Langley High School
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: (703) 287-2700
District: Fairfax County Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 9,10,11,12 • 2184 students
Langley High School, a public school located in McLean, VA, serves grades 9-12 in the Fairfax County Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Langley High School is a public school located in McLean, VA. 2184 students attend Langley High School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 9/10 | 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. |
| College Readiness | 10/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Virginia Department of Education, using 2025 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics, and using 2025 demographic data from Virginia Department of Education. |
Posted: June 15, 2026
Posted: June 15, 2026
Posted: June 15, 2026
Posted: June 15, 2026
If your kid is academically motivated, LHS provides a challenging environment that should set them up well for college. My kid found the AP/DE offerings to be very challenging, and the sheer volume of AP/DE offerings is impressive. Generally very good teachers. Very nice, clean facilities, and my kid always felt safe. Outstanding band program. Lots of clubs, although some clubs are good while others are more for college app padding. The quality of the sports programs varies by coach and team, but earning a varsity letter at LHS is no small feat.
Overall, compared to other public high schools we're familiar with, LHS is absolutely at the top of the heap, and we had no regrets sending our kid there.
Posted: June 15, 2026
Posted: June 15, 2026
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Class of 2021 here, part of the special education system with ADHD + Dyslexia. The special education team was apathetic and disinterested at best and traumatic and ableist at worst. The team had fought against me taking certain classes and fought against me working towards an advanced depolama. Too biased and a bit unprofessionally mean to certain students. Ive caught too many scoffs, rolling eyes, and ignoring my questions. Not to mention my intelligence was being debated during parent teacher conferences, so much so that a psychiatrist had to be present, but ultimately I decided to represent myself during these meetings.
How are you to scoff and roll your eyes at a child with learning challenges? The classes that the IEP team strongly advised me against taking ended up being the most motivating and accommodating class settings purely out of the teachers own kindness towards the student and passion for their position.
IEP team, please save your frustrations and negative attitudes and do not put it onto neurodivergent students.
They arent stupid and can sense your anger.
Do your job like how you described in the interview process and treat these kids with more care and kindness. Theyre in the phase where everything you do will affect them for life.
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: December 11, 2023
This school needs new leadership. The principal does not have the necessary experience and the school is being managed by the assistants principals, which half of them have been too long in their jobs that only care about their pay checks. They dont care about the students nor the community.
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: December 11, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2023
Langley is one of those schools that's great if you're willing to put in the extra effort required to take advanced classes. If you're not interested in taking AP courses, then living in this area may not be worth it.
The Langley student body can be divided into two groups: those who care and those who don't. As someone who cares, I can tell you that the advanced classes here are pretty high quality. The AP and DE classes are tough, but the teachers are dedicated and try their best to give us the best education possible. Some classes are harder or easier than you'd expect (Honors precalc is a killer while AP Stats is a breeze), so it's important to talk to upperclassmen before signing up for anything. But honestly, it can get pretty stressful here when you're trying to maintain your grades and GPA, and some people end up sacrificing their happiness, sleep, or time to do so.
I've also taken some easier classes at Langley, and let me tell you, they're not even in the same ballpark as the advanced classes. As a junior taking four APs, I can see my progress in each class, but the easier courses like honors American history don't really offer much in the way of actual knowledge or skills.
As far as the student culture goes, Langley is pretty drama-free, and there aren't really any popular kids in a school of 2,000. You can find groups of friends with the same interests as you, and there are tons of clubs to choose from (although about half of them are charity-based). Sports, societies, and performances are all great here, and the theater productions are especially good. I'm personally happy to be a Langley student and a proud Saxon, but I know that this school isn't for everyone.
Langley doesn't include the parents in any activities besides a few presentations, back to school night, and quarterly progress reports. Unless a parent is strict about school, it's up to the child to find the motivation to succeed.
Posted: April 28, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2023
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: October 12, 2022
Ignore all the parents here. I was a student for the class of 2026, and while there were more "political" issues discussed. It wasn't anything major and it did not detract from the overall education. Me and many of my classmates did very well in terms of college admission we sent about (20-25 to ivies, and probably around 80 to T20 schools). The overall school atmosphere is great, it isn't overly competitive nor overly relaxed, and random bullying is non-existent. I do agree that some teacher are better than others, but for the most part you will get good teachers and have a great experience. FCPS can exclude parents a lot, but it had virtually no impact on me and my classmates. When FCPS does something random or weird, we all would have a laugh (Such as its failure at online school initially, its funny random seminars, etc). It isn't that deep.
