Greenbriar East Elementary School

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2025

I’ve been really disappointed with this school. Many of the teachers don't seem to genuinely care about the students, and they don’t communicate well with parents. Concerns are often ignored or brushed aside, which leaves families feeling unsupported. Schools should keep parents informed and care about each child’s growth, but that hasn’t been my experience here.

Posted: October 8, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: September 17, 2025

The school is a family-friendly environment that feels safe and welcoming. However, it would benefit from more support from the county in providing well-trained and responsible teachers who can actively involve families in their child’s learning through stronger communication.

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

I love this school as it’s a wide range of students from all backgrounds. There are wonderful people around.

Posted: May 12, 2025

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

This school is extremely toxic with horrible bullying that is not dealt with in a timely or effective manner. My child was terribly bullied. Despite knowing there were issues, on a number of occasions these children were allowed to be around my child resulting in, at times, injury. This was all without staff apparently noticing.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: July 28, 2023

Our child was a student at GBE till 6th grade. Since the current regime took over just prior to COVID GBE has gotten worse and worse in terms of academics, toxic environment, and administrative indifference to all of the above.

Posted: July 28, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: February 23, 2023

As a student of GBE I would never let anyone go to this school in any way there is a lot of sexistem and this school is bad

Posted: February 23, 2023

Posted: June 7, 2021

Greenbriar East is not a GT center. It is a neighborhood school. The students comprise a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds from single family houses to the large apartment complexes that are on Route 50. The school is also very multicultural with many, many different languages being spoken in my kids' classes. I found that the teachers went out of their way to be helpful to all students. In my kids' classes, teachers responded over weekends, in the morning before class and in the evenings after classes. In this pandemic year, where keeping virtual students has been a challenge, the teachers went of out of their way, and out of the syllabus, by holding virtual sessions after class etc. The only complaint/observation I would have is that compared to other FCPS schools in the surrounding area, Greenbriar East students seem to have too much homework in the lower grades.

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Our kids went here for a year and found a toxic culture and acceptance of bullying. We weren’t alone, had other parents with similar complaints. We moved from the area a few years ago but the bullying in this school still comes out in dinner conversations.

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: April 9, 2021

Posted: February 20, 2020

biased teachers! Ostracizing children at such a young age (kindergarten) because children are being children. Not proactive at all, the teachers don't know how to separate children from one another....instead they make a child sit alone every day...looks like the teachers are bullies instead of the children at this school

Posted: February 20, 2020

Posted: February 20, 2020

Posted: February 20, 2020

Posted: February 20, 2020

Posted: February 20, 2020

Posted: February 20, 2020

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

Bullying is a major issue in this school .This school is very unsupportive and the teachers are biased.

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: November 6, 2017

Great guidance and communication with parents. I volunteer weekly in my daughters classroom.

Posted: November 6, 2017

Homework reinforces what they are learning that week.

Posted: November 6, 2017

My kids have had the best teachers. Mrs. Gill, MS. McCallum and Mrs. Barr. Patient, even tempered and nurturing.

Posted: November 6, 2017

My daughter has grown in holding herself accountable.

Posted: November 6, 2017

Leaders in the school urge parents to contribute to their education.

Posted: November 6, 2017

There are classes and teachers that support special needs.

Posted: November 6, 2017

We have not had an issue with bullying in this school.

Posted: March 20, 2017

School environment and teachers are very nice. Very talented teachers and very helpful.

Posted: March 20, 2017

Posted: March 20, 2017

Posted: March 20, 2017

Posted: March 20, 2017

Posted: March 20, 2017

Posted: March 20, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

My child has attended GBE for 2 years. We were coming from a small, religious private school and very apprehensive about making the jump to a large public school. My child is thriving at GBE and we have been beyond impressed with the care, level of teaching and PTA sponsored activities and opportunities for the students. The teachers are thorough, challenging and engaging. The administration is like most large public school in my opinion, which means a bit distant, but affects most students minimally. The "specials" teachers are who have impressed me the most - I have personally witnessed the PE teachers calling each child by name as they are dismissed out of the building onto buses, giving high fives for great days and encouraging kids to zip-up jackets on cold days. I am so thankful for the arts program here as my son loves art and music. The annual talent show is so much fun and also the relationship with Chantilly Arts is a wonderful opportunity for students to display artwork and enjoy others' works. GO ROADRUNNERS!!

