Flint Hill Elementary School

Posted: May 15, 2022

I am shocked at some of comments made by the September 30th Parent/Gaurdian reviewer.

First, it appears by the review that this parent has only one child at Flint Hill Elementary and that child is a Kindergartener during the virtual learning period. So I suspect half of the trite and uninformed comments arose from an exceptional experience that affected everyone, but the other half must be attributed to the ignorance of this person.

We have had 10 years experience with Flint Hill Elem. and while I would not claim that the school is perfect, what I can attest to is the effort, diligence, integrity and caring shown by the teachers and staff. The principal that the other reviewer derides stands out as one of the most conscientious and professional educators that I have met. This principal and I have not always agreed, but I always respected her viewpoint. The other reviewer's assessment of the principal as someone happy with sub-par instruction could not be further from the truth. This principal spends many hours obsessing over giving all of the school's students the best instructional services within the school's resources.

Second, the other reviewer comments on the special education services at the school, but admits to having no child receiving special education services at the school. Again, trite and uninformed comments by someone who appears to be an irascible person.

Posted: May 15, 2022

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Posted: January 5, 2022

What an unprecedented year—and what a wonderful job my children’s teachers are doing!

Being back in the building has helped my children become more confident learners, and I contribute this to the excellent care and concern I witness from my staff and administration. I’m grateful for Flint Hill!

Fantastic communication, a focus on higher-level strategies, and both my children (first and third grade) are getting what they need.

Posted: January 5, 2022

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Posted: October 11, 2020

Last year, there was the theme of #gritgracegoals. This is how I would describe the school. The staff is caring and dedicated. As a parent I feel heard. I know my child is getting the best possible education.

Posted: October 11, 2020

There is very little, if any, homework. We are in a pandemic, and the county believes that learning online is taxing and that students should do homework type activities on Mondays.

Posted: October 11, 2020

These are the best teachers my children have ever had. There are new teachers in every grade level with more change happening two years ago. Teachers are hard working and highly educated. My children's teachers have more than one degree in education. I appreciate their committment to learning.

Posted: October 11, 2020

The school has increased its focus on social and emotional teaching. Children are learning how to identify emotions and other executive function skills. The teachers do a lot with the county's Portrait of a Graduate skills. Teachers use books to social topics and decision making. My favorite experience that the school did was "A Walk in My Shoes." Children learned about students with disabilities. This experience had my fifth grader talking about it for weeks!

Posted: October 11, 2020

This is an absolute yes. The special education team is remarkable. The do pull students in small groups--even while we are online. I find it concerning that a parent below would comment on something she doesn't experience. My kindergarten child is pulled in small groups and even has individual check-ins. The teacher follows-up with me on a weekly basis about behavior and participation. She is always giving me feedback. I know that teaching virtually has not been easy, but the teachers and admin are doing a great job!

Posted: October 11, 2020

My child hasn't had any experiences with bullying, but I know there are lessons that they learn to support students in knowing what to do if they see bullying.

Posted: September 30, 2020

there really is no homework which is in line with current educational research.

Posted: September 30, 2020

virtual kindergarten is completely horrible. you can't keep 5 year olds in front of a screen for hours at a time with a lecture doing the same thing every day. my daughter hates school now and i blame that 100% on the teacher that makes it dreadful.

Posted: September 30, 2020

I think they could so this, and they want to do this, but they have not figured out how to do this through a computer.

Posted: September 30, 2020

this principal is passive aggressive at best. her emails may say "warmly" at the bottom, but her message is that families should just shut up and be happy with sub par education,

Posted: September 30, 2020

don't expect to get any real services if you have an IEP. we don't have one, but i have friends with kids who do and they don't get anything close to what they should. a special ed teacher watching an online class is not support when a kid can't participate.

Posted: September 30, 2020

i have no experience with this because we are in kindergarten and its on the computer.

Posted: September 30, 2020

i am so dissatisfied with this schools district in general, but especially this school. my daughter is in a pod with other kindergarteners at other schools and the level of instruction and the delivery of instruction is pitiful compared to the other kindergartens. there is no fun. we stare all day at a fan on the ceiling and half the teacher's face. they are teaching to the LOWEST common denominator which means more than half the kids are disengaged. we are now looking for homes in a better neighborhood - probably a different district since this one can't do anything except pander to fear mongering.

