more than prepared for the rigor of AP courses and advanced math and science. What has stood out even more, however, is the feedback from their high school teachers: our children distinguish themselves not only academically, but also in their confidence, self-advocacy, and ease in communicating with teachersa testament to the foundation they received at Nysmith.

Like Fairfax County, Nysmith students are from diverse backgrounds. From preschool on, the school celebrates its diversity in a host of ways, from studying the holidays of different religions, hosting an International Day parade, inviting speakers from diverse backgrounds and a series of assignments designed to focus on our commonalities rather than our differences. Our Jewish children attend school with Muslim children, Hindu children, Christian children, Buddhist children among others. They have always felt safe in this environment and as a result have developed an ability to bridge cultures, religions and even language barriers to create lasting friendships and a deep sense of belonging both at school and in their broader community.

Posted: September 2, 2025

Nysmith is a great school! It's a place where students are encouraged to question, explore, and truly enjoy the process of learning. My son has been at Nysmith for 5 years now and thrives there, both academically and personally. He looks forward to going to school, and he remains excited and curious thanks to the consistent academic challenges and support he receives from his teachers.

Mr. Nysmith, his family, and the entire staff are deeply committed to fostering a thriving, diverse and engaged community that extends far beyond the classroom. Their dedication is evident in the thoughtful communication with families, the engaging programs and events they organize, and the positive, respectful environment theyve created for students.

Our experience at Nysmith has been overwhelmingly positive, and we feel truly fortunate to be part of the Nysmith community. We hope to have our son continue at Nysmith through 8th grade and are confident it will remain the right place for him to learn, grow, and succeed.

Posted: May 4, 2025

Weve had a wonderful experience at Nysmith so far. Our son, is thriving both academically and emotionally, and its clear that the school takes a thoughtful and balanced approach to gifted education. The curriculum is advanced yet approachable, and the teachers are not only highly skilled but also genuinely caringthey focus on the whole child, not just test scores.

What really sets Nysmith apart is the strong sense of community. From day one, we felt welcomed by the staff and other families. Its a family-run school, and you feel that warmth and care in everything they do. Pick-up and drop-off dont feel like a chorethey feel like a moment to connect.

Were also very excited that our daughter will be joining Nysmith next school year. Knowing that our children will be growing and learning together in such a nurturing environment is incredibly meaningful to us. Theres nothing quite like seeing siblings hug at recess or wave to each other during the day.

If youre looking for a school that will challenge, support, and inspire your gifted childwhile also valuing kindness and communityNysmith is truly a special place. Were so grateful to be part of it.

Posted: May 4, 2025

Posted: March 16, 2025

A Truly Exceptional School That Cares and Adapts
As a parent, finding a school that not only excels academically but also genuinely cares about each students well-being and growth is rare. Nysmith School is one of those rare gems. From the moment you step on campus, its evident that this institution prioritizes both academic excellence and a nurturing environment.

My child, who is two levels ahead in math, has thrived here, thanks to the schools flexible and personalized approach to learning. The curriculum is rigorous yet engaging, designed to challenge students while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Beyond academics, Nysmith offers a wealth of extracurricularschess, robotics, public speaking, and codingthat have helped my child grow in confidence and skill.

What truly sets Nysmith apart, however, is its leadership and faculty. Mr. Ken Nysmith and his team go above and beyond to ensure every family feels valued. The schools management is incredibly adaptable and understanding, always willing to work with parents to create the best possible experience for each child. Their compassion and commitment to students go far beyond policies and paperworksomething my family personally experienced in a way that reaffirmed our belief in this institution.

One of the most impressive aspects of Nysmith is how quickly and effectively they adapted to challenges, especially during COVID. While many schools struggled with the shift to online learning, Nysmith pivoted seamlessly, ensuring that students continued to receive high-quality education without missing a beat. Their thoughtful yet swift decision-making meant that Nysmith kids continued to thrive, even in uncertain times. This ability to adapt while maintaining the highest educational standards is a testament to their leadership.

Every morning and afternoon, youll see Mr. Nysmith and the staff outside during pick-ups and drop-offs, personally greeting students with a warm smile. Its a small but meaningful gesture that speaks volumes about their dedication. The school is also always buzzing with activitiesscience fairs, art showcases, and interactive learning experiences that make education exciting.

Nysmith isnt just a school; its a community that nurtures children academically, socially, and emotionally. I couldnt recommend it more highly to any parent looking for a school that will truly invest in their childs future.

Posted: March 16, 2025

Posted: November 20, 2024

We have been thrilled with our experience at Nysmith and it has surpassed all our expectations thus far! Both of our boys are loving their first year here and my older son has said this is the best school in the world! The hallways are truly filled with warmth and joy and the positive energy is infectious. The small classroom sizes and highly individualized learning approach have been fantastic. Each child receives the attention they need to grow and thrive in all areas, while having the freedom to learn at their own pace. Both boys are excited to get to their classroom in the morning and have a smile each day when I pick them up. They jump right into the car after school eager to tell me about their classes and proudly show off all the work they have done, describing it in full detail! As parents, it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm for learning and the incredible work they come home with. The curriculum is stimulating and hands-on, with fun math games, science field trips, and engaging sight word activities. The differentiated learning ensures that each student is challenged at the appropriate level and exceling in areas of strength for them. The teachers are incredibly engaged and dedicated to equipping the students with the tools needed to achieve. The teachers are always quick to respond to emails, with recommendations and are willing to set up extra time to work with students individually. Their expertise and passion for teaching are evident in their daily interactions with our boys and students. We also appreciate the weekly comments specific to our children, in addition to knowing the material they are/will be learning. The principal is incredible, always dressing up for spirit days and being super supportive of both teachers and students. He greets everyone in the pick-up line with a smile on his face, making the school environment even more welcoming. We have loved the community and events like movie and bingo nights. The boys have enjoyed all their new friends and the families have been so welcoming! This school truly embodies what education should be, and we absolutely love it!

Posted: November 20, 2024

Posted: October 7, 2024

Cannot say enough positive things about Nysmith. This is my child's third year at the school, and the level of enthusiasm and joy she exhibits about the school and, more importantly, learning is wonderful. The school focuses on fun and engaging ways for students to learn (at a high level) and does so in a nurturing environment that focuses on core academics, as well as health and fitness. Walking around the halls, you will see smiles on teachers' and students' faces, a testament to the fact that everyone is happy to be there. Good luck replicating that experience in a public school.

The school is very supportive of the PTO, and parents can be as involved in extracurricular and classroom activities as their schedules permit. If you are looking for an exceptional school--filled with dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff--that focuses on the fundamental subjects without noise and distractions, Nysmith is the place to be.

The school currently serves children from preschool through grade 8. While Nysmith consistently places its graduating students at exceptional high school programs, Nysmith is such a special place that one can only hope the school will consider expanding to include grades 9-12.

