Canterbury Woods Elementary School

Posted: June 4, 2026

We're a military family and moved here in the middle of the school year. I was doing so much research with all the local schools and after reading so many reviews about this school, I was very excited. Sadly, our experience hasn't been great. The teacher does not check emails, which made communication difficult. We also had a few negative experience with one of the front office ladies, who came across as rude and unhelpful.

Academically, it seemed like the school was behind where my child had been at their previous school. Much of what was being taught had already been covered earlier in the year. Similarly, my friend, that's also military, noticed the same thing when they moved to the area at a different school, so this is not directly for this school, just a heads up.

My child also told me about an incident where the teacher yelled at another student and grabbed something out of his hand because he wasn't paying attention. I wasn't there to witness it myself, but it was concerning to hear about.

I know every family's experience is different, but based on ours, we're looking to switch schools next year.

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

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Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: December 11, 2025

Military family here. We have moved and had kids enrolled at so many different schools in different states and DOD schools. CWE is one the absolutely best elementary schools we have ever been a part of. The gifted education support program and the special education support programs are exactly what we were looking for. Teachers actually care, kids are actually kids.

Posted: December 11, 2025

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Posted: November 11, 2021

My kids have loved their time at CWES so far. The admin is great and very responsive. The teachers we have had have been amazing. Especially happy with the special education support they receive. Very active pta and lots of events that make it fun for the kids.

Posted: November 11, 2021

Posted: November 11, 2021

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Posted: November 11, 2021

Posted: September 30, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2020

Posted: September 30, 2020

My son attended CWES as a foreign student for 2 years. He did not only had the best time of his life but also showed great progress in his academic status. Thank you to all the staff in CWES for your passion in teaching.

Posted: November 22, 2019

Since Dr. L has stepped in the school has been a mess. Communication with the principals is non-existent. Students are not held accountable for their actions. There is no real consequence for disruptive/dangerous behavior. Teachers try to step up but there is just not enough support for them to manage all of the behavior on their own. My child has told me the teachers look miserable and that many of the former teachers they loved have left. I'm worried about my child and other children's safety as I see parents just entering the school at the end of the day and not stopping by the office. Anyone could easily walk in among the many people.

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: October 3, 2019

Since Dr. L has stepped in she has not been effective in promoting leadership at the school. This is a strong change from how CWES used to run before she came in. My child has told me numerous times where there have been incidents in the classroom/hallways and yet nothing is being done about it as a school. She is horrible at responding to emails and returning phone calls. The teachers seem exhausted and not supported enough, many of the past teachers have left from what I've been hearing from the children.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Posted: October 3, 2019

Posted: October 3, 2019

Overall a lot has changed at CWES over the past few years. I've been watching the school decline for about 3-4 years and have not seen any improvement in communication and leadership. I'm very disappointed but it's my child's final year so it won't matter anymore.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Posted: October 3, 2019

The teachers at this school genuinely care and love the students. Every time I see them they are making sure the students are accounted for and supported.

Posted: October 3, 2019

They support in words but there is no action or follow-through in terms of enforcing strong character and behavior.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Classrooms can be very disruptive and disorganized. Homework is a joke in the lower grades. 1 worksheet per day. Not enough time being spent with kids to improve in certain subjects. Not all the material is used through the school year. Overall considering this school is in one of the highest rated county in NoVa there should be a higher academic learning experience.

Posted: June 28, 2019

Posted: June 28, 2019

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Posted: February 25, 2019

Posted: February 25, 2019

Posted: February 25, 2019

The teachers send home homework weekly so they have more time to finish

Posted: February 25, 2019

Great teachers make great students. The teachers are very kind to the students.

Posted: February 25, 2019

Posted: February 25, 2019

The school was the best i have ever had in years

Posted: February 23, 2019

Kids in lower grades have some homework each night, but it really is simple and about 5 minutes worth so not overwhelming. And helps get them in the pattern of being responsible so that is good.

Posted: February 23, 2019

Posted: February 23, 2019

Posted: February 23, 2019

Posted: February 23, 2019

Posted: February 23, 2019

Posted: February 23, 2019

After moving from out of state and having been in one of the best elementary schools in another state, we have been very happy in our first year here! I have two boys in the lower games of the school and both have adjusted well, with caring teachers and I feel the curriculum fits their needs pretty well. The school as a whole has a lot of spirit, does a lot of school events and is welcoming to parents like me who like to come have lunch with his boys when I can. Kids at the school have treated my sons well so far and they have a lot of friends so far. The school is made up of fairly well off white collar professional families as a whole, but is diverse is racial and cultural makeup. I have also found the school leadership to be pretty hands on and excited to be there.

The BAD - which I did not know and wish I had before I bought my house -- is that the school does not start till 9:20 AM which is the only school in the county that starts that late. This is CRAZY and makes life VERY difficult for working parents. It’s not the schools fault I know, but the School Board, Board of Supervisors or Superintendent should FIND A WAY to the start time like the other Elementary schools a mile away with 8:40 start time. Had I known this, I would have probably bought 1/2 mile from here where houses are less money and sent my kids to WakeField Forest ES which is equally highly rated and starts at 8:40.

