Terraset Elementary School

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Amazing school one of the best in reston

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: February 24, 2026

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

Posted: December 18, 2023

We have found the school to not be welcoming to new children. We recently moved from overseas and my child was bullied for being the new kid by a known bully (who is even known to the parents as the school bully). The school did not do anything for new students, and though my child has been ok, this has been a stark difference from our previous school where new children were made to feel welcome. My child has repeatedly said that American children are so mean. Academically, it seems like the teachers often phone it in and rely on iPads to do their teaching for them. We are working with our child separately to ensure academic progress because there don’t seem to be accountability nor standards in the classroom.

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

The school separates kids into general track and advanced without transparency of the process. We pointed out error to the administrators and they apologized for the mistakes but did zero to actually address it. This separation denies general track kids access to advanced material/curriculum and environment to learn from all peers, not just the one left behind. Although general ed teachers were great, fundamentally, separation into group hurts your child’s opportunity to grow. The saddest part - the school separated advanced track during graduation placing them on one side of the room.and that section was the one getting most award at graduation. What a clear visual.

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: June 17, 2023

Posted: February 7, 2020

This school lacks diversity and inclusion even though there is a large poster on the wall that is supposed to make children fee welcome. The challenges for children of color has grown and has been seriously ignored. If the matter is brought to the staff attention they ignore the problem or try to make it seem like your child is problematic. The U.S Department of Education really needs to look into this and why it’s so common. A lot of parent of children of color don’t know who to go to or who to talk to about their concerns since there seems to be no place for guidance within the school system

Posted: February 7, 2020

Posted: February 7, 2020

Posted: February 7, 2020

Posted: February 7, 2020

Posted: February 7, 2020

Posted: February 7, 2020

Kids who are not minorities use racial slurs towards African American children and the staff does nothing to address this concern. This concern has lead to a lot of children feeling out of place in what has now become a non- inclusive environment be considered a detriment to children of color. The school failed to address this issue due to the lack of liability it gets from a child making the statement compared to a staff memeber. This needs to be looked into.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Lindsay Trout is a phenomenal leader and sets the tone for the whole school. The vice principals we’ve had — Ms Hunstad and Mr Chiet — have reinforced and advocated for the values and community across the entire school. Everyone is hands on and there is a deliberate culture of inclusion.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Posted: August 9, 2019

Bullying or even unkind words are simply not tolerated. Character is a strong value.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Amazing. This school is by far one of the best with strong leadership and excellent teachers.

Posted: August 9, 2019

Posted: August 9, 2019

Posted: August 9, 2019

Character has always been a strong value but the addition of The Positivity Project to the school programs in 2017-18 has enhanced a strong, inclusive culture.

Posted: January 30, 2019

My daughter is an ESL student and has one-on-one attention throughout the week for reading and writing. Many other children in her class have reading and/or speaking deficiencies due to having another language at home or a learning disability. The rise in children with learning disabilities is shocking and extremely worrying. Schools like Terraset have great programs to help and I imagine they don't come cheap. But parents and teachers also need to work together to figure out where this problem is coming from and how to prevent harm to children in the first place.

Posted: January 30, 2019

I have not seen or heard of any serial harassing of a child at Terraset but I have had a child enrolled for less than a year. I don't really know how effectively it is dealt with.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Does not pressure first graders with too much homework. Homework is fun and interesting and not more than a few minutes a day.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Mrs. Maly is the best first grade teacher in the world. Always firm but sweet and patient. Never condescending, never angry. Full of creativity and kindness, all the kids love her because they know she loves all of them equally. (I am parent of a girl in her class and also her teacher's aid) Mrs. Maly appreciates parent involvement very much and is always available via phone, text or email.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Its very obvious that the school has a focus on character development. I just wish that they could get more parents involved because there are some children that need help from both sides (school and home) and the school's program is not enough for them. School buses to and from school, seem to be where a lot of bad behavior flourishes, in spite of the bus monitors and vigilant drivers. I would love cameras to be installed as a way to show the parents of these children exactly how nasty they can be to younger ones, for no reason at all... and of course for the children themselves to see how it looks. A "big brother" program for kindergartners (with older kids giving them a hand for a week or two) would help as well. Although there don't seem to be any serious issues with bad behavior at Terraset, there doesn't seem to be a pro-active lesson plan either. Its all just oral and hypothetical with no learning through doing. In class they use a "kindness jar" but that is just an prettier point system and has been proven to not work with children who need a lesson in kindness. Its just rewarding willingness to please. Children need to learn that kindness (integrity, compassion) is its own reward. Its not something you should be getting paid for.