Posted: October 7, 2024

Posted: September 10, 2024

Amazing school, outstanding teachers and wonderful environment for children to learn and enjoy their time in school. My daughter started going to Nysmith this year and she is so happier and more energetic compared to previous years. She truly loves this school, her teachers and her new friends. Every day She has a lot to talk about and describes about what she learned and her new experiences when she comes home. Also I like the way the teachers treat the students with respect and kindness while having discipline and encouraging their self esteem. Last but not least is the principal Mr. Nysmith who is a role model for all the students as an enthusiastic and successful person who is always there for his students and willing to help everyone.

Posted: September 10, 2024

Nysmith has been a tremendous source of joy to our family! This is our third year at the school, and it has been truly transformative. Our son has absolutely blossomed at Nysmith. The teachers, administrative staff, and support staff are exceptional. He wakes up every morning excited to go to school. The resources, exciting learning opportunities, and fun clubs offered at Nysmith are so wonderful that my husband and I want to go back to school too! Perhaps most important to what makes Nysmith special is the sense of support, safety, and genuine community that exists! The teachers always go above and beyond to help the kids. There is a sense of warmth and support I have not encountered elsewhere. Concerns are met with compassion and teachers and staff are proactive and work with the parents and kids to find solutions. From the moment we stepped into Nysmith and met the admissions department, we felt welcome and embraced. I highly recommend Nysmith for the excellent academics, wonderful educational opportunities, and warm community!

Posted: September 10, 2024

Posted: June 3, 2024

We have been with Nysmith for 10 years and have only positive things to say about the school. My older child started there in first grade and graduated two years ago and my younger child started there in Beginners and is finishing her first year of middle school. Both the lower school and upper school have consistently provided an excellent experience for our kids.

A majority of the teachers have a way teaching that truly engages the students and makes them feel excited about what they're learning. The challenging curriculum, small class size and student to teacher ratio also contribute to the school's excellence. The administration from top to bottom has always been supportive of our children's needs and been very helpful and respectful while addressing the few concerns that we have had over the years. Another plus is the school environment is completely secure with a full time security guard and robust security system. We've always felt that our kids are completely safe when we send them there every day.

The school also does a good job of engaging the families and providing opportunities for the parents to be in the school. Back to school night, parent/teacher conferences, class parties, social events, Grand Parents Day, etc. are all things that we've enjoyed and look forward to over the years.

Posted: June 3, 2024

Posted: May 6, 2024

My daughter loves the school. The teachers are very supportive and be always there to answer any questions. The school clubs are competitive and participate in national level competitions. Im glad my daughter is introduced and exposed to different competitions through clubs at early stage in middle school.

Posted: May 6, 2024

Posted: May 3, 2024

We have been with Nysmith school almost 8 years and we believe we will have several more years to come. My older son had happily graduated from Nysmith and got into the high school he wanted to go to. Nysmith school had prepared him so well to pursue next level challenge and he missed time having lunch with teachers. My younger one loves school because she has her best friends at school. Coming to school is like another day of play date. But they also learn a lot. When the kids are ready to advance, teachers are embracing them; when the kids need help, teachers are beside them and patiently helping. Going through the pandemic, we felt so blessed to be at Nysmith. We have seen and experienced how well the school had handled the difficult time. Yes, kids missed a couple of field trips, but their learning never stop. So many good things to say. Definitely, this is the school you dont want to miss to give your child a day to visit if you are looking for private school.

Posted: May 2, 2024

We have been at Nysmith for the last 3 years and couldnt be happier with our experience. Prior to enrolling in Nysmith, we noticed our oldest son was not as enthusiastic or excited about school, as he had been. The boredom he started to express about school, was a concern. We contemplated private vs public schools, transitioning to a new environment and friends. Once we made the switch to Nysmith, we notice a significant change, our oldest son was once again excited about school. He no longer complained about being bored and was much happier. Nysmiths approach of allowing students to excel in areas of strengths while maintaining a supportive peer environment proved to be exactly what he needed. Students can excel 2-3 grade levels higher or more in math, if appropriate. They are surrounded by other inquisitive kids, which promotes intellectual and emotional growth. Although the students are all academically advanced, the environment is supportive. The students are not cut throat, and there is a low tolerance for bullying. Nysmith fosters teamwork, friendship and acceptance of others. The curriculum has a lot of group based projects which teaches them to work together, problem solve and compromise. The engagement of the teachers is evident in every aspect of school life, from daily lessons to field trips, where students eagerly interact with them, asking them questions and sharing jokes. One of the remarkable aspects of Nysmith is the personalized attention each student receives. The staff, teachers and Mr Nysmith know each student and their families. Both our boys despite their differing personalities, academic strengths and learning styles, have thrived academically and emotionally. While the decision to invest in their education was not without initial apprehension, we can confidently say that it has been well worth it. Sending them to Nysmith is probably one our best decisions weve made. Our only regret is that we didnt send them their sooner. Both boys love it so much they have expressed how they wish Nysmith went through high school.

Posted: April 30, 2024

Our 2 children had the pleasure of attending and graduating from Nysmith School. If you are looking for a school with exceptionally dedicated teachers, rigorous academics that are engaging, curriculum that is curated across disciplines to inspire curious minds, Nysmith School is the place! The community that the school and teachers foster creates an educational environment unlike anything in the District-Maryland-Virginia area. The teachers are authentically kind, dedicated, and understanding. Additionally, the school teaches its students invaluable life skills, including time management and self-advocacy, and nurtures the development of the whole child. While our children are now Nysmith alumni, our nephews are current students and are equally as happy to attend Nysmith.

Posted: April 30, 2024

Posted: April 24, 2024

We have 4 children at Nysmith. Several aspects set this school apart and make me confident this is where to find the very best education for kids prior to high school. They accommodate advanced learning to levels most schools cant begin to facilitate while keeping students in their grade level peer groups. There are many 5th graders this year taking 8th grade pre-algebra, algebra 1, and some in geometry. Math is taught through interesting projects and applications making it fun. The 5th grade science class is biology where our daughters were thrilled to learn anatomy, body systems, and dissect a fetal pig. All of the teachers and staff are very passionate and accommodating. Study skills are emphasized with constant notebook checks. With 2 teachers in each subject and classroom they are better able to differentiate and provide social/emotional support when needed. One of our children struggled in other schools both from boredom and not being understood. That child is thriving at Nysmith where I can see a high level of understanding of kids who have more unique responses than most educators are used to. Since students are learning at their own pace they stay engaged and happy learning rather than bored and causing trouble. The teachers provide frequent feedback that can be reviewed by students and parents allowing significant transparency and the opportunity for students to learn from mistakes or fine tune their work. The administration is extremely approachable. They have many special events to further engage students that are truly inspiring and leave us both amused and amazed whether its live bands playing before school or Mr. Nysmith dressed in a costume with his dog in a bag waving joyfully to all. Our children now climb in the car after school each day anxious to tell us all the incredible things theyre learning, much of which isnt usually taught until high school. They are interested in so many things theyve never been exposed to before now. Our older children previously attended another top private school and had toured many schools but when we found Nysmith it was immediately evident that this school is truly exceptional.