The other really BAD issue is the before care program at the school (SACC) has a HUGE wait list because of late start. We are 50 something on a WAIT LIST 7 months into this year, and only 60 kids in the program so it will literally be years till we get in which is ridiculous. The County has a cap at each school’s before care, which they should also find a way to get space to lift that cap since the start is so late and a gifted school that pulls from other areas means tons of people fill the slots and never get off till they leave the school.

To recap, the school itself, it’s teachers and leadership are great, I recommend it. Just be aware of bad items…before you make your choice if those matter to you. I wish someone had posted that on here when I was looking and had to move on short notice as it would have given me better insight before buying a place.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Curriculum, average. Acceptance of students with learning disabilities - above average. School administrators, specifically Barbara Messinger, appalling.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

My child has been bullied in front of teachers and staff and they have refused to step in and prevent the incident from reoccurring, enforcing the bully's behavior.

Posted: April 12, 2018

The principal has never responded to e-mails and is difficult to get in touch with to setup a consultation

Posted: April 12, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

We have contacted the teacher, counselor, principal on the negative effects that our child has had with bullying and the problem continues to persist and the bully is still in the same classroom as our child. Our child has not stopped liking to go to school and has self-esteem issues.

Posted: March 15, 2018

Posted: March 15, 2018

Posted: March 15, 2018

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Posted: March 15, 2018

The teachers at Canterbury Woods are incredible. They are thoughtful and demonstrate over and over again their dedication to the students and families of the school. I am very impressed with the caliber of everything at this school.

Posted: December 5, 2017

My daughter has been attending CWES since kinder through 2nd grade (this year) and she loves her teachers/staffs and friends. The homework might be required more challenges but overall the curriculum and environments are so great.

Posted: December 5, 2017

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Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2015

Great school !! Awesome teachers! Awesome principle!! Thanks for everything you do for our kids!

Posted: November 7, 2015

Posted: November 7, 2015

Posted: November 6, 2015

Posted: September 5, 2012

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SCHOOL! May daughter went to the D/HOH preschool and had the most fabulous wonderful experience. Her teacher had me at "hello". Creative, bright, intuitive, warm, caring & provided millions of opportunitites for my little girl to absolutely FLOURISH! Now, she is 5 and in Kindergarten there. I had her 2nd grade brother pupil placed for a variety of reasons....we are out of the CWES boundaries & the school he would have gone to pales in comparison both academically & enthusiasm that is the happiest place on earth (CWES). It starts at the top and trickles down. Love, warmth, respect & LOVE OF LEARING is CWES!!!We are so happy we are there.

Posted: June 6, 2012

I like C.W.E. We moved to the area last year and are very impressed with the school!!. Teachers are very interested on each child well-being,are flexible and work hard for their academic goals. This school has an awesome special education team!!! All so experienced, nice and involved!!

Posted: June 5, 2012

My daughter goes to this school. The principal is a dynamic and strong leader. The school is vibrant, clean and festooned with beautiful student art on the walls. The 5th and 6th grade honors band program is awesome, primarily because of the director. The principal maintains high standards for the school and teachers. I reckon the scores are good at CBWES because it is a GT center.

Posted: September 21, 2011

Not sure what a previous reviewer said about rude office staff. They are the friendliest group I've ever met. If they want to see rude staff, swing by Frost middle school. That reviewer will be in for a 'rude' awakening. This is a top tiered school and deservedly so. We bought our home in this area for that very reason. GT program is awesome and the school is consistently ranked very high. Again deservedly so. They have a partnership with the Kennedy Center's CETA program, almost all of the teacher enroll in after school continual enrichment and learning programs on their own time. Incredible school and great Principal who encourages both student and staff to do better and strive for higher goals. PTA is incredible and do so much for the school and kids. We are very happy.

Posted: July 1, 2011

We just love this school! Our child just finished the second year at this school and the transition has been wonderful. The school counselors (including Ms. Dodds) are wonderful and supportive, and the teachers are high energy and striving to do their very best for each student. The strings program is very, very well run. The SACC teachers do a fabulous job with the program as well, with the older students grouped together separately from the younger students. There is a strong PTA with many after-school activities, including Girls on the Run, Odyssey of the Mind, chess club, scouting programs, and foreign language classes.

Posted: June 19, 2011

CWES is a good school but there are some issues to be aware of. They practice "mass punishment" for the crimes of the few, i.e., if a few kids are acting up, the entire class gets in trouble (or section in the cafeteria) and has to suffer the consequences. This is not based on one teacher but is a common practice among multiple teachers and staff at the school. Some of the teachers are not fans of the principal--she seems a bit hands off in my experience of going through IEP mtgs (she never said a word) and lets her assistant handle other big issues of mass interest to parents.