Lorien Wood School in Vienna | Military Town Advisor

Posted: January 15, 2026

I am a former student am I urge anyone thinking of going here to reconsider the head of the school is very controlling and will yell at students the teachers are leaving and being replaced with people that are unqualified a lot of families are leaving and even board members are leaving or being asked to leave because they had a different opinion then the head of school who is on and controls the board this school has wrecked my mental health and I am so happy I was able to leave so anyone thinking of going here I beg you to reconsider

Posted: August 1, 2025

I have been at Lorien wood for a while and when you in elementary school its fine but once you reach middle school its terrible. the principal is very controlling and mean. We cant do anything about it because she is on the board. The school has been downhill since 2020 and we have almost no students. I cant wait to make it out of this asylum.

Posted: August 1, 2025

I would not recommend this school to anybody. The principal is rude and controling. They don't value safety at all.

Posted: November 11, 2024

We have been at Lorien Wood for many years. While our children have had ups and downs, we think they have had an excellent education. They love to learn and are challenged well. The school has a care for the character of students, as well: honesty, grit, integrity, etc. Some reviewers complain that the leadership or teachers are tough on the kids/parents. Well, no one is perfect, but I am confident that every teacher and admin really wants the best for my children. Im also confident my kids will do well in their next steps, because of the rigor of their learning, etc.

Posted: May 23, 2024

The school originally seemed nice, and the watershed year is. But after that, the grades go steadily downhill at Lorien Wood. Lorien Wood School is a private Christian school in Vienna, Virginia. It has a reputation for being academically rigorous and having a strong sense of community. However, there are also many complaints about the school's principal, who has too much power and is too quick to punish students. She has an autocratic leadership style. The principal makes all of the decisions at the school, and she does not tolerate dissent. Parents and teachers who disagree with her are often ignored or punished. She is even on the school board, which seems ridiculous because the board exists to prevent the principal from doing anything to jeopardize the school. Another thing is, how unclear the grading system is. Because Lorien Wood doesn't do SATs or SOLs, their grading is based mainly on the teacher's observation, and as we all know, teachers can be extremely unfair, and even biased.

Posted: May 23, 2024

Posted: May 21, 2024

I was very disappointed. I hope I will never make another mistake like this.

Posted: April 9, 2024

Without question, sending our son to Lorien Wood was the worst parenting decision my wife and I ever made. We enrolled him when public schools were closed due to covid. Over the 2.5 years he was there, the faculty was constantly changing and the head of school had an absolute vitriol for anyone who crossed her. Upon our departure from Lorien Wood, we were made very aware that the academics at the school are so very behind any public school. They refuse to embrace any sort of technology (knowledge of a computer in these times is quite critical) and as wonderful as a Christian school might sound, everything was centered around God and religion. I would encourage anyone considering enrolling their child to seriously reconsider.

Posted: March 10, 2024

There is a mass exodus happening from this school for a reason. There is no one to address concerns about faculty or head master. The school lacks accreditation. Teachers with education credentials have departed. Children are targeted by the staff. There is nothing truly Christian about this school. Many families said they are just keeping their heads down until they leave.

Posted: February 7, 2024

I really enjoyed this school. Very Good!

Posted: January 9, 2024

I recently learned, through my child, that another teacher has left at Lorien Wood School mid-year, and I'm quite concerned about the situation. The fact that the Head of School didn't inform the parents is alarming, and it's not the first time something like this has happened. In general, the administration is quite secretive, which doesn't bode well for the school's transparency and accountability. When I enrolled my kids in the school, I had high hopes for its nurturing environment, joyful discoveries, and outdoor education. However, I soon realized that the reality is quite different. The Head of School exerts much control over the teachers, and anyone who doesn't conform to her ways is ostracized. Moreover, the school's idea of outdoor education is quite limited, consisting mainly of doing classwork in a garden or reading in a hammock. This is hardly the kind of outdoor education that I had in mind. What's more concerning is the high turnover rate among teachers and families. Over the past few years, I have counted at least 12 teachers who have left the school, which is quite alarming for a small school. Even families are leaving the school, which is a major red flag. It's time to question the leadership at Lorien Wood and think twice before enrolling your kids in the school.

Posted: January 6, 2024

My experience with Lorien Wood has been profoundly disappointing, leading me to question the integrity of its administration and the purported values of this Christian institution.

Unfortunately, The head of school leaves much to be desired regarding leadership. Her demeanor is consistently condescending, asserting an unwarranted belief in her understanding of students that surpasses even that of their parents. Behind closed doors, her communication style devolves into unprofessional and undignified behavior, marked by raised voices and a lack of decorum unbecoming of a figure in a position of authority within an educational setting.