Posted: April 24, 2024

Posted: April 17, 2024

TLDR: Our twice-exceptional (2e) kids flourish at this school and it is quite literally the perfect school for gifted and intelligent children.

OK, so as the TLDR says we have 2e kids. As anyone with this experience might be able to relate, this can be quite difficult to navigate if we don't intellectually stimulate them enough each day. My wife is an educator and despite all of the many, many at-home tasks and home curriculums we implement, it isn't enough. Knowing this, my wife and I quite literally flew around the world and researched over 200 schools before deciding on Nysmith. We lived abroad, visited places and spent hundreds of hours researching, including enlisting help from friends and family. In our experience, there is not a single school that comes close. For reference, the kids attended a Cambridge International School and 2 Episcopalian schools prior.

When I say we researched, I mean to say not that we looked on this website or some other 'top 10' website. I mean we threw out the reviews and marketing and focused on pedagogy, social nurturing and environment alone. We called schools, researched teacher profiles and experiences (including social media), looked at grade results (for those who post them, most are too shy), and even started 2 different visa processes for the sole reason of finding the right school for them.

We wish we had just found Nysmith at the beginning.

For parents who are serious about an education, have gifted kids and care more about pedagogy than pedigree, this is the right school. Not to say anything negative about the pedigree, you can check the halls for yourself and see how decked they are.

I've met 2 people in real life admit that they wrote a bad review on Nysmith. 1 felt their kids were harshly/unfairly judged and not allowed in. The other was an admin for a different school. Don't believe these folks about bully culture.

At the end of the day, when Ken Nysmith knows every single kid's car by heart and/or parent's face by heart with over 600 students, you're in the right place.

Last thing I wanted to address is some of the comments about the structure of the school. If it works, does it matter?

Posted: April 17, 2024

Posted: March 9, 2024

Nysmith School isn't a 'Top 10 Schools in the World' for no reason. With two kids who absolutely adore their time there, it's surpassed all our expectations.

What truly stands out about Nysmith is its emphasis on teamwork among students. My kids aren't just learning from teachers; they're surrounded by classmates who excel in various areas. This creates an environment where growth and discovery happen daily.

At Nysmith, kids have the freedom to learn at their own pace, ensuring they're always engaged and excited. The innovative classroom setup, with teachers specializing in different subjects and classes held in various spaces, keeps learning fresh and exciting. And those frequent field trips? They're hands-on experiences that make learning come alive.

The pride my kids have for Nysmith is evident in their enthusiasm every time we pass by the school. It's clear they truly love being there.

I was deeply touched by how the teachers remembered my third child's name before she even started. It's a testament to their genuine care for each child's well-being.

My son's rapid academic progress, already excelling in 2nd-grade math and delving into advanced topics in 1st-grade, speaks volumes about the quality of education at Nysmith.

The responsiveness and care shown by the teachers have left a lasting impression on our family. And with top-notch facilities and over 40 different clubs and activities, there's always something exciting happening at Nysmith. The faculty and staff, with their warm smiles and greetings, create a lively atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.

Switching my kids from the nearby Montessori school to Nysmith was the best decision we've ever made. Despite any concerns about tuition or academics, I firmly believe that the value of a Nysmith education extends far beyond academics. What truly sets Nysmith apart is its focus on fostering friendships, providing an enriching environment, and nurturing a positive school culture.

In summary, Nysmith School has blown us away. We're grateful to be part of the Nysmith family and can't wait to send our third child there! Plus, for families with four kids, it's worth mentioning that the fourth child's tuition is free!

Posted: March 9, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

My daughter was almost two years old when started in the Mommy and Me program. Since then, we are witnessing her growth. It is different from growing up. She is nine years old now. Shes found answers for some questions that still occupy grown-ups minds; the value and importance of true friendship, humanity, respect, diversity, nature, self-confidence, resilience, persistence, experience, and love. Every morning, we can see happiness in her eyes when she is dressing up for school. When picking her up from school in the afternoon, she is still thinking about her good time at school.
She loves her classmates, teachers, school staff, and even the classrooms and the building. Last week, when asked her to talk about her school, she broke down to tears. I knew my daughter liked her school, but I didnt know she loved it this much that prevented her from talking for seconds. These are her words: We love our teachers, classes with exciting subjects, lots of activities, and joyful recess sessions. Going from one class to another means a lot to me and my friends. You feel like there is a really life outside of your body. You see different kids, different clothes, but they are all kind and like to help. Thats the person is worth a lot .
The ratio of the teachers to students allows teachers and students to discuss the subjects in more details, more questions to be asked and answered, more teamwork and collaboration between the students, and a better chance to know themselves and their friends. I cant say enough how much we appreciate all her teachers selflessness and sacrifice to teach their students what they need to learn. Shes earned National Math competitions Gold and Silver medals, Grade 3-4 Science Olympiad Gold medal, and Superior performance at Bach-Baroque Piano Festival and none would be possible without Nysmith.
The head of the school, Mr. Nysmith, knows all more than 600 students by name. He is directing the school after his mother, the founder of the school, and looks for any opportunity to make the students time at school more engaging and more fun. He and the directors of the lower and upper school have been always enthusiastic and available for us and other parents to discuss about their ideas, recommendations, and even concerns.
When we drop our daughter at school, we know she is in good hands, she is happy, and she is being challenged and prepared for her future. Shes been thriving. We couldnt be happier and prouder. Thank you Nysmith!

Posted: February 20, 2024

Our daughter has been at NySmith for four years now since pre-K, we absolutely loved the experience. The campus feels extremely safe and secure, we never had any worries about the safety of our precious little one there. The school creates a very warm and loving ambience - the moment kids step into the school, they are greeted with warmth and joy, and empowered to pursue intellectual curiosity in a nurturing environment. The school offers comprehensive academic curriculums. Science and computer classes are taught daily from the very beginning, along with other essential subjects. Teachers go out of the way to tailor their teaching to each students academic levels - its not unusual to have 3 or 4 study groups inside each class taught at different grades. We also appreciate the impressive balance between academic studies, personal developments, and extra-curriculums activities. The campus is well maintained for all sorts of physical activities, the school offers a rich selection of enrichment programs taught by internal teaching staff and external coaches. Most importantly, our daughter has been very happy at NySmith every single day since she joined. Soon we will be sending our younger one to the same school. NySmith is a gem in Northern Virginia, highly recommended to any parents who care deeply about their childrens well-being and education.

