Ravensworth Elementary School

Posted: April 22, 2024

This is the worst school my kids have ever attended. Many of the young white woke female teachers seem to have a problem with boys and my son has had to feel it. If this county offered school choice they would be out in a heartbeat. My son is bullied for being special Ed and instead of doing anything about it he’s been bullied and accused of outlandish things that he is incapable of and wouldn’t understand by teachers who should be supporting him. It’s appalling and completely inexcusable. The school offers no explanation. Neither one of my kids enjoy going to this school and have anxiety in the morning when it’s time to go. My son gets sick from it some mornings. These “educators” should be ashamed.

Posted: April 22, 2024

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Posted: January 18, 2021

The school is good for your kids

Posted: January 18, 2021

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Posted: November 20, 2019

School is small, friendly. All staff-related experiences have been positive--from the principal to the teachers to the front desk to the custodians. My child is receiving age appropriate work, and has plenty of "play time", social time, and Mrs. Kim (K) foster creativity and teamwork.

Posted: November 20, 2019

Less than 2 homework assignments a month for Kindergarten.

Posted: November 20, 2019

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Posted: September 10, 2018

I do not have any first hand knowledge of this.

Posted: September 10, 2018

Mr. Austin tries anyway! Our children are growing up in a society with social media. I dont think any school really knows how or can be expected to completely and effectively 'deal with bullying".

Posted: September 10, 2018

Depends on the teacher. There is no overall school policy on homework. Generally if my children did not have time to do the homework, they didn't do it.

Posted: September 10, 2018

Again this changes from teacher to teacher. There are great teachers, and mediocre teachers. The current administration has shown to be very effective at cutting dead weight. Ms. Salata has also moved teachers around to find the grade where they excel at teaching. She also works to create a cohesive grade team.

Posted: September 10, 2018

Overall the school doesn't do much to develop any of these characteristics. The school counselor tries to have programs but the kids dont really seem to resonate with the effort. It is more like check we did our bullying session, check we did our compassion notes.... Certain teachers are very good at building character. Mrs. Turner and Mr. K come to mind specifically.

Posted: September 10, 2018

The leadership has shown to be effective in managing teachers, however the teachers are not completely onboard with following their leader. The school struggles to find "school spirit".

Posted: September 10, 2018

Any school is what you make of it. Children and their families can choose to be involved, attend programs, volunteer, and be active in the school community. There are great teachers, average teachers and bad teachers at any school. We have been very active in all aspects of Ravens life. My children have many happy memories and a good education to take with them. There were tough times and bad teachers, but overall we are very happy that we landed at Ravensworth ES.

Posted: July 5, 2017

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Posted: July 5, 2017

We had an incident on the school bus where a student upset my child by saying some mean-spirited things. One call to the school was all that was needed for the matter to be handled quickly and responsibly. It never happened again.

Posted: July 5, 2017

The school principal is highly responsive and responds effectively to all questions and concerns. She always has a smile on her face and greets the students and parents warmly. She leads by example. The Spanish immersion program is run really well and is a wonderful opportunity - even if there is a good amount of homework! (But that is the case everywhere nowadays it seems.) The annual large fundraiser is incredibly spirited and well-run. Fundraising is not a burden on parents compared to other schools I hear about. The school is newly remodeled and the teachers, staff and students are proud of their environment and it shows. Dedicated teachers rule at this school and the counselor-lead "lunch bunch" for students who need extra time to talk about any issues (social or emotional) is a wonderful idea and my child has participated in it a few times. Keep up the good work.

Posted: June 27, 2017

We have great experience with teachers, staff and principle. Both kids did excellent with academics progression, in class work and test without too much parental involvement. It has been a great upward trend for last 4 years. This school has a great academic potential to become next AP category with little bit more support from school district (Fairfax) to the principle. Staffs are all-around dedicated and caring.

Posted: June 27, 2017

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Posted: August 8, 2016

Posted: August 8, 2016

Posted: August 8, 2016

I was excited when my child started the 1st grade immersion program. Unfortunately, it seems that there were internal problems at the school. The 1st grade Spanish teacher left in April, then the long sub got sick, then there were a series of subs. The teachers seemed uninterested in advancing in science. The administration is not open to new ideas. It's sad really.

Posted: July 14, 2016

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Posted: July 14, 2016

Posted: July 14, 2016

The teachers have been very responsive to questions and concerns regarding my child's progress and get back to us in a timely manner. The school has a great sense of community without bombarding the parents for a million different fundraisers!

Posted: June 5, 2016

The school counselor has programs he goes into the classroom to work on values and how students treat others. I have a son who crys easily and have worried about him getting bullied but students always are concerned about what is wrong.

