Research McNair Elementary School public Schools in Herndon, Virginia

“Faculty/staff have a good rapport with the students, parents & fellow co-workers.”

“My child is starting her 4th year at McNair and I can't say enough good things about this school. Every year my child has had an amazing teacher. The teachers and the administration really seem to care about the students. I have noticed that they also seem to really take the time to understand each child individually - what a great school!”

“Don't let the press and test scored fool you...this is an amazing school! Friendly office staff, wonderful teachers, and a great administration that can't be beat. The transient student population is the main reason for the test scores, but things are changing. McNair is truly one of the best schools I've seen.”

“It is difficult to judge a school and the rating might change from year to year due to different reasons. A school can be ok today and not too good in the next 2 years. SOL tests are not relevant enough because do not count in student's record, are not given to every grade etc. Some children learn a little more around Sol s period or are stressed unable to perform to their real level, so the results are relative. Having trailers on a new school grounds is a proof of poor developmental study and/or boundary problems. Some kids don't like at all. Having a new Principal might bring overall improvements. Some teachers are good and perform well; however too high turnover rate in the past 4 years. A higher involvement of parents in their children's education will help tremendous the children, school and ultimately the society.”

“School standard is ok but not excellent.Teachers can be more responsive and proactive.This is the major difference I have noticed for my child as she moved last year from another fairfax county school to mc nair.Attention of the Teacher on an individual growth of student should be there as each child has various levels of skills.Teachers are the main media to get the talent out from them .As this sort of attention is very less in Mcnair which I feel the overall growth of my child is not what I expected in an year at Mcnair.Any ways its not the very best school but with little more restructuring and monitoring can be made the BEST of ALL”

“Currently a teacher at McNair. A relatively new school with tremendous problems with teacher retention, overcrowding, large classroom numbers, etc. Has some terrific teachers, but also has some teachers that I would never let teach my own children. A very caring staff, but quality is hit or miss and morale is low. Extremely weak discipline program. Former principal was extremely difficult to work with. She has since 'left' and there is a new principal for the 2005-2006 school year, things may be looking better. PTA wants to be successful, but not much support from 1)parents, 2)teachers, or 3)administration. High percentage of English Speakers of Other Languages, which is a hurdle, but not a problem. Would have to be extremely selective with teachers before allowing my child to attend.”

“We recently moved here from California. The difference between the school my child was at vs McNair is like night and day. I am extremely impressed and based on what we've been used to in California, now feel like my child is getting a private school education at McNair. Her teacher is amazing and I've been impressed with all the staff that I've met so far. While we are new here and still getting to know the school and the area, I can say that my child is very happy at McNair and comes home with new things she's learned everyday.”

“As a prior pta president, i know that the teachers constantly strive to provide the best for our students. Teacher retention is not maintained due to high turnover. I firmly believe the issues are not with the students/teachers but due to a difficult princpal. Overcrowding due to the districting area and the heavy influx of new housing is an issue. Not sure where the parent of the june posting has been sending their children. We at mcnair have events going on for the family at least once a month: Spaghetti dinner night, science night, math night, language art night, end of the year picnics, book fair and pizza night, to name just a few. This is in addition to the concerts our bands, orchestras, and chorus students perform for us. The pta also holds classes for families on parenting issues as a bonus.”

“This elementary school is approx 4yrs old, but already has trailors to try to accommodate overcrowding. Disappointed to know that the school failed 2004 SOL requirements and are giving parents the option to transfer to other schools. I'm sure the teachers are working their best to educate the kids, but they're hands are tied since the main problem with its student population is language barrier.”

“I love this school! I think the staff and families are really beginning to work together to make this the best school for the students in the area. Fairfax County is an excellent county for my children to attend and I think McNair ES is top-notch and getting better as the school makes a name for itself. The staff is very young and enthusiastic! My kids are proud to be Mustangs and I have no complaints.”

“This school is okay but not the best because they do not have any fun activities for the children to do (while having fun and at the same time learning) and they do not plan anything during school or things like maybe a bingo night for the family to enjoy together. Another thing is that the school gym is not the cleanest.”