Posted: February 20, 2024

Posted: February 1, 2024

It is the best choice we made for our two kids for elementary school so far! Our kids have been in Nysmith School since they were 3 and 5 years old, respectively. They are very happy about the school and want to go to school everyday. This is the magic about Nysmith. The kids are advanced in academics but they enjoy learning. I think the main contribution is probably from the project-based and individual-paced learning approach they use. Nysmith teachers understand the need of individual kid, and provide the right level of learning curriculum for them. Im very impressed by the tailored learning officially since kindergarten and unofficially even from 3 years old.

Posted: February 1, 2024

Posted: July 18, 2023

Our child and family were left with deep scars that will last a lifetime from our experience at Nysmith. Our child has never had a problem with a teacher or bullying, usually being amongst teachers favorites. When you tour the school just know that they are very targeted about what you see, and it is not as it appears. When you go on your tour or read about the school think "Used Car Sales", it all may look shiny but it is likely to leave you broken down on the side of the road.

This school is resting on it's laurels and accolades from the past. The "top 10" they continue to use in advertising is from many years ago. Any awards these days are their students, not the school itself. Despite their prolific marketing efforts it is NOT a Joy Filled experience as they would have you believe. If you are considering Nysmith and you value your child's well being RUN to a different school. Our child was bullied not only repeatedly by other students, but by a teacher as well, and the school effectively did nothing despite our repeated requests.

Another relevant detail not disclosed is that low student teacher ratio includes a number of TAs who are not native English speakers, which means you can have instructors for technical subjects that are very difficult to understand. Which also causes a problem since they are likely here on work visa's they will not go against the main teacher if you make a complaint about a teachers treatment of a student.

We are not the only family who has had issues, we know other families who are leaving due to concerns for their children's well being. The school is run in a dictatorial manner since the original owner passed. Even to the point that when the PTO wanted to host a seminar on bullying, the head of the school would not allow it due to concerns about the optics. That says it all. My hope with this review is to help other families avoid the heartache/trauma such as we have encountered at Nysmith.

Posted: July 18, 2023

Posted: May 11, 2023

Super good school, I'm a current student, i love the environment of the school, especially how its located and made. The only downside is that some kids don't get treated nicely but the cameras are going to be working soon( I think)

Posted: May 11, 2023

Posted: January 19, 2023

I have two boys at Nysmith. I'm so proud that they are not only eager to learn, but most importantly, they have learned to become good citizens who care and love their community.

The reason why we love our experience is Nysmith really individualizes the curriculum for everyone and tries to accommodate students' needs. For example, math and language arts are taught in small groups so that the content is designed to challenge the student's appropriate level. I was also impressed during the parent-teacher meetings; the classroom teachers and the lower school director could pace the curriculum out; this was definitely from ongoing professional development and teamwork.

Im also glad that social/emotional skills are included in the Nysmith curriculum, and students are encouraged to practice these skills by making the school community a kinder and more understanding place. This creates a safe learning environment for students *and* an opportunity for personal growth.

I think a lot of this success comes from communication and a trusted relationship. I cant recommend Nysmith more highly for parents who feel that education should teach skills and values instead of just information. I'd also encourage you to schedule a school visit to feel the school vibe to see if it is a good fit for the family.

Posted: January 19, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2022

We are new to Nysmith this year and could not be happier with our decision to switch out from FCPS (not a decision we made lightly). Our children absolutely love their school days and enjoy learning a wide variety of subjects including foreign languages. There is a huge emphasis placed on learning being fun that comes through in all the lessons and activities. We particularly appreciate the portal which gives real-time feedback on how our children are doing and allows for immediate corrective action. Teachers are highly-responsive to queries and seek to build up/encourage students to do their very best. We appreciate the smaller class groups with 2 teachers in each class which allows for children to be provided with more challenging work where that is necessary. Teachers are hired to teach the subject matter in which they are expert and the children therefore work with a much greater number of teachers throughout each day.

Decision-making by the school administration is, thankfully, focused on the well-being of the school community as a whole and is totally devoid of politics and drama. COVID protocols have been balanced and managed extremely well. We receive detailed weekly updates about school life and are encouraged to play an active part in every aspect of our children' education.

There is a huge emphasis placed on building good character in the students. There is a laser focus on raising kind, safe and responsible citizens who have empathy and kindness for others. We truly value this beyond anything else. There is zero tolerance for behavior that is not in line with these good values and we have seen firm action taken when behavior has been out of line and swift follow-up when concerns are raised. The counseling team do a great job of getting to know students individually so they get to the bottom of any 'issues' really quickly.

Would highly recommend this school.

Posted: April 29, 2022

Posted: January 6, 2022

This school, in my view, is a classic example of false advertisement. In essence, they are selling you a school story that has very little to do with the reality. It is one thing to agree to pay a high tuition to make your children's school experience valuable, meaningful and enlightening. It is quite another to be ripped off in return for very average educational services. By comparison, this school pales to the public schools in the area, which are free.
These educational services are definitely an "experience" good, meaning that you cannot judge them unless you try them. We tried and decided that honest parental reviews are the only thing that could warn future customers of this school and counterweigh the false advertisement propagated by the school. Think about it, the Head of the School for the gifted has a very obscure educational background and very big marketing ambitions. You would think that to maintain high standards at a school for gifted students you would need professionally trained educators, not salespeople, because the latter are simply not qualified to provide you with extraordinary education opportunities that they are selling you. It is the "Gifted" label that is for sale. Think how much this gifted sticker is worth to you and how soon it would be devalued. And remember, you are not going to be a better parent by paying up and sending your children to this school. Instead, you are going to feel like a very abused customer who was betrayed, bewildered and duped. Good Luck!

Posted: January 6, 2022

Posted: January 5, 2022

Nysmith has great academics; it is however very expensive.

I have rated it "1" - and would rate it -10 if I could because my quite brilliant daughter had a wonderful first grade year. In second grade she was severely bullied, by a "former friend" probably due to how good my daughter was at academics - I don't know why the bullying occurred, just that it did and when I brought it up with Nysmith administration, they essentially said "there are no problems at Nysmith" My daughter was "self-scarring" and was in really bad shape emotionally, has had years of therapy, but still has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to her time at Nysmith. (She was very quickly withdrawn - at GREAT FINANCIAL COST to us when Nysmith wouldn't do anything. Also, Nysmith, in terms of how it (quite successfully) pumps academics into kids, teachers know very little about what is going on with kids, and kids don't have connections to teachers.

FYI, Bullying below I would give a Negative 50 were I able to

Posted: January 5, 2022

Posted: September 15, 2021

I am a student at Nysmith School for the Gifted. Everyday I feel very challenged and I learn a lot. The teachers are very kind and helpful. If I am not understanding something my teachers always help me understand the curriculum.

Nysmith also provides extracurricular activities that I love. I have always wanted to do debate and nysmith let me do that. Overall Nysmith is a school where students can learn and get along.