Posted: June 4, 2016

My kids have had some outstanding teachers at Ravensworth that really tune into their individual needs. I have one son with learning disabilities and he has gotten the support he needs though special education to excell. I'm really impressed with the new principal. She has revamped the immersion program and I've been very impressed with the new teachers she hires

Posted: November 29, 2015

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Posted: November 29, 2015

Posted: November 29, 2015

We've been very happy with our experience at Ravensworth. My middle child is in the immersion program, the other 2 have come through sibling placement, although I hope the kindergartner will be able to join immersion next year. My oldest has been pushed and challenged in a positive way, but with solid expectations. My middle one was dismissed in kindergarten at our base school when I asked multiple times about her speech. When I asked last year at Ravensworth, they had her tested immediately and have since started her on therapy, I can hear the improvement already. My youngest is being challenged in kindergarten although she started already knowing how to read and add, they push her own limits to keep her from growing bored. We have had experience in private school, our base school, and now Ravensworth, and I am by far happiest at Ravensworth. Mrs. Salata and Mr. Paper run a tight but kind ship focused on the success of the children.

Posted: September 16, 2015

I do feel the school develops honesty, integrity and fairness. The staff in the front office are very friendly and communicative. And I believe all things trickle down from the Principal, and Mrs. Salata, the Raven.sworth Prinicipal is awesome.
One thing I appreciate is that I've discovered that the Principal and Vice Principal really pay close attention and consideration when placing students in their classes (which teacher would be the best match for each student). They get to know their students on an individual level. They are wonderful.

Posted: September 16, 2015

I don't know why the average is 3 stars...I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. The principal, Mrs. Salata is AWESOME. The Vice Principal, Mr. Paper, is also great; they are both very hands on with both the students and the parents.

I have loved all of my sons' teachers. Both of my sons have IEP's and I am very happy with the education, approach and services offered by the school.

Parents can be as active as they would like through multiple volunteer opportunities.

Lastly, there are pepole who MOVE to this school district because of Ravensworth's SPANISH IMMERSION education opportunity where children are taught in Spanish to "immerse" them in the language. I believe families who choose this education track have to apply to be accepted into it, and their children are taught 1/2 in Spanish and 1/2 in English. If my boys weren't special ed, I would have LOVED to sign them up for this.

All in all, Ravensworth is a GREAT school.
My children had attended two other schools before Ravensworth but Ravensworth is my favorite. :)

Posted: September 16, 2015

I have loved EVERY teacher my children have had, including:
Mrs. Ramage / Mrs. Branch - Kindergarten
Ms Elizabeth / Ms. Kim / Ms. Mary - Spec Ed Pre-School
Mrs.Gleich - Kindergarten (prev) and 1st Grade (current).

Ravensworth may switch grades that certain teachers teach.

Posted: September 16, 2015

My children are in Kindergarten and 1st Grade so I can't comment on the homework assignments quite yet (it's only the 2nd week of school, Sept 2015).

Posted: December 30, 2014

My son is a second grader in the Spanish Immersion program at Ravensworth. We've been very pleased with the school. We did not have any experience with the old principal, as we started with the school the same year the new principal started. But I echo what other reviewers have said - she is very visible, very accessible, and is bringing a lot of positive energy to the school. The new 1st grade immersion teachers are amazing - like seriously the dream team! My son also loves his 2nd grade teachers. I also like that the school does a fun-run for its annual fund raiser - 100% of the money raised goes to the school. No need to make the kids sell random items that no one really wants anyway. Raises money and contributes to health and fitness! Win win for everyone.

Posted: October 27, 2014

The new principal is awesome, she is an excellent communicator, she responded to my email within the hour and followed up with me regarding my issue. She is very proactive, visible, and competent. We also love the community feel of the school and neighborhood.

Posted: October 26, 2014

Ravensworth is a great school. My kids have made some wonderful friends and the immersion program is going to leave them a step ahead.

Posted: May 12, 2014

We have had a wonderful time at this school. I also have a special needs child and have had a wonderful time with the program. The teachers have taken every suggestion and made more to make the learning experience great for this child. It has been so great that even know my child had the option to go to another school we did not take advantage of this option. My kids are not in the immersion program and have thrived and done well. I really appreciate that the teachers my kids have had holds them accountable to do their best - even if they kids are excelling. I do hope there is less of an emphasis on SOLs in the future but I do think my kids are learning and SOLs are a fact of life every student has to deal with. I don't have any experience with the new principal but I look forward to changes she has planned.

Posted: January 25, 2014

We have been in the Ravensworth neighborhood and school for two years now, my son is in the second grade. He is not in the immersion program, I prefer that he gets his math and science skills down instead of a second language at this point. We are very excited about the new principal and the security changes she is making. The staff is always very kind to him, including the nurse who will call if he gets hurt, and his teacher is always open to communications with me. He is in a happy and secure environment, and we love that he can walk to school (with supervision of course)! He does not have special needs so I cannot speak for those folks, I can only say that we have been pleased. He is reading by leaps and bounds and he loves the art program as well.

