Carson Middle School
Herndon, VA 20171
Phone: (703) 925-3600
District: Fairfax County Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 7,8 • 1360 students
Carson Middle School, a public school located in Herndon, VA, serves grades 7-8 in the Fairfax County Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Carson Middle School is a public school located in Herndon, VA. 1360 students attend Carson Middle 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. |
| Student Growth | 9/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Virginia Department of Education. |
Posted: March 11, 2026
My Son is a current student & He is loving the school. So far got good support & Cooperations From the Teachers & the Staffs . Thanks
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: March 11, 2026
Posted: November 18, 2025
Honestly, I like what this school has to offer you get to pick most of your classes and this is the first school that has lockers that I had been to and the only thing that was bad was the start time 7:00 am means I have to wake up at 6:00 am that's the only thing gate keeping a 5 star review
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: November 18, 2025
Posted: October 1, 2024
As an alumnus of Rachel Carson, I wish I could look back fondly on my time there, but unfortunately, the school's consistent failure to provide a safe environment overshadows much of my experience. While the academics were decent, the lack of attention to student safety was alarming. Incidents that should have been addressed immediately were often brushed aside, and I frequently felt the administration was more concerned with maintaining appearances than with protecting the well-being of its students.
For a school that prides itself on community, it was disappointing to see how often bullying, harassment, and even physical altercations were mishandled or ignored altogether. The absence of proper response systems left many students feeling vulnerable. I sincerely hope the administration takes these concerns to heart because no student should have to prioritize their personal safety over their education. While Im grateful for the friendships and a few dedicated teachers, I cant in good conscience recommend this school until significant changes are made to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: October 1, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Posted: August 18, 2024
Our experience at Carson led us to leave FCPS for private school. More time was spent educating my kids about social justice campaigns and pronouns than academics. My children graduated with near perfect grades despite performing below grade level in mathematics and writing.
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Posted: April 3, 2024
Amazing school with the best teachers and great friends. I love this school!!
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
Posted: December 14, 2021
I sent my student to this school because they are an AAP school. For the most part they have done an adequate job. However, they cant be bothered returning calls or emails from parents. The administrators at this school have been non-responsive when I have attempted to call asking specific questions. I have talked to other parents and they confirm the same. So if that doesn't bother you than you will be fine. Remember, its only 2 years
out of their life so most middle schools in Fairfax County will suffice. Just don't expect calls back.
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Posted: December 4, 2020
Virtual learning is a complete and utter failure at this school. Does your student have special needs or ADHD? If so, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! This school is horrendous for special needs students. They fail to understand special needs dont learn the same, and sometimes need special attention. Caring? Not quite. Patient advocates? Sure, they have them...although they dont do anything at all. If we could afford private school, we would go there.
Posted: July 12, 2019
We dont get much homework and all of the studies are with the teachers
Posted: July 12, 2019
The teachers are very fun end exciting in my team, the majestics team. If you are going here for 7th grade ask them to put you in this team
Posted: July 12, 2019
Posted: July 12, 2019
Posted: July 12, 2019
Posted: July 12, 2019
Posted: July 12, 2019
I loved this school because it is fun and the teachers are very enthusiastic. The male PE teachers are harsh. My friends PE teacher didn't allow him to be with us during OUR FREE TIME!!!
Posted: March 1, 2015
Statistically speaking, this school is one of the highest ranked middle schools in the county, state, and even in the US. 1 - We send the most amount of kids to TJ. 2 - Our GPA average is a B+, a significant jump from other schools. 3 - We have gotten above 97/100 average in our standardized testing 4 - We have a pass advanced average for the SOLs. In addition, we have the 2010 Principal of the Year (Mr. Frattali) and 2014 Teacher of the Year (Mr. Shah). Carson is an extremely competitive environment. We have clubs such as Model United Nations, Debate, MathCounts, TSA, and TARC that always score very high in competitions. Keep it up Carson!
