Orange Hunt Elementary School

Posted: February 27, 2026

The teachers are amazingly warm and wonderful at OH, however, the administration is seriously lacking. The 3 administrators are very unapproachable and do not want parents in the school. They do not support their teachers in behavior concerns that severely disrupt the learning of other students in the class. Their motto is 'build relationships' and yet they are the worst at this among staff and students.

Posted: February 27, 2026

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Posted: October 21, 2024

We lived in VA for 5 years as a retired military turned federal government family. Therefore, we have spent time in many school districts so have several with which to compare it. OH and FCPS in general are highly rated but by far our least favorite, for several reasons. FCPS is an agenda-pushing pressure-cooker in a community where everyone thinks they and their child are special. Of course your kid is special. But they don't have to be able to say they're in AAP or go to TJ to make it so.

My middle child was in the German immersion program, which, after the retirement of the founder of the program, seems to have gone downhill, and fast. I'm underwhelmed by the program and while I'm a big proponent of foreign language learning in general, feel like the curriculum set my daughter back a couple of years. Add COVD on top of that and it was a disaster. She had more than 30 kids in her kindergarten class. Her reading suffered as a result. They push word problems in 2nd grade at OH so if you're having a hard time reading, it has a domino effect that touches on literally all of the kid's coursework. But anytime I would mention it, I was brushed aside, because she wasn't *that* bad. She wasn't "bad" enough to warrant any extra help but trust me, it was an issue. One that quickly got addressed when we inevitably moved again to another district.

The school itself seems to have a Heisman-trophy-style approach to parents. You aren't welcome in the building, ever. My older daughter for some reason didn't want to use the bathroom inside the school the first week of school in kindergarten. So, she wet herself several times. I would bring in clean dry clothes and was getting to know the nurse a little since it was happening (too) often. The front office staff was blunt and rude and you couldn't spend 2 minutes in the school without getting the heave-ho. I understand safety is a concern, but I work in a school elsewhere now and it can be done without driving your parents away.

The playground may as well be a prison yard house with kids making license plates or breaking rocks with a hammer. It's too small and there is a rule for every rule. No tag. No chasing. No laughter. Ok, I kid, but the no tag is legit. When I drive up to my children's new school, with its before-school recess on a wide field with multiple play areas, the principal waving at the parents and hugging all of the students, I think, now this is what a school community should be. OH lacks all of that.

Posted: October 21, 2024

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Posted: May 2, 2023

My son has attended OH for two years. We have loved all of the teachers he has encountered and they have really helped our son to become a motivated learner. With that said, I wish the administration were a little more engaged with families. It feels as though we aren’t welcome to come to the school, and there a very few non-military events that parents can attend. It would be great to involve the community more. The school is in such a great location to really invite parents in to be a part of their child’s education.

Another thing I don’t love to hear, are the stories my son comes home telling. It seems like there are quite a few disruptive students in his classes and not a lot is done about the disruption to learning. While I recognize my child may be exaggerating, I’ve heard from families around the neighborhood who have similar experiences with their kids saying the same. It’s a little cause for concern that kids get to disrupt the class and be disrespectful to teachers and nothing is done about it.

The German Immersion program is great too, however, students who are not part of the program lack enthusiasm for that specials.

Posted: May 2, 2023

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Posted: April 13, 2023

Post covid academics are marginal and student engagement has declined. There is not sufficient enrichment offering for those who need it. Communication from the school is marginal at best. It is hard to find out what is going on at OH.

OHES’s military connection is too much. Orange hunt very much prides itself in a military identity as other commenters noted, at the expense of everyone who is not part of the military community or mindset. Even “spirit week” is based on a military theme. OHES is not a DOD school and should not be run like one. The German program and elementary language instruction is a unique asset to the school that sets OH apart, but is a major missed opportunity for the school to shine, with the over emphasis on military. As a positive, teachers are generally passionate and engaged. We’ve had great experiences with our children’s classroom teachers.