Regrettably, the academic standards at Lorien Wood no longer stand up to the standard it had many years ago. The grading system appears inconsistent, as if subject to the Head of School's personal whims rather than the teacher's assessment of the children. Such practices undermine the institution's educational integrity and counter its values.

The exodus of teachers and families in recent years is a glaring red flag and indicates systemic issues within the administration. Teachers leaving mid-year is a common occurrence, which speaks volumes about the toxic environment fostered by the administration. Such a pattern of departures clearly indicates that the school may be failing in its duty to provide a stable, supportive, loving, and Christ-like learning environment.

Please note that some positive reviews on this website have been written by board members, teachers, or personal friends of the Head of School to help the school's rating. I know this because I was approached to write a review to help with their ratings a few years back.

Given these observations, I caution prospective families against enrolling at Lorien Wood. Despite the initial appeal presented by the Head of School, the institution fails to deliver on its promises. I recommend looking elsewhere for those seeking a nurturing, academically rigorous, and professionally managed educational experience.

Posted: December 16, 2023

We have been at Lorien Wood for two years and absolutely love it. Its a unique mix of academics, creative engagement for learning, and spiritual integration. We are so pleased with the way the school invites the whole child into every aspect of learning. We feel like we have an incredible partnership in raising our daughter to be well-rounded, academically prepared, spiritually mature, and creatively engaged with the world around her.

We cant recommend the school highly enough!

Posted: November 15, 2023

Every school has ups and downs, but at the core, Lorien Wood truly strives to serve their students and families well. Our son LOVES school and has grown both academically and personally over the years hes attended. Hes been challenged appropriately and we have had a positive partnership with his teachers each year. Drama exists everywhere but only if you choose to engage. Our experience has been positive and our focus remains the spiritual, social, academic, and emotional growth of our child. And we have been so thankful Lorien Wood holds an important role in his life!

Posted: June 7, 2023

This school is lacking in all areas. My child did not enjoy the year at all. 10/10 do not reccomend.

Posted: February 8, 2023

When I walked in the door and listened to the presentation for the Lorien Wood open house it seemed like the perfect school, we were so thrilled to be there. Sadly it going to Lorien Wood turned out to be one of the worst parenting decisions we ever made. Looking back my child and I were trying to come up with some good that came from the (thankfully short) experience we had there. Some wonderful Christian families attend, and the curriculum is beautiful. However, many of these wonderful families and most all of the original teachers have left in the past few years because the head of school and the board are bullies. It makes sense then why physical bullying is overlooked and tolerated there. Criticisms and suggestions are treated as offenses. It is an incredibly unhealthy environment. Sometimes my child still comments "remember when I went to that school that I didn't feel safe at? Nobody cared I was being hurt?"

Posted: June 24, 2022

We have not had the same experience that is being reported by some reviewers. I am unclear what has precipitated such a strong response and it makes me sad to know that such a disagreement and harm has occurred. I have been impressed by the rigor of teaching associated with the teachers my children have had especially in the past two years (during Covid-19). We have not been at the school long enough to know what went before us so I can't speak to that. I pray that whatever division is or has been created that it would be healed and that the love of Christ would be throughout this school, its teachers, its administrators, its leadership and its parent and school community.

Posted: June 19, 2022

This school seems wonderful and God-focused on the outside, but I urge you to look elsewhere for your childs education. The current leadership, like many have reported before me, is cliquey, prideful, and impenetrable to any form of feedback. Any parents, students, or faculty that dare speak up about the way things are done (indeed the school was founded by parents, as a way to make sure their children received the education they desired) they are thrown out, banished from the school, in front of everybody. They do not lead like Christ would, they hoard power and only wish to get stronger. If a family is in crisis, they will ignore their problems, taunt them behind their backs, and do the opposite of helping, which is not what Jesus would have done. This school is a wolf in sheeps clothing, and gives Christianity a bad look. The academics as well are subpar your child will struggle when they reach high school, as the teaching style is so different and the content so much denser in a traditional school, especially most of the public high schools in the area. Please, dont give these people your money, find somewhere else!

Posted: May 15, 2022

Coming out of two years of schooling during a pandemic, I have been very pleased with the in-person learning that my children have received. Not only are they getting an education from a Christian perspective, but they are getting an excellent education. I am puzzled by some of the recent negative reviews, as that has not been our experience at the school. I mean, you know what they say, you are not as good as your greatest review, and not as bad as your worst. But I would recommend Lorien Wood School to any family who is interested in an excellent education from a Biblical Worldview, which emphasizes the integral nature of the world, and which encourages children to be active and involved and not just read from a pre-packaged curriculum.