Posted: December 24, 2016

Posted: December 24, 2016

Posted: December 24, 2016

Posted: December 24, 2016

Posted: December 24, 2016

Posted: December 24, 2016

Posted: December 24, 2016

My son attended 3rd grade here, and it was pretty appalling. His teacher did not allow more than one bathroom break, or opportunities to get water. She would bump into my son and knock him over "accidentally" at least once a week. And despite the fact that my son had thrived in school for the previous three years and all his specials teachers gave him appropriate marks, she gave him 1's and 2's on his report card when he had previously established a track record of 4's and 3's. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt initially thinking she was having problems at home or suffering from depression, but cruelty to a child is NEVER acceptable. A disgrace to the high calling of teaching.

Posted: September 9, 2016

Posted: September 9, 2016

I feel the homework given is just right, but we just started the 2nd grade year.

Posted: September 9, 2016

GBE has a strong student policy manual for rules and regulations that the students and parents have to sign. I believe GBE reinforces these rules and also rewards students for good behavior as well.

Posted: September 9, 2016

My daughter started at GBE when she was in 1st grade. We were very happy with her teacher and did well, she is now in 2nd grade. My daughter attends the SACC Before/After care, so she doesn't use the bus that much as the arrival time is almost 9am. Overall I have a positive rating for this school, but that could change, as with any school today. Some of the bad reviews in 2015 don't seem to be confirmed as yet, but we are only 1-year in so far and now we have started our 2nd year at GBE. My youngest will start at GBE next fall in 1st grade.

Posted: January 11, 2016

Posted: January 11, 2016

Posted: January 11, 2016

Posted: January 11, 2016

All three of my children have attended GBE and our experience has been a wonderful one. This school, led by a wonderful and truly caring principal, has prepared them for all future academic endeavors they will face. This school provided a solid foundation to learn and grow. I know that GBW gets a lot of the attention in the community for their gifted and talented program (which btw, your child can qualify for while attending GBE) but I can honestly say that I can't imagine my children having anymore of a positive elementary school experience. Wonderful teachers and a pervading culture of respect for others while instilling positive work habits that have served all three of my children well in their present and future academic challenges. A big beep, beep for the GBE roadrunners!

Posted: November 16, 2015

Posted: November 16, 2015

Posted: November 16, 2015

Posted: November 16, 2015

We are pretty impressed with GBE. The PTA is very active and i hear is much more efficient than many schools around. We have neighbors who have older children in the school and none of my close friends has any complaints with the school. My child is in kindergarten and its only been a couple months and so far but she and I both love the school. The office staff is very courteous and so are her teachers. We have had many wonderful activities going on in the school the past two months. Their website has a list of activities they do in a month and its refreshing to see literacy night, spirit night, book fair, fall festival etc,, just in the last two months. It might be too early though .. so I'll be updating this review as she grows up. I felt compelled to leave a review because we trust this website's reviews to give us a direction before moving to the area and i wanted to be of help.

Posted: May 15, 2015

I have 2 kids at the school. We are a military family, moved here 2.5 years ago and now... We never want to leave. Since the moment we got here we have had nothing but great teacher/staff experiences. I have a 2nd grader and an Preschooler on the spectrum with an IEP. The IEP team (school staff) really has gotten to know our son, it's great to see that someone else other than his parents can see all his positives aside from what he needs help with. My older child in second grade has had wonderful dedicated teachers both years. I have to say, she was bullied once on the school bus, she stood up for herself and has never been bothered again. I suggest you experience the school for yourselves, everyone has a different experience. I have had great experiences and I hope any future Parents at GBE do to.

