Discovery Elementary in Ashburn | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	5/10	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	6/10	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: August 25, 2025

Hello, I am the mother of an 11 year old girl who had problems with another student who hit her and worked badly. The school did nothing after we called them and wrote emails. After a long time, they solved the problem. Now my daughter's teacher, who was in fourth grade, named Pochett, told her not to worry about passing the exams until she was in 6th grade. This mediocre teacher tells the students not to take the exams. No one studies. She does that because they don't want the students to get ahead. I don't like this school. The teachers don't give homework because supposedly they want the students to spend time with their parents. That makes me laugh because I think they don't have children. Nowadays, children keep their cell phones and computers on and if they don't send reinforcements, the children won't learn. I feel like this school wants children to be nobody in life. Now I am going through the same thing with my daughter, she came out crying because a boy hit her and none of the teachers came out with her to tell us what was happening. Afterwards, we went to talk to him. Coordinator and it took a while for someone to be seen. Afterwards, he said he would look into what had happened, but the teacher didn't even send an email or call to tell us what had happened. This school is horrible. I really don't recommend it at all.

Posted: August 25, 2025

Last year, our eldest daughter, then in 4th grade, experienced multiple incidents of bullying. Despite bringing these issues to the schools attention, we were met with what appeared to be inaction. However, we remained persistentsending numerous emails and making repeated phone callsuntil appropriate disciplinary measures were finally taken. Ultimately, the student responsible was suspended from both school and bus transportation.

Unfortunately, it is deeply concerning that only three days into the new school year, we are facing a similar situationthis time involving our younger daughter, who is in Kindergarten. On the same day, she was slapped twice by another student. No one from the school contacted us about the incident, which is unacceptable.

It is evident that there is a significant lack of adequate supervision, likely due to understaffing and overcrowding. This creates an unsafe environment for all students.

We have already brought this matter to the principals attention and are currently awaiting a response. Should the school fail to address this issue appropriately and in a timely manner, we will escalate it by filing a formal complaint with both the school administration and the school board. Legal action will follow if necessary.

We are fully prepared to pursue every available legal avenue to ensure the safety and well-being of our children and to hold accountable those who are responsible for protecting them. Student safety is not negotiable.

Posted: August 25, 2025

Posted: September 10, 2024

so far it has been great. Both my kids are at this school

Posted: September 10, 2024

Posted: June 17, 2024

Im honestly shocked by some of the bad reviews on here. My nephew went to school here many years ago and loved his experience, and my kids have been there since KG - 2nd grade. Ive had nothing but a great experience. The teachers are some of the best in the field and really work with parents when any issues come up. There hasnt been a lot of homework up until now but thats to be expected for KG/1st and 2nd graders. Also, if there was a lot of homework there would no doubt be another group of parents whod complain about that. The school does ask parents to read with or have kids read nightly and study guides were provided on certain topics to prep for exams. My kids have been doing well in classroom work and on state exams so its not been an issue, plus we supplement with after school and summer programs. That 3 score is a travesty in my opinion.

Posted: June 17, 2024

Posted: May 29, 2024

My ASD/AS grandson has flourished at Discovery Elementary School. He is a very intense high learner. His academic team gave him enrichment opportunities, including an advanced class called FUSION. He recently achieved a 600-perfect score on the Math SOL.
For exceptionally socially challenged students, the team has truly enhanced and brought my grandson to a greater functioning learning and social environment. Their sensitive treatment of his challenges deserves applause.

Posted: May 29, 2024

Posted: April 19, 2024

My child has brought home coloring sheets and other busy work throughout the week. Surprisingly, there is a lot of screen time and shows / movies shown throughout the year. The material is too easy and there is a lack of differentiation (the main focus is teaching to the test). There is no support given to children who need it or for those who need a challenge because they are bored. My children used to love school and were thriving, challenged, and happy now, at this school, they have severe anxiety about going and it is a constant struggle in the mornings. The admin is hands off, lack empathy, and extremely condescending. If you can, stay away from this school.

