William Ramsay Elementary School
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: (703) 824-6950
District: Alexandria City Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 689 students
William Ramsay Elementary School, a public school located in Alexandria, VA, serves grades PK-5 in the Alexandria City Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 1 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
William Ramsay Elementary School is a public school located in Alexandria, VA. 689 students attend William Ramsay Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 1/10 | 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 | 1/10 | 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. |
Worrisome patterns of chronic student absenteeism have been identified.
Posted: October 18, 2018
The school always publishes all notices sent home to the parents in English as well as Spanish and also offers translation services for Non English-speaking families.
Posted: October 18, 2018
My experience at William Ramsay has been phenomenal! It is truly unfortunate that the rating on greatschools.com is a 1 out of a 10 because that is definitely not a true reflection of the character of the school. Initially, I had hesitations when I first read the reviews online to have my son attend William Ramsay, however; after personal experience with not only the teachers, but also the office staff, the principal, the school nurse and other faculty and staff members, I have nothing but positive feedback for the school! I highly encourage other parents to take the time to write their own experience with the school to aid in turning this negative rating around!
Thank you to all the staff at William Ramsay for upholding the No Child Left Behind model! The role of a teacher and any other school staff member can be very challenging and I genuinely appreciate what you all do because the salary you are compendated with will never be a true reflection of how much you should truly earn! My personal sentiment is that you all are very much underpaid!
Folks, please take the time to appreciate the people that are taking care of your children during school hours because it can be very challenging to manage a class of 15 plus students at one time. Teachers and school staff members are the epitome of patience, hats off to you all!!!
Posted: October 18, 2018
Recently my son had to miss quite a few days of school due to us traveling out of town. The teacher and I ensured that my son would be able to complete his homework while absent and turn it in upon his return.
Posted: October 18, 2018
My son's 3rd grade teacher Miss Semler utilized the intervention of soothing music to quiet the children in the classroom so they could focus on a specific tasks such as reading which is essential to enhancing vocabulary. I was extremely happy to see this tactic being utilized as music is a great medium to help calm a busy mind.
Posted: October 18, 2018
Posted: October 18, 2018
I have personally had a conversation with the principal and am highly impressed to find that William Ramsay offers resources/services (that other elementary schools in ACPS district do not offer) such as free haircuts before the school year begins, free backpacks along with school supplies for the students and even a food bank where parents can pick up food to ensure their children are being provided with a stable three meals per day.
Posted: October 9, 2018
Ms Sarah Blair and Mrs Thompkins are my childs teachers and their passion, zest and enthusiasm for learning are infectious! Ive had the pleasure of meeting other teachers and support staff (i.e. Ms Peterson and Mr Rodrigo, etc) and Ive found the team to be sincere and warm!
Posted: October 9, 2018
From what Ive seen-yes. My son comes home telling me about the team-building projects of the day, such as his class starting the day with cheerful songs. I dont know who but each morning, theres an announcement made on the intercom about the weather and then how great of a day it will be! I love this because these songs and words of encouragement set the tone for the day. Plus, Ive found the staff to be extremely helpful and their benevolence teaches kids how to be caring and kind to others.
Posted: October 9, 2018
The senior leaders (Principal Rothouska and the assistant principals) have gone to great lengths to acclimate students to the school; have thoroughly explained their school-safety measures, and have had several FYI evening sessions to talk about what to expect this school year. So far, I have found their dissemination of info to be spot on (lots of texts, emails and phone calls about upcoming school events). I appreciate the leaders effectiveness and forward thinking.
Posted: October 9, 2018
Posted: October 9, 2018
No experience yet and prayerfully, never will.
Posted: October 9, 2018
So far, I absolutely love William Ramsay! Unfortunately the past low test scores do not accurately reflect the school and all it offers. Its a beautiful school and the teachers work incredibly hard to make all feel welcome. Im sure its not perfect, but my son comes home with a smile on his face each day (mainly because Ms Blair has showered him with stickers!!) Es una escuela fantastica!
Posted: October 9, 2018
My wee one is in Kindergarten so no thesis papers yet :)
Posted: October 5, 2018
Posted: October 5, 2018
Posted: October 5, 2018
Posted: October 5, 2018
Posted: October 5, 2018
Posted: October 5, 2018
Weve had no experience with this yet.
Posted: October 5, 2018
Weve been very pleased with Ramsay. This is my childs second year at the school, and Ive been very happy with all of his teachers and with the administration. The teachers and staff work very hard on behalf of our kids.
Posted: October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
Posted: October 4, 2018
I was very surprised how low is this school rated! Im very pleased with programs, teachers, problem solving, communication... I got my questions answered in no time. My kids are in good hands here, friendly staff, nice kids, healthy meals. They are very excited to go to school every day! I have a kindergartner and a third grader.
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
William Ramsay Elementary School es una Excelente escuela... La escuela cuenta con maestros no solo profesionales sino que realizan una excelente labor ante nuestros niños de enseñanza educativa y de valores... Tambien tiene un staff administrativo A1 como la srta. de recepción y la Miss Santelo que siempre trata de ayudar con su asesoría profesional tanto para el padre como para el niño...