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: October 12, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Great school. My family specifically moved here so I can attend this school. The schools was a great experience and the AP classes were rigorous, but prepared me well for college. The teachers were experts at the subject they taught, but most of them (95%) would enforce the "missed the class catch up on your own, or ask a friend" policy. The school has a few classes (Political science, Russian, DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, and Electrodynamics) that are available only at Langley (well, if you don't count TJHSST.) Also this school has a strong alethic program and the students here are also great (no drugs, snobs or gangs) despite the fact some of them come from rich families. A lot of people from this school get into the best universities in the nations (Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Berkley, MIT, Duke, Princeton, Colombia) and are successful in there carrier life's. I left graduated a year after they started the renovation so my senior year was not so great. But no matter that Langley high school is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to get a good education. I believe it is worth to move into the area just to go to this school (the same way I did) so you get the same experience (even better because they finished the renovation) as I did. Good luck with Langley!
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: July 24, 2022
Posted: May 6, 2021
Langley High School used to be one of the best in the nation. No longer. Both of my boys attended LHS and recently graduated during the COVID pandemic. I took a job nearby just to put my boys in this school. The first two years were great. The last two years the quality of education has degraded. Academics has been replaced with politics. English readings have been replaced by political readings. Discussions on recent events with only the administration's point of view are allowed is the norm. Political hot topics are used as examples in almost any class. This all comes from the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Public Schools administration. They are more worried about politics than academics. The pandemic made all of this visible. The FCPS failed in moving to an on-line setting despite identifying this issue back in 2009 during a bad snowstorm. They tried several on-line systems. Backboard Collaborate, Schoology, etc. Nothing worked. Families have taken multiple surveys with no impact to pointed questions. LHS Administrators are good, I guess. They try. The teachers are good but there are a few that are "pushy" in their opinions. The good ones are overshadowed by FCPS. if you want to come here for an education...look...but don't be afraid to find another school. I regret having my kids here but we were all too committed to the schedule before the changes happen. Bottom Line: FCPS is not worth the property taxes you will pay!!
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: May 6, 2021
Posted: September 21, 2020
Yes, having dealt with ADD, the teachers were so very supportive and encouraging.
Posted: September 21, 2020
No experiences with bullying whatsoever, made fantastic friends in this school
Posted: September 21, 2020
Excellent -- the highest ranking. An amazing experience and especially for a public school. So many fantastic friends and classes and activities offered along with a very interesting student body from all walks of life and countries.
Posted: September 21, 2020
Homework is structured for meaningful learning and preparation for college.
Posted: September 21, 2020
A very very passionate, professional and intellectual group of high school teachers here. They are so committed to the kids both academically and socially. These teachers are at the sporting events, dances, competitions and performances -- they are amazing!
Posted: September 21, 2020
Yes! such a high standard at this school!
Posted: September 21, 2020
There is a relatively new leadership -- but I find them to be committed to the success and safety of the school and students.
Posted: March 17, 2020
Posted: March 17, 2020
Posted: March 17, 2020
Posted: March 17, 2020
Posted: March 17, 2020
Posted: March 17, 2020
Posted: March 17, 2020
A very good high school and kids are almost 100% ready for colleges
Posted: September 16, 2017
Ok for all of you who say the workload is more in some classes and less in others: OBVIOUSLY. Do you expect to get the same amount of homework from PE and AP World History? And yes, it does depend on the teachers, some teach college-style; they assign pages in the book to do, if you do them, good for you, if not, then you'll probably fail the quiz. Many teachers like to micromanage and make sure you do every ounce of homework, and that's fine too, it just forces you to study.
Posted: September 16, 2017
Posted: September 16, 2017
The staff is great, there are no hard administrators who get kids in trouble for no reason. The principal, Mr. Amico, is very kind, makes conversation with kids, and is extremely involved in the happenings of the school. He is usually just hopping through the classrooms to say hi to the kids and check on what's going on, and he leads by example. For instance, some kids found a small mouse in the unopened hallway two weeks ago (it wasn't ready yet, and some doors weren't in place yet), and the principal himself got a dustpan and set the mouse outside. My class admin, Mr. Robertson, is funny and often makes kids laugh with his usage of slang (he often uses words like hmu and lit).
Posted: September 16, 2017
Posted: September 16, 2017
In my experience, bullying is not even an issue here. I've never seen bullying or been bullied here, and the teachers always emphasize the punishments for harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying. If anyone does get caught bullying or harassing someone else, he will most probably be left with it on his record, which basically guarantees that they won't get into a good college.
