Buckland Mills Elementary School

Posted: March 16, 2026

Unfortunately sometimes reviews are given based on what people think they know about a place rather than knowing the facts. The facts are that Buckland Mills still does give students PAWS awards and stickers. Administration calls parents to celebrate these PAW awards. They have even added to the award with tokens for the book vending machine when students get 2 golden PAWS. In addition, students who get PAWS get an item from the treasure chest. There are three administrators who divide up attendance for after school events and even attend weekend events such as concerts, robotics, and other county level tournaments. You just need to go onto the school website and scroll down to see the many awards and recognitions this school has received in the last four years. To stay really informed about a school and know the facts it is best to become involved by attending PTO and school advisory council meetings. All the staff at this school work hard and want the school to be recognized for all the amazing work.

Posted: March 16, 2026

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Posted: March 13, 2026

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Posted: March 13, 2026

My experience at Buckland Mills has been a bit of a contradiction. The front office, particularly Ms. Laurie, creates such a warm and welcoming first impression. She's incredibly knowledgeable and makes you feel instantly at ease, like you're part of something special. That initial feeling really reinforces that you've made the right choice for your child.

Unfortunately, that sense of warmth tends to fade once you move past the front desk. The overall environment inside the school feels noticeably cooler and less inviting. I've encountered several staff members who seem distant or disengaged, almost as if they'd prefer minimal interaction. It's a subtle thing, but it definitely changes the atmosphere. This is not to take away from few amazing instructors and support staff I have met.

I also think leadership plays a big role in setting the tone. The principal, Ms. Odedra, has a demeanor that comes across as perpetually displeased, and she's rarely visible at school events outside of regular hours. She's also phased out many of the small recognitions that used to motivate the kids—simple things like stickers or small rewards that cost little but meant a lot to them. It feels like some of the spirit and excitement has quietly disappeared.

I'm not sure if this is just what public school is like these days, or if my expectations are simply out of line. Either way, I can't help but wish the genuine warmth at the front door carried through the rest of the building.

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Buckland Mills truly empowers students to succeed in life. I’m incredibly proud that my daughter received the President’s Award from this school, which speaks volumes about the support, dedication, and excellence of the teachers and staff.

Posted: January 29, 2026

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Posted: March 31, 2024

I'm not sure if this is representative of a typical public school. But I have experienced from teachers that obviously didn't care to teachers that care. My child is currently in 3rd. I will not name the teachers that did not care because it could have been an off year with outside circumstances going on. But Ms. Spain was geat. As far as front office Ms. Laurie consistently makes you feel like your walking into a family atmosphere and is knowledgeable about all questions. She is the front line and makes you feel like you made a good choice with choosing Buckland Mills. Until you get inside meet all of the other staff and the atmosphere gets very cold very fast. I don't feel the welcoming atmosphere. Many teachers really give off a please don't talk to me attitude. It's hard to describe it. But this is how I feel. Maybe I expect too much.

Posted: March 31, 2024

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Posted: October 17, 2023

Buckland Mills provide kids the great opportunity to succeed in their life.

Posted: October 17, 2023

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Posted: September 4, 2022

My grandson started in Buckland Elementary school.
At the time he had not been tested for special education. They did not test until 3rd grade. He actually got SUSPENDED in kindergarten.
I won't go into this but this school was an utter failure in understanding and did not want him back. He was sent to another school... more on that in that review.
If your child has a problem it's best to help not shun and shame.
He's carried this with him ALL HIS LIFE.
THEY COULD HAVE BEEN WAY BETTER. I SEE THIS SCHOOL AS AN UTTER FAILURE!

Posted: September 4, 2022

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Posted: June 1, 2018

My 2 sons have had a great experience at this school. Teachers have worked with before and after school.

Posted: June 1, 2018

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Posted: May 6, 2017

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Posted: May 6, 2017

Being a family that moves a lot, Buckland really feels like home. The staff is beyond amazing. I have a son, now in middle school, that attended only 5th grade here. He is on the spectrum and gifted. He was nurtured and it was the first year he didn't feel different. He even made his first friend ever. I wish he could have gone to Buckland from K up. My daughter now currently goes here. She was in 2nd last year and had one of the best teachers I've met (and I'm a teacher). This year she is thriving as well. First year of SOLs but she isn't nervous. Huge difference from my son's experience at an elementary school in Manassas during his 3rd grade year. Finally the PYIBP is fantastic at this school. I know teachers who have worked here and rave about how wonderful it is. If you're on the fence, I cannot recommend this school enough. They really prepare them for middle school without focusing on tests. Caring, nurturing environment.

Posted: December 9, 2015

Contrary to what a few others here noted, the principal is outstanding. Her teachers and staff adore her. She truly cares about the children and the community she serves and expects the best from all. I know this because I have actually talked to her and worked with her on a regular basis. She is a wonderful , efficient, and encouraging problem solver and puts children first. Many of the current teachers are enrolled in administrative programs which I feel is due to her example, support, and encouragement. I have had students at the school for over 6 years and feel that the current principal has done so much to improve the school. Some office staff has changed over the years, but the current staff is wonderful and caring. I have been in the office to see how the office staff interact with parents and children and I have never seen anyone be rude, even when faced with difficult and downright rude patrons.
Although I do not have a child in the Autism program, I know that this is another area where BMES stand out. The current staff are caring and knowledgable.

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

We love Buckland Mills Elementary School. The teachers and administration are top notch. Our kids are receiving the best education imaginable. We are soo thankful.