Posted: April 13, 2023

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Posted: June 25, 2022

We've had 2 kids go through this school in the past 8 years. When we first arrived, we we impressed by the welcoming atmosphere. The principal was engaged - he seemed to know every student's name and what they were up to - and this trickled down to his staff. There was little bullying, and the students seemed engaged. There were quarterly assemblies to recognize student achievement and parents were encouraged to attend and be a part of the school community.
In the past five years, we've seen a change of administration and a huge change in environment. The new principal is fond of saying that OHES has the 2nd highest concentration of military families outside of Ft. Belvoir. My kids have commented that since we're not a miliary family and they're not in the German Immersion program, they "don't count" at OHES. There are no longer assemblies, no student government, no recognition -- the students have little to strive for and bad behavior is noticably worse. Since COVID, there have been few opportunities for parent engagement; Room Parents and Field Days are now the exception, rather than the rule. The school is woefully overcrowded; there are trailers taking up much of the playground that house an entire grade, and kids are relegated to the bus loop on alternating days for recess since the playground is overcrowded. There are a handful of teachers who honestly don't seem to even like children, but there are just as many wonderful educators who go above and beyond for the kids at OHES. I hope they'll stick around! It's a shame it is no longer the great neighborhood school it once was.

Posted: June 25, 2022

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Posted: May 15, 2022

COVID really showed the schools true colors. Teachers put kids second, prioritized working from home even when it longer made sense.

Posted: May 15, 2022

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Posted: March 17, 2022

I've been happy with 2 students here. They're very different learners and both have been engaged, encouraged, and challenged. I also have had a child at Sangster, and think Orange Hunt does a better job fostering community. (Sangster likes to remind you how awesome they are...but that's just because they have the Advanced Academic kids from Orange Hunt + 2 other schools in their building.) I don't know why Great Schools rating is lower for Orange Hunt. Maybe because we have so many kids? This school is great. You'll be lucky if your kids go here

Posted: March 17, 2022

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Posted: February 20, 2021

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Posted: February 20, 2021

Great community school! Has really done so much for the community during a typical school year and during covid.

Posted: February 20, 2021

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Posted: June 16, 2020

We have had 2 kids go through this school and it has served them well. Our kids came from a school system overseas and were quickly caught up with the American school system. Both kids are excelling and our 7th grader just completed 2 high school level classes with A's after finishing his 3 years at OHES.

Posted: June 16, 2020

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Posted: May 19, 2020

We had three children attend Orange Hunt. The two oldest I had zero complaints about the school and it was a great experience. The youngest one, we are pulling out in 1st grade and moving to a different neighborhood. With the new principal that came on a few years ago the quality of education and atmosphere of the school has diminished. I can no longer recommend this school to friends moving to this area.

Posted: May 19, 2020

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Posted: May 19, 2020

Posted: May 19, 2020

A new principal started at Orange Hunt a few years ago and the quality of the education and organization of the school is dramatically worse. We've had three children go thru this elementary. The youngest one, we are pulling out in 1st grade and moving to a different neighborhood.

Posted: May 19, 2020

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Posted: October 23, 2018

Overall it is a very good school. The teachers generally demonstrate patience and caring as well as hard work in teaching and shaping their little minds. I would recommend OHES to friends and neighbors. The local Cub Scout troop is awesome as well.

Posted: October 23, 2018

Some of the teachers go with the no homework policy for the kids which is indicated by recent studies. It helps that all is required is reading.

Posted: October 23, 2018

We have had good results with our three kiddos. Teachers are generally engaged and caring. School counselors can use some support.

Posted: October 23, 2018

The positivity project is a great idea. The children hear this at school and at home.

Posted: October 23, 2018

Principal is fairly new. Not enough experience with Miss Tuttle yet.

Posted: October 23, 2018

Our son has had good experiences with his differences and how he develops and learns. The fcps system is there to help support the children and our experience reflects that.

Posted: October 23, 2018

No input/ no experience here on this question.

Posted: August 30, 2018

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Posted: August 30, 2018

It's our second year at OHES; we love it. The teachers are passionate and caring and the Principal has some great, fresh new ideas. We love everything about this school.

Posted: April 15, 2018

We have been at OHES for two years and have been happy with the school. We came from overseas, so there was a signifanct adjustment for my kids, but the teachers handled their introduction into the school system with kindness and patience. Our kids have been very happy there and look forward to going to school in the morning!

