Newington Forest Elementary School

Posted: October 28, 2025

I do not recommend this school for special needs children. This is my daughter’s third school in the county and we are having a horrible experience. The school makes me feel like the worse parent in the world. Constant emails and calls letting me every bad thing my child did that day. Not one good report despite not having ANY issues at her other 2 schools. It’s like if your child doesn’t fit into their cookie cutter example of a good student, they treat them like criminals. Instead of providing my daughter help they decided to isolate her and not allow her around any kids her age. The principal has threatened to suspend my child for doing things related to her autism. The principle is a nightmare! I’ve made a discrimination complaint against her with the county. I hate my child is at this school and I’m working with the region to get her moved. Otherwise legal action will be taken.

Posted: October 28, 2025

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Posted: January 21, 2025

Newington Forest Elementary is an amazing place for all kids. Newington staff is amazing including patrols. Patrols are really kind and friendly they will help any kid that does not know where to go for class and the way to the cafeteria. The teachers there are amazing. They help with emotions and how to calm them down to teaching and learning ABC'S or writing essays. All in all Newington is an amazing school!

Posted: January 21, 2025

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Posted: January 15, 2024

Love this school and would recommend to others for their kids.

Posted: January 15, 2024

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Posted: January 15, 2024

Couldn't wish for a better school. Nothing
Compares

Posted: January 15, 2024

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Posted: January 15, 2024

My children expressed great experience at the school. I've participated in the school events and activities. Helped out and volunteered. Worked on the PTA. This school is a great school all in all. Teachers cared for the kids and they learned from their experience here.

Posted: January 15, 2024

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Posted: April 16, 2022

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Posted: April 16, 2022

when i went there i noticed students bullying another student and teachers took no action at all towards that. there is also obvious favoritism towards students at this school. i wish that this school can improve on helping students get along with each other rather than tolerate bullying. i wouldnt recommend this school.

Posted: April 16, 2022

Posted: April 16, 2022

Posted: May 18, 2021

Our son has loved Newington Forest, and we've been incredibly happy with his (and our) experience at the school. He has had wonderful teachers, who have been invested in him and seeing him succeed. He wakes up excited to go to school, and he's constantly telling us about what he is learning and doing. Sometimes we catch him singing the Newington Forest song. We've also been impressed with the school's principal, Angela Thompson. Principal Thompson's dedication to the school, its students, and its teachers is impressive. Principal Thompson, the teachers, and the staff at Newington Forest have created a warm and wonderful environment for the students.

Posted: May 18, 2021

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Posted: May 7, 2019

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Posted: May 7, 2019

Posted: May 7, 2019

Newington Forest is staffed by caring, knowledgeable teachers and administrators who truly care about the success of the students. Many areas of the school have recently been remodeled, and it is now a modern, secure facility.

Posted: May 7, 2019

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Posted: January 15, 2019

This is our second year at NFES and I have been so pleased with my kids' experiences so far. I am so glad to have NFES as our school.

Posted: January 15, 2019

Currently, my 1st grader's homework is reading every night and sometimes he will bring home a math worksheet. My 4th grader brings has a math packet to be completed by the week's end. If she doesn't understand her homework, she tells her teacher and they review it until she understands. I am very pleased that our kids are not overloaded with homework in elementary school and I thank NFES for seeing that kids should not have that kind of stressful burden every night.

Posted: January 15, 2019

Our family has been very lucky with fantastic teachers at NFES. My kids have so far had educators who are considerate of the strengths and weaknesses of my children, and work to help them thrive.

Posted: January 15, 2019

At NFES, they want their Knights to C.A.R.E. I can't remember what the acronym stands for other than Respect and Effort - but I know it's a theme that is carried and encouraged throughout the school. I appreciate that.

Posted: January 15, 2019

If leadership means the Principal & Vice Principal, I'm not really sure I can speak to that. Their messaging is that they want NFES to be inclusive and the student body to be caring. I've seen messages around the school about growth vs. fixed mindset and I think it's great to expose our kids to that.

Posted: January 15, 2019

Our family is fortunate to not have to have IEPs, ESOL, or physical disabilities for our 2 kids so I do not have first-hand knowledge on how NFES handles learning differences.

Posted: January 15, 2019

I haven't seen specific examples of bullying or how the school dealt with it, but I know they have zero tolerance for it.

Posted: May 9, 2018

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Posted: May 9, 2018

i like this school but i think they could use better equipment and make it easier for the kids to learn in the way they think

Posted: May 9, 2018

they don't give the kids homework as much as I'd like

Posted: May 9, 2018

they have very good teachers but could use more

Posted: May 9, 2018

Posted: February 26, 2017

The school is under renovation and we are excited about the improvements and added space for the kids. The new administration appears to care a lot about the students and are present at most of the PTA sponsored events. All of the teachers we have dealt with are dedicated seek to create a positive learning environment for the students.

We love that the school seems to be mostly made up of down to earth, "normal" families, as opposed to the competitive culture you will find at many other schools in Fairfax County.

Posted: February 26, 2017

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Posted: February 26, 2017

The approach to homework varies from teacher to teacher.

Posted: June 1, 2016

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Posted: June 1, 2016

The school has a lot to improve on.

When visiting the front office, many of the staff act like you're bothering them and they have better things to do. This carries over into phone calls to the school as well.

The counselor I have dealt with does not impress me at all. She is unresponsive, unorganized, and non-compliant with Virginia law requirements when dealing with the my child's needs.

The teachers are a hit or miss. I have worked with teachers at the school who have a genuine interest in teaching my child. But I have also dealt with a few teachers who don't. They focus more on the students who are academically proficient and neglect those who are struggling. They can have a very condescending tone as well. And one teacher tried to guilt-trip me by making it seem like she did my child and I a favor when all she really was doing was her job.

