Sandburg Middle School in Alexandria

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	5/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning data from Virginia Department of Education, and using 2025 Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course data from Virginia Department of Education.
Student Growth	4/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Virginia Department of Education.

Posted: May 13, 2026

if you are planning on sending your kids here just know they are not safe stay far away this school is absolute garbage and a kid was curb stomped here and he almost died they also stole my computer and tore it limb from limb down to a molecular level

Posted: May 1, 2026

When Mr. Barker left, Sandburg quickly went downhill. Its bad, sad, and depressing. There is no school spirit. The building and student enrollment is too big for a middle school. There is so much negativity every single day to the point where it gets exhausting, stressful, and somewhat toxic. There are also a lot of fights and high-level drama situations on a weekly basis. Half the teachers here are not good. The school doesnt do a good job in motivating students to do better and be positive. Doesnt matter if your kid gets straight As or is a misbehaving one, theyll get overlooked unless theyre a favorite. Half of the administration does not possess the skill set to effectively support students and manage the school. This school is very messy. I wouldn't be a teacher here. If your child has to go to this school, I would monitor them like a hawk, ask questions, and demand accountability.

Posted: April 27, 2026

I walk into this school everyday expecting to get shot .

Posted: April 27, 2026

Personally, it all depends on what teachers you have and if they're actually good at their jobs. Overall, its a very big school with at least 1 fight a day. The elective choices are good, but there is hardly any free time if you don't finish all your work quickly. The school is very hard to navigate for the first few weeks and the bathroom setup is terrible.

Posted: March 5, 2026

its pretty underfunded and some teachers flat out just sit there

Posted: March 20, 2025

It's not really fun, and there's no homework in math which makes it harder for people to grasp the consept. I've been struggling with my mental health recently as I don't get a lot of support.

Posted: March 8, 2025

NOT A GOOD SCHOOL, DON'T GO. This school is bad; many others are better in Alexandria. Don't go. I'm making my way out of the trenches so I can go to West Poe already.

Posted: January 14, 2025

The environment in the school is really bad. Most of the teachers are really great, but there's always kids in class disrupting the teacher or yelling out slurs in the hallways, etc. Trust me, I hear kids yelling out slurs everyday. It's weird and uncomfortable, and wastes a lot of time during class. And the gym and hallways are littered with chips sometimes.
The principle made it more difficult to pass. Last year test scores were 65%, formative/assignments were 30%, and practice was 10%. But now they made test scores 70%, formative 25%, and practice 5%. Wow. So you're saying that formative and practice grades barely improve our grades now.
The principle worries more about punishing bad students rather than rewarding the good students. Like.. we can barely use the bathroom or get water because of the 15-15 rule and tardy sweeps. We also only have 5 minutes to use the bathroom, but all of the bathrooms are locked except for the cafeteria bathroom. So walking from your class to the cafeteria takes about 3 minutes already if you're a fast walker.
They also got rid of panther points. Panther points are rewarded to you by a teacher when you behave in class, and you can use the panther points to buy stuff. But they got removed in 2023. My cousin who went to Sandburg in 2022 said it encouraged her to do her work because it was fun collecting panther points. So I have no idea why they removed panther points.. cause literally it would improve the environment and encourage kids to act better. And then they wouldn't have to put a bunch of stupid rules.
So to sum it up: Bad environment, extremely strict and stupid rules, harsh punishments and no rewards except a piece of paper with your name on it. However, there are plenty of very good teachers that are nice. The school lunch also has decent food sometimes.

Posted: January 13, 2025

I do NOT like this school and let me tell you why, the rules are insane they're so strict. it feels like prison, no freedom, no nothing. also tell me why "away for way" is even a rule like that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. they want us to not use our phones and put them in our locker but what if there is an emergency like a shooting. you never know when its going to happen so its better to keep your phone close. they got me tweaking if they think I'm going to put away MY phone. like do you pay for it? how would you feel if the role was reverse and we took your phone. actually as a matter of fact most teachers use their phones while having a class attending. Mr.Underhill is such a bad principal don't even get me started on that, that's a WHOLEEEE different story. I've done enough yapping but my point is that this school is the worst, DO NOT GO HERE

Posted: January 13, 2025

I have attended this school for about two years, and since the new principal, Mr. Underhill, arrived, I have noticed that the school has significantly deteriorated. I was taken aback by the way I was treated, as it felt unfair and disheartening. It was an experience I hadn't anticipated, and it left me reflecting on how we interact with one another. I was surprised by the treatment I received, and I believe theres an opportunity for improvement in how we communicate with each other. I was not anticipating such unfavorable treatment in this situation. This experience has prompted me to consider how interactions can be improved to foster a more respectful environment. I would like to express my concerns regarding the challenges this school faces in providing adequate support to its students. It appears that their indifference towards the students is quite evident, and this lack of concern is reflected in their actions and decisions.