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
The school is absolutely great. My 2 boys love to go to school everyday and they are learning a lot.
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
My boys go to this school and their teachers are very responsive and friendly.
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Top Notch!! 5 stars all the way!!
Posted: October 3, 2018
Great school including both staff and environment
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: January 24, 2017
The staff truly cares about all of the children. My child is learning a lot there and we also love the events that the PTA does and evening activities. They also partnered with the food bank to assist families with getting more access to groceries and are very genuine. They care about the child and their whole family. We are very appreciative of everyone at this school.
Posted: October 15, 2016
great school. The teacher is after the parent and makes sure that the parent understand the kids level in the class
Posted: October 15, 2016
Posted: October 15, 2016
Posted: October 15, 2016
Posted: October 15, 2016
Posted: October 15, 2016
Posted: October 15, 2016
parent need to sign the home work sheet every day and return it with the kid
Posted: October 10, 2016
Posted: October 10, 2016
Posted: October 10, 2016
Posted: October 10, 2016
Posted: October 10, 2016
Posted: October 10, 2016
Posted: October 10, 2016
My child has been a student at this school his whole elementary school career and each year the teachers and administrative staff have been supportive, caring, and great with communication. The feel of the the school is family and community!
Posted: October 6, 2016
I am very grateful for helping me and my son with all the questions and doubts. My son is a new student at this school and the personnel has always been very receptive and helpful, ready t help.
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Teachers' and administration's attention towards students' safety, progress and improvement is really great
Thank you!
Mir Ubaid
Posted: October 6, 2016
I have mistakenly chosen strongly disagree in my previous responses. Please consider Strongly agree for all responses.
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
Posted: October 6, 2016
My son started Kindergarten at Ramsay last month, and I have been really impressed. The teachers and staff seem to be really kid-focused, even with larger than ideal class sizes. The teachers I have met are professional, kind, generous, and seem to be really happy. I have been able to volunteer in the school, and have witnessed some really genuine acts of kindness, lots of high fives, smiles and encouragement. There are a lot of lower income families in the community and many ELL students, and the school appears to be taking this very seriously and trying to get the families as a whole involved in school activities and programs. Overall, I'm really happy!
Posted: April 22, 2016
Wow!! What a shocker!! Ever since Mr. Routhouska stepped up into the plate, they have been scoring home runs all year. The year is not even over yet! You can notice the continuous improvement thru all the staff and principal. The positive vibe you get when you step into the school is so much different now. I would say the communication, the effort, and their enthusiasm keeps getting better and better each day. They are on top of things more often, more organized, very fun and creative and they show that they want the best for your child. We are very happy that this school system is much better and that my child is lucky to attend WRES this year. We look forward to many achievements for WRES!!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameron Station | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 1.5 mi | |
| 2 | Shirlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 2.5 mi | |
| 3 | Burgundy Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 3 mi | |
| 4 | Twenty400 | Apartment Complex | Arlington | VA | 3.1 mi | |
| 5 | Wilton Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 3.3 mi | |
| 6 | Beverly Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 3.5 mi | |
| 7 | Midtown Alexandria Station | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 3.7 mi | |
| 8 | Hayfield Farms | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria/Kingstowne | VA | 3.8 mi | |
| 9 | Leeway Overlee - N Arlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 3.8 mi | |
| 10 | Greenwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Springfield | VA | 4 mi | |
| 11 | Broyhill Crest | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annandale | VA | 4 mi | |
| 12 | North Springfield | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Springfield | VA | 4 mi | |
| 13 | Reserve at Potomac Yard | Apartment Complex | Alexandria | VA | 4.2 mi | |
| 14 | Kingstowne | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 4.3 mi | |
| 15 | Falls Church City | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 4.3 mi | |
| 16 | Henry | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 4.4 mi | |
| 17 | Rivergate | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 5.1 mi | |
| 18 | Huntley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 5.2 mi | |
| 19 | Fords Landing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Alexandria | VA | 5.3 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annandale | Annandale | VA | 3.5 mi | |
| 2 | Kingstowne | Alexandria | VA | 4 mi | |
| 3 | Fairfax County | Springfield | VA | 4 mi | |
| 4 | Pentagon City | Arlington | VA | 4 mi | |
| 5 | Old Town Alexandria | Alexandria | VA | 4 mi | |
| 6 | Springfield | Springfield | VA | 4.1 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Mark Center Alexandria | 0.8 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 4.2 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 4.6 mi. |
| Pentagon | 5 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 5.1 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 6.2 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 6.8 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 6.8 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 7.9 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 8.1 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 8.2 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 12.2 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 13.1 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 16.7 mi. |
| NRO Chantilly | 17.6 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 26.5 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 28 mi. |
| Dahlgren NSWC | 33.9 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 36.2 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 37.2 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 39.6 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 45.1 mi. |
