Green Hedges School

Posted: May 22, 2023

An absolutely wonderful school and we highly recommend it. Excellent facilities and the teachers are wonderful and excellent. Green Hedges School offers a socially safe environment for kids to grow up and explore the world. Nothing but compliments.

Posted: May 22, 2023

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Posted: May 22, 2023

Posted: April 2, 2019

Because of the size of the groups of students (small classes) the teachers (two teacher model) are able to give each student the instruction or challenge they need. Our kids came to America without knowing any English (except for YES/NO). They got the help they needed in their classes and they spoke and were able to read (up to the needed level) English within their first year. We've been amazed. A very big plus, the teachers are so open to feedback and open to input. I remember our second grade teacher calling us on the second day of school, just to check in. The teachers are highly accessible, in person, by phone and e-mail. This was a big change for us, coming from public education where teachers were so busy with their big classes. Our daughter has received extra challenges as she was getting frustrated with being a pre-K. She just wanted to be a Kindergartner so bad. The teachers kept us up to date, but challenged her on her own level inside her own class. She was already doing grade one math work, while still a pre-K. Gotta love the Montessori way... But I feel that this is kept up all through the school.

Posted: April 2, 2019

I guess we've been amazed with the safe school climate ever since we came here. We have not heard or seen any bullying, nor has it happened in our kids' classes. The students are just so polite, the school environment feels safe and friendly. I do know that the teachers are on top of this topic, and because the classes are so small, the teachers CAN be on top of this if anything were to happen. Thus far, we've just been so happy with the climate, no effective dealing has been necessary!

Posted: April 2, 2019

Absolutely wonderful school with ditto faculty and staff. We feel so privileged to be a part of the Green Hedges School community. We came here from The Netherlands, and we are here just for a few years. During these years it feels like a gift to have our kids learn in this rich learning environment with the kindest and most motivated group of teachers I've ever met (and I am an educational consultant, education is my profession!). Both my husband and I, we highly recommend Green Hedges School. A hidden little gem in Vienna, with a fantastic Native Science Garden for the kids to learn in. Their playground is about to be renewed, but already our kids love spending their days at school and on the playground. And I say 'little gem' because it's so small, with just 160-170 students, it's very personal. The school where everybody knows your name, really knows your child and his/her learning journey. A close and nurturing (parent) community, we are happy to be a part of! I only speak to parents that express the same amount of satisfaction, and I hope more parents will express why they are satisfied with GHS here on greatschools.org. For us for example, from abroad (expats), we use this website to look for great schools for our children. Would be great to see more GHS experiences shared here! :)

Posted: April 2, 2019

I love the approach the school takes on homework because the focus is on 'giving them responsibility', and not so much on the output/performance/achievement. The homework is structured and has a very good build up. It starts in grade one, and it builds up gradually per grade. In grade one: 10 mins a day. In grade two: 15 mins a day plus some reading, etc. It's light, it has a purpose, and it's not about the work itself!

Posted: April 2, 2019

What I love most about this school is its teachers! They have a two-teacher-model from pre-K till grade 3. Small groups of students, lots of attention and focus on their personal learning route. The teachers are nurturing, loving, very focussed on learning and on a rich learning environment AND on communication and educational partnership with parents/caretakers. Parents and teachers are a team, and that's how teaching becomes most effective. A learning collaboration between the student, teacher and parents. Plus, all the specialist teachers in the school are just so qualified. Think music, arts, French, Spanish, technology, PE, etc... But also, very experienced and just fantastic Montessori directress in the pre-K/Kindergarten classes.

Posted: April 2, 2019

We love the school's openings and closings. All together, citing the pledge of allegiance but also the school creed. The school creed expresses the school's focus on the above: “Together we celebrate the faiths and beliefs, enriching our Green Hedges community. Where love, honesty, kindness and hope, guide and build our resolve, to respect each other, serve humanity, and explore and enhance our world. We give thanks for this day, its blessings and challenges, aspiring to give our best always.” The kids know this by heart and the teachers and kids talk about this... what does it mean? How are we doing this today?