Posted: September 16, 2017
15/10. I'm going to address all the negative reviews I saw. To start, those complaining about the renovation, they are perfectly on schedule, completing one new wing every year. The second new wing with the giant library is opening this Friday, and most of the classes in trailers are being moved in there. Football fields, track, etc. and brand new. The administration has started clamping down on many offenses, and they revised and strengthened the rules this year. Things like plagiarism, bullying, bringing drugs to school, etc. are no warning, instant referral offenses. For those of you complaining about money and "cliques," you must be very socially insecure about your financial status. Yeah, it's quite apparent how rich everyone is, with Bimmers in the parking lot, Supreme shirts, new iPhones, etc. but teacher bias, bullying, "not fitting in" because of money? Definitely not. For one, why would the teachers be biased towards rich people? What do they have to gain? In fact, I would vouch that there is a chance of them being biased more towards middle class people, since they are in the same boat. Secondly, nobody makes friends based off money. Nobody looks at someone else's Airpods and Yeezys and thinks "oh I should make a friend out of this guy." I have friends who live in houses half the size of mine and drive '02 Corollas, and I have friends who drive Lamborghinis and Ferraris, and have lived in Burj Khalifa. I can't speak for everyone, but in my experience, the only things that would make you better or worse than your peers are grades. For the people complaining about drug use: it's a high school, of course there are drugs, get used to it. All in all, this is pretty much the best school you could possibly go to in VA (if you didn't make TJ like me). If your child is willing to work, this is the best option, if he/she is a slacker, then it's like any other high school: be prepared to apply to community college, because this school can't make you study hard. The best any school can do is provide the resources to succeed and help you do so, and Langley does it to the best of their ability. It's up to you to do well, and if you don't, that's on you because this is literally the best public school in the state. After one year here, you could offer me a spot anywhere else, even in TJ, and I would not leave. My parents and I spent some time deciding whether or not to go here, because we had heard that there was a drug problem (there isn't one). For all parents and students who are making the same decision, know that if you are looking for a quality education, this is the place to go. Hail Saxons!
Posted: February 27, 2017
Students are smart and for the most part work hard. Parents volunteer and teachers work hard to try to make the school great. If you do well (not even great) at Langley you will be 100% ready for any college.
Posted: February 27, 2017
Did not experience bullying in our family so did not deal with this.
Posted: February 27, 2017
Great programs for students with special needs.
Posted: February 27, 2017
Current Principal, Fred Amico, is very effective, fair, and likeable.
Posted: February 27, 2017
There are so many volunteer opportunities and community service is encouraged.
Posted: February 27, 2017
Posted: February 27, 2017
Homework is moderate but seems to be useful and for a purpose not just busy work
Posted: November 28, 2016
Langley has an active volunteer program for all students to find a way to help others. Langley strives to provide the best education possible and 98% of students matriculate to university--from NOVA to UT to Tech to Yale. Langley cares for the whole child and has trained student mentors and lunch buddies for first-year & transfer students. Langley is great!
Posted: November 28, 2016
Posted: August 16, 2016
My kids had a terrible experience at Langley. I will NOT send my youngest child to LHS. Most teachers are not good teachers at all. There is NO school spirit. There are high expectations with NO support for the students. There is a lot of pressure on the students, this is not healthy. There is NO survelliance in the school, your kid can be easily exposed to bullism, alcohol and drugs.
Posted: August 16, 2016
Many teachers should not be there, many should not be teachers at all. They do not teach, they assign a lot of homework and they do check it at all.
Posted: August 16, 2016
Too much in certain subjects, too little in others. It depends on the teachers. Many teachers do not even grade the assignments.
Posted: August 16, 2016
I totally disagree. It is the exact opposite, a lot of peer pressure and teachers who cannot care less.
Posted: June 5, 2016
Langley is a high school that will reward you for studying hard. I discovered that when I started to do that in March of this year. The only reason why I don't give it a 5 is because of the slow renovations (however, the new wing is awesome).
Posted: December 19, 2014
I want to start off by saying that I had high hopes for Langley and I have been thoroughly disappointed. Teachers have very obvious biases while grading. They often ignore the students who are not at the top academically. It is very hard to come from a normal place where parents make five figure salaries and have friends from middle-class or lower-income families and adjust to a place where people have no value for money. I will admit that this school prepares you will for college. However, I feel you can get the same training at other schools like South Lakes or Annandale as long as you take more AP or honors courses. You will likely also be able to indulge in an environment with much more diversity than Langley. Cliques are ubiquitous and is something that many of my friends have had to deal with. The students who write 5 star reviews are all likely part of the cliques at Langley that everyone knows about. All I have left to say is that I am glad to be leaving this school after this year.