Posted: May 14, 2022

I would not recommend this school to anyone. The more recent positive reviews here are no doubt written by parents who are friends with the Head of School or are Board members. From what I have heard, the school used to be a Christ-centered school under the original leadership. Sadly, a new Head of School changed a lot of things. I keep praying that God will take charge again and bring the school back to its full glory (His glory) - where families and students feel safe, valued and loved. The ideas of the school are wonderful but are only possible with God-fearing leaders who search for His will to be done.

Posted: May 12, 2022

Lorien Wood has changed so much in recent years - unfortunately the current leadership is driving out wonderful teachers and quickly filling positions without training or equipping new teachers. The children suffer and the parents, even valued Board members, are threatened to be silent or get kicked out. Once a light in the community, the school will crumble where there is a lack of trust and honest communication between leadership, faculty, and parents.

Posted: May 5, 2022

Greatest school ever. Amazing how much the teachers care about the students and how much children are able to grow!

Posted: May 5, 2022

Posted: April 15, 2022

When we first started at Lorien Wood, we were impressed with the quality of teaching and the Christ-centered community that we joined. Now, it seems as if there is a great deal of fear amongst both parents and students who engage with LW leadership. We are saddened by the change in this school and the way that family voices are silenced. It was our hope that we had become part of a learning community characterized by innovative learning within a biblical framework. Now, we're convinced that the inner circle mindset that Lorien Wood promotes takes precedence over both teachers and students.

Posted: April 15, 2022

Posted: March 12, 2022

It's been difficult to see Lorien Wood fall so far in recent years. A once wonderful school is being driven into the ground by the current leadership. Key members of the board have or are benefiting too much from side deals to make waves, and the remaining board members are too afraid to speak up. Staff and families walk on eggshells because if you dare to voice concern, you are attacked and driven out in a very public way. And know this: when you see cute posts on social media saying, "Look how many hats our head of school wears", she is wearing these hats because qualified people are not allowed to do their jobs with integrity.

Posted: March 12, 2022

Posted: March 10, 2022

Please do your research. This is neither Christ centered or a reputable place to send your child. Cancel culture exists here. If you dont agree they terminate your enrollment immediately and leaves your child without a school to attend mid year. The head of the school disrespects the kids. Beware! There are other places in the area to send your kids. This is one of the cheapest private schools in the area. You get what you pay for.

Posted: March 10, 2022

Posted: April 18, 2020

Were at a public high school now and I didnt really understand what the differences were until now. At Lorien Wood, my child wasn't allowed to be friends with a child of the opposite gender without a chaperone- now they have lots of friends of both genders and it seems healthier. The Board chair at Loren Wood would tell me to send these emails to my own friends and I didn't understand how it was strange until being in a "regular" school where the principal doesnt get involved in my personal life. The transition for classes was t.o.u.g.h. as the classes are so much harder. I sort of wish we had moved earlier.

Posted: February 23, 2020

I particularly appreciate the "scaffolding" approach to homework: in the younger grades, the children have very little homework, which is in line with current research emphasizing the importance of unstructured time for elementary school children. As the kids approach, and start in middle school, they are expected to do much more, but with school support. For instance, in 5th grade, most projects are done in class, with hands on teacher help. In 6th grade, it is about half and half, with teachers expecting work to be done at home, but then carefully edited and checked at school with advice and encouragement. By 7th and 8th grade, most of the work is done at home/on the student's time, rather than in class, but there is a lot of encouragement for planning. All this is in preparation for the child to effectively navigate the work in high school.

Posted: February 23, 2020

Over the past several years the school has hired more and more experienced teachers. One of the things I particularly note about teachers is how well they know my children. This is good for my kids as the teachers understand how each child best learns. It is challenging to me, as a parent, as the teachers have more experience and knowledge of developmental issues of children in general, and while I don't like to hear that sometimes one of my children is behaving atypically, it is such a blessing that they care enough about all of the children to raise the issue with me.

Posted: February 23, 2020

This is a hard one. I think that the school tries very hard to encourage character development. It is one of the Distinctives of the school. However, obviously all children are children, and from a Christian perspective, all are sinners. I think the main difference is that where some schools merely punish poor behavior, Lorien Wood takes a redemptive approach: helping children come back into right relationship with each other, with the teachers, and with God.