Posted: September 15, 2021

Posted: June 19, 2019

Committed. Engaged. Forward-thinking. And, loved by the students, who return again and again to visit them long after they graduate.

Posted: June 19, 2019

It's important to know that Nysmith is geared toward motivated, high performing students. Among the community, there are extremely smart young people, and the coursework is adapted to challenge them. Nysmith knows that not everyone is strong in every subject so the philosophy is to create an environment that challenges students, but allows them to advance at the right pace for each individual student.

Posted: June 19, 2019

We have no direct experience with this. Disruptions are handled swiftly.

Posted: June 19, 2019

Talented teachers and small class sizes allow time in class to be used wisely. Homework and projects are assigned to enhance the classroom learning, so there's not ridiculous amounts of homework assigned. The Nysmith approach is refreshing. Children have time to explore other interests.

Posted: June 19, 2019

This is where the magic lies. Nysmith recruits superb teachers who are creative. Students rotate through classes in the earliest years. This is unique and effective and allows young people to work with teachers who specialize in each field of study.

Posted: June 19, 2019

The students and families that are attracted to Nysmith choose it for the culture.

Posted: June 19, 2019

Nysmith is an outstanding school. Our two Ivy Leaguers got their foundation from having been at Nysmith right from the start. They were not at the top of their respective classes. They developed tools to succeed, including the confidence to solve problems and the ability to write and communicate effectively. The Nysmith teachers fostered a love of learning and an appreciation of community.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Nysmith has done wonders for our son! We love the teachers and the staff.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Posted: March 9, 2019

Best and money well spent. Our experience with Nysmith has been very positive.

Posted: March 9, 2019

Nysmith has the best teachers. Our daughter (8th) loves ALL her teachers. She commented that the teachers really enjoy reaching and care about the students.

Posted: March 9, 2019

Posted: February 22, 2019

We considered all the top private schools in the metropolitan area before selecting Nysmith for our children. There is no question that Nysmith has the strongest curriculum and the most positive environment. We couldn't be more pleased with our decision.

Posted: February 17, 2019

My daughter attended Nysmith school from age 3 through eighth grade. Our appreciation and admiration for the school grew every year. Kids are taught by subject matter experts starting in kindergarten. The teachers are truly superb. We couldn't be happier with Nysmith. If they offered a high school, she would stay.

Posted: February 17, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

Weve had pretty good experience with Nysmith school. Our son loves it and enjoys going there every day. School administration and teachers are very responsive, professional, and highly qualified. Learning is fun and effective, and unique needs of students are addressed properly. Highly recommend.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Posted: February 12, 2019

My daughter has gone to this school for 3 years and has come home on multiple occasions from being bullied by other students.

Posted: February 12, 2019

My experiences at this school have been mixed at best. It is an average school that culls elite talent from ecomically gifted families. Any other school would achieve the same metrics given this talent pool and resources. Definitely not worth the exuberant price of tuition, and far from the institution it bills itself to be.

Posted: February 12, 2019

My daughter has little or no homework to do on most nights. She typically finishes the weekly homework on the first day it is assigned.

Posted: February 12, 2019

No experience yet to tell. School environment is very friendly. My kid has been there for 3 years. So far no experience of real case of bullying.

Posted: February 12, 2019

My kid is in Kindergarten and homework has not been much. I do think her class learning has made excellent progress.

Posted: February 12, 2019

This is an excellent school. My kid is in Kindergarten and has been there in last three years. She loves it and happy to go there every day. My kid has exceeded my expectation in both academic and character growth. Her teachers have been amazing and very caring. The teachers assess her progress closely and put her in the proper group for her level, which is more advanced.

Posted: February 12, 2019

I don't know how to start and what to say to be enough about the Nysmith school, but I can copy/paste the mid- term school survey I just sent to Nysmith school yesterday. This survey will describe our families feelings about this awsome school. My daughter attended Nysmith School since second grade, she is an 8th grader now and will be graduated in June 2019.
We will miss Nysmith School for sure.
Believe me,they deserve more than 5 stars!

our Mid-Term survey;
We are more than happy with Nysmith school. Nysmith school helped us as the parents to raise a strong,confident, respectful,caring individual.
Today our 13 year old daughter among many other qualities that she has, is a strong leader,confident speaker, awesome writer, talented musician and a role model. As the parents, we have confidence in her and in her decisions she makes for her future. We believe in our heart that someday she will bring honor to our future society.We just want to express our appreciation to the Nysmith school and tell you that we couldn't do it without you.
The graduation day is almost here and we already know that how much we will miss you all.

Posted: February 12, 2019

Love the administration. They are accessible and they know your child. They really do. If you are the kind of parent that is open to feedback and are willing to do your part, you will have an excellent relationship with everyone. We have learned so much over the years from the school directors and the guidance counselor. They love what they do and it shows.

Posted: February 12, 2019

Yes, there are kids that twice exceptional - very smart with another type of learning issue and the school can accommodate that within reason. They understand that giftedness sometimes goes hand in hand with some other issues.

Posted: February 12, 2019

My child has been bullied. However, we have always felt that the administration and counselor were there for us and our child. They have always jumped in and we could not have asked for more. This can happen anywhere. I have heard horror stories at other schools where the administration says that there is nothing they can do. Not so at Nysmith. They are proactive and will do everything in their power to make the situation right. Bullying is not tolerated. My child has always felt that they could talk to any of their teachers or any administrator at any time. They have always felt safe. Everything has calmed down tremendously and we are very thankful for the school's approach.

Posted: February 12, 2019

I've been a parent at the school for many years for multiple children. The parents I speak to are happy and the kids are happy. My kids love to go to school. The academics are outstanding - my husband and I sometimes look at each other not believing what our kids are learning at such a young age. My husband always says he wishes there was a school like this when he was young. It is a nurturing environment, they make learning fun, and they learn a lot. Isn't that what school should be about? It might not be right for everyone. They cover a good deal of material and go fairly deep. But, again, the kids are engaged and they really absorb the material. I'm always amazed at how much my kids have learned and retained! I would highly recommend this school!

Posted: February 12, 2019

Just the right amount of homework. We have never felt like its been too much. It feels balanced and I think the teachers do a good job at making sure that tests in different subjects are not on the same day. It feels very balanced.

Posted: February 12, 2019

The teachers are what makes Nysmith great. They truly care and every day is a new opportunity. I have been touched so many times throughout the years with their thoughtfulness and approach. Whenever I have had a concern (or they have had a concern), I have found that just reaching out to them and talking to them is the best thing. They will happily partner with parents and I have always come away impressed by every encounter.

Posted: February 12, 2019

They have character education built into the curriculum and they keep a finger on the pulse of what is going on.

