Lyles-Crouch Elementary

Posted: August 28, 2023

I was happy with the school in 2020 during the pandemic, a weird time for all of course but the kindergarten teacher did an inedible job with the circumstances. My only reservation before was the principal but now with the new principal and new AP the environment feels refreshed and the enthusiasm is palpable.

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 28, 2023

Posted: August 6, 2020

Our overall experience at LCTA was disappointing.

Posted: August 6, 2020

The school rule is "no homework" but in both first and second grade our child was required to complete homework on a daily basis. The homework consisted of bland worksheets and spelling practice, and students were penalized for not completing the "optional" work.

Posted: August 6, 2020

We had an excellent experience with our child's kindergarten teacher (communicative, friendly, supportive) , a terrible experience with the first grade teacher (non-communicative, rigid, resigned at the end of the year) and a mediocre experience with the second grade teacher (well-meaning but disorganized).

Posted: August 6, 2020

We have appreciated the emphasis on character, but the system used to implement it is chaotic. Our child would be rewarded (eg dress-down day) or punished (kept in from recess) based on a dual ticket system that was arbitrary at best.

Posted: August 6, 2020

The principal does what she can with the resources available to her but she seems overwhelmed by rising enrollment numbers, lack of space, demanding parents and mixed performance of teachers. She clearly cares and is attentive to big picture issues. Her previous assistant principal provided the warm and welcoming environment the principal failed to convey, but the new assistant principal does not seem to provide that same balance.

Posted: August 6, 2020

This question was not applicable to our experience.

Posted: August 6, 2020

This question was not applicable to our experience.

Posted: April 30, 2019

Principal, teachers and staff go above and beyond to ensure every student succeeds. We are thrilled to be a part of Lyles Crouch.

Posted: April 30, 2019

Just the right amount of homework. Age appropriate.

Posted: April 30, 2019

Lots of communication from the teachers and staff.

Posted: April 30, 2019

Yes, the six pillars of success. My kids love it!

Posted: April 30, 2019

We have by far the best principal in NoVA.

Posted: April 30, 2019

Posted: April 30, 2019

Posted: August 20, 2018

Posted: August 20, 2018

Posted: August 20, 2018

Posted: August 20, 2018

Posted: August 20, 2018

Teachers and the administration are excellent at communicating information with parents. Students receive individualized attention. Very positive environment

Posted: August 20, 2018

Posted: August 20, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2016

I hate the use of quasi uniform, They have uniforms but they're really just guidelines, and some kids are wearing the uniforms purchased from high end stores and some are wearing cheap walmart/target products. The discrepancy in uniform choices I think reduces the effectiveness of the uniforms. Also my daughter hates the ugly uniforms and changes her clothing as soon as she can. It doesn't instill pride not even a little bit.

My daughter's kindergarten teacher was very good, communicated, provided feedback, responded to emails or notes. Her first grade teacher was much much much less responsive, when she did provide feedback, it would be 2 or 3 days after any event, that happened, so when I tried to discuss it with her, as with most 1st graders 3 days ago was forever ago.

Posted: August 12, 2016

Posted: August 12, 2016

Posted: August 12, 2016

Posted: July 28, 2016

Posted: July 28, 2016

Posted: July 28, 2016

Posted: July 28, 2016

Lyles-Crouch student, parents, teachers and administrators all work together as a community to ensure every student is developing academically and personally. The kids treat each out with respect, the same way the teachers treat them.

Posted: July 18, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

We have been part of LCTA community for 4 years and cannot say enough great things about the school. LCTA’s success can be attributed to the 4C’s: Core Knowledge Curriculum; Character; Community; and Communications.
The idea behind the Core Knowledge curriculum is simple but powerful: knowledge builds on knowledge. Students benefit from the curriculum’s goals of stronger reading comprehension, critical thinking and problem solving while developing a foundational knowledge in language arts, literature, history, geography, math, science, music, and visual arts. LCTA was designated a Core Knowledge School of Distinction in 2015 for outstanding content integration across the subject areas and effective teaching practices.

LCTA incorporates the 6 Pillars of Character–trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring & good citizenship–into all that it does including lesson plans, assemblies, newsletter articles and community service activities. In 2012, LCTA was designated a National School of Character demonstrating that the school’s character program has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and school climate.