Posted: February 23, 2020

Our family has been at Lorien Wood through the original and current Head of School. Both have their strengths, but the current administrator is highly qualified to do the day to day administration while at the same time has experience and education as a teacher. This means that the teachers are very supported and the school is being run very efficiently. That is one of the reasons that tuition at Lorien Wood is an incredible value for the area. I was talking to one of my child's former teachers, who has been at the school from nearly the beginning, and she said that the faculty is more unified than ever, that the leadership of the school is incredibly supportive of her. That's good, because as a parent, I want the teachers to be happy in their jobs!

Posted: February 23, 2020

One of the Distinctives of the school is nurturing the uniqueness of each child. Because of the small class sizes, teachers are able to give more attention to each student. I have seen students with significant learning challenges be supported in a compassionate and productive way. I have also seen children with more skills in certain areas take advantage of advanced classes. While the school is too small to have specialized "resource teachers" like a public school might, I have been overall very impressed by the ability of the school and teachers to challenge my advanced student, and to accommodate my student that has more specialized needs.

Posted: February 23, 2020

Our family has been at Lorien Wood for eight years now. We have had an extremely positive experience. It is a community, and sometimes there are differences of opinion, and you rub against each other. The mark of mature community members is that they raise issues in person and work things out. I, myself, have had disagreements with the previous and the current head of school, and with a teacher or two. But we are not a community of 'yes-men' so that is to be expected. But I have been very happy with the overall vision and mission, and the execution of those, at school, so any areas of disagreement fade into the background for me. And Lorien Wood is a unique school with a specific way of approaching education. It has been great for our family, but I can see that it is not for everyone. And that is totally okay! There are many schools to choose from. I have read some of the negative reviews on this site, and they are puzzling. It makes me think that those folks must have never really understood the LW educational model or something. I mean, it is like they are describing a school and faculty that are completely different from what I have experienced.

In addition to the fact that I think my children are receiving an excellent education (though I am not an educator, members of my family are and have been very impressed by the curriculum.) I like the fact that there are at least 3-5 parents at recess and another 3-4 at lunch every day. I like that there is a parent of the day present at school manning the front desk. I like that the head of school pops in and out of classrooms all the time, keeping her finger on the pulse of "happenings." I like that the children actually read the Bible during Opening and Chapel (for the bigs), in addition to the critical thinking about worldview that is integral in classroom teaching. I like the fact that my children are outside for solid chunks of time every day. I like the fact that some of the founders of the school are still there and in volunteer leadership positions. We have been very happy at Lorien Wood.

Just for the record, I am a parent only. I am NOT on staff at the school (several teachers and administrative staff are also parents as well as staff), but I have jumped in to help in many different areas, and that has given me an appreciation of all that the faculty and staff do for the children and families.

Posted: February 14, 2020

I havent felt so judged in a long time its like stepping back into middle school. The academics arent stellar for this area, so youd have to come here for the Christian values, but then you realize that school leadership has this in-crowd mindset that isnt biblical and theres lots of talking behind peoples backs and judgey-judgey attitudes and pride- oh that thorny pride in not admitting they made any mistakes any problems are the parents fault for not having a positive enough attitude (seriously, folks, you cant make this stuff up) sigh Recess is also risky, staffed by parents who don't always watch carefully, and there is not a medical professional on staff. The school nurse is just a parent, not someone who stays at the school. My kid got hit in the head so bad they had a really bad headache and no one called me to tell me it happened. My kid got lice multiple times.. yuck. Deciding to leave this school was a clear winner for my family and a lot of other families are leaving as well. Looking at the negative reviews from 2011-2012, things havent changed here. All the positive reviews are over the top positive maybe because people have been kicked out for not having a positive attitude. If youre thinking about Christian schools in this area you might want to read up on toxic churches.

Posted: November 6, 2019

My family has been at this school for five years. We have been through all the different forms and have a great love for Lorien Wood. The teachers are wonderful. They really get to know each student and want the best for their students. My children have learned so much. I think one of their greatest skills they have learned is to be critical thinkers. My children love going to school! The administration and the school board are approachable, open and caring. They are always looking for ways to gather the community together.

Posted: November 6, 2019

The teachers at Lorien Wood understand the importance of children being children. Teachers are not sending home hours of work for the children to do to justify having "homework." Instead, the teachers require students to read for a certain amount of time each night to help foster a love of reading. Teachers do send home other assignments, but they are meant to be a review, not for parents to lose their minds in helping their child learn information.