Posted: April 19, 2024

Posted: November 25, 2023

School is negligent about your child. They dont care about your child education. I have tried Kindergarten and first grade so far, my son knows only the material that I teach him at home. Teachers are not organized at all. The Prince William preschool was way organized than discovery elementary. I wish more parents left review on google so that the school get serious about educating our children not wasting their time.
Transferring my son to different school as this school is guaranteed failure!!!

Posted: November 25, 2023

Posted: April 17, 2023

I have a K and 2nd grader. My children are having an amazing time at Discovery! The programs here are incredible. My children have Makerspace and Music once a week from a specialized teacher. The teachers here are truly gifted. Each teacher brings a wealth of knowledge that engages and expands my children's learning. My kids are thriving!!!!!!! I have had a few times where I have needed to talk to the administration a couple of times, each time they have responded quickly and listen to me. I feel like they have my children's and my back. I am so thankful I moved into this neighborhood.

Posted: April 17, 2023

Posted: February 24, 2023

The teachers are very attentive, cater to each students learning abilities. The school environment is very friendly, and haven't heard of any bullying issues.

Posted: March 25, 2022

There are some wonderful teachers at the school, unfortunately the horrible teachers and faculty that bully the children and harass the parents and are allowed to get away with disrespectful behavior over shadow the good ones. My child never has had any behavioral issues, not even at this school, but she comes home every day with anxiety bc she says the teacher yells at her any time she asks for help and tells her to be quiet. She has told me about how kids in her grade started a food fight hitting kindergartners, yet no disciplinary actions were taken. Her teacher does not seem to be organized or have control of students. My childs friends message her all day long on google hangouts distracting her from her work without any consequences. When Ive brought issues up, they were addressed, but it only lasted about a week. They have also decided that they get to control what time school actually starts and make sure to delay kids who are there on time just because they can. I arrived at school to drop my child off and she was in the door at 7:48 and a teacher comes over screaming at me because I didnt park and walk my child in. What a great example to set for the kids who were standing there watching. Although she didnt do that to the cars behind me. And she didnt do that to my partner when he arrived at 7:50 to drop the kids off. Loudoun County Public Schools have proved in the last couple of years what a joke they are and this year this school has lived up to that assumption.

Posted: March 25, 2022

Posted: August 5, 2021

My daughter is an incoming 5th grader and son 3rd. Both kids have been in since the beginning. Every single teacher has been more amazing than the last. And that is a difficult feat as they have all been wonderful. The school staff genuinely cares about the kids and finding ways to enhance the community feel. Teachers make time to come to student's after school activities, both sponsored by the school and some even come to extracurriculars. Are there since teachers who are less than amazing, sure. But from our experience they have really been great.

Posted: August 5, 2021

Posted: January 18, 2021

This is one of the best elementary schools in the state. From the top down the school is run by one of the most devoted and balanced principals who get things done get. The teachers both general and specials are extraordinary, and show. Community feel for sure and so happy we chose it.

Posted: April 25, 2020

Terrible experience for kids as well as for us parents!!! Took my child elsewhere!

Posted: April 25, 2020

No homework what so ever, or just a minimum.

Posted: April 25, 2020

There are couple of teachers that are effective but really most is not

Posted: April 25, 2020

If you call ignoring bullying and prizing a bully developing a strong character.....than you are in a good hands.

Posted: April 25, 2020

This school has one "approach fits all" doctrine!

Posted: April 25, 2020

Posted: November 10, 2019

I met 2 teachers that are effective but most of them are not

Posted: November 10, 2019

Again , it depends on a teacher . Most of them are there just for a paycheck

Posted: November 10, 2019

The principal is rude and does not care about kids' education at all!

Posted: November 10, 2019

Definitely not. They have weird approach that one metchod fits all.

Posted: November 10, 2019

Ag as in depends on a teacher .

Posted: November 10, 2019

I took my kids elsewhere, to different elementary school

Posted: November 10, 2019

They don't think homework is useful . They just don't want to bother with homework.