LCTA has an outstanding history of community involvement. Hardworking and dedicated volunteers donate time, skills, know-how, and money to benefit every student, their families, and the teachers. Parents contribute countless hours to the school by chaperoning field trips, assisting in the classroom, managing the Uniform Locker, coordinating After School Programs, working with the School Board, raising funds, planning community service events, tutoring, hosting social events, leading school tours, maintaining the garden and field, taking care of the day-to-day needs of the PTA, and more!

Another important segment of the community is the administration, staff and faculty at LCTA. They make an effort to get to know every student at the school and work hard to serve their individual needs so that every child succeeds.

Each of the first three Cs benefit from strong communications within the LCTA community. LCTA and the PTA work hard to communicate with and educate families and the community through different media. LCTA proudly received the 2016 Virginia PTA Outstanding Communications Award demonstrating the PTA’s success at building community and building a positive experience for teachers, parents and students.

Posted: July 18, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

Posted: July 18, 2016

LCTA, like every school has great and mediocre teachers. At the end of every year parents get all worked up about which teacher they hope their child will get in the next grade. There are some who should have retired a while back and they lack energy and enthusiasm, two traits that are necessary for elementary school teachers.
This school is run like a traditional academy, with uniforms and a rather strict and sometimes unfriendly administration. Parents volunteer a lot of time at school and it is a great community. They run the after school programs, mentoring for students and a slew of other things. In Alexandria, LCTA is known as one of the better elementary schools and well this assumption is self perpetuating, everyone believes it and it clouds their own experience. It's fine but not a good fit for all students. Test scores are a big deal but that is northern Virginia for you. Instead of focussing on creativity through art and music, fostering problem solvers, the focus is on academics. Art and music exists but creativity does not.

Posted: July 16, 2016

Posted: July 16, 2016

Lyles-Crouch is an amazing school. Kids are taught by loving teachers. They follow a highly rigorous curriculum. Test scores are strong. My child made so many friends, participated in excellent after school programs, and enjoyed her classes. She attended 3 - 5 grade at Lyles-Crouch and loved every moment.

Posted: March 4, 2015

We love LCTA, and are so happy we were able to transfer here from our underperforming elementary school. It's a small and active community with a lot of parent involvement. The academics are rigorous, and the school's high test scores, ranking, and achievements reflect this rigor. The student body is diverse and the school is succeeding at educating all cross sectors of the student body, which we appreciate. Our children are challenged academically and personally through the school's focus on community service involvement and character and giving back to the community. There is a terrific selection of after school programs, from language immersion to technology/coding and yoga. The uniforms and dress code add to the children knowing that school is to be taken seriously and respected. Our only complaint is that there is almost too much focus on discipline and we wish the kids had more free-play time. The children work really hard. Even kindergarteners have several homework assignments each week.

Posted: September 26, 2014

My daughter just started kindergarten this fall and so far we are happy with the school. I really love the uniforms and behavior charts that are sent home on a daily basis. I also think it is great that the school teaches character education. I believe my daughter is receiving a very good education in an organized and safe environment. I also appreciate her teacher who is very responsive to questions and concerns we may have. So far our experience has been positive. The principal is by the door every morning greeting the students by name and the classes are small.

Posted: September 24, 2014

We have been very impressed with Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy. Our daughter comes home smiling every day, eager to share what she has learned. Classes are small, and there is an emphasis on good behavior, character, and anti-bullying. We chose to transfer into this school based on other parents' insights and school reputation. And we have not been disappointed. There is an academic achievement focus here, and it is proven by the fact that LCTA was ranked first in scores for elementary schools the City of Alexandria. The principal is not warm and fuzzy, but takes pride in what she does and the school she oversees. She has a more dry sense of humor, but stands outside the building doors each morning to welcome each child by name. The only criticism I have about the school is the PTA, which is very "clubby," and comes off as unwelcoming and unoriginal. But the school itself has been great for our family. And we love the uniforms. The great equalizer, and makes getting ready each morning a cinch. It appears that the recent negative complaints are from one disgruntled parent with a special needs child, who is hellbent on lowering the ratings.