Posted: February 12, 2019

My three children have all attended Nysmith since preschool. Our inital visit to Nysmith was so extrodinary we can't imagine sending our children anywhere else. The STEM program is second to none and I have seen all three of my children blossom and grow in unimaginable ways. They promote a true sense of community, with endless opportunities to engage with your child and their peers and other families within the grade and school.

Anyone with multiple children knows that they can all be polar opposites and mine are no exception. While my oldest child in 5th grade is exceptionally quick in Math and Science, my middle child in 3rd grade is far more advanced in history and language arts. My youngest in Kindergarten continues to excel in all subjects but most importantly carries an outgoing independant attitude I credit Nysmith to nurturing. Nysmith has found a way to cater to all three of my children, helping them where they need additional help and certainly engaging their inner spark on the subjects they love the most.

The staff at Nysmith has been a true partner to me as a parent. Always available to assist with questions, concerns or just to say "Wow, your kid is doing so great, let me tell you more." How refreshing to have someone in school that is also my children's cheerleader. The class sizes are small offering two teachers per room. No one is left in the back struggling without 1:1 support where needed. The front office staff is always smiling and helpful and the administration knows all my children by name. In fact, spend any amount of time at Nysmith and you will soon realize that the headmaster Ken knows EVERYONE'S name, and dare I say birthday! He helps greet children into school every morning and on their way every afternoon. I can not recommend this school enough and am so honored my children to get be a part of this environment.

Posted: February 12, 2019

I cant say enough good about this school. My daughter has been attending NySmith since the 3rd grade. Her reading, math, history and social studies knowledge is simply off the charts. This school sets high expectations and then helps the schools to achieve them.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The school leadership is present in all aspects of the school and supportive of staff, students, parents, and the community they represent. The leadership is also unstinting in its financial support, providing the necessary resources without hesitation.

Posted: February 10, 2019

With a caveat that this a school for gifted children, the school is very effective at supporting individual needs. At a very personal level we have seen how the school has "bent over backwards" to accommodate children with injuries and illnesses requring long-term programmatic adjustments, as well as providing myriad opportunities (both in academics and extracurricular activities) for children to be challenged well beyond normalized grade-levels.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The culture of the school is so inherently respectful that bullying is almost non-existent. When occasional individual conflicts arise, the staff address them immediately, personally, and effectively, being mindful of everyone's rights, privacy, and feelings.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The level of homework is both grade- and student-appropriate and clearly communicated to both students and parents.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The teachers are passionate about their subjects, caring, and attentive. They know each student to a surprising degree and are willing and able to adjust their approach accordingly.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The school's "character ed" program is an integral part of the education process and the school's culture. Because they are so ingrained in all activities, these values permeate everyone's behavior without need for constant reinforcement.

Posted: February 10, 2019

Superb. We are so fortunate to be part of the Nysmith community. While I've read the reviews from those who did not have a good experience, and feel badly that they did not, it's very difficult to understand how these experience might have arisen given the many years over which we've seen nothing but the best conduct by the teachers, staff, and administration. With approximately 800 parents sending their children to the school on any given day, a dissatisfied group representing just 1% of the population is more than enough to produce enough negative reviews to be confusing to others. This is unfortunate but not atypical in a social media-driven society. If you have child who is likely to benefit from an academically challenging, STEAM-oriented environment, you're unlikely to do better than Nysmith.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Kenneth Nysmith runs the school like a family business, he ignores and does not care about many of the issues that students here at this school are so easily able to point out and solve themselves. For example, this school has a terrible lunch program. All of it is just ordered from restaurants, and it is so little food for it being so expensive. Nysmith could very easily implement an actual cafeteria, being a multimillion dollar business, and serve us food. Another issue that is paid no attention to here are the athletics. Apparently because this is a school for "gifted" children, that means that their development and enjoyment of athletics does not matter. Many of the balls for each respective sport are not allowed for use by students, unless it is during Physical Education. The small break period that students get every day, which is 30 minutes for both eating and playing outside is not even enough on it's own. Then when you are not able to play the sport you enjoy because Nysmith does not let you use any of the equipment needed to play the sport, that makes it even worse. In Physical Education, especially in the higher grades, students mainly do fitness activities, and are rarely able to do sports or activities they enjoy. As for sports teams, that is completely nonexistent at Nysmith. There are absolutely no sports teams here, and they will probably never be a thing unless a parent decides to fund it. As for the rest of Nysmith Administration, they do not really care to know or get to know many of the other students, unless you are a wonder child who is involved in the student leadership, 4 grades ahead of the rest of your grade in math, and win several Nysmith-run academic competitions.

Posted: November 29, 2018

They teach every student the same at this school. It does not matter if you are a kinesthetic, visual, or auditory learner. There is very little support for students with learning differences, and if there is students will most likely not want to take them due to the stigma that is associated with a sort of "special education" program. Also, because this is a school for "gifted" children, it is assumed that students do not need teachers to adjust their teaching styles to suit their needs.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Awful. This school has so many problems and issues that listing all of them would be a huge waste of time(oh well) Overall, Nysmith is a good school if you only care about making your child as "smart" as possible. Nysmith fails at basically everything except academics. And to be honest, the academic prowess that some Nysmith students possess have absolutely nothing to do with the subjects learned at Nysmith. What makes the children more advanced, is that academics is more emphasized and more important to people at this school, and this environment molds these children to think that the most important thing about them is how well they can perform academically. The administration however, is the main source of all these problems. The most important thing to Nysmith administration is marketing and advertising. Just think about it. Is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology named Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology for the Gifted? No. Is Nysmith's "rival" for gifted children, the Edlin School named the Edlin School for the Gifted? No. Is Harvard University named Harvard University for the Gifted? No. But all of the people who attend to these schools are extremely gifted and talented individuals(now I understand this is an easily debatable statement). Nysmith has that extra "for the Gifted" to try and add some prestige to their name, as well as market themselves more to people seeking a challenge for their child. The only reason Nysmith is still in business is because they market themselves so well, and bring many parents to fall into their trap. They pretend as if Nysmith is the pinnacle of learning, and act as if it is a perfect environment that people should envy to be in. This is not even possible for a school to achieve, so the fact that they do this just proves how clueless the administration is about what actually goes on at their school. To summarize my opinion on Nysmith, it is only good if you care about instilling an academic presence into your child and pressure them to get "good" grades in school. As a student who wants to have a fulfilled and happy life, I would advise AGAINST sending your child here. There are many schools who fulfill the academic rigor Nysmith supposedly does, and the students there are more happy and less depressed than here.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Sure, it is an academic based school, so obviously there is going to be very much homework.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Teachers at this school vary extremely. You can either have a very effective and enthusiastic teacher who cares very much about the subject they teach, or you can get a teacher who is only there to fulfill the 1:9 student ratio, (which by the way is a completely useless statistic to serve Nysmith's marketing strategy. It is often implied that with more teachers, students get more help and are served more, but only the main teacher really understands what is going on in the class, and often the assistant teacher is relatively un-involved in the subject matter. )or who discourages the students from wanting to be in their class(happens very often). You can also have some teachers who will blatantly insult you, tell other students about how much of a terrible student you are, and give nothing about you or your future. Not to mention, many of the teachers here are either retired public school teachers, former parents with enough money in the bank to continue living off of the terrible salary Nysmith pays them, or fresh out of college teachers who are most likely going to leave Nysmith after a year or two.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Many students at this school are self deprecating, and hate themselves. The toxic environment at this school is so bad, when one student receives a bad grade, many of the other students may make fun of or harass them about it. Opening your gradebook at school is also a terrible idea, unless all of your grades are above 95%. Somebody will make fun of you, tell everybody, and it is them public knowledge of your grades at school. On the other hand, there are many children at this school who may have been "gifted" when they were in kindergarten, but apparently that gift did not stay with them throughout their development. The overall ability to competently do work and show their "intelligence" in any subject is equivalent or lower than the ability of our public school counterparts. Character Education is also a complete joke at this school, it just gives the 2 main administrators, Ms Amberly and Ms Webb, the chance to spread some more Nysmith propaganda to the students. Character is very much not a part of Nysmith. Students suffer a HUGE drop in self-esteem and mental well being while at Nysmith. You should definitely keep this in mind if you want to send your kid here.