Posted: November 6, 2019

The teachers at Lorien Wood inspire hope, ignite the children's imagination and instill a love of learning. They take the time to get to know the students and the students needs.

Posted: November 6, 2019

Absolutely! This is one area that we love about Lorien Wood. This school starts its character development at an early age. First, the students are OWLS, learning how to be Obedient, Wise, and Loving. Next, they learn what it means to be a hero and how to serve one another. FOllowed by learning what it is like to be a mission-minded. They learn to have a heart for others. Lastly, students learn about their role in the world. A highlight for all the students is watching the 7th-8th-grade students engage in the chivalry contest.

Posted: November 6, 2019

The leadership at Lorien Wood is exceptional. They communicate clearly to the parents. They are open, approachable and care for the community of Lorien Wood.

Posted: November 6, 2019

Lorien Wood teachers are excellent at collaborating together to develop learning activities for all kinds of learners. There is something for the kinesthetic, the auditory, the visual and the social learner.

Posted: November 6, 2019

Bullying is not tolerated at this school. But what is encouraged is the process of teaching children how to advocate for themselves and to share with others their feelings. They help the children by showing them how to talk through their problems and come up with solutions together.

Posted: October 28, 2019

This school is a really good fit for a certain family: very normal children with no special needs, and busy or mild-mannered parents who like to be told what to do. If you do not fit in this category, I encourage you to go take a tour and ask a lot of questions. When you get a feeling in your gut that something is a little off, please do not ignore that instinct.

Posted: October 28, 2019

The homework load is very light, so it makes it difficult to judge how my child is doing and where they might be struggling. Also, I'm doubtful if students here are well prepared for harder high school classes.

Posted: October 28, 2019

It is extremely rare for small schools with this low budget to handle students who have trouble or need extra time. Lorien Wood is not an exception.

Posted: October 28, 2019

My child was kicked, hit and verbally bullied by several classmates, and the school did not let me know this was happening. An administrator belittled my student in front of peers. The school leadership denies there is a problem. The redemptive approach seems to have devolved into blaming the victim.

Posted: October 28, 2019

I really hope things can turn around at Lorien Wood to help attrition rates, and for all good things to come to the school. Our family was here for a number of years and saw a gradual increase in tribalism (in the school leadership primarily) that has gotten to be pretty severe. Even the mildest suggestions (e.g., minor lunchroom policies) taken to the school almost seemed to be treated as an act of defiance and frankly immoral. No doubt was acceptable. Parents who raised concerns were given the cold shoulder. Gradually this has created a caste system of "in"/valuable families, and "out" families, the latter OK to badmouth as everyone knew they were trouble. There is little accountability as Board members elect new members secretly - which as one can image just increases the tribalism as the Board gets stacked with a certain group. An illustration: our family was attending the end of the school party as our last school event before moving to a different school, and all the children (mine included) were pulled over for a speech. The parent spoke on how families come and go from Lorien Wood, but one particular family (an "in" family) leaving should be uniquely celebrated because they were so special, so important, such shining lights. Looking at the confused face of my child, eyes still red about leaving friends behind, I was deeply thankful to God in my heart that we were leaving this place where there were valued people and people who were not worth much. Perhaps in another community we could find the kinship that the Bible teaches: Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Posted: October 24, 2019

The leadership of the school is made up of parents. In addition to the agreement all families make to spend a significant amount of time (about three hours each week) being involved at the school, the Board of Trustees (all parents volunteering their time) spends even more time working on various oversight, governance, and policy issues, as well as doing the same practical jobs as all the rest of the families. This ensures that many families are deeply involved in the school.

Posted: October 24, 2019

Because the school has small classes, experienced teachers, training in differentiated education, and a strong Distinctive of nurturing the uniqueness of each child, LW is equipped to support children both with learning challenges and advanced work for children with greater abilities. I have had experience with both in our family and appreciate just how well known and supported both of my children are.

Posted: October 24, 2019

Bullying is an easy word to toss around. Some schools deal with this issue with zero-tolerance policies. Lorien Wood, on the other hand, believes that it is important to deal with the heart of the issue. Certainly the school does not allow children to be repeatedly hurt or picked on by others, and in fact, works closely with families and the students to redeem some really tough situations. Parents are trained in redemptive discipline as they work at recess and the lunch room (as well as in the classroom) and are empowered to address poor behavior in children when they see it in a way that causes the children to reexamine their behavior and to support children who may feel hurt or victimized by another. This process is not immediate, but the school doesn't expect that it will be, since we are all growing in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

Posted: October 24, 2019

We have been very happy for eight years. My inlaws are educators (elementary and middle school) and have also been extraordinarily impressed by the quality of the teachers, the leadership, the curriculum and the children themselves. My spouse and I have both had the opportunity to speak in classrooms and help out in areas of our professional and personal interests. My children both HATE it when they have to miss school if they are sick. While my children's happiness is not my top priority (I want them to have a good education, be challenged, and grow, and sometimes that isn't completely "fun") it is nice to know that they are also well pleased with the school.