Posted: August 28, 2015

I am baffled by the critical review. of May 22, 2015. My husband and I have a child in the Autism Program at Buckland Mills. Unless the entire school has been pulling a massive con job on us (with my son’s cooperation!), he’s thriving.

He enjoys art and PE — the regular classes as well as the adaptive PE ones introduced last year. Teachers (not just his SPED ones), administrators and staff all know who he is, and who his parents are. I’m in regular communication with his team via telephone, text message and e-mail, which is something I’ve not experienced with any other school he’s been in. We discuss strategies, trade tips, and collaborate to build the best possible learning environment we can for him. If there’s a behavior or interpersonal conflict problem, I’m confident I’m going to know about it in a timely manner, and that we’re all going to work together to resolve it.

I can’t speak about the volunteer experience, because mine has been fairly limited. I know there’s been turnover in the Autism Program, but from my perspective, the folks at Buckland Mills have so far done a damn fine job of keeping things together. Now, if we could only figure out how to clone Mrs. Scott…

Posted: August 28, 2015

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Posted: May 22, 2015

The teachers are what makes this school what it is. They really care about their students and do a very good job.

Posted: May 22, 2015

Posted: May 22, 2015

Posted: May 22, 2015

The teachers at Buckland Mills are great, the administration, not so much. The principal tolerates the students and when she needs to puts on a smile and acts like she genuinely cares. She does not, School of Excellence awards and SOL scores are what drives her. They are failing their SPED students, the turn over in their Autism Program is awful. The teachers and students in SPED are neglected and not given what they need to do their job and learn. There are certain Encore teachers that are less that patient with students that are less than perfect, especially Art and PE. The principal and the front office staff need an attitude adjustment. These are children who all want to like school and learn but if students don't fit the mold of the perfectly behaved and smart student, they will struggle at a buckland. Bullying is tolerated and not delt with. The poor teachers are doing what they can with limited support but they aren't miracle workers. There is also a terrible attitude towards parent volunteers. There is almost no appreciation of volunteers on the part of other parents, teachers, and administration.

Posted: October 25, 2014

I have a second grade son at Buckland Mills and we love this school! All of his teachers through the years have been engaging and communicative. The front office staff is friendly and always greets me by name when I come in and they know my son by name too. The principal (Mrs. Balkcom) greets the students as they come in in the morning and helps dismiss them outside in the afternoon. She is available to meet with me if I have a concern. Any rules that seem like a hassle are really just for added security. How can you argue with that in this day and age? This school was HUGE last year, but a new school opened nearby this fall and there are 400 less students now. There are lots of clubs like basketball, chess, jogging, Girls on the Run, scouts and PTO sponsored ones that change each semester. The PTO is very active and welcoming to anyone who wants to help out. They are always planning an upcoming event for the kids. The Fall Festival last weekend was so much fun! The kids had a blast getting to see their friends and take part in all the different activities. My husband and I are so thrilled that we moved into the boundary for this school and that we still have a few years left here.

Posted: September 30, 2014

Can not wait to leave this school! I agree it's not the school it once was. The front office staff and principal are rude and love to use their "power" to make teachers, students, and parents lives miserable. I don't know of anyone that even likes the principal, there is nothing genuine about her. Like I said, our family is running for the door.

Posted: August 5, 2014

This was my daughter's first year at Buckland Mills. Overall, it was a great experience. The teacher was always responsive with my concerns and the front office staff were always very helpful. Coming from fairfax county, I was nervous initially but Buckland Mills truly exceeded my expectations.

Posted: June 12, 2014

This is our first year at Buckland Mills. My son is a kindergartner and has Mrs. Odedra. I absolutely love her. She creates a great learning environment and my son has grown by leaps and bounds this year. I also find the staff to be very caring and helpful. I have not had any bad experiences so far and hope to remain happy with the school since I have 2 more on their way up.

Posted: January 20, 2014

This is our 4th year in this school, and has been seeing major improvements every year. This past year they have built the learning garden where kids can do organic gardening. The principle is wonderful and very student oriented. This is the only school in the county that teaches Chinese as a second language starting Kindergarten. The teachers are wonderful and very caring. The PTO is excellent and organizes a lot of extra activities for students.

Posted: October 2, 2013

To September 30th...unfortunately I agree with you. The office staff is not what it use to be and the yearbook pictures are questionable. Out with the old and in with the new...I miss the old!

Posted: September 29, 2013

'way' over populated, bullying, 'questionable staff asking my child too many personal questionable about mommy and daddy'. the year book is total published to a staff family member, does not take much to look who's kid(s) is on just about every page. I pulled my kid out. they are face value. now some of the teachers are awesome, and that is a lottery. I would clean out that whole front office with the exception of maybe 3 people.

Posted: October 15, 2012

In response to the Oct 12 review, I beg to differ completely. I still like the office staff and my girls do miss Ms. Alma but Ms. Snow is a great replacement. I guess its difficult to please everyone

Posted: August 13, 2012

Unfortunately I have to agree with the August 9th post, this school consistently tolerates bullying. And yes, I've also seen well known bullies get citizenship awards--it's outrageous! I'd also add that this school does a terrible job at acknowledging hard working students. There was no end of the school year award ceremony and students getting all A's for the ENTIRE YEAR did not receive a public recognition for their hard work. I think kids who work that hard deserve to be recognized. When my child first started at this school a few years ago it was rated an 8 on greatschools.org, it's now a 6. That says it all!!

Posted: August 8, 2012

This school is overcrowded. The administration is not professional or responsive. They are complacent when dealing with bullying behaviors. They allow bullying to continue even giving a child known to bully on numerous occasions involving different kids awards that require good behavior.