Posted: December 7, 2014
I am in 2015 graduating class. If your mom is not part of the in crowd, you will not be selected. This school has cliques all over from parents to teachers to coaches to kids. A regular kid will never fit in. Certain students parents became friends with teachers and there was clear biases for grades, etc. I don't recommend this school to anyone who wants their child to learn about values. This school sucks for the average kid.
Posted: November 14, 2014
When it comes to those who gave this school a 1 star review, I can't understand if you even attended the school . While some of these points are valid, Langley is no different than any other high school in this country. That is to say, its merely an opportunity. It just so happens that the standards for "greatness" are much higher here than any other school. If you sit around an don't put your best effort, its clear that you will get what you deserve. I feel sorry for students who feel "entitled" to an education like a chicken dinner on a silver platter. This is PUBLIC education. No one is going to push you harder than yourself. If you want to be average and feel good, go to a private school. Frankly, as a class of 2014 grad, I feel blessed to have attended a school that gave me a chance to push myself harder than before. One can't learn and push themselves if they are being held back by the system. Langley eliminates that barrier. In this environment, you have the chance to push yourself to the limit. Unfortunately, those that sit around and blame teachers/instructors for their lack of success need to wake up and smell the reality. If you don't want it, you won't get it. Grow up
Posted: September 10, 2014
School is going through a renovation. Renovation is late and behind schedule. AC in school is blasting cold on one side, hot on other side, and filled with moldy smell. Bunch of trailers on parking lot. Same problem in trailers, hot or cold, no room for coats when it rains. Bathrooms are falling apart. Really sucks to have to go to this school this year.
Posted: August 27, 2014
I am a male student here who comes from a regular middle class home. I am not popular but am able to find friends and "my people" because it is a large school (2,000+).A lot of the reviews up here are somewhat bogus. I have never seen a student get harassed because of their family's financial situation. Yeah a lot of people have money and there is a group of country club dwelling snobs, but for the most part as long as you are positive and treat peers and teachers with respect it will be fine. Yes, there are kids here that care about things besides themselves, money and clothes. It helps to play a sport but there are many other activities that are welcome to all you just have to have courage to show up. I think the school is very culturally diverse we don't have a lot of black kids but their are kids and family from all over the world and I hear different languages in the halls all the time. Academics are rough and there is a lot of pressure, but if you can make it at Langley you will be able to deal with all kind of people and scenarios.
Posted: June 3, 2014
Langley consists of kids who think they are entitled and don't interact outside their cliques. Take the example of the person who gave a five star review below my review. She basically put down those who gave Langley a one star review. It is likely that she is one of the kids in the "inner circle." So while Langley might be good for her, it is not good for the average kid who works hard but is not exactly at the top of the class. Every kid at this school believes he or she is the best. Life is not like that. People are not able to interact with people of all levels and races. The house prices in the area ensure that the kids going to Langley are really wealthy. There is no cultural diversity. Life does not revolve around wealthy people. While Langley academics are really tough, its tough to break in socially. This school is for the wealthy and brilliant. If you belong in that category, Langley would good. But if you are smart (not brilliant) and work hard and try and talk to people but are not ridiculously social (which is how most high school are), then don't go to Langley. Going to this school also makes it tough to get in a good college if you are a regular student.
Posted: May 27, 2014
Langley is awesome. School spirit is great, unless you are one of the kids who wants to protest all of the school spirit because you hate the people leading the school, which is pretty much all of the people giving it negative reviews. People go wild at the big football and basketball games and for any sports against McLean, the rival school, and the kids in leadership work extremely hard to make the pep rallies and spirit weeks and everything else to do with spirit enjoyable for all of the school. There's a lot of stress in academics, but it prepares you well for college so no one should be complaining. All the sports teams are good and the school produces athletic and academic prodigies each year. I go here and I don't think it gets much better as far as public schools go. Yeah there are cliques and all that but that's because it is a HIGH SCHOOL so that is no reason to hate it.