I consistently ask my child how school was, what difficulties were encountered in class, how we should work to improve, etc. So I was taken aback when one day my child told me that help was needed for a task that was assigned to the class. When my child had asked for help the teacher told my child she was too busy and was helping someone else. My child had asked on a few occasions with little results from the teacher. When my child told me this, I had to internalize my anger. Instead I pulled out the iPad and helped search for ways to help with this set back. All it took me was 5 minutes to pull up the right website to help explain what type of exercises they were doing in class for my child successfully accomplish what the teacher failed to take the time in class to do.

I am all for supporting my child and helping with assignments at home. But if a teacher can't take the time to explain something so simple like she is supposed to, then she as well as the other few teachers are hurting the students. She left my child feeling that he was not worth the effort because she would rather help another kid who already grasped the concept she was teaching.

I was contemplating moving into a new school district but I like our neighborhood and I have some hope that the school can improve. Especially with the new principal to lead them in the right direction.

Posted: December 11, 2014

If your child is an average or an above average kid, you will love this school. 2 of my children are and they had a great experience with great teachers! My 3rd child had problems and the obvious thing to do with him was to constantly send him to the office and call me and make us feel like a horrible parent and put bandaids on the problem. After we moved recently we found out thru comprehensive testing at his new school, that red flags were obvious (hello!) and that he was actually autism spectrum. He could have received services thru the best county in the nation, but instead, we had to find out from a whole other school that actually he needed help and services, instead of possible suspensions and harshness. The office staff is great to those they like. If we move back, I will avoid this school!

Posted: November 10, 2014

The teachers really care. Besides great effort in teaching, they care to be good people. My son's 2nd grade teacher came to his championship football game to cheer him on. Sadly, a friend of mine passed away recently. The teacher of the deceased's niece came to the celebration of life to support her student. My older son went to the school years ago. When he visits during a function and sees his old teachers, he always thanks them for being awesome. I ve seen tears of joy in their eyes when they see him. He is now an honor roll student at South County Middle School. Newington Forest Elementary School has been fantastic for my sons!

Posted: August 4, 2014

I would not judge this school on its test scores: it is a great school (my kid did poorly on the SOL writing because it said you can write the essay as long or short as you'd like: my lazy boy did two sentence per paragraph). My four kids have gone there since 2008 (youngest will be in 3rd), and of course we have had not-so-great teachers; however, the great teachers have balanced that out. Parents are VERY involved! I sometime wonder where all the PTA money goes... Any way, the Office team is the WORST! They are so rude and act like they have to go out of their way to do their job for you, but the principle and VP are super. Besides the Office team, the only other bad part are the extremely high taxes we have to pay, and yet the district Needs more money!

Posted: October 6, 2013

Newington Forest has exceeded all of our expectation. Our children are consistently being challenged, the teachers are very hands-on, and the administration is very professional. Any families considering this school district will not be disappointed.

Posted: September 23, 2013

Our children have attended Newington Forest since Kindergarten - we now have one in 6th and one in 4th. Overall we are extremely pleased with the school and the teachers. The sense of community is strong and the diversity is amazing. Experience wise it has been a blessing for our children to meet kids from all over the world.

Posted: August 16, 2013

An excellent community school with friendly teachers and administrators who instilled a love of learning in my child. We have always felt welcomed and encouraged by everyone there. Newington Forest is a diverse community with a strong sense of parental involvement. We, unfortunately, will be moving to a new school but will miss our Newington Forest family!

Posted: August 5, 2013

My son will be a second grader and just loves his school! As parents, we are very pleased with the dedication and hard work that all teachers including staff continuously show. Thank you Newington Forest Elementary!!!!!! Your hard work is noted!

Posted: May 15, 2013

THIS SCHOOL IS BEYOND GREAT! MY DAUGTHER IS BEEN HERE SCENCE KINDERGARDEN AND I SACRIFICE NOT TO MOVE OUT OF THE AREA SO THAT SHE CAN FINISH IN THIS SCHOOL. WE ARE SO PROUD AND THANKFULL TO THE SCHOOL STAFF THANK YOU! :)

Posted: May 7, 2011

My children have been in Newington Forest for 5 years now. I am so impressed with the high quality of teachers who go above and beyond for my children. I have a Special Needs son and his needs have been met beyond my expectations. Teachers and Office staff are happy and welcoming. Mr. Kren is a great Principal who obviously has hired a staff that creates this wonderful environment for children and parents.

Posted: May 7, 2011

Teachers,staff and parent relationships are above and beyond expe tations. Great experience for our family.

Posted: May 7, 2011

Good school, excellent teachers/admin, good environment, very inclusive, glad to have had my children here. Keep up the great work.

Posted: May 6, 2011

Excellent neighborhood school. Very warm and open environment. Every staff member is so positive and accommodating for parents and kids. Mr. Kren is a great Principal who is always making decisions based on what is best for kids. Thumbs up!

Posted: May 6, 2011

Great School, wonderful teachers and administration. My children have flourished at this school. The quality of teachers and the positive climate at this school start from the example and great leadership from the Principal. Love this school!

Posted: November 30, 2010

I can't say enough good things about Newington Forest. My children have been attending this school since 2005. One has graduated and moved on to middle school and the other is still in attendance. My oldest is thriving in middle school thanks to his education at NFS. The teachers, staff and administration are like a family to us. The PTA is well-organized and very involved. It is amazing to me that so many caring, wonderful people are gathered together in the same place. I wouldn't trade our experience at this school for anything!