Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School

Posted: February 15, 2026

My son attended SWT for three years, Kindergarten through 2nd grade. The school is very divided by the haves and have-nots. The needs of the kids who have less means are prioritized, which makes sense. Many are immigrants and refugees, which create a rich cultural community. However, the school is stretched to its limit - teachers are maxed out and it’s obvious. Many students don’t know English and special needs students are in the classrooms. It’s too easy for students of means to get lost, my son was one. I was relieved to relocate out of state and into a public school district that was in much less distress. If we hadn’t moved, we’d have moved to private school. My son was miserable and has faired much better in a school that has capacity for him. Lastly, the word “bullying” is used so flippantly at SWT. Kids have no problem solving skills and don’t learn to work things out. The volume of tattling is insane.

Posted: February 15, 2026

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Posted: October 10, 2023

Do NOT send your child(ren) to this school. I heard of all of the amazing things Samuel W. Tucker used to be (with previous admin,) but that has long gone. Admin is way in over their heads in terms of what is going on at this school. Communication is lacking- they do not practice what they preach. They want to paint a pretty picture to parents and outsiders to hide what a mess this place is. It seems as if parents have a lot of control of what goes on here, or at least administration will give to anything a parent requests. The office staff is friendly, but it is always a mess in there. Things are misplaced, it's always "I thought he/she had it...",- no accountability. Teachers are nice and they at least seem to have each other. You can definitely tell this is not a happy place to work. Behaviors at this school are growing by the year and there is no handle on them. Counselors, support staff, and the special education department is stretched thin trying to make it through each day. Children are physically aggressive with staff members and other students and it takes a big incident for something to be done. Overall, do not send your child here and if you are looking to teach, search else ware.

Posted: October 10, 2023

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Posted: July 6, 2023

I waited until my child graduated from Tucker to write this review, to allow for a fuller picture. Generally we had a great experience at Samuel Tucker. My child started with kindergarten, which was terrific. His teachers overall were caring, highlighted his strengths, and motivated him to learn. He required extra support with an IEP, and the school never balked at doing what was needed for him. My son's executive functioning difficulties impaired his ability to easily form friendships, but with the support and consistency of the school staff, he gained significant confidence in this area by graduation. The school fosters a great sense of community and caring for its diverse student body.
On the negative side, the academics are not rigorous (not a major concern of mine but I know it bothered some parents); it’s true there was very little homework, and I disliked the reliance on Chromebooks for lessons/homework. There are TAG programs and many opportunities for motivated children to do more beyond basic schoolwork, however.

Posted: July 6, 2023

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Posted: May 16, 2023

As of 2023 the school has a race-to-the-bottom approach to administering and teaching. Because there are so many students who don’t do the homework, the school decided not to give almost any homework at all. The homework they do give is very minimal and computer based games that are not effective. When you ask why the kids are not given homework to practice what they are taught in class - you get told that it’s not fair for some kids to do homework when others aren’t doing it. The end result is a school of under-performing students who are not mastering the necessary concepts - and are falling well below students at better schools who emphasize academics and learning. Overall, it’s very disappointing to see how bad this school has become over recent times. On the upside, the admin and teachers are nice.

Posted: May 16, 2023

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Posted: February 28, 2023

We sent both daughters to this school and couldn't have been happier. Both enjoyed the environment, their teachers, the curriculum and fellow students.
We attended parent-teacher conferences and were impressed by the high calibre of the teaching staff. The administration is focused on providing support for teachers, students and parents, and physically the school is in great shape. This school is incredibly diverse ethnically. Kids from all over the world. Not sure why area parents would ever send kids to private schools when Sam Tucker Elem serves the community so ably.

Posted: February 28, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2020

Excellent. We came from a private and I feel we wasted our money sending our child to private school for early elementary when we could have attended Tucker.

Posted: May 16, 2020

For upper elementary, my child had about 25-35 minutes of homework a night. Enough to reinforce concepts and permit parents to see progress, not too much to be overwhelming.

Posted: May 16, 2020

Look at the number of students who qualify for free school lunches. Given this challenge and the challenges with a diverse group of English as a Second Language learners, the teachers are working very hard and effectively to get the overall results from the school body that they get.

Posted: May 16, 2020

I agree with another reviewer that the teachers during the day are very on top of teaching kids respect for one another. Campagna after school is working on this, but has had some challenges.

Posted: May 16, 2020

The principal is extremely open to feedback, including constructive concerns.

Posted: May 16, 2020

TAG program is strong. Non-TAG students appropriately grouped according to abilities. Lots of reading intervention if necessary.

Posted: May 16, 2020

See comment above re Campagna. I will add that some of the issues have to do with the uneven quality of Campagna staff. The on site Director, however is superior and responsive. You are going to get a mixed bag of after care help, however, given the nature of pay for such a job.