Posted: May 21, 2014
Kids getting the good test scores are doing it despite the school not because of the school. There are some excellent, some awful and some so-so teachers like most public schools. The administration hates parents. Students learn on their own with mountains of tedious homework so that lousy teachers can get the same results as good teachers. If your child has a disability, get sick, is bullied or any other thing goes wrong and you need to work with the administration I suggest you hire a tough as nails advocate or lawyer. Pros? The orchestra, choir and theater programs are led by a couple of the excellent teachers and filled with some of the most thoughtful, hardworking and caring students in the school. Some of the sports programs are great while others have a heavy drinking culture. Parents do a lot for the school and I give the parents 5 stars for involvement the reason I have 3 stars is that parents are not made to feel welcome by administration. So disappointing.
Posted: May 11, 2014
I graduated Langley in 2013. Let me start off by saying this. Langley is not the typical high school. It is made for the kids of extremely wealthy families who are in their own cliques. They drive mercedes benz and BMWs to school. Have you seen the size of the parking lot? It's as big as the whole school! Teachers for the most part can't teach although they are willing to stay after school. There is ZERO school spirit. There was absolutely nothing that made me want to stay at Langley. I was so happy when I left. So far, I've learned more in one year of college than I did in four years at Langley. I remember I basically had no social life at Langley. In college, my social life has drastically improved. All they care about are the kids who take 5 AP's and the athletes. The rest of us (people who aren't exceptionally smart but work hard) don't matter. If you are looking to learn and enjoy high school, don't go to Langley.
Posted: April 21, 2014
I don't like this school one bit. There is no way the school can improve. Some tips for others is not to go to this school period. Your life will be miserable if you go to this school. I can't explain in words how bad I hate this school.
Posted: April 13, 2014
Where do I start. The kids at this school are absolutely cliquish. If you are relatively new, there is absolutely now way you will make friends and form your own group. There is only one group and that group is made of the kids who have either grown up in the area and know everyone or the kids who are extremely smart and take a boat load of APs. Teachers are way overrated and are very inconsistent grading wise. Some teachers are very erratic and and confusing. There is no school spirit or anything that makes you want to be in the school. The school in general is made for people who grow up there.
Posted: April 9, 2014
This school is absolutely awful. Most of the students are extremely rude and there are many cliques (as of any school), however, the students here take the clique-ish behavior to a whole new extreme. If you are not 1) From Cooper, 2) Very wealthy, 3) Taking as many AP courses offered to you, you will not be slightly close to being happy in Langley. Honestly, the way others act at this school is repulsive. Girls and guys both. You will find that most individuals are extremely judgmental and that almost all of the friend groups are very exclusive, making it clear that they are not willing to make friends with people below them or be willing to even be nice to them. Go to a different Highschool where people have moral values rather than people who focus on money and doing their best to make anyone else feel inferior to them. Speaking from experience.
Posted: March 6, 2014
None of the tenured teachers are still there, huge turn over in the past 5 years. Teachers seem to come and go and currently there are a handful of veteran skilled teachers working with a host of undereducated newbies. Teachers are leaving for a reason, admiistration is horrible. Fairfax County is one of the best in the nation for public education, you will find great teachers all over the county, just not at Langley (anymore).
Posted: January 26, 2014
Langley has had a serious fall from grace. While it is still one of the best performing schools in the county that says nothing about the facility nor teachers. What makes the school is the academic environment creatred by the motivated students, there is real pressure to do your work and test well. However, the school has completely overlooked the average kid, not to mention special ed, and focuses solely on AP tests and the Ivy league bound. Not to mention that the school has "zero" of the past administration as Matt Ragone has systematically destroyed the front office by his lack of oversight and horrible hiring practices. There is "zero" school spirit, "zero" faculty comradery. It is by far the worst facility in the county with horrible air quality, technology and space in general. The renovations could not happen soon enough but this will not be enough to save this schools reputation. I actually have the option of sending my kids to Langley even though it is not is the district that I live in but have decided to send my kids to our "local" school beacuse I feel it is honestly better.
Posted: November 15, 2013
Langley has a false sense about it. Childen are very clickish. If you are not one of the pretty people whos parents have paved your way in life... count on your children being treated very poorly. Activities are reserved for the popular people and your kids will be excluded even if they try. The school brags about the high test scores... The real reason scores are so high is due to the upper class families who move into the district rather then the staff itself. Do yourself a huge favor and move your children into an institution where kindness & integrity reign over power and cruelty. Try Loudoun County. Great schools, all new, good staff, co-operative attitude. I moved out of the area to protect my children.