Posted: April 15, 2018

My kids get adequate homework to reinforce what they are learning in school, but it is brief and not overwhelming.

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Posted: August 24, 2017

Posted: August 24, 2017

This school embodies what every school should ---the kids want to go to school, they want to learn. This is what Elementary school is all about ---teaching them the desire to want to learn.

Posted: August 24, 2017

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Posted: January 12, 2017

This is our second year and we are very happy. All of the teachers my daughter has had so far are very experienced and some have been at the school for many years. My daughter is in the German immersion program and absolutely loves it. My experiences with the office staff have been fine. Great school

Posted: May 26, 2016

My daughter is finishing up her third year at Orange Hunt and I can't say enough good things about the school. The principal is very engaged and deeply committed to the school and the children. The kids love and respect him. We have had great teachers so far. There is a deep sense of community and it shows during school activities. We are not in the German program, but I've heard great things about it from other parents. Looking forward to more years at OHES!

Posted: June 20, 2015

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Posted: June 20, 2015

We relocated to Springfield and chose the Orange Hunt area in part due to the high ratings/reviews. In hindsight, I wish I had access to more personal experiences, opinions, and information about the school. Another post here speaks of Orange Hunt having a strange vibe, and that is an accurate description of my feelings as well.

I believe students receive a more-than-adequate education geared towards passing end-of-year state SOLs, and my child did quite well academically, but there is little done to inspire education in creative ways beyond basics. My child was bored with a monotonous weekly routine. Educational field trips are essentially nonexistent. Teachers seem to be uninspired to be creative. Students are required to sit at a lunch table with their homeroom classmates rather than being able to sit with friends in other classes. This is an example of a diminishing enjoyment of school during noninstructional hours. There is a large grassy field, but games of tag and soccer are prohibited, so even recess is throttled back. The FCPS 24-7 Learning site is rarely updated by teachers.

On the last day of school, I saw my child’s homeroom teacher and said “hello.” The teacher looked at me and didn’t say a word. I chalked it up to her not having a clue who I was. That's how disconnected it felt the whole year. Even if the teacher didn't know I was the parent of one of her homeroom students, a courtesy response is good manners. There were at least two other occasions that were equally as odd with the teacher. The vibe at the school is different . Orange Hunt is our child’s 4th elementary school, so I have a basis from which to make comparisons.

I volunteered once to help with an event and was rudely spoken to numerous times throughout the day by the coordinator (who is part of the PTA). I got the feeling there is clique of folks in the PTA and newcomers are not entirely welcomed.

In hindsight, I'd say this school just wasn’t a great fit given our prior experiences at other schools and the expectations that this school would be comparable. Our child did well academically, and if that's all you are looking for, then you'll probably find that your needs will be met. The overall school experience for our child and our connection with the teachers, school, and PTA was a real bust.

Posted: May 18, 2015

Orange Hunt is a wonderful place to learn! Students are nurtured, challenged, and have an excellent environment in which to learn. Having access to the German program, whether through immersion or weekly instruction, is a wonderful opportunity! I have worked as an elementary school specialist in several other area elementary schools and Orange Hunt is one of the best. The teachers, administrators, and families in the community provide a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Posted: April 24, 2015

Orange Hunt is a wonderful place for children to learn and grow! The staff is fantastic, students are delightful and the community is very supportive. I cannot say enough positive things about my children's teachers and appreciate their dedication. The school has an excellent balance of rigor, differentiation and creativity. Orange Hunt gets an A+ from our family!

Posted: April 24, 2015

Orange Hunt is WONDERFUL! My children are academically challenged and enriched daily (we are not in the German program) by EXCELLENT educators who are top in their field. In addition, the office staff is delightful and helpful. My children love going to school every day and my oldest was very prepared for the AAP Center in 3rd Grade. We have no complaints about the quality of instruction, and school environment, at Orange Hunt. What a great place for kids!

Posted: April 24, 2015

We are very happy with the academic and social environment at Orange Hunt Elementary School. Orange Hunt has a strong sense of community and we are pleased that we chose to purchase a home in this school district.