Posted: October 24, 2019

We have been at the school since my middle schooler was in Kindergarten. The students have very little homework during the younger years to allow the white space and recreation and play that all the researchers recommend. Then the homework builds slowly as they approach middle school, so that by the time the student attends high school, they are very ready for the work.

Posted: October 24, 2019

The teachers have the opportunity to really get to know each student, because of the small classes. This means that the teachers are able to differentiate the teaching methods and communications with individual students so that each student can build up weaknesses and lean into their strengths.

Posted: October 24, 2019

I think that the school does the best that it can in developing virtues in the students, and this is certainly one of the Distinctives of the school. The school has an important, but not exclusive role in this regard, and parents have to take the majority of the character development responsibility. The school can most effectively build character in the students when the parents and the school are both working toward the same ends.

Posted: October 24, 2019

Our family loves Lorien Wood! The teachers and administration have been wonderful and so helpful during our time at LW. My kids have loved their teachers, love going to school and love the outdoor education program. We are thankful to have found a Christian school that provides solid academics but also highly values character, integrity and a Biblical worldview.

Posted: October 24, 2019

We have been so deeply blessed by Lorien Wood. The school and community is unique in all of Northern Virginia. It is a place where you are known and sometimes people don't like that. But we have found a sweet respite here in the midst of DC hustle and bustle and are very grateful.

Posted: October 24, 2019

We love that homework is not the main thing at LW. They work to make anything done at home meaningful and works as a partnership between school and home.

Posted: October 24, 2019

The teachers go above and beyond! We are so blessed by the way they are engaged in the lives of our kids.

Posted: October 24, 2019

The Administration is wonderful. Always available for a listening ear, works through issues in a redemptive way, and demonstrates great love of learning and servant leadership.

Posted: October 24, 2019

Posted: August 5, 2019

Posted: July 24, 2019

Posted: July 31, 2016

We love Lorien Wood. I love that the school actually listens to new research on the importance of minimal homework and a large amount of outdoor time. Our rising second grader LOVES Muddy Mondays where the lower grades do the majority of instruction time in nature! We're looking forward to having all four of our kids experience this unique learning atmosphere.

Posted: July 31, 2016

My family loves Lorien Wood. They create an atmosphere where learning is exciting. Through hands on experiments, classical literature, nature studies and much, my children cant wait to get to school. This year Lorien Wood started a new program called Muddy Mondays. Children are encouraged to explore Gods world and learn subjects such as math and science through nature. Students are constantly encouraged to look at different ways to see things, study things, and come up with their own conclusions. I am confident that this school has set a solid foundation for my children.

Posted: July 31, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

The teachers seek to engage the whole child: mind, body, spirit, as the children learn and grow.

Posted: July 18, 2016

Homework is very minimal in the lower grades and increases appropriately as the students age. Excessive homework has been proven to negatively, rather than positively, impact a student's progress.

Posted: July 18, 2016

Character development is one of the pillars, or seven distinctives, of Lorien Wood. The entire community seeks to develop biblical character and manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

Posted: July 18, 2016

We are entering our 10th year at Lorien Wood, as eldest just graduated after completing K-8, and our remaining three are in Forms 1, 2, and Watershed (2nd grade, 3rd grade and 6th). We could not be more grateful for the gracious, Christ centered community, for the "big ideas" that our children consider each day, and for the rich educational environment. Cultivating life-long learners is a worthy goal, and Lorien Wood engages students holistically, seeking to train hearts and minds to discover God's world and find their place in it. Learning experientially is a joy-filled adventure for the entire Lorien Wood community of parents, students, teachers and staff.

Posted: July 14, 2016

We have just finished our second year at Lorien Wood. Our children completed Kindergarten and second grade. It has been a great fit for our family. The small class sizes encourage relationships amongst the students, teachers and parents. Parents are deeply involved in all areas of the school which provides a rich community and a unique connection to our children's education. Our kids are encouraged to think critically, be engaged learners and explore their God-given gifts while being guided in a Christ-centered environment. Our kids are thriving at Lorien Wood.