Posted: July 27, 2020

Wonderful school! We feel extremely lucky to have a school of this quality in the neighborhood during this very trying time. Lots of parent participation and the students benefit from close working relationships with teachers.

Posted: July 27, 2020

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Posted: May 31, 2020

Outstanding. I was surprised by another's review on here from April. We were 6 weeks into Distance Learning, and this parent may have been feeling overwhelmed. Personally, I think this school is doing an incredible job with Distance Learning. Small groups for all students. This is not easy! To any parent who does not feel that their child is getting an A+ education, I encourage you to speak with administration and not just vent online. There is nothing they would not do to improve your child's learning experience.

Posted: May 31, 2020

Currently, my children are learning virtually, across 4 grade levels. While homework has shifted as instruction is online, I have found that homework has been used, historically, to reinforce what was taught in class. I like that my son has access to extensions since he is in advanced math.

Posted: May 31, 2020

With children in 4 different grade levels, I feel that I can speak to a wealth of experience here. The teachers are absolutely incredible! We transferred from another school, not too far away, and the difference between schools has been a positive one. I have found that the teachers are flexible if you need to meet with them, they offer insightful and timely feedback, and contact you if there are issues. This means a lot to me as a parent. I feel like the teachers are truly invested. My youngest daughter is rather quiet, and still her teacher knew when she was having difficulty with her reading. I especially appreciate the tools teachers use to instruct. As a former reading teacher myself, I appreciate the investment in Fountas and Pinnell.

Posted: May 31, 2020

Each year, there seems to be a focus on Social Emotional Learning. They use a Responsive Classroom approach throughout the school, and this year, they focused on Executive Function.

Posted: May 31, 2020

The administration is innovative and seeks to develop their teachers using a schoolwide approach, and you will not meet a more dedicated professional than the principal. She is sweet and thoughtful beyond measure. I love listening to her during PTA meetings which I can't always attend, so I appreciate that they are often livestreamed. The communication between home and school is awesome! I like how the school pursues advanced academic opportunities for all students and uses Harvard Project Zero thinking routines across classrooms. My children use these at home!

Posted: May 31, 2020

Without a doubt. I am in awe of these teachers. I have volunteered often in the school, and to watch them differentiate is a thing of beauty. They prove it can be done and done well!

Posted: May 31, 2020

I have not witnessed this first hand, but a friend of mine's son was being bullied on the bus and school administration was quick to take action.

Posted: April 13, 2020

With rare exceptions, my kid had no homework at all.

Posted: April 13, 2020

My kid's teachers spent a lot of time on leave, including week long family visits. My kid did not had continuity of instruction because she had substitutes very often. Her AART seemed very disinterested and routinely gave form answers with no informational content about basic things, such as what she is doing in school. In some cases when I reached out to teachers on academic matters I didn't even get a response.

Posted: April 13, 2020

The school seems more dedicated to providing an amusement park like atmosphere than to provide a solid educational environment. While I understand that the positive attitude is helpful for learning, I don't think it's helpful if my kid's primary take away from school is a new found video game habit which is endorsed by the school.

Posted: April 13, 2020

The school does not encourage individuality and my kid came home telling me that she doesn't want to try to achieve, because it's important to be in the middle. She also told me that she didn't feel comfortable complaining when she saw someone doing something wrong because she said the teacher discouraged that.

Posted: April 13, 2020

I have the sense that the school does not take my child or her education seriously. I feel like she does not have the support of her school. Grading in many cases seems arbitrary and without set standards. Teachers will tell you everything is great in parent teacher conferences, but in cases where you don't have a 4 there is no explanation as to why, or what your child needs to work on to improve. In talking to teachers I was left with the impression that they sometimes give 3 on a whim so that they can demonstrate an improvement by the end of the year.

Posted: June 29, 2019

Overall, my kids have had a favorable experience with Flint Hill. I am grateful to the combination of teachers, staff and leadership at this school.