Posted: January 30, 2019

Its such a well-run school. Always putting on raffles and school-spirit events etc., always smoothly. Children have a chance to get to know the principal and vice-principal because they are always involved (hands on) in any school activities and often visit the classrooms just to say "hi". Teachers seem to be very comfortable with making creative changes to their classrooms and teaching plans so its obvious they are not smothered by bad leadership.

Posted: January 30, 2019

My daugher loves Terasset and I love how connected the school is to the neighborhood and the families. Its absolutely beautiful architecturally but the teachers and staff are beautiful too. Always welcoming and friendly. The library is especially nice.. the out-door class room... Terraset is full of lovely surprises. If I could change one thing, I would have better quality food for the cafeteria. The menu is not bad but the quality is not there. Still, I believe it is better than most schools in the area, as it even has a fresh salad bar. All in all, Terraset is the school of my dreams.

Posted: March 18, 2018

Posted: March 18, 2018

Posted: March 18, 2018

Posted: March 18, 2018

Posted: March 18, 2018

Posted: March 18, 2018

We've really enjoyed the character and environment at Terraset. It's a warm and trusting space, and my daughter is getting individuated learning attention. She was moved into advanced math after a few months and I get the sense that the teachers are really paying attention to individual needs. Also, the school is a true neighborhood school with the warmth, safety and community spirit that any family would benefit from. Don't trust that 4 rating. This place is a gem.

Posted: October 27, 2017

Posted: October 27, 2017

Posted: October 27, 2017

Posted: October 27, 2017

Posted: October 27, 2017

Posted: October 27, 2017

Posted: October 27, 2017

Terraset is just an impressive place. With the completed renovation, the physical space is outstanding and designed to teach children in a range of ways. The outdoor classroom is a highlight of the school, for example. Terraset is part of the Positivity Project, which is truly impressive in teaching children key skills to deal with all sorts of issues; it teaches communication skills and standing up for oneself, the importance of citizenship, the beauty of our differences, and how to handle problems. In fact, the number one word I would use to describe the school is positive. My children have simply not experienced bullying. Ms. Trout is a phenomenal principal, and the fact that she herself attended Terraset only increases her devotion to the school community. It is clear the teachers enjoy working for and with her, which cannot be overstated. Also, Terraset may receive a lower "score" here due to the diversity of the student population. We adore the diversity and the different cultures our children have learned about from the diverse student population. Terraset does a remarkable job of combining the range of backgrounds of students and using it for the greater learning experience of the student population. Every teacher we had boasted over 10 years of experience and experience in the current grade.

Posted: September 27, 2017

Posted: September 27, 2017

Posted: September 27, 2017

Posted: September 27, 2017

Posted: September 27, 2017

Posted: September 27, 2017

Posted: September 27, 2017

We love Terraset and have had a very positive experience here. The staff is wonderful and has always addressed any concerns we have had. They are working really hard to make sure kids feel included and have great character.

Posted: February 9, 2017

This school is very, very good! Great school, awesome teachers, outstanding principal!

Posted: February 9, 2017

Posted: February 9, 2017

Posted: February 9, 2017

Posted: February 9, 2017

Posted: February 9, 2017

Posted: February 9, 2017

Posted: January 6, 2017

Terraset has been a Godsend for us. The Principal is amazing. The teachers are awesome. The facilities are clean and well organized. Our son is learning at rapid speed and feels very connected to the school community. We are thrilled with our Terraset experience!

Posted: August 29, 2015

My child has had a great experience at Terraset. The reviewer who complained about fathers not being as welcome to participate is wrong -- dads are very welcome to volunteer at Terraset. My husband has spent as much time volunteering at school as I have. The Watchdogs program is not exclusive to our school, and yes there is a small fee, but it is so worth it. Ms. Trout is a fantastic principal and the renovations are beautiful. They took a cramped, badly outdated building and turned it into a gorgeous school, not sure why anyone would complain about that. Can't wait for the new year to start!