Posted: September 16, 2013

I have two children at Ravensworth Elementary who have had an overall positive experience with the school. We have a new principal who has already brought new energy and positive changes to the new year. I have never witnessed bullying at the school, but sincerely hope that the new administration will adhere to a no tolerance policy. Our children deserve a safe and happy learning atmosphere. Our school needs parent involvement in order to be successful and volunteers are greatly appreciated by the teachers and PTA!!! Ravensworth does have talented and caring staff and teachers in the immersion program! The first year can be overwhelming and I do hope that the new principal is able to restructure the curriculum and make the program more cohesive for the lower grades. I have heard from numerous families and have experienced with my own kids, that if you can get past the first year in immersion...it is rewarding and worth it. I am excited about the possibilities for our school and think we are on the road to excellence.

Posted: September 15, 2013

I can't speak for the bullying complaints in previous reviews, but my experience with Ravensworth over the past 4 years has been mostly positive. The teachers are committed, the staff is fabulous, and with the new principal, we already see many much needed changes in the school. Sure, there are a few bad apples, but you get that at any school. The new administration has brought about a new energy and a new way of doing things, even in these first few weeks of school. Starting last year, the PTA has been committed to bringing in classroom hands-on STEM workshops, science fairs, chess club, after school fitness, Global language classes and so much more. Parents are involved in the school and there is always a large turnout for family fun activities like the ice cream social, bingo night, parents night out, movie night, etc. This school is making great strides to become one of the best in the area! I can't wait to rate this school 5 stars in a year or two!

Posted: August 12, 2013

Ravensvorth school family school second generation, is the best place to grow in educatet ,good , person .

Posted: August 9, 2013

Bullying behavior is accepted at this school as documented by several different families. It is unbelievable that the administration has no clue how to handle reports of bullying that are even witnessed by other students. Run, as far away as you can, if you happen to fall within their school boundaries. Just read other reviews on this site in regards to bullying. It is happening and is allowed to continue. How sad for the poor little victims who speaks up and are met with no solutions from administration. Clearly, it is a huge problem that continues year after year. We are glad this school no longer has any part of our child's life.

Posted: June 18, 2013

I'm sorry to hear that bullying is still going on. My son also endured years of taunting by other students under the same administration. Even then the attitude was "Johnny you shouldn't do that" and that was that. My son still talks about being harassed and he graduated four years ago! There are teachers who are outright mean to the students. If a child is special needs or doesn't fit in Fairfax County's neat little box, don't expect understanding. If you can, look for another school. If not, good luck.

Posted: June 17, 2013

The teachers are not to blame for this failing school. The administration is incompetent. If your child is middle of the road or can qualify for GT centers, you'll be fine. Anything else, you will be spending a lot of time fighting for what they need and know that this school will fight back, belittle you, insult you, and bully you. Bullying is out of control in this school and addressed but not enforced. All 3 of my children attended this school and all 3 hated it. All 3 endured bullying. It is not a happy place to be educated. Good luck.

Posted: March 10, 2013

We are moving at the end of the month to another area and our child will go to another school... we are really sorry about leaving Ravenswoth ES... It has been a great place for our son. If we could, we ll stay there. A great community and he has a great teacher in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Thank you for everything. We ll miss you!!

Posted: January 8, 2013

My kids have been going to this school for 3 years now and love it. Kids are friendly, teachers are wonderful, and my kids can't wait to go to school in the morning.

Posted: April 27, 2012

This school is awful. The administration is very difficult to deal with, ignores parents' concerns, fails to encourage excellence in teachers and does not support the few good teachers that have not yet left. It is clear that neither the administration nor the teachers recognize that the target audience at elementary schools is children--children of differing learning styles and personalities. Parent involvement is weak and the PTA is at constant risk of being disbanded simply because the administration does not support parent involvement. It's a shame.

Posted: January 11, 2012

I have 2 kids in the immersion program at Ravensworth. While I think it is a good program overall, we have been quite frustrated with the lack of good communication to parents about assignments and tests. Teachers are supposed to post homework assignments, notices of upcoming tests and study materials on the Blackboard 24/7 site. None of our kids' teachers do so. Making matters worse, the school sends home piles of paper, but again, often there is no explanation whatsoever about the units/subject matter being covered in the class, nor any guidance for non-native Spanish speaking parents. The classroom work and homework is copied from a workbook with VERY poorly written Spanish. Even fluent Spanish speakers in our extended family have trouble understanding the homework problems because the Spanish is written so awkwardly. The immersion teachers don't seem to want to help parents by providing extra resources.

Posted: January 10, 2012

There is a wonderful community feeling at this school and I am so pleased that our daughter attends Ravensworth. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved and the administration is very welcoming to parents in the school. Our daughter is in 2nd grade in the immersion program and I am torn about whether to stay here or go to a full time/level 4 Advanced Academics (GT) school next year because we love the school culture and community so much. But some teachers are better than others and generally there is room for improvement in parent communication about academics. Immersion is not a fit for all and can be the cause of some negative reviews by parents,.