Posted: June 29, 2019

Posted: June 29, 2019

Flint Hill has many excellent teachers who are caring, involved and committed to education. While every year there is natural turnover, the administration is determined to hiring only teachers with an established track record.

Posted: June 29, 2019

The tone comes from the leadership team and, in this regard, there is passion to develop students cognitively as well as socially and emotionally. Flint Hill has done an admirable job of developing a holistic character in its students.

Posted: June 29, 2019

The top 3 leadership positions (Principal, Assistant Principal and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher) has changed two years ago and there has been a substantial improvement in the energy, enthusiasm and commitment to education. The difference is like night and day. Leadership has made numerous changes that is putting the school and its students on a upward trajectory. The new leadership is transparent and highly engaged with students, parents and teachers.

Posted: June 29, 2019

Leadership has made a point in providing support to all of its student - from those with special needs to those needing more challenges. There is a strong special education team at this school.

Posted: June 29, 2019

While I was not impressed with the counselors to deal with the issue of bullying, once the leadership team is involved, the school treats cases of bullying with the seriousness it deserves.

Posted: June 24, 2019

I have felt that this school was in need of some change for some time. In the past couple of years, Flint Hill has made instructional changes that have positively impacted my child. I am grateful for the energy and enthusiasm of the entire staff.

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

My son had a teacher who was new to Flint Hill this year, and she brought a fresh approach to teaching, including opportunities that helped him develop his character.

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: June 24, 2019

There is a strong emphasis on high quality instruction for all students. Very knowledgeable administration. I have had many conversations with the Principal. She is highly regarded by the school and parent community and is a total sweetheart.

Posted: June 24, 2019

There is a lot of communication between my child's case manager, his classroom teacher, and me. I appreciate the weekly updates.

Posted: June 24, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

The kindergarten teachers and instructional assistants are simply amazing! They are kind, respectful, open to communicating with parents and provide a good amount of feedback on students performance throughout the year.

Posted: May 28, 2019

Posted: May 28, 2019

Ms. Hertzberg is AMAZING! She is open to giving and receiving feedback from parents, is forward thinking, striving to make FHES the BEST school for our students. Our school is going in a very positive direction since she joined the administration team. Teachers, parents and students respect her and she has changed the culture/environment of the entire school for the better.

Posted: May 28, 2019

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Posted: May 28, 2019

One of the best schools in the county!

Posted: September 7, 2018

Posted: September 7, 2018

Posted: September 7, 2018

Happy to be a part of such a caring school community!

Posted: September 7, 2018

Homework is provided as a review. My child is able to complete his homework independently.

Posted: September 7, 2018

There are many wonderful veteran Flint Hill teachers. My child has a teacher who is new to Flint Hill this year, and she is awesome! The staff is caring and enthusiastic.

Posted: September 7, 2018

We have received lots of information about Responsive Classroom, and I have read about a new social and emotional program that is literacy based.

Posted: September 7, 2018

Administration is energetic! The principal, now in her second year, is moving the school in the right direction! I often notice the principal giving students hugs, calling students by their names. She enjoys making personal connections.

Posted: July 11, 2018

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Posted: July 11, 2018

Great new leadership. Would like improvement in 5th grade teachers

Posted: July 11, 2018

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Posted: May 29, 2018

Posted: May 29, 2018

Our son's second grade teacher Ms. Thomas is amazing. If there were social issues at school we'd know about it right away and she's very good at teaching children to respect each other by her comments during a regular school day.

Posted: May 29, 2018

Flint Hill has had a new principal for about one year, Jennifer Hertzberg, after several decades under another principal. I never had any issues with the previous principal but heard rumors that he wasn't a teacher or parent favorite. I've heard nothing but GOOD things about this new principal. The teachers I've spoken to rave about her and how she makes a point of getting continuing education for the teachers paid for without them having to take vacation time to do it on their own. And I love her attitude about integrating the advanced academic program in and focusing on the importance of social inclusion for all. I've been impressed and think she'll make an already very good school even better.

