Cougar Elementary School

Posted: August 21, 2026

This year they have a new principal, and his name is Mr. Baldwin. so far, he has been rude to parents. He’s not professional.. He has the special ed kids with autism in a classroom with IA and no supporting teacher.. this is so upsetting because every gray and every room needs a teacher that is qualify not IAS.. not happy with the school. Will be going to the school board about this..

Posted: August 21, 2026

Posted: August 21, 2026

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Posted: August 21, 2026

Posted: August 21, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

This school is very disappointing. There is little to no academic support for students who are above grade level—advanced learners are not challenged and are often left without proper guidance or enrichment.
Academic planning overall feels weak, with no clear structure to help students grow at their individual level. It seems like students are expected to fit into one system rather than being supported based on their needs.
Additionally, the environment does not feel balanced or inclusive for all cultures. There appears to be an overemphasis in one area while other students and backgrounds are not equally supported.
Overall, the school is lacking in both academic standards and fairness, and significant improvements are needed.

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

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Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: March 7, 2025

Amazing school and teachers. Nothing short of a great experience. Administration, teachers and bus drivers who care about your children! My child is always eager to go to school and loves learning.

Posted: March 7, 2025

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Posted: May 1, 2018

It's sad to say a school is bad. There are teachers who are giving their all each and every day and trying to make an impact in students lives. The sad truth about this school is that the problem starts with the principal. She is antisocial and appears to have no interest interacting with parents. Front desk staff are rude and parents aren't even allowed to take their kids to the classroom on the first day. Huge transient population which makes it difficult for teachers as they are constantly trying to incorporate a new student into their routine.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Paper is often rationed and teachers don't have paper to send work home for children to review.

Posted: May 1, 2018

I think the teachers try their best with what is provided to them. Large turnover year after year.

Posted: May 1, 2018

There are too many students in the same grade. 12 - 13 - 14 or so classes for the same grade level. It is hard for children to make friends that last because there are so many kids in the grade level spread out over the classes.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Principal is awful. No people skills what so ever. You wouldn't even know she is the principal because she doesn't introduce herself to parents unless its for a meeting. Vice Principal seems to be the heart of the school. She is caring with the student and is not shy around parents. She needs to take over the school and the current principal should be removed.

Posted: May 1, 2018

They do not have enough resources to meet students needs so they simply try to treat behaviors versus "how can we best help this student improve academically"

Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

Posted: June 22, 2017

The principal Gwynn is aloof, does not greet parents and is ineffective at addressing parents concerns.

Posted: June 22, 2017

Good teachers who care about students. School level principal needs to be replaced as does overall school administration including superintendent.

Posted: May 11, 2015

Great school. Great, experienced teachers and caring administrators. Was really happy when my kids were here - they get the young child.

Posted: March 11, 2015

My child went here and this was one of the BEST elementary schools in the Manassas area.

Posted: August 21, 2013

As a grandparent of a Cougar elementary student who has volunteered for school activities and worked/dealt with the office staff and teachers alike, I find the school to be outstanding. Their curriculum, programs, activities and staff are all top notch, but the most important thing is that my grandson has learned so much since attending the school and he loves it there. The school deals with the students in a kind, caring manner, with a good balance of discipline when needed. Sometimes my daughter and I go to the school just to have lunch with my grandson, which they encourage, and we love the interaction with all of the children and staff while there. My daughter wants to move back to Arlington to be closer to her job but she stays in Mannassas so her boys can continue to attend Cougar Elementary.

Posted: June 26, 2013

Cougar Elementary was a good school a few years ago. Ever since the principal changed, it has gone downhill. Some of the teachers are fabulous but its a 50-50. Not impressed with the unhealthy choices of cafeteria food either.

Posted: February 10, 2013

My son is halfway through his first grade year at Cougar and also attended his Kindergarden year there as well. I have really been wanting to move back to Arlington and closer to my job but honestly....Cougar Elementary is the reason I don't. Cougar is a great school. The teachers and staff are very attentive to my son's needs and any issue or question is addressed very well. They have good programs and activities at Cougar and I love that they have tech/computer lab (even for Kindergardeners!!) My son was having reading problems earlier in the year, Cougar also has reading specialists and that really helped my son and he is doing so well now! My younger son starts Kindergarden next year and after carefully checking other counties' schools reviews and stats, there is NO WAY that I am moving from Manassas Park anytime soon. I want my children to continue to have a great education in a good atmosphere. The school itself is also very nice, big and clean (Manassas Park Elementary as well).

Posted: October 21, 2012

Cougar is a good school for teaching kids the fundamentals of learning. They do have block scheduling and Tech Lab which is I think is great. My first year with Cougar was not a great experience. My only daughter was in K and there were three incidents where she came home hurt. 1) Black eye from someone's shoe 2) Bruised check where someone ran into her 3) her two top front teeth knocked out because she was pushed and fell into a table at the front of the room. My complaint about Cougar is I had to take the third incident to the Superindent for a report to be filed. Cougar didn't want to acknowledge the incident because it would then need to be filed with the state. I demanded she be moved to a different teacher which they did and she had no more incidents. She is now in 1st and there have been no incidents to date. Cougar has good class structure as the block scheduling but some of their teachers need help. Don't get me wrong a lot of the teachers are great but there are those few and Cougar doesn't do anything about those few.

Posted: January 23, 2011

Our children are receiving an excellent education at Cougar! The teachers and administrators are top knotch educators and devote themselves to the kids. One of the features I like best at Cougar is the small class parallel block schedule which lets the teacher work with smaller groups of students for English and Math classes. There is also a heavy emphasis on technology so that even our Kindergardeners are working on computers in Technology Lab, and exciting music and art programs. The school administrators are very responsive to parents and they take pains to make a very diverse student body supportive of one another - students MUST treat each other with respect. I have not seen one bullying problem arise and that is because they start very early stressing the need to be kind and considerate of others. We moved to Manassas Park for the schools and we have not been disappointed.