Posted: July 12, 2019

My sons teacher didnt assign any homeworks throughout the school year.

Posted: July 12, 2019

Kindergarten teachers are unable to control their classroom. I often receive calls/ notes about every little thing that had happened in the classroom. They cant discipline the kids.

Posted: July 12, 2019

The principal is not very involved. I question leadership on many things.

Posted: July 12, 2019

The teachers picked on my ADHD kid almost every day. They allowed other students to bully him.

Posted: July 12, 2019

They dont take action on bullying. If you ever complain..it becomes he say and she say thing.

Posted: July 12, 2019

Very bad and traumatized. Most of the faculty members are rude. They talked down at me. Racism still exists in here! The teachers are inpatient with special need kids. I never want to go through this again!

Posted: May 23, 2019

My daughter has attended half of kindergarten and all of first year here. The lower grades rightly do not emphasize required homework. However, her teachers have highly encouraged daily reading and word study practice at home.

Posted: May 23, 2019

My daughter loves her all of her teachers. She particularly loves her special education assistant teacher in the classroom and her music teacher. They have all been extremely helpful and welcoming.

Posted: May 23, 2019

This school runs on the 3 R's which works to instill these traits in the students.

Posted: May 23, 2019

We love this school and have had nothing but great interactions with all faculty.

Posted: March 28, 2019

My daughter bring challenging homework home. Its high standard.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Teachers work really hard and put their heart in it.

Posted: March 28, 2019

My child talks about kind traits that her classmates have.

Posted: March 28, 2019

My child is visually impaired and all her needs r met.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Excellent School! This school doesnt deserve to get 5. It makes me really sad. I would give this school 9/10.

Posted: December 5, 2018

Great school.great teachers and effective and result oriented Pricipal

Posted: December 5, 2018

A bit more or structured homework would be welcome. 20 minutes of reading is nice, but send home some worksheets as well.

Posted: December 5, 2018

Good younger teachers who are enthusiastic about work and really love the kids. Would appreciate some more gender diversity at the school, but the teachers there are fantastic.

Posted: December 5, 2018

The three R's (maybe it's 4) are very well ingrained in our student. They do a good job making sure folks know this at the school.

Posted: December 5, 2018

I believe Mr. Painter is effective in the hand he is dealt. It is not easy with kids who have severe learning difficulties who attend that school but he does his best. We have always had a good interaction with him.

Posted: December 5, 2018

We have enjoyed our experience at Discovery Elementary. We are involved parents with our students education and perhaps that makes a difference. We take the initiative to make sure our student knows what is expected of them and purchase books and attend other after school programs to enrich his academics. But overall, we are very happy with Discovery and so are many of the parents we interact with. I would not look at the couple of bad reviews and judge Discovery.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Really poorly run school, very low academic level

Posted: May 16, 2018

I as a parent am responsible for making my kids homework , and teacher don't even check it

Posted: May 16, 2018

My kid gets worst and worst every year , they barely teach anything at all

Posted: May 16, 2018

Posted: October 9, 2017

The only homework they get is reading for 20 minutes and some online math. My children are telling me they are bored and asked for homework! That is saying a lot, kids asking for homework?!

Posted: October 9, 2017

I don' know what happened here. It use to be good but I've noticed that there are quite a few good teachers that left. It might be the fact that they are getting newbie teachers straight out of college that lacks any common sense on how to handle children. The lack of teacher response to emails from previous teachers are appalling. Several follow-up emails had to be sent in order to get one response!

Posted: October 9, 2017

If the child reports another child for being bullied, the other child seem to escape undisciplined. The child is now being targeted and yet nothing has been done. Why are we so surprise with children blowing up afterwards when they followed all the rules yet the bully can do whatever he/she wants?

Posted: October 9, 2017

Reported incidents and have not seen any resolution. Talked to several other parents and they are running into the same thing. These reported incidents had witnesses yet the offenders are still there. I feel bad for other children who may be experiencing the same thing but won't reported because they don't see anything happening to the reported child except to them. Yet they are the ones that recommended to seek counseling? What about the kid who is harassing/bullying the other children? The kid who doesn't know the word "no"?