Posted: January 22, 2015

My daughter is in her 3rd year at Orange Hunt and she as well as us love it. The teachers are engaged and friendly, respond quickly to emails and always have an open ear for concerns. To the topic of the not so friendly office staff - yes, they are not the warmest people on the first gimps. But if you are nice to them they are friendly and nice back, it is that simple people! They are very helpful when you need them to be and that counts. To the Principal Mr. Pensler: I do not know what some people understand under the term "not a people person", in my understanding of it it just does not match the person I see at school. He is at every event we attended, always friendly, outgoing and sweet with the kids. I especially liked his responds to an email from me with my daughters question if it would be possible to stay together with her best friend for the next year: That he believes that school is not just a place to learn math and sciences but also a place for kids to be happy and grow as human beings. Now, who would not like such an environment for their kids?!

Posted: June 13, 2014

In a nutshell, Orange Hunt Elementary has the potential to be a very good/great school. Many of the teachers care deeply for the students. Mrs. Kettler was amazing with our son a couple years back. Mrs. Frederick and the entire band/music department is excellent. I have heard lots said about the front office staff - mainly negative. I agree that this group of ladies is quite unfriendly, unwelcoming, and generally make you feel like you're "putting them out" when you ask the simplest thing, like to check out your child for a Dr. Appt., etc. This is a shame, because they are on the "front line" of interaction with the public and set the tone for the school. However, I believe the REAL problem is with leadership, or a lack thereof. The Principal does not demonstrate the traits of a leader when he is in front of parents. He comes across as inept and I believe he is in over his head at this school. It amazes me that the district would allow this to happen. This year, the entire PTA board resigned after struggling with school leadership. A change is needed at OHES. We've had an overall good experience sending 3 students here, but COME ON FFX CTY ISD....get a REAL leader please

Posted: April 30, 2014

Yes the office staff is horrendous, very unfriendly & rude. Orange Hunt School & neighborhood does have a strange vibe. They are either warm, fuzzy & fabulous or extremely unfriendly. I have lived here for several years. We have had mostly great teachers and good experiences with the teachers. I have 1 in German & 1 not in German. I have not experienced the separation of German and not, quite the contrary. My kids have many friends in both programs. Also I have been to only a few of the German events and you do not need to be in the German to enjoy them. Actually most people who state this have never attended a German Event. Try one before you judge. Like any school it has some annoying parents, kids & teachers, I don't think that differs from most schools.

Posted: March 19, 2014

We are very happy with the school. Teachers are accessible and creative. We love the German program. What a great opportunity for our children! An additional bonus are some cultural events like the lantern walk for Saint Martin. The office staff, principal and assistant principal have always been friendly and helpful.

Posted: October 28, 2013

This is my daughter's first year at OHES. She was in another Fairfax County school for Kindergarten. This has been a great transition! Her teacher has communicated when needed and answered emails within a day. The principal is involved in events and you can tell he has a great relationship with students; he is friendly, positive and supportive. I was worried about being accepted by parents based on previous reviews but I have not experienced this. You just have to get involved where you can. I work full-time and can only volunteer if it is an evening event but everyone has been nice so far. I had no issues with office staff when I was checking on her transfer status. No school is ever going to be perfect, but my daughter is happy and I am happy and I am glad we moved to this school.

Posted: October 19, 2013

This school is terrible like other posts have said. The teachers have no attention to detail and do not want parents involved. There is a terrible group of cliquey parents who exclude other parents from participating. A lot of the staff is snobby and talk down to you as a parent. Awful school.

Posted: September 19, 2013

We LOVE this school!! There's an old saying, you can't appreciate the good until you've experienced bad. Well, last year at a different school my daughter cried daily and faked sicknesses, she was in kindergarten, because she didn't want to go to school. OHES is a great school! She can't wait to go to school!!! The teachers are excellent and encourage hard work, independence and self worth, invaluable life skills in my opinion. The teachers are loving and understanding but strict, exactly what rambunctious children need. We couldn't be happier!!! The principal was kind and communicative the few times I spoke to him. Some people aren't able to see a great thing because they don't know what a bad school is really like...