Posted: October 27, 2013
Langley and excellence seem to coincide. While not a flawless learning environment, Langley provides a challenging and intense atmosphere that I've found highly conducive towards learning. The teachers and administrative staff were helpful, and most cared for the students. However, as I read these comments, I'm appalled. I graduated in 2012, but I can't imagine the school to have changed too much in that time. Bullying was perhaps the greatest taboo for my class, especially when it came to those in the special needs program. To those who speak of the nonchalant administrative staff and uncaring teachers -- I simply cannot take it seriously. My counselors and teachers were fantastic, and they helped me regardless of personal circumstances. Langley is an environment suitable for any who wish to learn. Going in with notions of cliques and social status creates an atmosphere of inevitability; look for them and you shall find without fail. But that is true with just about anything. Langley is what you make of it. To prospective/continuing students: Talk to your teachers and counselors. Give them the respect you want them to give you, and then perhaps you'll find them helpful.
Posted: October 1, 2013
I have two daughters in great colleges, both Langley graduates. Langley is a tough academic environment and a challenging social environment that prepares students well for what they will encounter in college and the "real world." One of my daughters' roommates is from a "good" Richmond area school that is far less challenging, and she both struggling and shocked at how easily my daughter handles the academic load. If you want easy for your kids, this is not your school, but if you value quality faculty and top-drawer competition, you will appreciate Langley. All that said, the Principal is out of his element, a poor comparison to his predecessor who is overmatched by his faculty and lacks the poise necessary to deal with high expectation parents. If Fairfax County Schools wants to maintain Langley's rigor, it should consider a change at the top.
Posted: August 22, 2013
Langley High School: My kids have thrived at Langley. The athletics are competitive and the academics even better. The new administration cares about the kids and the teenages have responded. My oldest graduated from Langley in 2012. I have 2 others (class of 2015 and 2017). The spirit of the school is much better now, than 5 years ago. Bulling has been replaced with class spirit. The kids try and help each other and cheer at sporting events (not as much a popularity contest at games anymore). Lax, Softball, swimming have all been positive experiences for us. Parents need to keep their kids away from alcohol (with a zero tolerance policy) at home and schools. I find the private school parents allow drinking more frequently than Langley parents. If you want a dry high school experience you can get it. Focus on athletics and academics over popularity. Ground your kids with a moral compass and they will pick good friends - don't leave it to the school. LAngley is one of the top schools in the country (public or private). It is a model school for others to follow.
Posted: August 21, 2013
I'm an upcoming junior in the 13-14 year in Langley. I'm not from a wealthy family and contrary to the comments here, I've found that from my experience that one doesn't really get bullied here based purely on wealth. I'm not popular at all either, I have maybe 3 close friends. I haven't seen any actual serious intent-to-traumatize bullying ever happen. Yes, some kids do follow the "rich white spoiled kid" stereotype to a T but they are able to joke about it. Drugs and alcohol are widespread and from what I know aspirant drug dealers are particularly interested in peddling their wares in Langley due to the student body's abundant disposable wealth. Thankfully, no hard drugs (besides alcohol) are being circulated. As for the academics, the school offers many AP and Honors courses for the student. For the most part, the teachers are extremely well qualified and are great at explaining the subject/helping the student, but in stark contrast there are several teachers that simply do not belong in their career field of choice.
Posted: July 1, 2013
As a contractor with Langley and a former student (from the 70s!), I have had the chance to view it from the inside and outside. I have also had the chance to work in several other high schools in FCPS and LCPS. The quality expectations are very high, and kids usually rise to them; I think that the biggest problem kids face is not from other kids but from themselves pushing too hard. I have dealt with admins. at other schools who push kids for the school numbers, so this is not unique. I see parents highly involved. I walk past classes in session and see teachers working hard to engage students in learning. I know the principal has fans and enemies, but he has the students best interests at heart; he's great! I think that most all the problems listed here by others are at every high school, due to the pervasive problem--all highschoolers are teenagers--subject to throes of hormones and other dramas, over-introspection, and heightened insecurities. This happens at every high school; the haves and have-nots are not the issue here anymore than any other HS--it's the clash of insecurity, hope, and expectations. Welcome to life.
Posted: June 27, 2013
Social- Everyone is to be complaining that Langley is full of spoiled, rich, arrogant white kids who look down on poorer people and only care about popularity. That is unfair and exaggerated, while the rich factor does have a large influence, there are also a LOT of people who are really decent, you can't just stereotype everyone. And honestly, dealing with people like that is a skill for later in life. Academics- Very hard, and a greater grade disparity bc some have tiger parents or are major try-hards, also kids take harder course loads because then they get private tutors when they need help. Teachers- Can't compare schools, but can tell you this: that teachers only care about AP/HN kids is false. I've been in reg level classes before, and have seen some really good teachers. Percentagewise teachers like AP students bc the students generally value class, whereas in reg a lot of students will take advantage of them and screw off. Teachers like a student who values their class, be it reg, HN, or AP. People who say otherwise are probably just resentful. Question- How is it that 100% of students/parents are rich snobs, yet 95% of comments say they hate that atmosphere?