Posted: November 13, 2015

We are currently in our eighth year at Lorien Wood. We have students in every form except for 6th grade. Lorien Wood has been a great fit for each of our children. We value the Redemptive Education model and appreciate the school Distinctives. We genuinely feel that the school is equipping our children well to love learning and grow in character. The faculty is approachable, available, and enthusiastic. We love having many opportunities to be involved in the life of the school. Parents are truly connected to their childrens education. This year, we have been particularly impressed with the 7th and 8th grade math, science, and humanities programs.

Posted: March 17, 2015

Our family has been incredibly blessed to find Lorien Wood and plant our educational roots there. I have a first grader and a kindergartner and they have both enjoyed it and thrived. I have seen a curiosity arise that wasn't there before, and a deeper love for learning grow. I appreciate the way that faith is integrated into everything, and the intentionality and thought that inspires the curriculum and educational approach. This makes faith in God so much more approachable because they see how it applies to all areas of life. Their days are filled with hands on learning, reading "living" books, and making connections between the disciplines and seeing that all things are for God, by God and in God.

Posted: March 6, 2015

I highly recommend Lorien Wood School, where my son has thrived over the past three years. The school s education model that is grounded in a Biblical worldview and incorporates seven distinctives, including an integral curriculum, teaching grounded in classical study and joyful learning, and strong parental involvement, has helped our child develop critical thinking skills, a love of learning, and awareness that he is part of a larger community and ultimately God s world. At Lorien Wood School, the students are given opportunities to develop strong speaking skills even at an early age. During the times I have spent with the students, I ve been impressed with their ability to articulate their thoughts and respectfully speak to faculty and other parents. I really enjoyed and our son has prospered from the partnership among the faculty, staff, parents, and students. My son s teachers have been very accessible, sometimes going above and beyond what I would have expected and the Head of School is involved in teaching the students through Socratic seminars and the opening assembly. I have been blessed by the school and community.

Posted: February 18, 2015

My two children have flourished at Lorien Wood over the past 8 years! It has been an outstanding school for both of them. Their love of learning has been stimulated through the Redemptive Education model of teaching that the school uses. They have become confident students because of the encouragement and support that they have received. As a parent and as a family, we have been blessed by the caring and gracious community at Lorien Wood.

Posted: February 4, 2015

We've been very happy with Lorien Wood over the past 5 years, since our oldest child entered Kindergarten. We now have a 4th grader, a 2nd grader and a rising Kindergartener. Lorien Wood offers a unique environment of learning and building lasting friendships. It is a small school, with average 15 children per class. Children to think critically and to make connections in everything they see and experience. They ve taken the best of home schooling, Montessori and Classical Education and put it into an integral educational model that helps our children to think critically and engage in contemplative discussion rather than regurgitate facts learned only to pass a test. I also love seeing the entire student body demonstrate their learnings during the quarterly Unit Presentations. Most adults would find this intimidating, but Lorien Wood is cultivating public speakers and critical thinkers from an early age. I also love sitting in on "opening", which is like "chapel" on steroids. Seeing the students engaged in a Socratic method of contemplating God's Word is both powerful and humbling.

Posted: November 9, 2014

This is our fourth year at Lorien Wood, and two of our children now attend. We are incredibly thankful for so many aspects of the school and the way the school partners with parents in "helping children explore God's world and discover their place in it." All academic disciplines are explored through a Biblical worldview, and learning is integrated in a thoughtful and purposeful way. Our children are guided to think critically, make connections, and pursue learning with joy and resilience. At home, I see frequent evidence of how they are growing in mind, body and spirit as a result of their school experience. Our children love being a part of the gracious, loving, intellectual community at Lorien Wood and we do too!

Posted: October 25, 2014

LW is an affirming school for students, teachers, staff and parents. My boys have learned a lot about God and life. The Watershed year in 6th grade uses creation to help kids understand science, life, math, history, English and so much more. It's been a great place for our family!

Posted: February 13, 2014

All four of our children have been so richly blessed by their Lorien Wood experience. We, as parents, could not feel more grateful to have parents, teachers, and staff working alongside one another to help equip our children emotionally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually with the tools that they need to explore God's world and to discover their place in it. If you are looking for a rich community of gracious individuals, an academically rich, and rigorous curriculum, and a school where joy is present each day, you should come and visit Lorien Wood.