Posted: April 2, 2019

I've experienced the current leadership as very communicative, open, inviting and supportive. Great with the students, first and foremost. The students will miss him for sure! Change of leadership has been announced and per the academic year 19-20 new leadership will start at GHS. Looking forward to that, change of leadership brings new innovation, new input, always great for any organization!

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

My child reported that there was cyber bullying going on and nothing was done about the situation. The head of school only thinks of himself and not for what's best for the whole school. I never understand why good teachers leave because we are never told why. It seems very suspicious to me that the turnover rate is so high each year. I also see very little support happening for students with learning differences because there is not anyone on staff that is full time to assist with this issue. They only bring in contracted tutors and that is not enough. This used to be a great school, but not anymore.

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

This school provides an excellent environment for both of our kids who are in the Montessori program. They are extremely supportive of not only our kids but the family as a whole.

We had the unfortunate situation last year of losing our daughter and the whole Vienna community along with Green Hedges has provides us ongoing support during these tough times.

Sometimes you don't know how important a school can be until you are confronted with a tragedy. Green Hedges has really shown us the importance of the school - community connection and we would highly recommend them.

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

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Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: April 19, 2017

Wonderful students and some good teachers. However, the administration lacks in many areas. I have been very disappointed with my child's teacher this year and the lack of care from the head of school. It seems like the school is all talk but does not really care about actually doing what they say they do. The music program is also extremely disappointing.

Posted: April 19, 2017

Posted: April 19, 2017

Posted: April 19, 2017

Absolutely not. The head of school especially needs to go. I am not convinced that he really cares about the school, students, or teachers.

Posted: April 19, 2017

Posted: April 19, 2017

Some teachers are great but some of them are incompetent. Not sure how they were hired.

Posted: April 19, 2017

Posted: April 20, 2016

My three children have attended Green Hedges for several years. They tell me they are very happy with their school experience there, and my wife and I are very pleased as well. When we first visited the school we were impressed with the warm and welcoming environment that we observed, and that feeling continues to this day. Parents are given many opportunities to volunteer and participate in school activities, and are invited to attend all assemblies. The small size of the school fosters supportive relationships among the students and teachers, and gives every student a chance to showcase their individual strengths. Even though the school is small, it encourages diversity, and helps provide students with a wide view of the world.

The Montessori program for preschoolers and kindergartners respects and challenges each child and gives them an impressive head start in learning, which includes an introduction to French and Spanish. World languages continue through all the upper grades, multiple days a week. All students receive a broad liberal arts education, which is advanced from what I remember of my own school experience. Starting in first grade, every student performs in a play. Starting in fourth grade, every student plays an instrument and participates in the band. Children from the higher grades lead all school assemblies, and children from grades one through eight regularly give presentations to the school. Every presentation and performance is greeted with support, and no child is left in the shadows. I have enjoyed seeing my children grow and become confident in different ways through their time at Green Hedges, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and become more confident in the future.

Posted: April 13, 2016

Posted: April 13, 2016

Posted: April 13, 2016

Posted: April 13, 2016

My daughter is in her second year in the Montessori program, and she has had a wonderful experience. I love the self-paced learning that is a fundamental part of the Montessori education but I also like that the teachers implement other aspects of pre-K education into the program, so that it is a lively, happy, cheerful and thoughtful environment. In other words, they take the best parts of the Montessori method while still letting them be kids. Her teachers really care about her - for example, one time she was not feeling well and I kept her home and her head teacher called later in the day to check to make sure she was okay. I really feel like she is getting individualized attention and it is worth every penny. It is also really nice how the doors are always open to the parents - volunteer opportunities are offered but not pushed on you, and if I ever happen to be in the building, they are happy to see me pop my head into the classroom. Some schools I think prefer to keep their parents at a distance and I really like the transparency. Being that the Montessori program is a part of the elementary and middle schools, they really benefit from the resources available to the older children - whether it be STEM week or the library or visitors/events on campus. There are a variety of options available at the preschool level - early drop off, half day, full day and extended day, to suit every family's needs. I think any parent that begins a child's education in the preschool program at Green Hedges can be confident that their child is getting the best of the best, and acquiring a love of learning early on.