Posted: November 14, 2018

Bullying is not dealt effectively. Also, don't be disguised by the demographics data they posted. The majority of the students are Indians, which are identified as Caucasians.

Posted: November 14, 2018

It's been a good run in the past a few years but things have really gone downhill in the past 2 years. Many good teachers are leaving or let go. For parents who are interested in this school. Make sure to check their current year books, they will give you a better understanding to their real demographics.

Posted: November 14, 2018

The homework practice is not adequate to the "expedited" curriculum. They are able to push kids to algebra 1 at 5th grade yet the kids still spend less than 30 minutes on math homework every week! Imagine how much the kids can really grasp the knowledge.

Posted: November 14, 2018

The quality of teachers has significantly deteriorated in the past 2 years. Many teachers are not qualified/certified.

Posted: November 14, 2018

The teachers are not taking actions toward bullying and other toxic activities.

Posted: October 6, 2018

terrible school, do not ever send your child here

Posted: October 6, 2018

Posted: July 12, 2018

Does not support children who are actually gifted and learn fast. It is strange that the school for gifted is skewed more towards the children who find learning to be a challenging process. Nothing wrong with that, just change the school label, as it is by no means a school for the gifted.

Posted: July 12, 2018

My kids told me horror stories, when other kids were bullying their classmates and nothing was done about it. One girl was systematically making fun of a boy whose father is terminally ill, dancing and saying how happy she was about this. My kids were upset and deeply shocked witnessing such cruelty.

Posted: July 12, 2018

It is a Horror Story. Had I known about all the improprieties, I would not have come close to this terrible place. I feel guilty that I put my children through this. I regret wasting family money as well.

Posted: July 12, 2018

I find the homework to be very ineffective.

Posted: July 12, 2018

Some teachers are great , some are unqualified. As I understand a lot of the teachers were fired or left the school in recent years (lookup Glassdoor). One of the young teachers was bragging that since Nysmith was a private school, he did not have to be licensed to teach. This is regrettable, because when you send your kids to the School for Gifted , you expect higher than general level of education. This was not happening and my expectations were not met. It felt in the end as if it was one large-scale Scam, that used the self-selection mechanism by attracting parents who place high value on Education.

Posted: July 10, 2018

We started out loving Nysmith as an institute of learning and were greatly disappointed as we discovered its first and foremost a business. As our child progressed thru the school he experienced bullying which affected his ability to learn. We removed him in fear of his safety. We found the administration ignored our concerns, and their inaction ended out damaging our family. We regret trusting them and believing that they cared. The educational consultants we spoke with said they never recommend Nysmith, and the tutoring businesses we consulted called the school a joke citing the top 10 school, top ten school in what? top ten in marketing efforts? if you look at the last 4 glassdoor reviews by former teachers and talk to former teachers you will learn that marketing and money are what matters at Nysmith, not families or your children.

Posted: October 26, 2017

It's my daughter's 6th year at Nysmith school. She will graduate from Nysmith next year.We will surly miss the school, teachers, admin staff and etc.
We couldn't ask for more. Nysmith is the best school in the area and everything any parent wishes for their kids. Thank you Nysmith:)

Posted: October 16, 2017

My daughter absolutely love it! It is our 2nd year at the school and it's been such a positive experience academically. The school is great at nipping any poor displays of character in the bud! I love that they discourage cliques and that children of different backgrounds are celebrated! There is no competition to be the smartest which puts less pressure on my daughter! Although the price is steep....we still love the administration and teachers and know it's an investment in our daughter.

Posted: July 26, 2017

This was a toxic experience for my child. We complained, they said it was "his perception." We hired an internationally known psychologist for profoundly gifted children. She advised to remove our child, said it was toxic and it was not our child's perception. There are no written rules, as someone else previously posted. Some subcultures are serious behavior problems and it's overlooked. If you complain "you are the problem." There has to be better alternatives.

Posted: March 29, 2017

Educating our 3 kids at Nysmith was the best decision of our lives. They never wanted to miss a day! They went on to a great high school (TJ), that was perfect for their math/science/technology interests, and attended their #1 college choices. They were not only ready academically after Nysmith, but they were also happy and confident. The teachers, who are experts and passionate about the subjects that they teach, treated the kids with kindness and respect, welcomed their questions & nurtured their curiosity.I highly recommend this school. Or, better yet, look at their website, see how their alums are doing, schedule a tour and a couple of student visit days for your child. See for yourselves what Nysmith is all about!

Posted: March 29, 2017

They have a Director of Guidance with a Masters in Counselor Education with over 30 years experience who swiftly deals with any issues that may come up. Also, the culture of Nysmith is politeness, kindness, and respect. I've seen kids, who were bullied in other schools, come to Nysmith and, not only heal, but flourish gaining confidence and strong sense of self-worth.

Posted: March 29, 2017

There is no cookie-cutter approach to the teachers' teaching style. What works in one class, or one student, may not work in another - I've seen this happen. Also, my own kids had learning differences, and they all were accommodated at Nysmith.

Posted: March 29, 2017

From the top down, the #1 priority of Nysmith is what's best for the students!

Posted: March 29, 2017

This is extremely important at Nysmith. So important, in fact, that their students take character education classes!

Posted: March 29, 2017

They gave age-appropriate amounts of homework - not busy work, either.