Posted: February 28, 2015
I had two kids go through this school, one a tech whiz and one a humanities/music person. Carson was the best school they ever went to in FCPS. It starts at the top, with the principal and the administration. Mr Frattali is a person who --amazeballs!-- actually likes kids and can get them to follow his leadership without being patronizing or coercive. The teachers are uniformly excellent, with some standouts in science, music and languages. The office is friendly and welcoming to parents. The building and facilities are kept in excellent condition. For those parents who are thinking about TJ, Carson is one of the top three source middle schools for TJ. I had one go to TJ and one go to their base HS and both were academically and socially well prepared by Carson for their high schools. We moved into the area specifically for the Crossfield/Carson/Oakton pyramid, and it was a great decision.
Posted: November 4, 2014
I have been in Rachel Carson for two years already and time flies! RCMS is simply a GREAT school. I can guarantee that you will enjoy your time there. The staff members are great and the classrooms aren't overly crowded. You will surely make friends here because everyone is nice and sociable. There are also a lot of electives to choose from and the schedules are very flexible. Last but not least, the principal is very friendly. The room temperature is also usually perfect.
Posted: September 7, 2014
Carson is a model for how a public school should operate. The facility is very well maintained. The teacher body is stable (low staff turnover) and highly effective across all departments, notably science, math and music. Whenever I visited the kids were respectful of the teachers and one another whilst still evidently having a lot of fun (they're only 12, after all). I had two kids go through Carson, one was a science nut and went to TJ and the other was a history buff and ended up at Oakton. Both were well-prepared for high school and thrived, thanks to the basis they had at Carson. I unreservedly recommend this school.
Posted: June 20, 2014
Excellent school. Well run. Good communication. Safe environment. Kids were happy there, which says a lot for middle school. AAP teachers did a good job.
Posted: January 31, 2014
My school is a very good school. It has many number of electives to choose from, and has many after-school activities. The teachers are very nice and cooperative with students. They don't overload us with homework, but don't give us less and easy homework either.
Posted: January 31, 2014
Carson is a really nice school. I was new this year and I really felt welcome. The teachers are very understanding and I found it very easy to understand their lessons. I got my grade from a B average (from my old school) to a straight A student because of how well the teachers teach. The students are awesome and very welcoming, I never felt like a new student and it seemed as if I had known them for years.
Posted: June 17, 2013
Rachel Carson is the best middle school and I love it. The teachers are great and it is very safe!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fox Mill Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Herndon | VA | 1.7 mi | |
| 2 | Franklin Glen | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 2.2 mi | |
| 3 | South Riding | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chantilly | VA | 5.8 mi | |
| 4 | Little Rocky Run | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Clifton | VA | 7.5 mi | |
| 5 | Lewis Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 7.7 mi | |
| 6 | Fox Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Great Falls | VA | 7.8 mi | |
| 7 | Stonehurst | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 9.2 mi | |
| 8 | Barkley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 9.8 mi | |
| 9 | Kings Park West | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 9.9 mi | |
| 10 | Middleridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 10.1 mi | |
| 11 | The Townes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Manassas Park | VA | 11.1 mi | |
| 12 | Shreevewood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 11.4 mi | |
| 13 | Willow Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 11.6 mi | |
| 14 | The Elms | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 11.6 mi | |
| 15 | Long Branch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 11.7 mi | |
| 16 | Burke Conservancy | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 12.1 mi | |
| 17 | Burke Station Square | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Burke | VA | 12.8 mi | |
| 18 | Broyhill Crest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 12.9 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chantilly | Chantilly | VA | 2.3 mi | |
| 2 | Vienna | Vienna | VA | 8.4 mi | |
| 3 | Ashburn | Ashburn | VA | 8.9 mi | |
| 4 | West Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 11.4 mi | |
| 5 | Burke Centre | Burke | VA | 11.8 mi | |
| 6 | Burke | Burke | VA | 12.2 mi | |
| 7 | Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 12.3 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| NRO Chantilly | 3.5 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 12 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 17.6 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 18.2 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 18.5 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 19 mi. |
| Pentagon | 19.9 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 20.9 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 21.9 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 22.2 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 22.4 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 22.9 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 23 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 26.8 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 27 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 29.7 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 35.3 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 38.4 mi. |
| Shepherd Field | 44.8 mi. |
| Dahlgren NSWC | 45.5 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 49.3 mi. |
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