Charles Barrett Elementary School

Posted: August 26, 2026

I am extremely disappointed with how Charles Barrett Elementary has handled my son’s first week of preschool.
My son has an IEP and receives specialized transportation. Despite school starting this week, his transportation was not properly arranged, and I was only made aware of the problem after I began calling around myself. I was told the transportation request was submitted late and that he may not have transportation until Monday. As a result, my child could miss almost his entire first week of school because of an administrative issue that I had no control over.
What is most upsetting is the lack of urgency and concern about the instructional time he is losing. I am the parent, not the school employee responsible for submitting transportation requests. My son should not be the one paying the price for a breakdown in communication or paperwork between the school, his teacher and the transportation department.
I have been passed between departments instead of being given an immediate solution. This is a 3-year-old child with an IEP who is supposed to be receiving services and attending school. Missing the first several days of school is not a small inconvenience it affects his education, routine, and services.
I expected much better communication, preparation, and accountability from Charles Barrett Elementary, especially when dealing with a young child who has an IEP. I am asking the school to take responsibility for what happened and provide an immediate solution so my son can attend school without losing any more instructional time, but I'm sure from all of my experiences with Alexandria Public Schools this issue will not be resolved. I have sent an email to the director while also ccing everyone on the team.

Posted: August 26, 2026

Posted: August 26, 2026

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

We moved to this neighborhood specifically to attend Charles Barrett and we couldn't be happier about it. CBES is such a special school. The teachers go out of their way to communicate with parents and the kids feel supported and cared for. The integration of the arts makes learning fun and exciting. Also, having an after school program in the adjacent Rec Center is a lifesaver.

Posted: July 6, 2019

Posted: July 6, 2019

Posted: July 6, 2019

Posted: July 6, 2019

Posted: July 6, 2019

Posted: July 6, 2019

Posted: July 6, 2019

This school is outstanding. Their partnership with the Kennedy Center provides for some unique approaches to learning. My son thrived in kindergarten after having a very bad experience at a nearby private preschool. CBES turned around his love for school and he has grown so much there!

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Posted: May 8, 2019

Exceptional! It's so bad that we have to move out.

Posted: September 26, 2018

The Principal and his Deputy are a great team. They always keep the parents in the loop of school activities, policies, changes, etc

Posted: September 26, 2018

Posted: September 26, 2018

Posted: September 26, 2018

The teachers and staff are very sensitive to the kids and their needs. They take notice to my kid's response to class activities and always adapt to help them succeed.

Posted: September 26, 2018

The kids are taught to be kind and respectful of everyone. The school truly has a Zero% tolerance for bullying.

Posted: September 26, 2018

10/10....from our very 1st day of school it has truly been a great experience for myself and kid. The teachers are very responsive and accommodative. We got a 2nd family at CBES. We look you Ms. Breakwell and Ms. Molina.

Posted: September 26, 2018

Home work is made interesting for the kids. My daughter is always excited when she comes home with homework.

Posted: March 4, 2018

Posted: March 4, 2018

Most homework is busy work. I also find the teachers don't check the homework.

Posted: March 4, 2018

There are excellent teachers at this school as well as teachers who shouldn't be teaching.

Posted: March 4, 2018

The factuly,staff,and admin do not lead by example.

Posted: March 4, 2018

The vice principal is good. I haven't had good interactions with the principal.

Posted: March 4, 2018

Posted: March 4, 2018

I would avoid this school. It is one of the better Alexandria City Schools but is a low average school at best.

Posted: January 26, 2017

We are fortunate that our son and daughter have the chance to attend this exceptional school. The principal is excellent and the school is replete with caring, energetic, and informed teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff. We searched all over and this one is a true gem. Well done CBES!

Posted: February 11, 2014

This is our child's last year at this school. We will truly miss everything about it. Professional and courteous staff, amazing principal, caring counselors, dedicated teachers (Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics And Science Teaching Recipient), wonderful PTA, involved parents, many enrichment activities, and the best Rec Center. Academics are outstanding! The only elementary school that has continuously surpassed the progress results required for ACPS. I would choose it any day over the other elementary schools in the area. I wish they considered expanding it to 8th grade (like they are doing with another school), because it seriously frightens me that we will now have to deal with the failing middle schools in the area (Worst Bang For Your Buck, according to Forbes). Frustrating when middle/high school time comes, many parents in the area have to consider either paying astronomical tuition rates (think college prices) for middle and upper level, private education (not that great, you're just paying outrageous costs for your kids to continue getting what this school offers, plus the unwanted elitist ridiculousness), or moving to an even more expensive neighborhood.

Posted: October 22, 2013

my daughter loves this school she alwys brings a friend home and the teachers are so nice the food is great my daughter is in 5th grade and has to say good by to cbes small school but a great school

Posted: April 28, 2013

This is a fantastic school! My son transferred here in the third grade and he loves it. I never have to worry about him wanting to go to school. The Park and Rec. center is an added gem- well run, professional and fun for the child. I give the school a 5 out of 5!

Posted: October 3, 2012

This little school is simply spectacular. The front-office is engaged and genuinely helpful, the faculty and staff are simply wonderful, and the parent community is highly supportive. The school environment is safe, but not in the sleepy sense. Our DC just graduated, and we will miss CBES more that I can possibly express -- we are very grateful to CBES.

Posted: May 14, 2012

I am not sure what criteria this site uses to determine its rating, but Barrett is the only school in its division that met AYP. (out of 14 other schools.) It is a fantastic school with a diverse student body that is exceeding all our expectations.

Posted: June 22, 2011

This is truly an amazing school. The principal is wonderful and the teachers are excellent. People here actually care about the kids. The extracurricular programs, PTA and after school recreation program are great. Many families from other areas are trying to get their children enrolled here. Academics are outstanding! I'm very happy to have my children in this school.

Posted: April 9, 2011

I went to CBE from 1996 to 2002, and my younger sister went from 2000 to 2004. Out of all the schools I have gone to, Charles Barret is the clear winner in my book. My second grade teacher is part of the reason I want to work with kids one day. I was bullied a lot in school, but staff members here make an effort to show kids they care- which is more than I can say about other schools in the area!

Posted: August 18, 2010

Strong academics, enrichment programs, and great facilities. The new principal is amazing. My kids love it there!