Posted: October 9, 2017

Where do I began. As one other parent who keeps it real stated on here - the bullies are still there. The fake facade there is suffocating.

Posted: October 9, 2017

Horrid, you follow their "rules" yet you and your children are the ones that will suffer. There is this passive submissive payback there from the ones that are reported as the bully. If you are straight forward, forget about getting anything done. They will dance around the beaten bush to death. You asked the teacher to pay more attention to what happens in their classroom and you will get an airhead response of "I can't catch everything but I did see it...but wait, I didn't see it but I did see it. So I'm sorry?" Seriously.

Posted: August 20, 2017

Discovery was an excellent experience for our twins. We came from another LCPS school who failed them miserably. Discovery was like a breath of fresh air. Inclusion is done right. There is a reason they are the VDOE's evidence-based example for elementary inclusion. We will forever be thankful. Not to mention the school has a Celebrating Differences Day each year. The entire school participates and rotates through various centers to do different hands on activities that illustrate what it is like to have a specific disability. I think this is a brilliant idea as it helps kids build a foundation of understanding and acceptance. They also participate in Marvin's Club through Developmental Connections. This brings the Social Thinking and Unstuck and On Target curriculum to the school. Additionally, kids with high functioning autism, Aspergers and ADHD can be selected to participate in an after school social skills club. This is huge. They can practice these skills in a familiar environment with teachers and kids they know!!' The PTO is super supportive as well. We love Discovery!!!

Posted: August 20, 2017

I feel Discovery has the right mix of diversity. It just works. I commend the first principal Mr Dallas for setting the tone in the school. The kids are respectful and kind as are their families. We always felt welcomed.

Posted: August 20, 2017

We had the best experience with Ms Paquette the AP. If your child has an IEP or 504, you will be thrilled with the transparency and willingness to work with you on their plans. I think the fact she was a former SLP lends well to this role. She truly cares about the kids and is creative with solutions. She is wonderful!

Posted: August 20, 2017

Across the board- just awesome teachers!!! When you walk into the school you feel the "energy": they are happy to be there and want to be there. Our experience has been that these teachers have gone above and beyond for the kids. We are especially thankful for Mr Mihalik, Miss Espinosa, Mrs Carruthers and Mrs Schmetzer.

Posted: August 20, 2017

The BEST elementary school in LCPS!!!!! We will forever be indebted to Discovery and miss everyone so very much!

Posted: August 20, 2017

It was just the right mix and appropriate for their age.

Posted: August 4, 2016

We have found the staff at Discovery to be very skilled, knowledgeable, and supportive of our first grader. His teacher this year was wonderful and really worked hard to provide our son with the kind of teaching that he needs. The art and music teachers are talented as well. We enjoy attending a variety of different extra-curricular activities at the school. All in all, we are very pleased!

Posted: August 4, 2016

In talking with other parents, it seems that the homework in the lower grades is about the same from class to class. There is usually something to do every night. There are also optional games and other activities that are provided. And kids are supposed to read every night for at least 15 minutes.

Posted: August 4, 2016

The school reinforces good character attributes through the guidance counselor and classroom teacher. The students are rewarded when they exhibit good character.

Posted: June 22, 2016

It depends on the teacher. Discovery has MANY VERY effective teachers, but they are largely handcuffed by the administration. Its VERY difficult to find an effective teacher who is also brave enough and creative enough to actually teach the students. Most of them are too busy running in circles trying to please a principal that has no idea what he's doing.

Posted: June 22, 2016

The amount of homework depends on the teacher and how many of the parents are complaining about homework. The administration and staff don't seem to have an opinion of their own. They'll just do whatever the loudest parent tells them to do.

Posted: June 22, 2016

I feel the administration of this school has NO integrity or regard for truth. NO accountability, no follow through.