Posted: December 27, 2018

Most of the homework, I felt was busy work.

Posted: December 27, 2018

Considering the challenge the teachers face getting kids who speak English as a second language to read and write English at grade level, they have to be effective.

Posted: December 27, 2018

The entire school hold citizenship in high esteem and has a no bullying policy.

Posted: December 27, 2018

Leadership is very focused at what they do well. I felt at times that they overlooked, dismissed, or made excuses for areas where they can improve when it comes to science in particular.

Posted: December 27, 2018

The only area where I think the school could improve on how they handle bullying is at Campagna, the after school program. My son would come home with bruises from a student punching him or kicking him during after care.

Posted: December 27, 2018

In the 4 years that our children were enrolled at Tucker, we only had one teacher that we were not pleased with. While I felt that the teachers truly cared about their students, I did not feel that our children were challenged enough. Because many students in their classes were learning English as a second language, the teachers primary focus was on the kids who were falling below grade level. While kids performing at grade level were appreciated and praised by their teachers, the were not rewarded with the opportunity to learn more advanced concepts.

Posted: May 20, 2018

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Posted: May 20, 2018

We only attended Tucker for Kinder and 1st because we then moved out of the neighborhood. In hindsight I wish we would have kept our children in through the rest of elementary school. The curriculum was challenging and the school was welcoming. We left to move to Fairfax to a school that is a 10 on this website. Ratings are deceiving. Our new school is way overcrowded with a much less challenging academic rigor. You will find great teachers everywhere. The other thing to note is that Tucker is a physically safe school, built in 1999 with a more modern safety protocol in mind. FCPS relies on reputation and income of families for its desirability. Tucker is a great, safe school and anyone reading this would do great sending your child there.

Posted: December 12, 2017

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Posted: December 12, 2017

The school has a few great teachers but needs big improvement in some areas such as; better support/services for children with learning disabilities/differences. There is minimum communication and collaboration with parents. Would definitely consider a different school if your child is average or struggling due to learning disabilities.

Posted: November 20, 2017

An awesome school!
My husband and I we debated whether to send our children to public school, and we could not be happier that we did! The teachers and the leadership have been amazing.
They are many great activities surrounding the school, and the PTA is highly effective and involved.
We could not be happier!

Posted: November 20, 2017

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Posted: July 27, 2017

Tucker is a great, diverse school with excellent leadership and teachers. My son started Tucker in the first grade and will soon be entering fourth. He loves reading, math and music thanks to his tremendous, dedicated teachers. He is an advanced student, and many of his teachers have gone out of their way to challenge him -- and not only the Talented and Gifted teachers. In my experience, Cameron Station parents leave Tucker not because of Tucker (which they like!) but because of the middle schools and high school in Alexandria. If all of those schools were like Tucker, we would definitely stay! Go Tucker Tigers!

Posted: July 27, 2017

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Posted: May 6, 2017

At Tucker there is no room for bullying. We stand by our ROARS!

Posted: May 6, 2017

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Posted: May 6, 2017

Love Tucker! I have two kids at Tucker my oldest one in 5th grade and my youngest in 3rd grade. They both love going to school everyday to learn and being the best citizen they are at Tucker! I can't be more pleased and grateful for the quality of Tucker teachers, administrators and staff! A school with rich cultural background and a strong mission! Love Tucker Tigers!

Posted: July 12, 2016

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Posted: July 12, 2016

There are a few star teachers here but overall it is a horrible school. I have gone all the way up to the principal with issues only to be treated with absolutely no respect by him or any of the administrative staff.

Posted: July 11, 2016

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Posted: July 11, 2016

I was hesitant about sending my son to this school after reviewing the test scores, reading reviews from 2014, listening to rumors, etc. He attended Kindergarten last year and blossomed with the help of the staff. We LOVED everything about Tucker. The faculty exceeded our expectations and I feel silly that I ever listened to idol gossip. My son was lucky enough to be placed in Mr. Riddile's classroom and was excited to go to school each and everyday. Mr. Riddile offered a nurturing environment that helped my son grow. I am a fan of this school and hope that everyone experiences the same!!!

Posted: July 11, 2016

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Posted: July 11, 2016

This school excels at so many things: the teachers actually care about the kids and their potential!! The staff is wonderful, friendly, and loved by the kids. The building itself is in fantastic shape. I'm one happy mama!

Posted: September 28, 2015

School is getting way to crowded. Samuel Tucker is in a very nice neighborhood. I feel the community as a whole is being over taken with English being pushed back as second language now. Every year it gets worse and worse.