Posted: July 31, 2014

This is a horrible school. We had a second grade child with some reading issues, had requested for them to test our child, in October, to see if he had any reading disabilities and the teacher said he was just a lazy reader. We asked several time throughout the school year for our son to be tested. It came down to me telling the teacher that I had spoken to a social worker and the social worker said, by law, that the school personnel needs to test him if we ask. The teacher, then, forwarded our request the reading specialists. They set up a meeting in June a with me to talk about my child's reading issue. I was thinking, "great, about time." It was a hoax. I was told that they were going to hold him back in the second grade and reassess him in November. I had my son tested through the military channels after telling them the school refused to test him. Within 10 minutes the child psychologist said "I'm painfully aware that your son is dyslexic and that Lyles-Crouch FAILED your child!" In less than four months at a new school, my child is doing great! We're military and move a lot & this has been the worst school they have attended.

Posted: July 23, 2014

LCTA has been wonderful for my children. The principal is amazing-firm and no-nonsense. I see this as a good thing. She is respected by the teachers and I think she knows all the children by name. The TAG program is amazing--I can't say enough about the quality of the TAG teacher. We have had many teachers over the years. Two of the four best teachers we ever encountered taught at LCTA (two at GWMS). These are truly excellent teachers. Most are very good, with an occasional, less-than-stellar teacher, but this is normal. It's a National School of Character: emphasis on good character as well as academics. Classes are small. Weekly music and art for all grades. The perception of a school depends on expectations and personality types. I do not expect my children's needs to be put above all the other students. However, there are good matches and bad matches. LCTA may not work well for some students, but the reviews here are not reflective of the fraction in the school. LCTA continues to provide an excellent education for my children. (To previous comments: One of mine is NOT a "quiet little girl who's uniform is tucked in just right"--she loved LCTA! & One star because of UNIFORMS?)

Posted: June 9, 2014

The only reason I'm giving it a 2 is because some of the teachers do work very hard. Those who do are usually trying to lay low and do their best as to not upset the apple cart. There is a group of teachers who bully students, teachers, and have the principal running scared (she knows which teachers are causing problems but is too scared to do anything about it.... she has had similar issues with these very teachers). The comment about the 3rd grade teacher yelling down the hall........ I've witnessed it myself as have several tutors at the school. Nothing is said because it is understood this teacher can and will continue to do as she pleases without any consequences. This very teacher blatantly refuses to follow IEPs and doesn't allow accommodations. The new superintendent would be well served by asking staff, in person and one on one, if they have had issues here. Most teachers are scared and those who aren't are shut up with threats.

Posted: May 13, 2014

It is interesting to see that several years after leaving this school, the issues remain the same. The same principal is there, and she's still a bully. A rigid, cookie cutter approach to learning that squashes childrens' spirit and imaginations remains. Parents of children with special needs share horror stories of their experiences at the school yet ACPS has done nothing.

Posted: March 17, 2014

This school has a very ridged vibe. Some of the teachers are lovely and do the best they can but if you don't have a quiet little girl who's uniform is tucked in just right, you probably won't be happy with this school. They do not adhere to 504s, one third grade teacher can be heard screaming at the children from down the hall, and the principal is rude. If you choose this school, make sure you have lots of spare time to stand around with PTA moms in your yoga pants gossiping and discussing petty items like what kinds of muffins to serve.. Parents have their children tutored to score high on the tests that get them in to the "talented and gifted" program while the truly gifted children are often labeled as misfits.

Posted: March 10, 2014

The only reason you have kids wear uniforms is to crush their spirits. Nothing else this school does matters as long as uniforms are required I will give the lowest ratings possible.

Posted: September 8, 2013

We are new to the school, and so far it looks great. Our kindergarten teacher is wonderful and smart. Her energy is exactly what we need. Proud to have kids here.

Posted: July 29, 2013

My children have received an excellent education at Lyles Crouch. The quality of instruction given by the teachers as well as the incredible involvement of the community make this a really wonderful place for my children to learn and grow. They are happy and I am happy.