Posted: June 16, 2013
For those thinking of moving to great falls, if you are not rich or not asian, you will not belong. No one is suggesting go to private school in area, it would more of the same. Go to a normal fairfax school like madison or south lakes , your kids will thank you for it later.
Posted: May 28, 2013
I have to laugh at the people saying they will be sending their children to private school rather than to Langley. Their reasoning is apparently because they are unhappy with the wealth factor at Langley, but I'm wondering what they expect to find at a $40,000/yr. private school? It strikes me as extremely naive to assume that their child will have a better, more "down-to-earth" experience if only they attend a private school. If anything, the differences between the haves and have-nots will be all the more pronounced. Regardless of the wealth of many (but not all) of the Langley student body, there is a niche for everyone, or at least for those willing to involve themselves and find like-minded friends. My child is not an athlete, but has become very involved in other, more academic pursuits, and has a great group of friends as a result. Langley has its faults -- as do ALL high schools -- but I believe its strengths are more numerous. You will find cliques, rich kids, mean kids, etc. at any high school anywhere. At least at Langley there are no gangs and the education is top-notch.
Posted: May 21, 2013
One of the best things that was done at Langley was to decouple the AP history/english courses. Allows someone that has NOT been on the honors/ap track their whole student life to try an AP class without taking both. Fairfax county resources should not just be focused on the upper echelon of kids. The counselors all suggest to limit the number of AP classes. But in true Langley Spirit, other parents of the elite are pushing to stop this and require coupling the AP English and AP History classes, maintaining their exclusive status for their kids. No other high schools do this. It just never changes here. The condescending attitude of the parents is tough to take.
Posted: April 5, 2013
I am part of the 2015 class. Langley has been a lousy experience for me. Maybe Langley has excellent teachers for the top AP courses, which is a huge part of this school, but for the regular kids the teachers don't care about you. One of my current science courses is taught by a different teacher during his lunch break, after we had a substitute for 6 weeks. No one seems to care. We aren't the AP courses, which then they would have cared. We are supposed to learn from our science book on our own. But we take time away from the other AP classes so the teachers seem to resent us. The counselors don't help you unless you are the top kids.
Posted: March 30, 2013
Excellent -- the teachers are true educators who actually care about the students and their development. The school offers a very challenging and diverse selection of courses. There are many activities for the students - academic, athletic and service. The school leadership is truly committed to making the environment safe and productive and fun for the students. Parents are supportive of the school and the efforts that the students and administrators make. What a great place.
Posted: February 2, 2013
Stop complaining about how bad this school is, in reality if your kid is not smart its because they don't try hard enough to do well at Langley
Posted: February 1, 2013
We have 2 kids at Langley and our kids hate Langley and have been asking us to move. We are thinking about having them attend another school for next year. Friends of ours have used the International Baccalaureate program at reston to get their daughter out of Langley due to the cliques. Others have gone to Bishop O'C after going freshman year here. Langley is driven by status and wealth. Largely driven by the parents of the families that live in this Great Falls area. The wealth, going to Europe for summer trips, going to Colorado for spring break, going to Caymans for winter break is just over the top. It really is a distorted environment. As example, take a drive by the parking lot some day, these are the kids cars, or drive thru the neighborhoods with the multi million dollar houses. And the kids have social cliques just as any high school, but at Langley the kids are hugely aware of wealth and status and push it with clothes, cars, vacations etc.. There are very few families with 2 working parents and struggling to save for college. It distorts the importance of money in life.
Posted: January 1, 2013
I am a part of the class of 2015 for this school and I have had more good and great teachers than bad ones. I admit every school has its good and bad teachers, students, and such. But Langley High School is seriously underrated. I mean, sure, we are known for certain snobs, we are known for having huge gaps between student performance. And while I do complain some times about certain teachers and peers, I realize that my college applications and my future is all decided by me. That is why unlike most of the student reviewers here, I am actually appreciative of the learning environment here. I am actually one of the lesser-class people when it comes to the fact that Langley is a "rich people's school" but I don't feel any sort of inferiority or pressure yet I'm not terribly anti-social. It's amazing how people have pointed out certain ethnic groups and blamed others for their own losses. I have done well and I have not done so well at times but once you know how to manage, you can do well here with the benefit of attending one of the historically highest ranked schools in the nation.