Posted: November 18, 2024

I'm in my last year in Sandburg and I've seen many atrocious events happen at this school. For example the prank 911 call, causing the entire school to go on lock down for 30mins+ and some had to evacuate. Police were involved but the administration really didn't care about how this effected the students. I remember I was in my 3rd period Science class and because of the lack of discipline and administrative help my class was very loud and the teacher didn't do anything. If that call would have been real our class would've been dead. This school does NOTHING in the hands of discipline and it really hurts that 1400+ students have gone through this.

Posted: November 14, 2024

This school has a major problem with disciplining their kids. Last year a kid prank called the cops & a month later another kid brought in a BB gun on the day of the Math VGA. Recently, on my bus route, kids keep tossing objects at each other & at the bus driver & even at on going cars! One day, a student threw their back-pack towards the bus driver's head & it caused the bus to get evacuated! If the back-pack hit the bus driver's head, it would've caused a crash! I'm only 1 week into the 2nd quarter of 8th grade, & I had to deal with this stuff. I also feel bad for the staff who have to deal with these kids. I like a lot of the teachers in this school, & they are easily the best part about this school. They get the blame for everyone of these incidents, which is just awful! I heard over 40 teachers left after last year, & some of them were even my 7th grade teachers. There has been enough said about Mr. Underhill, so i'll leave him out of this review. But still, I hope this school can improve.

Posted: May 21, 2024

Test scores really suck. Can't get my kid extra credit in any of his classes. Teachers are nice, but it has been really hard to work with the principal Mr. Underhill.

Posted: February 22, 2024

this school is trash, would not recommend.

Posted: February 22, 2024

I go to this school and it's a terrible place, all of the bathrooms are closed most of the time, it's dirty and we never go outside. The staff don't do anything to prevent fights and people, including me have been jumped. I would not recommend this place to anybody.

Posted: October 17, 2023

We had a legitimate lockdown because some kid prank-called 911, causing us to be in pitch-black, cramped spaces for over half an hour. Lots of kids were crying and we had two panic attacks. People were texting their parents their last words. The only highlights are band and choir- everything else is absolutely awful. The kids aren't ever engaged and I'm surprised many of them aren't clinically insane yet. DO NOT GO HERE.

Posted: August 17, 2022

The school has a large number of students, and usually has trouble accommodating for kids who have less access to resources.
Despite administrations attempts to make the school inclusive, the students who are people of color, part of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who dont identify as male are treated as inferior by students and some teachers alike. The kids with special needs are often called slurs, the queer kids are ridiculed or mocked, and racism is the last thing on teachers minds.
There is a small majority of students attempting to make the school better, you just have to look for them.

Posted: August 11, 2022

This school is the worst drugs sex assault racism homophobic and sexist I have learned barley anything the staff is not great at all and the people are awful after one year my mental helge went from a 6 to a 2 dont go here at all!!!!

Posted: April 4, 2022

My daughter attended Sandburg and had a great experience. The teachers and staff were awesome and really went the extra mile to engage the students. I send my child to school for a high quality education in english, math, and science. All else is secondary, but Sandburg also had very good band, choir, art, and dance programs that my daughter participated in and enjoyed. We consider a gem.

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: March 14, 2022

The band is good. They got a perfect score at assesment.

Posted: March 14, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

My daughters have had a very good experience at Sandburg. They had good teachers and the principal, Mr. Barker has been great. The oldest was well prepared for a variety of AP courses in High School.

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2021

I absolutely hate this place. There is sexual assault, racism, homophobia. There is not a more hateful place. Not to mention the staff is horrible

Posted: December 17, 2021

Posted: March 5, 2020

What leadership?? Such a lack of leadership is aad

Posted: March 5, 2020

They dont care if your child cant speak english, theyll just throw em right in with those who do which just causes mountains of problems

Posted: March 5, 2020

My children had horrific experiences and my daughter is now clinically depressed and have severe anxiety as the teachers dont care for anything they families have to say and only follow up if a teacher did something wrong and will then say what you said is invalid as you didnt report it soon enough. All im saying is dont send your children here.

Posted: March 5, 2020

Teachers dont want to hear any parents view on anything, which doesnt help much.

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: December 29, 2019

Both of my kids did well and really enjoyed this school. The teachers and all of the kids try extremely hard to make this a good school. There is a sense of community and it is situated in a lovely location. Everyone has different experiences and ours were positive.

Posted: December 29, 2019

Posted: December 2, 2015

The school is terrible and not challenging even for AAP students. The resources are devoted primarily to assisting students with behavioral issues or who don't speak any English or very little English. Look at the demographics and percentage of non- English speakers. The principal won't listen to complaints from parents or take constructive action in response. Instead he is very defensive of the staff and the school and can't see another side. I agree with the below - move to Vienna or Fairfax City or McLean.