Posted: June 22, 2016

A completely negligent and oblivious administration negate anything positive happening in this school. On the surface, it appears to be very well run. Scratch at that surface, and you'll be extremely disappointed. No regard for LCPS guidelines, no regard for safety.

Posted: March 23, 2016

I love this school, I love this school, I love this school. Oh, did I mention, I love this school? I cannot fully express how much I value the teachers and administration at DES. They are phenomenal! I am actually shocked by the previous review because I feel exactly the opposite; we actually moved here from another Ashburn school that was a mediocre experience and my kids cried about going to school each day. Not here! Best decision I ever made. THEY UNDERSTAND INCLUSION. They see children and their strengths and build upon that foundation. They are innovative. They are transparent and collaborative. You can tell by the energy in the building; the teachers WANT to be there. The PTO is outstanding. If you are a parent who wants to be involved, you are welcome in the classroom and in PTO! It is a very open and friendly parent community. Honestly, I feel DES should be considered as a best practice for LCPS! It has changed my children's lives for the better. I will forever be comparing future school experiences to DES. Thank you, admin, teachers and staff!!!

Posted: December 20, 2015

Posted: October 30, 2015

This school failed our child miserably and we removed our child from this school after one year. We experienced very poor quality teachers and a negligent, oblivious administration that ignored our repeated requests for help. If you are coming from out of state like we did, do your research. Don't believe the "all Ashburn schools are excellent" line you'll hear from brokers and the like. The schools are different and some are much, much better than others. We learned this the hard way. We are now at a new school 5 minutes away from Discovery and the experience is like night and day - top quality teachers who clearly care and as a result my child is learning! She arrived in poor academic shape and is making incredible and fast progress now. And she wants to go to school now!

Posted: August 5, 2015

My both kids go to this school. I was apprehensive when they initially started since this is a new school for our area but within weeks my apprehensions were gone. The school has excellent facilities, technology and great teachers and principal.My kids are very happy and are glad they do not have to deal with bullying like they had to in prior schools from where we moved. Overall great curriculum and teachers are very receptive to feedback and collaborative.

Posted: December 5, 2014

I took a tour of this school when it was opening and the school was lovely!!! The staff was very helpful with all of my questions

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	South Riding	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chantilly	VA	7.4 mi
2	Fox Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Great Falls	VA	7.5 mi
3	Fox Mill Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Herndon	VA	8 mi
4	Franklin Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.3 mi
5	Little Rocky Run	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Clifton	VA	14.2 mi
6	Lewis Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	14.7 mi
7	Lakelands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Gaithersburg	MD	14.9 mi
8	Stonehurst	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	15.5 mi
9	Barkley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	15.9 mi
10	Water's Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Germantown	MD	16.2 mi
11	Kings Park West	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	16.9 mi
12	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	17 mi
13	Somerset Crossing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Gainesville	VA	17.1 mi
14	Middleridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	17.1 mi
15	The Townes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Manassas Park	VA	17.5 mi
16	Villages of Piedmont	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Haymarket	VA	17.6 mi
17	Old Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	18.2 mi
18	Willow Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	18.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Ashburn	Ashburn	VA	1.8 mi
2	Chantilly	Chantilly	VA	8.9 mi
3	Vienna	Vienna	VA	14 mi
4	Kentlands	Gaithersburg	MD	14.3 mi
5	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	16.9 mi
6	Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow	Gainesville	VA	17 mi
7	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	17.6 mi

Base	Distance
NRO Chantilly	9.5 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	17.8 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	20.6 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	23.4 mi.
Fort Myer	23.4 mi.
Henderson Hall	24 mi.
Pentagon	24.8 mi.
Fort McNair	26.8 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	27.1 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	27.6 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	27.6 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	27.7 mi.
Fort Belvoir	27.7 mi.
Fort Detrick	29.1 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	33.3 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	33.9 mi.
Andrews AFB	34.9 mi.
Shepherd Field	38.1 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	40.1 mi.

Discovery Elementary

Ashburn, VA 20147

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Discovery Elementary

Ashburn, VA 20147

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