Posted: April 10, 2013

We've had our children in this school for 3 years and the teachers have been absolutely awesome. Our kids were behind in reading, and they brought them up to standard. Our oldest is now ahead of her grade-level reading. Our son is autistic, and the teachers and intervention staff have been supportive all along. Bullying is not tolerated. The principal and vice-principal make this school a great place for kids. There are numerous opportunities for parents to be involved.

Posted: February 3, 2013

We moved here two years ago and I must say that we are very pleased with the teachers and the staff. There are schools across this nation that do not have half of what Orange Hunt offers and provides. Going to meetings, speaking with teachers, asking for and offering suggestions is a yearly process to enhance the school and the students time spent there. My children are very happy and want to go to school everyday.

Posted: July 14, 2012

I have two girls attending Orange Hunt; one in the German program and one not. The school has been an excellent environment for both my daugthers and I am puzzled by the previous posts regarding the school principal. He is young, energetic, and engaging. He is at every event and has made the school overall less 'clicky' (before there was a sense of having to be in the German program to be special). There were some issues with an under performing Kindergarten teacher, which were addresed and she is no longer employed by the school. My daughters look forward to going to school every day and take pride in being 'Owls.' When my 1st grade daughter had issues adjusting I communicated by email with the teacher and she responded very quickly and resolved the issue. I am confident that OHES is preparing my kids well and giving them a quality education.

Posted: May 31, 2012

We just recently moved our child out of Orange Hunt elementary school and we discovered that our child does not meet standards at another Fairfax county school. The grades given and feedback from Orange Hunt said that the child exceeded standards, but now the new school is addressing these shortcomings. We find this unacceptable and alarming. There is no relationship between teachers and parents and you are really treated as a hassle. The school principal is living in his own world, does not greet parents and avoids any confrontation. He is so unfit for this position in terms of people skills. The Orange Hunt school also has a really bad environment where any parent whom speaks out or complains in order to address concerns is labeled as going against the family(the school). The school also covers up any problems instead of addressing them and pretends there are no problems. The school is overall hyped up much more than what it really is. Keep your eyes open, proactivity assess your children, stand behind your children and speak out for your child; this school has most people fooled as to what is really going on.

Posted: May 31, 2012

We had our children in the German immersion program because we thought it would be a good fit for them. They are fluent in German. Being a native German (30years+), one would think that I would know German, but according to the second grade teacher, who is not a German, my word knowledge was not sufficient. Wrong words were taught in math, but according to her, they were correct. English only speaking parents are in the dark due to the lack of understating. Parents should not have to put up with sub-standard teaching just to learn another language. The new principal is a disaster to say the least. This is his first year and one could only hope, for the school s sake, that he finds a new job away from Schools. He lacks any basic proper communicating skills to say the least. Is this school good? Not for parents who are actively involved in their children s education and are asking questions. We have been exposed to other Fairfax county schools and Orange Hunt does not meet the standards by far. There are by far much better schools in this area to choose from. Every school goes through good times and bad times; Orange Hunt is certainly on the down swing for sure.

Posted: May 2, 2011

We have two children at Orange Hunt. This is the second year for my older child and she loves her teacher and is thriving at school. I will say, her teacher goes out of her way to ensure good communication with the parents, which really helps. I've been in to volunteer and always feel very welcome in her classroom. My younger child is in Kindergarten. The Kindergarten classes are over crowded due to budget concerns, and are only half-day programs, for the same reason. I'm not particularly worried about him, because he's already a strong reader and good at math, but I don't feel he's grown at all from anything done at school. All of his advancement this year is because I spend an hour each day working with him at home. I feel like the teachers are doing the best they can, but really, 27 Kindergartners is just too much for one class. The ones who need extra help or extra challenges are going to fall through the cracks. Other reviewers have mentioned the unfriendly office staff. I will admit, I have found them a bit cold myself, but the more I volunteer and the more they see me, the friendlier they have become. If you're having issues, try to be part of the solution.

Reviewed: July 31, 2013

We love OHES. The parents are very involved in this community. The school offers a German Immersion program. Several German families live in the area and participate in the program. We have one child in e German program. I love that she is exposed to another culture and language. This is a great program for military families returning to the US from a tour in Germany. The school offers a variety of after school activities as well. Fitness, drama, foreign language, chess, etc.