Posted: January 1, 2013
I think that Langley is a very diverse school and can be viewed different ways based on how a student decides to take it on. Sure there are annoying kids and some bad teachers that can get on your nerves, but overall it is a very safe environment (physically) and there are plenty of courses available and many good teachers. The courses are typically challenging, but not to the point at which it is impossible to get an A. Also many kids are very wealthy, but that really does not have a large effect on everything else (other than the sweet cars in the student parking lot). There are many good opportunities that students can take advantage of, which is not always seen in other schools.
Posted: November 29, 2012
Langley is an awful environment for most normal families. This school is filled with the rich. The environment will screw with your kid's minds. It is not a normal world and the bullying / mean factor is over the top. What makes it worse is the administration doesn't care about you unless you are in the AP classes and A students. You are the outsider if you are not the smart kid. I really want to leave and go to a different school, one in which having a 125 IQ is ok and not deficient, one where a house with only 4 bedrooms and 2 floors is ok, and not laughed at. It sucks it really does.
Posted: November 5, 2012
I am a Langley Senior, Clas of 2013. Take it from me, Langley can be the last place you may want to be. Positives: -Extremely hard classes offered- AP's honors... -Great boys lacrosse team -A few good teachers -Great English teachers...depending on who you get -Nice new (posh) turf field Negatives: -The school has mold. Yes, that is very true. -The school is full of egoistical white rich kids who don't accept different people. -Very (too hard) classes at times -Most teachers don't care for students that are not straight-A students -Most teachers refuse to work with non-A students -If you are special ed of any kind, you will be: 1) Bullied by the administration and students 2) Treated like a complete moron by the administration, teachers, students, ect. 3) Give the worst education possible and so much more! If you are gay: I'd go elsewhere for schooling. (Or don't let the homophobic comments by other students get to you & don't come out) Burn out rate: I heard this myth that high school is fun, but i don't think thats true. My Gwad, burn out rate is very high. Just look at all the stress! Another positive: College will be very easy.. But what will I do with all that time?!
Posted: September 10, 2012
I am going to agree with the June 6th poster. This is a weak administration. My child has a math teacher who is barely understandable and on top of that, can't teach. The administration blames it on the child, even if the child has a straight A average. In addition, when the online reviews of these teachers are pointed out, again, the administration blames it on the students. And when that doesn't work, they blame it on the parents. It's really disgraceful. I will be placing my child in private school; I feel badly for the parents who cannot.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Willoughby | Condominium/Townhouse | Chevy Chase | MD | 4.2 mi | |
| 2 | Falls Church City | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 4.7 mi | |
| 3 | Leeway Overlee - N Arlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 4.8 mi | |
| 4 | Shreevewood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 5.5 mi | |
| 5 | White Flint | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 7 mi | |
| 6 | Barkley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 7.1 mi | |
| 7 | Broyhill Crest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 7.2 mi | |
| 8 | Old Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 7.3 mi | |
| 9 | Stonehurst | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 7.8 mi | |
| 10 | Twenty400 | Apartment Complex | Arlington | VA | 8.4 mi | |
| 11 | Shirlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 8.6 mi | |
| 12 | Takoma Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Takoma Park | MD | 8.8 mi | |
| 13 | Beverly Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 9.4 mi | |
| 14 | The VIO | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Washington SW | DC | 9.5 mi | |
| 15 | Forest Knolls | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 9.7 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arlington | Arlington | VA | 3.7 mi | |
| 2 | Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 4.5 mi | |
| 3 | West Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 5.3 mi | |
| 4 | Vienna | Vienna | VA | 6.3 mi | |
| 5 | Georgetown | Washington | DC | 6.7 mi | |
| 6 | Silver Spring | Silver Spring | MD | 8 mi | |
| 7 | Annandale | Annandale | VA | 8.3 mi | |
| 8 | Pentagon City | Arlington | VA | 8.4 mi | |
| 9 | Washington DC | Washington D.C. | DC | 8.6 mi | |
| 10 | Capitol Hill | Washington | DC | 9.8 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 5.3 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 6.1 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 6.6 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 7.5 mi. |
| Pentagon | 8.1 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 8.7 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 9.7 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 10.1 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 10.4 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 10.4 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 11 mi. |
| NRO Chantilly | 16 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 16.5 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 17.9 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 24.9 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 25.1 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 32.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 36.4 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 36.6 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 36.6 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 37.5 mi. |
| Dahlgren NSWC | 42.6 mi. |