Posted: May 11, 2015

Our problems started very first week with our children being spitted at their faces in the bus and did not end till now. Just yesterday my son was pinched and bullied by another child. We also have witnessed staff bullying kids many times as well. Our kids grown to be angry and stressed out as a result of the mistreatment in GBE.We sort of dismissed negative reviews prior to moving to the area, thinking they were isolated incidents but that was a big mistake on our part; the bullying culture in this school will not change for a long time since the principal herself refuses to acknowledge the problem. We have no choice but to move out since the transfer option is almost impossible. Our children made comments like adults are too angry and they always yell... Both of our kids are wonderful, bright and kind-hearted; everyday they cry not to go to school and their grades gradually went down. It breaks my heart to see them this way.Please think twice before you move in to the boundaries of GBE. If your child is trying to tell you what's going on, please listen and don't take it lightly and keep in mind that it's only a fraction of what's been going on. Good luck.

Posted: March 17, 2015

Worst decision as a parent. Sadly, all the negative comments are true. Key points for parents: Principal is very caring and responsive. Unfortunately, despite good intentions, she has failed to change the TOXIC culture. Two Assistant Principals (bad cops) reinforce a FEAR-driven culture. Admin staff is infamous as grumpy and unpleasant. This says a lot. Maybe not fair, but they really do seem to hate their jobs, and, what's worse, they seem to dislike kids. A smile costs extra. The "counselors" are no better. Serve as a resource to help with peer conflict? "Huh, what s that? Your child is the problem." They use a violation system called "Think Sheets". It's like some bad dystopian movie with enslaved kids. Bottom line, go elsewhere. GBE has an inferiority complex with GBW. Maybe there they will treat your kids as they deserve: curious young minds that need creative engagement, positive feedback, and, dare I say, someone to believe in them.

Posted: October 20, 2014

My children have attended GBE for three years, and I have been generally happy with their education there. There are a few bad apples, but that doesn't seem to spoil the bunch. I don't get the bad reviews about the principal. I've found her to be caring, honest, and available (except for a health crisis that couldn't be helped). We try to attend events put on by the school, such as the fall festival and Veteran's Day concert, dances, bingo night, etc., and it always seems like lots of people are there. It does seem like the same group of volunteers each time, but that could be because the neighborhood and parent teacher organization are very cliquish. I can't attend the 9:30 a.m. meetings because I work in DC and can't take time off during the day to go. Several of the teachers we have had don't use Blackboard, which I think is very frustrating, especially when my children aren't very forthcoming about upcoming tests/work/etc.

Posted: September 25, 2014

There some good teachers but there are some really bad teachers in certain programs at this school. I was very happy to remove my child out of this school. My child has made much progress after changing schools. However, I believe the communicate from former teacher has not helped at her new school. Bullying was a major problem.

Posted: August 27, 2014

My son and I love GBE. He is now in the 5th grade and has been in this school since K. He has always had the nicest sweetest teachers anyone could ask for. The staff and teachers are extremely helpful and very responsive to emails or even when you visit on site. The counselor has always been very supportive when I needed guidance with my son in his learning and behavior and as a single mom (who still struggles on how to do things right for my son) I needed direction on how I should proceed. The music teacher was and is wonderful and very helpful when we needed guidance on renting instruments. They provide many diverse activities for the kids to keep them engaged and are very focused on everyone being respectful. I wish they taught a foreign language like Spanish would be all I could say that is missing. The school itself is beautiful, recently renovated, bright, clean, and provides and overall happy environment. I am not sure about the other 2 negative reviews on this site but if you ask for help in a friendly and nice way you get the help you need from the staff. They have always been extremely friendly, kind and helpful.

Posted: June 2, 2014

While the community has a great location and Greenbriar has many friendly neighbors the staff especially the nurse who doesn't show any concern..actually the whole administrative staff acts like they hate their job, that your problem is not important and they have the "I could care less attitude." I'm not the only one who feels this way. Be aware before you call because they make you feel like you are bothering them! The nurse says she's not even a registered nurse! Basically you have to be the nurse of your own child and when your kid falls and gets hurt they don't even notify you. Counselors are not even helpful unless it's an issue in the school. So make sure you have your own doctors, nurses, and counselors OUT of this school because this school could care less!