Posted: March 14, 2016

My son is having a wonderful year -- science fair, in-depth reports which include video presentations he created on his own, school play performed onstage. It is all great. I also like the way the school designs its homework with overlapping topics so that the time spent is both efficient and reinforces topics. For example, spelling words relate to social studies topics and are included in exercises which cover both cursive writing skills and grammar rules. It is very intentional and very smart.

Posted: January 4, 2016

Posted: January 4, 2016

Posted: January 4, 2016

Our child has attended Green Hedges since turning three entering into the Montessori program. Now a middle schooler, Green Hedges has provided a fabulous education experience. From the schools ethnic diversity, its commitment to languages, music and arts, science, and technology -- we could not have asked for a better experience.

Posted: January 4, 2016

Posted: November 2, 2014

I couldn't be more pleased with my daughters' experiences at Green Hedges. The teachers and administrators are genuinely engaged in providing a first rate education for the students. And I'm always amazed to see how much my daughters are learning--they are being challenged and are excited about learning. Example: in the fall, my kindergartener painted all the continents on a pumpkin and now knows her continents inside and out and is always searching out maps wherever we go. It's wonderful to be in an environment that fosters such a love of learning.

Posted: October 28, 2014

Green Hedges has provided our children with a warm and nurturing academic environment. The head of school is outside almost every morning greeting each student by name. The teachers care about each child's success. During conferences, we always receive concrete examples of how our children are succeeding and constructive feedback on where they can improve. In addition to the strong academics, we see many opportunities for character development. It has been a wonderful school for us and we are grateful to have found Green Hedges.

Posted: October 28, 2014

Nurturing environment that expects every child to rise to excellence, but appreciates every child as unique. Emphasizes character, sports, & STEM learning. Great parent community. Students from many different backgrounds and countries. I feel that every adult in that building knows and loves every child in that building.

Posted: February 18, 2014

GHS isn t as well known as some of the larger private schools but the more intimate environment combined with first-rate academics make it the best place for our children. GHS students are challenged to grow academically and socially and are known by name by the faculty, staff and fellow students. Your child will not be lost there and they will be challenged in light of their natural abilities to explore and grow. Our family began there in 2009 and we plan to have our third child start next fall (2014). The faculty and staff are highly professional, available and responsive. They are also willing to tell a parent what they need to hear rather than perhaps what they want to hear. If your child needs help, you will hear about it and be asked to work with your child and the school to address and resolve issues (If you are given to the unyielding beliefs that your child is already due a Nobel Prize and is a soon to be Olympic athlete with no room for improvement and you need constant reassurance of this, do not look here). The faculty, staff and parental partnership is a very real and valuable aspect of the experience - and it is something that sets the school apart.

Posted: February 9, 2014

Green Hedges is a loving and nurturing environment that challenges kids to excel! We have been extrememly pleased with the spiraling academic program: it builds each year from the previous year; prepares my son to take on new challenges; and allows teachers to capture opportunities for deeper teachng moments. Because of the low student to teacher ratio, the teachers really get to know my son and his learning style. We have seen him build confidence and his own love of learning instilled by the teachers. The community is wonderful - a group of involved parents who all want their children to be challenged, held to expectations, and prepared for the future. We could not be happier with our choice of education and with the results we see in our son!

Posted: January 27, 2014

We are parents to a pre-schooler (3 years) in the Montessori program and have been very impressed with the school. Our son had not attended full time day care prior to this and we worried about him adjusting to 5 days a week school. Thankfully our worries were misplaced. Our son just loves the school. The teaching staff (including the extended day staff) have been simply fabulous. Our son adores them! We have seen our son grow in the few months he has been in school and cannot wait as he progresses through the various stages. Parent involvement is also given lot of importance to ensure that it isn't a one way commitment. Overall we could not have been happier!

Posted: January 20, 2014

We are a new family to Green Hedges, and have been honestly impressed in so many ways. We are parents to a 3 year old in the Montessori program. The teaching staff are sincerely dedicated and caring, including the extended day staff who are an incredible team of their own. Parent involvement is also seen on every level - from library volunteers, home room parents, to organizing annual PTO events. I also feel a strong sense of stability and commitment at both the administration and board levels. But of most importance our son is excited about school again, he was getting totally turned off in a traditional preschool. He has made great friends with kids of all ages, and is already learning to read and write. This has been a great fit, and a fantastic find in our eyes.