Posted: January 9, 2014

I am amazed at the excitement and energy of teachers at this school. We have had three children attend, including one who has completed the k-8 program and is now thriving in high school. The school engages students in their own learning and the educational program is rigorous while providing teachers the flexibility to pursue areas of learning in an integral fashion. Parents are deeply involved in all aspects of the school providing a richer learning community. The emphasis on worthy topics and thinking produces articulate, engaged learners who are able to productively pursue paths that line up with their gifts. It has been a great place for helping our children to better understand their own capabilities, develop character, learn how to learn, and interact with adults in preparation for stepping into high school and beyond.

Posted: October 9, 2013

We have three children that attend Lorien Wood and they are all thriving. Two of my kids arrived hating math and writing and one was struggling in reading. They were lacking in both confidence and motivation. Lorien Wood has built them up to be confident and love learning. They have been stretched and challenged, but not overwhelmed. Lorien Wood accomodates many levels of learners from far above grade level to struggling to stay on grade level. The teachers and principal are excellent and have been great to work with as needed. The community has an above level of warmth and encouragement. Love the school!!!

Posted: September 2, 2013

Lorien Wood is the epitome of a Christ-centered education community. Students are developing their hearts and minds not just through "at-the-desk" learning, but kinesthetically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, musically, artistically - every one of Gardner's intelligences addressed, and then some! You can tell that a sweet, unique spirit has been lovingly nurtured in the student body from the moment you walk in. Student artwork covers the walls, kids are respectful and helpful to strangers, and teachers bond with their classes in a way I have not seen elsewhere. I know many of the families, as well as several teachers, at Lorien Wood, and am always blown away by the quality of both. Where else are middle-schoolers tromping around in their rain boots outside to study all subjects through the lens of the local watershed? Where else do parents, faculty, and board work so well together to form an evolving, growing school that is responsive to its community's needs, while maintaining its core principles? It's sad to see bitterness in two posts earlier, and I'm not sure where the vitriol comes from; I can wholeheartedly recommend this school. Get to know them! You'll love them too!

Posted: January 9, 2013

Our experience over 8 years at Lorien Wood has been a very positive. Our children have been blessed and challenged each year. The integral curriculum and the teaching methodology is innovative, rich, and effective at training our children to think deeply about topics and helps them see the connections between disciplines. The strong parental involvement component has resulted in Lorien Wood becoming a true community for all of us. Our children feel known and cared for, and the long-serving teaching staff pours their all into each student. It's a wonderful Christian school and I would highly recommend parents seeking a Christian school to learn more about it. The problem with any rating site is that it gives people a place to vent issues anonymously without any real context. Anyone researching schools would be better served by visiting a school, attending open houses, talking with parents and students currently involved in the school. As any parent knows, not every student or every family fits at every school. But our family and scores of other families have found Lorien Wood to be a true gem and a wonderful place for our children to grow and learn in a Christ-centered community.

Posted: June 17, 2012

I couldn't have said it any better than the parent below. This school has a lot of issues. Didn't realize how bad until we left and are now having a wonderful experience elsewhere.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	1.6 mi
2	Barkley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	2.4 mi
3	Stonehurst	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	3.1 mi
4	Falls Church City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	3.4 mi
5	Broyhill Crest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	3.9 mi
6	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	4.7 mi
7	Willow Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	5.5 mi
8	Long Branch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	6.5 mi
9	The Elms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	6.7 mi
10	North Springfield	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Springfield	VA	7 mi
11	Kings Park West	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	7.4 mi
12	Burke Station Square	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	7.7 mi
13	Cardinal Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	West Springfield	VA	7.9 mi
14	Middleridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	8.3 mi
15	West Springfield	Neighborhood/Subdivision	West Springfield	VA	8.5 mi
16	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	8.5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	1.5 mi
2	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	1.9 mi
3	Vienna	Vienna	VA	2 mi
4	Annandale	Annandale	VA	5.2 mi
5	Arlington	Arlington	VA	5.8 mi
6	Springfield	Springfield	VA	8 mi
7	Fairfax County	Springfield	VA	8 mi
8	Burke	Burke	VA	8.1 mi
9	Burke Centre	Burke	VA	8.3 mi

Base	Distance
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	2.6 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	7.7 mi.
Fort Myer	8.1 mi.
Henderson Hall	8.6 mi.
Pentagon	9.5 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	10 mi.
Fort McNair	11.5 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	11.8 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	12.1 mi.
NRO Chantilly	12.1 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	12.5 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	12.6 mi.
Fort Belvoir	13.9 mi.
Andrews AFB	19.4 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	21.8 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	27.9 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	29.5 mi.
Fort Detrick	38.6 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	40 mi.
US Naval Academy	40.2 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	40.9 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	41.1 mi.

Lorien Wood School

Vienna, VA 22182

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