Posted: January 18, 2014

School is dull, teachers are never predictable. having moved from CT where my two kids went to the greatest school ever "french town", it has been a terrible experience and a horrible downgrade that I will regret for the rest of my life. As one of the reviews mentioned, I can't imagine how they treat my children when I'm not there, and my fingers are crossed that we can move soon and away from this bad experience. BTW. we are seriously moving just to move our kids from this school.

Posted: October 17, 2013

Education- its not bad but my son is bored because he has remembered the last half of last years teachings. (Being the first half of the year is a repeat of the last half of last years.) Kids/staff- Bullying is a major issue. Staff does nothing.. kids make fun of other kids names/ethnicities on a daily basis, the "bus patrol" that is older kids supposed to ensure the safety and well being of the other kids is a power trip for these "patrols", making fun of the younger kids and forcing the small kids to say swear words or calling them names. My son tells me stories everyday how someone has been threatened to get beat up (he was threatened yesterday by a 5th grader who has been bullying him since the first day of school, go figure its mid October and yet to this day an adult has yet to do a thing!) To sum it up, disgusted. This is bully heaven.

Posted: August 25, 2013

We've been at GBE for 3 years and I love it! My youngest son has been lucky enough to get great teacher's every year. My oldest son only went one year there, but also got a great teacher. I do a lot of volunteer work at the school and have gotten to know most of the teacher's and staff. They always ask about my oldest son, sincerely wanting to know how he's doing. Mrs. Cohen is a very dedicated principal. If you drive by GBE at night, after everyone else has gone home, you will see she is still there. She always is at the dances and bingo nights along with several of the teacher's. We also had teacher's participate in the Family Fun Run. Coming from a school in CA where it was all about "what can you do for my school" to "what can I do for your child", this is really just amazing! There needs to be more parent involvement though, you always see the same parents every time signing up to help out and then other parents complaining about it.

Posted: June 4, 2013

I want to like Greenbriar East but it's just too hard. There is terrible bullying going on in this school. Concerned parents, such as myself, have brought this to the attention of teachers and counselors and nothing is ever done. Staff acts like they care when you are talking to them about it but nothing ever changes. It's a big problem there and the school prefers to turn it's cheek. I do not think the staff is very invested in their school. I have never been to any after school activity in my 4 years there and seen ANY teachers. They don't show up to dances, movies, family fun nights or even a restaurant spirit night.

Posted: March 24, 2013

The day after the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, GBE Principal Linda Cohen sent an email to parents that began, I wanted to send you a special message to let you know that the GBE staff and I welcomed your children to school this morning with smiles and open hearts. We appreciate your trust and we will continue to do everything we can to keep your children safe Despite small criticisms I have about the school, it is clear to me that GBE is run by an incredible woman who loves, respects and cares about the kids there. I have two children who attend the school. My second grader especially loves his current teacher, Mrs. Ashforth, who is kindhearted and understanding about his particular needs. We haven t had as nice a relationship with the kindergarten teacher, but I suspect that s because of personality differences, and not because she isn t good at her job. Parent involvement seems high at GBE. Events such as the Fall Festival are well-attended and manned. PTA meetings were switched to evenings to accomodate working parents. All in all, I would say that GBE is a good school run by caring and intelligent people. My children have been very happy there.

Posted: February 24, 2013

I'll start by saying that our oldest child had a GREAT Kindergarten teacher, but it's been increasingly horrible ever since. This school is from a different era. The demographics of this area have changed dramatically, yet the school staff looks like it's circa 1958. They have low expectations and consistently project their own stereotypes on certain segments of the school population. When challenged, they have no basis for their false claims, but the damage has already been done. While this is bad enough, know that it can get worse...their SACC program is a great example.. Working with large groups of children can be extremely challenging, but they signed up for this gig. I don't know that I've encountered so many rude and down right nasty professionals/para professionals in one setting...and make no mistake, they have no problem being mean-- borderline abusive to other children in front of you..I can only imagine how they treat my children when I'm not there...fingers crossed that we can sell our house as we know that this county has good schools.

Posted: June 17, 2012

we are very happy that we chose this school, My son is doing great and the teachers are excellent mostly my sons teacher we love her she is very kind.