Posted: January 18, 2014

I think this school is fantastic! Our two children have blossomed in this school both academically, socially. It is because of the teachers and staff. The teachers have high expectations and are very dedicated. If you are looking for a fabulous middle school look here. The enrollment is a bit low and I think it is because people have not heard of the school. The academics are very strong and the expectations are high. The kids are taught a well rounded curriculum with an emphases on working hard. Our 6th grader has all ready expressed interest about public and private high schools. The formal and informal discussions about high school has peaked her interest. She is prepared to work hard and set goals for high school because the school teaches them to be ready. I am really impressed with her teachers and her course load. Do yourself a favor and check it out. They really strive to create students that are prepared for the future challenges of education. You will love it!

Posted: January 18, 2014

A gem of a school set in a leafy, residential neighborhood in the middle of the town of Vienna, Virginia, a small town in Northern Virginia near Tysons and McLean VA. GHS was founded 72 years ago and resides in what has been dubbed the No. 3 best small town in America. The school campus sits on more than 4 acres in the middle of a residential neighborhood and provides programming for Montessori through K and traditional through Grade 8. GHS focuses on educating the whole child, and develops personalized approaches for each along the journey through Grade 8. GHS graduates are accepted at all of the top secondary schools in the DC metropolitan area as well as at boarding schools along the mid-Atlantic and Northeast corridors. Beginning in the 3-year old Montessori program, each child receives a renaissance education replete with the study of Latin, math, science, technology, literature, history, art, music and leadership development. GHS provides an intentionally close-knit community of educators, staff, parents and alumni who work in concert to foster a unique and exceptional experience for our youngest leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Posted: January 18, 2014

Wonderful school! We moved here for my child's 5th grade year and she was made very welcome from the start. The teachers and staff are very attentive to the students. The academic program is very strong, and the art and music programs are also very good. I highly recommend Green Hedges.

Posted: January 15, 2014

Our son recently started at the Green Hedges School in the first grade and we couldn't be happier! GHS has a strong academic curriculum and is a wonderfully warm community. Coming from the Fairfax County public school system we have found Green Hedges to be a place that both challenges and supports our sons learning capability. I would encourage anyone that is looking for a private school to visit this truly unique and remarkable learning environment.

Posted: July 28, 2013

Green Hedges is having trouble attracting students. Most people put their children in for the Montessori program (3 years old through kindergarten). The school needs a management overhaul - cronyism and nepotism have destroyed any sense of fairness.

Posted: July 28, 2013

Green Hedges needs a management overhaul to get back to the great school it was 20 years ago.

Posted: April 24, 2013

From the quality of the teachers to the broad and rich curriculum, this school shines. My son has been at the school for 6 years. He has grown his intellect, character, emotional maturity and ability to lead. He is very bright and is continually challenged to stretch and learn more. The small class sizes allow teachers the time and space to work individually with each child and bring out their unique strengths. Listening to the graduates speak at their graduation is a great way to experience the "magic" that happens at this school. Graduates demonstrate their poise, intelligence and wisdom. The school has amazing graduates.

Posted: December 12, 2012

This is an exceptional school combining a nurturing, caring culture with a demanding academic schedule and excellent music , sport etc Teaching is first class and as a parent you feel in genuine partnership with the teachers in the education of your child.

Posted: June 17, 2012

Gren Hedges combines a challenging academic program and strong leadership with great extracurricular activites and a lot of personalized attention to its students. The math, science and language programs in particular are very strong. While being challenged academically, the students are also encouraged to be kids, building sets for plays, producing and displaying their art, participating in the band, taking field trips, and playing together. It is truly a unique and exceptional place for students from preschool through 8th grade.

Posted: July 19, 2011

Committed teachers, small classes, attention paid to each student, a true sense of community. . . . . this little school has it all.

Posted: May 7, 2011

Our girls love Green Hedges. We have been at the school 7 years. We continue to be amazed at how much our girls are growing and excelling. The teachers teach to each childs learning style. The other parents are very welcoming. It is my childrens home away from home