Posted: September 11, 2015

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Posted: September 11, 2015

We moved to Alexandria in November 2014 and my daughter has been attending Samuel Tucker since then. It's been a great experience for her. My daughter is now in 3rd grade and she has developed a huge interest in reading and writing. The principal and teachers really work together as a team and put their greatest efforts to help students to achieve their goals. I appreciate how they encourage reading in and out of school. There are so many things I love about Samuel Tucker. The school principal, the assistant principal and other staff teachers greet the parents and student every morning at the front door, and also make sure that parents that are driving their kids to school arrive and exit smoothly. This year they also held a special orientation event for parents to meet and greet the teachers and other school staff, and helps parents to have a better understanding of how the school programs work, how we as parents can work together as a team to educate our children. Again my daughter is a proud Tucker Tiger who ROARS (responsible, organized, accurate, respectful & safe).

Posted: August 11, 2015

Posted: July 30, 2014

Best school ever 3 of my children go there 1 is in middle school she got promoted in 2013. All of my children love this school great staff. Very good 5-Stars

Posted: June 17, 2014

My daughter is currently in kindergarten and the teacher Mr Riddile is excellent. This is a great school and it shows with the staff and through the teachers on how well it it. They truly work together as a team and keep the students in line with standards for SOL and all. I truly love this school and it had been nothing but outstanding for my child. Thank you to the principal and teachers for all they do in a daily basis keep up the great work!!!

Posted: June 12, 2014

its strengths, not it's. This was self corrected by the poster from 6/13. I wish there were more schools like Tucker, with the combination of dedicated staff, high expectations, and diversity.

Posted: June 9, 2014

This school runs things in a very professional manner. I was pleased with the administration and staff.

Posted: March 27, 2014

Our daughter attended this school from K through 5. We would not have dreamed of sending her anywhere else. The year round model stands out for maximizing student learning. The teachers are experienced and dedicated. The TAG teacher is unparalleled in challenging and energizing advanced students. Lower performing students receive excellent supports form specialized teachers and the extra school time. And middle of the road students -- like mine -- aren't lost in the shuffle. My daughter received personalized attention to meet her needs and challenge her at her level. The principal Mr. Paschal is easy going, friendly, approachable, and responsive. The art, P.E., and music programs and teachers are the highest quality. With Alexandria's great new superintendent, I think the entire system will be headed in a positive direction.

Posted: December 18, 2013

Tucker's focus is passing the SOL's and closing the achievement gap, so be prepared for a lot of test prep and a curriculum that test-based. If your child lacks a supportive home environment and resources in order to succeed academically, this is the school for you. If your child does well in school and does not cause a problem, they will be overlooked.

Posted: August 16, 2013

My son LOVES this school - he transferred from another school in the area and it is like day and night - he progressed rapidly in his reading and writing capabilities and enjoys his time there. the teachers are friendly and fantastic and the principal responsive and helpful. We feel very comfortable in this school and look forward to sending our daughter there soon as well!

Posted: August 14, 2013

There is no better place than Tucker! I have been extremely happy with not only the school and staff but the overwhelming involvement of parents and the community in the success of Tucker. Previous reviews have mentioned large class sizes. As is the case for all ACPS schools and the projected growth of the West End of Alexandria, this is a big indicator of how wonderful this school is. More families are seeing the benefits of the modified calendar as well as the diversity of Tucker and are CHOOSING to relocate their families to the area. With the City's plans to construct more housing developments in the nearby areas and other areas in the West End of Alexandria overcrowding in the entire city will be at the forefront of future discussions. Do not take the opinions of reviewers at face value as they are subjective and only reflect the views of a few, do your research, visit the school, attend an event and/or speak to families in the community. I guarantee the majority of the conversations had will be positive. I am proud to be a Tucker Parent and you will too should you be given the chance!

Posted: June 13, 2013

Tucker Elementary School was a great experience for my son who was in the 2012-13 Kindergarten Program . His teacher was young but very good. My child had some attention difficulties and his teacher was able to implement a behavioral program/token economy to increase his attention span and work performance. The teacher and principal were always willing to discuss my child's progress and ways to support his academic and behavioral goals. In addition, the staff was respectful and communicative. My son entered Kindergarten unable to read and now reading at a 1.5 reading level (of course, I as a parent supported his goals at home as well). I also loved the diversity and SES differences at the school as well. Great school and well ran!!!

Posted: March 25, 2013

I am the proud parent of 2 Tucker Tigers! Tucker has excellent teachers who go beyond their work to educate and enrich the children. The principal and assistant principal are strong leaders who care about our children. The academic program is fantastic and gives the student the opportunity to learn and apply it in a day to day basis. The year round program is a great tool for working parents and the kids look forward to it. My oldest child attended Tucker from K-5th grade, now my youngest is a Tucker Tiger and loves it as much as my oldest one did.