Posted: May 29, 2018

Posted: May 29, 2018

Posted: May 29, 2018

We picked this school district (and this elementary school in particular) because it was rated so well when we moved into this school pyramid 9 years ago. Our children have been happy at Flint Hill. It's slipped a spot on GreatSchools since then but I think the new leadership is a welcome change for teachers, which reflects to the students, and I think it will head back up north of 7 with this principal's leadership. I think the school is better than some of the negative reviews give it credit for. Many very experienced teachers here as well.

Posted: May 29, 2018

Children aren't overloaded with homework. Homework usually starts no earlier than the second half of first grade. I'd say there was a lot of homework with some teachers in 3-4 grade and my 5th grader has a fair amount; my 2nd grader has almost none, unlike my elder son in 2nd grade when he had noticeably more homework.

Posted: May 17, 2018

very poor I wouldn't recommend this school to no parent

Posted: May 17, 2018

they barely had homework the entire year

Posted: May 17, 2018

both of my children has express to me how it made them feel when they had an issue and went to the teacher (always a lady teachers) they wouldn't listen

Posted: May 17, 2018

My son teacher yell in front of the whole class that he has ADHD. he was embarrassed

Posted: May 17, 2018

when my son contacted me telling about a child that threaten him by saying he was going to beat him up after school instead I called the teacher and informed her about this issue and she told the principal. when the principal pulled my son in the office her focus was why he called me.

Posted: February 27, 2018

They always have homework in Math. It seems that overall, Fairfax County prefers to keep homework to a minimum.

Posted: February 27, 2018

The teachers are great and truly care about what they are teaching.

Posted: February 27, 2018

Posted: February 27, 2018

We have a new principal who has made fabulous changes since she has started. She has an open door policy and wants to hear from parents and students. Our assistant principal is equally amazing.

Posted: February 27, 2018

They do cater to all children and different learning styles.

Posted: February 27, 2018

They have a 0 tolerance with this. They take bullying very seriously.

Posted: February 27, 2018

A 10! I am so pleased! I moved to this area for the schools and am so glad I did!

Posted: July 23, 2016

Teachers are dishonest and so are administrators. If your child is struggling don't expect them to communicate that information with you in a way that is even remotely helpful. If your child has a learning disability don't expect the school to care. I have met at least five parents who have been fighting with the school and their special education department because they have been trying to get special education support for their kids. One father of a little girl finally got his child evaluated after they denied his requests to evaluate her for four years in a row. They only did it because he hired someone to advocate for him.

Posted: July 23, 2016

It amazes me that this school has any good reviews. I wouldn't be surprised if the teachers and administrators were the ones writing them. The review that says "Prinicpal is good, but doesn't cater to the parents, so it upsets those zealous parents who want to control what goes on. He's a principal for the teachers, which is why the test scores are so high." was written by the Principal. There's no way that a parent wrote that and no parent would credit the creepy annoying Principal for the school's "high test scores". The Principal is a real piece of work. He has NO relationship with the kids and is clicky with the staff. He was right when he said that parents don't like him, but there are many reasons for parents, teachers and students not to like him. I don't have the time nor do I have the desire to ramble but I will say if you want your child to get an excellent education, don't enroll them at Flint Hill Elementary School.

Posted: May 26, 2015

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Posted: September 1, 2013

Fantastic environment. We've moved many times and will call this our last move. My children just completed first and second grades at Flint Hill Elementary. The PTA is fantastic for newcomers. The teachers we've had are supportive and responsive. There is always something going on extra-curricular between International night, Bingo night, Movie nights, etc. Definitely a great school community. We are minority students and this was our best investment.

Posted: July 4, 2013

We moved into our neighborhood because this school has a good reputation, but we have been very disappointed so far. Our first grader's writing is worse now than at the end of kindergarten. He didn't ever bring home any spelling words, any books to practice reading, or anything to indicate what he was doing in class. First graders have been left out on the playground without teachers realizing it, are not supervised enough for their age. There were large chunks of time spent on a computer program that "reads" to them in class. Dismissal for the entire school is disorderly. Art, music, PE, and Spanish have been good and are by far the best part of the school. We will give this school one more semester and if things don't improve we will be moving or finding a private school, both financial hardships, but worth it if if we can feel like our son is in a safe school where he is learning. Class sizes are really big at FHES, too, especially for kindergarten.