Posted: September 8, 2014

My children are in advanced classes and they are not "good to go" per the other mails. This is an extremely poor, unchallenging school. It is run by who everyone says is an ex-Marine. However, being an ex-Marine does not qualify a person to be an educator or school administrator. It is over-crowded, bureaucratic, with no communication. If you move just a few miles away to Fairfax City, Vienna, Falls Church, your children can get a superior education with schools rated 9 or 10 by this site and U.S News and World Report.

Posted: April 9, 2014

If your child is in advanced classes, they will be good to go. However, my child states there is constant fighting in the hallway, mean kids, and a lot of bullying. Faculty and staff are great, but they can't help the attitudes and behaviors of all the students - it's unfortunate.

Posted: December 11, 2013

The parent review about bullying is a situation my child went through. The whole story about the principal not being available or caring at all is so true. I went through the same exact thing no that principal is NOT wonderful the total opposite. My child was punched in the face and I was not told until my child told me then I went to the school about it. I got a police report to document it and then I removed my child from that unfit place. Fairfax county has a good reputation BUT since leaving Fairfax county but still in Virginia my child is making A's & B's and have not had any issues with bullying or fighting at all. We should of moved our child a long time ago from that school. We are much happier now with a principal who cares. Better leadership will get you a greater school some people just like wearing a title and not living up to the responsibility of it.

Posted: October 12, 2013

Our child attended this school and was jumped by a boy in class and had his head slammed to the ground. The next day he was harassed by the boy's friends, who claimed to be gang members and threatened his life. The new principal, whom people strangely seem to think is so wonderful , refused to take our calls or requests for meetings. He never had a single conversation with our son, who was physically assaulted and verbally threatened on his watch. The vice principal, to whom we were referred by the principal's assistant, said that the only way they could ensure our son's safety was to put him in detention (what?) but they did not feel that the threats toward our son were "legitimate concerns". Our son still has a bone spur on the back of his skull as a reminder of that day. I am certain that principal cares for kids, but not all kids. He made it abundantly clear that he did not care about ours. Any school where the mantra is "keep your head down and you'll probably be okay". Is simply not okay. Obvious safety concerns aside, the academics are laughable, even in honors classes. 7th and 8th grade are important developmental years and our children deserve better.

Posted: January 17, 2013

My child is mentally disabled & has an IEP but is high functioning. My child was physically assualted at this school 2 times (documented). Teachers that are supposed to be special education trained do not know what is stimming. That is Autism 101 how do you not know what it is and what to do to prevent it. If you have a child with special needs and is in the general class I suggest you think twice about this school b/c I removed my child for his safety as well as his educational needs were not being fully met. The school being in a wealthy area is like a a sheep wearing wolf clothing....Do not be fooled. After my child was taken out of the school I then was contacted by the special education department chair.....Where was the communication & concern before we left. #SAD

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Hollin Hall Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0 mi
2	Riverside Gardens	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.1 mi
3	Stratford Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.4 mi
4	Waynewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.6 mi
5	Oakbrooke	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.6 mi
6	Plymouth Haven	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.6 mi
7	Collingwood on the Potomac	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.7 mi
8	Riverside Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	1.3 mi
9	Wessynton	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	1.6 mi
10	Hollin Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.2 mi
11	Grove at Huntley Meadow	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.3 mi
12	Huntley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.6 mi
13	Belle View	Condominium/Townhouse	Alexandria	VA	3.2 mi
14	Wilton Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.4 mi
15	Fort Belvoir Housing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort Belvoir	VA	4.7 mi
16	Midtown Alexandria Station	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.7 mi
17	Fords Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.8 mi
18	Burgundy Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	5 mi
19	Kingstowne	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	5 mi
20	Hayfield Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria/Kingstowne	VA	5.1 mi
21	Henry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	5.7 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Mt. Vernon	Alexandria	VA	2.5 mi
2	National Harbor	Fort Washington	MD	4.6 mi
3	Kingstowne	Alexandria	VA	5.1 mi
4	Old Town Alexandria	Alexandria	VA	5.4 mi

Base	Distance
Fort Belvoir	4.8 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	7.6 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	8.1 mi.
Henderson Hall	9.7 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	9.7 mi.
Pentagon	9.8 mi.
Fort McNair	10.1 mi.
Fort Myer	10.6 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	10.7 mi.
Andrews AFB	10.8 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	11 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	11.5 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	12.4 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	19 mi.
NRO Chantilly	23.5 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	24.9 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	26.7 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	30.6 mi.
US Naval Academy	35.6 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	36.6 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	42 mi.
Patuxent River NAS	47 mi.
Fort AP Hill	47.4 mi.

Sandburg Middle School

Alexandria, VA 22308

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Sandburg Middle School

Alexandria, VA 22308

School Ratings

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