Posted: October 11, 2012

This is a ridged, rules-oriented, highly-average school with a negative and tension filled vibe. This is no place for a child who needs any form of individual attention. This is schoo-in-the-box and for any child that does not fit in the box, they are disregarded. The teachers appear to be worn out, sarcastic, rude and arrogant. Our child, who was once happy, charming, pleasant and funny is so unhappy with this school we are planning to move. Don't fall for the Charter School jingle and academy vernacular -- this is a school that is failing (check the ratings) and the only thing keeping it "up there" is the parents who constantly chat about how great it is, in order to convince themselves everything is fine. Don't fall for the hype. Run.

Posted: August 25, 2012

LCTA is a great school. The principal runs a tight ship and the academics are excellent - as good or better than a private school (I have kids in both public and private). The school focuses on the basics: what kids need to succeed academically, spending less time on the PC aspects that have creeped into the school system and don't improve educational outcomes. We have had excellent teachers who work hard and go the extra mile with their students; teachers who don't perform do not return. The community is also very involved with the school and the PTA is excellent. As to the comments on bullying: my son was bullied, but both his teachers and the principal got involved and wouldn't tolerate it; the same was not true in private school where the bullies were given a pass by the administration. I would strongly recommend LCTA to anyone, and i have!

Posted: March 9, 2012

Kudos to the PTA for doing the work and submitting the application for the Character Counts award and winning. Because of the high quality of work represented in your State and National Schools of Character application, the Virginia state selection panel has chosen Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy as the 2012 Virginia School of Character. CEP s objective is for all schools to reach the achievable goal of becoming an NSOC. The award really has nothing to do with what happens in school on a daily basis. In fact, the principal is considered by many parents to be a bully. LCTA PTA is undoubtedly second to none but they alone can not change the teachers who are teaching and the principal who dictates. Despite all of it's awards (by application) Great Schools rates LCTA a 5?

Posted: March 2, 2012

I have two children at LCTA, and I have to say that my experience has been very different than the two comments below. I've found the teachers and administration to be very responsive and proactive about bullying and any sort of aggression---in four years at LCTA, neither of my children has ever witnessed so much as a single fight. Over the course of our years at LCTA, we've had 8 different teachers, and have had a good experience with all of them--I believe my children are receiving an excellent education from teachers who truly care about them and their development. LCTA also benefits from the Core Knowledge curriculum and the Character Counts program. In fact, LCTA is a finalist for a national Character Counts award. The Core Knowledge program is giving the children a foundation for critical thinking, something that is lacking at most public schools. I feel very lucky to be able to send my kids to a school where they are happy socially and thriving academically.

Posted: February 26, 2012

I agree. If you have a verbal girl with no academic challenges, this is the place for you. If you have a boy, check the test scores. Even in the stereotypical areas that boys are usually strong in (math and science) the scores are lower than girls. If you have a boy who is not quick on the draw academically, I wouldn't risk it. If you have a boy who has energy? Forget it. My kids too had bad experiences at LC. The teachers seem one dimensional and not interested in students who don't fit their teaching style. When you have jaded teachers who dislike the administration all the cheer leading becomes pointless.The current principal is riding on the coat tails of the previous principal who turned this school around. Do your son a favor and find a school where teachers look at the whole child, work with his strengths and are happy in their chosen profession. Do your kids a favor move into an elementary school in Alexandria/Fairfax County or go private. Stats tell the truth if you know what to look for. Don't be fooled by the smaller than average class sizes and uniforms or the huge head of the principal. Look at Great Schools rating for all ACPS schools.

Posted: January 16, 2012

My two children have had negative experiences at Lyles-Crouch. It can be a very rough environment and the administration is largely non-responsive when there is serious bullying and aggressive contact. The teachers don't seem very happy and spend a lot of energy on classroom management. The parents are certainly very active and do a great deal for the school. I could not recommend this school if you want your child to be in a nurturing environment with teachers who are focused on the whole child.

Posted: April 19, 2010

I love the core education approach. I also love that the school is a uniformed school. The school also has a ton of after school activities including, my daughter's favorite, chess. I also love the playground and the veggie garden.

Posted: April 8, 2010

I have one child at LCTA. The principal is excellent and because of her leadership, the curriculum is first-rate (Core Knowledge). My child's teachers have challenged her intellectually and show her love as well. Parental involvement is high and due to their (our) hard work, there are lots of extracurricular activities for the children to choose from. A wonderful school.