Posted: February 2, 2015

I agree, not every school is for every child, and I truthfully wish for every parent to find the right school for their child. Thankfully, Nysmith has been perfect for my child. After lots of research, visiting prestigious private schools, talking to their headmasters, I met the Admissions officer and Headmaster at Nysmith. Immediately I knew that I have found the right place. CTY- at JHU, have recently tested my child, and found her highly gifted. The school where she was at was clueless, ignored my pleads for differentiation. I would only hear complains about not following directions or writing some letters backwards. My son was reading 5 levels higher than her peers and the teacher insisted she was only at grade level. It is sad how a non prepared teacher can affect a child's life; she was very stressed out and it showed in the CYT-test. As soon as she started at Nysmith, she went back to be the happy, confident smiley child that we all always knew. She is challenged, and thriving in a beautiful way. Every day when I pick her up, she has this big smile on her face. The tuition is high; yes, and it has been a big sacrifice to us, but it has been so worthy.

Posted: November 20, 2014

We have been at Nysmith for 5 years now and have had a terrific experience. I definitely do not agree with some of the negative statements below. Nysmith is by far the best elementary school in all of northern virginia. I have toured most of them. My children love going to school everyday and they can't imagine going anywhere else. The teachers know my kids extremely well and challenge them to work to their potential. You always know what your child is working on and how well they are doing. However, it is not the right school for everyone. We have one child with learning differences that needed a slower paced school. They worked with us for a year and a half giving her extra attention. We all realized (including our daughter) it was not the best fit and we moved her. They were gracious, supportive and helpful the entire way. The head of the lower school is tremendous. JOur other two children are still there and are thriving. I would highly recommend Nysmith if you have a curious child that loves to learn and has the ability to learn at a fast pace. If not, put them in a place that fits their temperment, ability and learning style.

Posted: July 31, 2013

As anyone looking at these reviews can tell, the vast majority of people have rated the school five stars, while some have had bad experiences and rated it one star (with very few reviews in between). While I don't doubt the experiences of the one-stars, I have had the opposite experience for both of my children. I think Nysmith is an amazing school. My only complaint would be the outrageous tuition (and maybe there are a few overzealous parents), but the school is so good that everytime I think that the cost is too high, I think about what a huge drop in education they would get almost anywhere else. The teachers are amazing, the curriculum is incredible and the student-teacher ratio, with two teachers for a class of 16 or so can't be found many other places. To me, however, the specialization is the key. The math teachers love math, the science teachers love science, and so on. It is simply impossible to replicate that in the public schools where one teacher teaches everything. I've also found the administration to be incredibly caring and responsive. Assuming nothing changes, we plan on keeping our kids in Nysmith until graduation.

Posted: December 12, 2012

Love Love Love this school! My daughter started in public school and was soooo unhappy I pulled her after only two months. She was bored and had no academic challenges. She has been at Nysmith for two months now and she can't wait to go to school. She is only in k and she was explaining to me all about cells, there DNA, nucleus and mitochondria. She has also shared with me many things about the globe, our country and the difference between the Native Americans and the settlers. She has been there 2 months and she is only 6 years old! She has math, reading and science everyday. She loves it. It is very challenging compared to the public school. It is expensive but so are most private schools in the area and this one is truly a nuturing and fun academic environment. It is perfect!

Posted: December 8, 2012

We have two children at Nysmith over the last 4 years and could not be more impressed with the safe loving enviroment this school provides. My son and daughter have thrived at this school and we would never consider going anywhere else. The administrators and staff know every child's name and work hard to ensure they are having a good experience. The academics are outstanding and the children never feel pressured. We are truly amazed by what they are learning in such a gentle manner and would highly recommend this school.

Posted: September 21, 2012

I have two children. One of my children has attended Nysmith beginning at kindergarten, my second child has several more years until graduation. My children s experience has been very different than the previous parent. It is almost like we are talking about different schools. I spend a lot of time at the school and have seen none of the issues that the previous writer indicated. I have no reservations about the school. I have however had experience with a couple parents who seemed to be preoccupied with their child s reading and math levels. There are a small number of children at Nysmith whose parents seem to push their children beyond their ability. I have been happy with the character education program at Nysmith and love the interaction of the children both with each other and the staff. After reading a previous letter, I made it a point to ask the teachers about their degrees and experience and have no idea what the complaint is about. There are a staff members who have children at the school, but they have degrees and experience teaching. We have been very happy.

Posted: August 28, 2012

Previous post defies common sense! Why would a teacher with a Master's degree in teaching take a position where they are paid as an assistant teacher and why would they want to be an assistant? The truth is anyone with a Bachelor's degree, no matter what field, is eligible to be the second teacher. I have witnessed many moms of Nysmith's students, recent college grads with degrees such as nutrition and no experience in education fill the roles of the second teacher. The principal is not a good leader for this school. I witnessed teachers coming out of a morning meeting with administrators and they ALL looked glum and beaten down with very low morale. Very rigid and unpleasant environment for children. Our child was miserable and came back to life after we enrolled her in a different school. If your goal is for your child to go to TJ, you are in the right place, but at a price. That's all the parents talk about and the administrators advertise it. For those of us who want a balanced, healthy minded child, this is not the place. Our child is very intelligent and thrives when teachers encourage her and challenge her. Nysmith gave her low self esteem with their methods.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Fox Mill Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Herndon	VA	1.8 mi
2	Franklin Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	2.1 mi
3	South Riding	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chantilly	VA	5.7 mi
4	Little Rocky Run	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Clifton	VA	7.3 mi
5	Lewis Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	7.5 mi
6	Fox Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Great Falls	VA	8 mi
7	Stonehurst	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.3 mi
8	Barkley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.8 mi
9	Kings Park West	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.8 mi
10	Middleridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	10 mi
11	The Townes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Manassas Park	VA	10.9 mi
12	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	11.4 mi
13	The Elms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	11.5 mi
14	Willow Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	11.5 mi
15	Long Branch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	11.7 mi
16	Burke Conservancy	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	12 mi
17	Burke Station Square	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	12.7 mi
18	Broyhill Crest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	13 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Chantilly	Chantilly	VA	2.1 mi
2	Vienna	Vienna	VA	8.5 mi
3	Ashburn	Ashburn	VA	9 mi
4	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	11.4 mi
5	Burke Centre	Burke	VA	11.7 mi
6	Burke	Burke	VA	12.1 mi
7	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	12.4 mi

Base	Distance
NRO Chantilly	3.3 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	12 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	17.6 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	18.3 mi.
Fort Myer	18.6 mi.
Henderson Hall	19 mi.
Pentagon	20 mi.
Fort Belvoir	20.8 mi.
Fort McNair	22 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	22.3 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	22.5 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	23 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	23.1 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	26.7 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	26.8 mi.
Andrews AFB	29.8 mi.
Fort Detrick	35.5 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	38.5 mi.
Shepherd Field	44.9 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	45.4 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	49.4 mi.

Nysmith School

Herndon, VA 20171

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