Posted: August 29, 2015

Posted: August 29, 2015

Posted: August 29, 2015

Posted: August 6, 2015

Posted: August 6, 2015

Clear instructions for homework are not given (this has been a problem multiple years.) Mostly the work is print offs (with typos) and when questions are raised the teacher's responses are usually, "I just printed it off, I didn't really look at it yet."

Posted: August 6, 2015

Posted: August 6, 2015

With two children presently at Terraset, I've been disappointed that the quality of care and education doesn't match other Reston schools. If looking to buy, I'd pick a home in another boundary. Terraset is too focused on appearances and building renovations. Fathers wanting to volunteer are charged for the privilege (watchdogs.) Why in this day and age there would be a gender requirement for participation is beyond me. It certainly sends the wrong message to the children. Schools should reinforce that ALL adults are equal and therefore capable of doing ALL jobs. Teacher quality has been a mixed bag (some great, some quite bad.) Not even the principal lives in the community.

Posted: June 16, 2015

Posted: June 16, 2015

We have one child finishing his 4th year at Terraset and another kindergarten. We absolutely love this school and are so lucky to have our kids enrolled there. The faculty, staff, and students are exceptional, providing a diverse, creative, productive, and educational environment. Principal Trout is incredibly involved and deeply cares about her students and school. We could not ask for a better school for our kids.

Posted: May 29, 2014

My son is just finishing up second grade at Terraset. We have been so incredibly happy with everything since he started in Kindergarten. The new principal has brought a great philosophy to the school, and every child gets to do the level of work he is capable of. My son gets pulled out for advanced math and is reading far above the level of a typical 2nd grader, and they support him in all of his interests. In fact, he did have some problems with the social aspects of school, and the school counselor invited him into a small group lunch time setting to work on those problems. I cannot express enough how happy we have been. My younger child is starting Kindergarten in the fall, and I look forward to seeing how they work with her!

Posted: April 17, 2014

Great school, great teachers and a wonderful principal. Very excited for the renovations to be finished.

Posted: October 20, 2012

I had very bad experience at this school, one teacher my kid had was careless, lack of skills and punished my child for personal reason, not only in the classroom, but also by sending the administration false and intentionally misleading information.I'd give this teacher 0 star for the performance. some teachers are good,like the one my child had two years ago, that's why I am giving 4 stars for that reason. 2 stars average. The newly retired principal abused power, covered up to continuing her mismanagement. I am glad that there is a new principal now.I wish the teachers' quality could improve over the time under the new principal.

Posted: July 12, 2012

Terraset Tiger Pride abounds! This summer about 20 of our teachers are volunteering their own time to run a summer reading program, two days a week, for 8 weeks. Isn't that fantastic! This is why Terraset is such a fantastic school... the teachers really care.

Posted: July 11, 2012

I have had 2 boys graduate from Terraset and my youngest will be entering the 5th grade in September. We have had wonderful experiences with this school, especially with the special education teachers. Kudos to Ann Donovan and her special education team, to Ellen Cury, Terraset's retiring principal and to the other great teachers my children have had. Thank you!

Posted: September 12, 2011

Terraset, it's community, staff, and PTA are top notch. With such a small population, the classrooms tend to be so much smaller than the surrounding schools. My son has had such amazing teachers every year, we know that this is just the right school for our family. I can not say enough about the leadership of the administration and the relationship that they have with the community. And our PTA... what an amazing group of parents that go above and beyond for the staff and students. We love Terraset!

Posted: September 12, 2011

My family has been part of the Terraset Community for nearly four years. It is wonderful. The teachers, parents, adminsitration and environment all enable a positive learning experience. My daughter skips off to school every day with eager anticipation. Terraset offers a wide variety of academic, cultural and lifestyle opportunities in both its standard curriculum and enrichment programs... honestly, you couldn't ask for more!

Posted: September 11, 2011

This school is a gem. A small school with an amazing and dedicated team of educators. Wonderful sense of community for the students and parents. Fabulous PTA. So proud to be a Terraset family.