Pinecrest School

7209 Quiet Cove

Annandale, VA 22003

38 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 09, 2024

My daughters have attended Pinecrest for three years. If we had not moved, they would have remained at the school through completion. Pinecrest is a great school. The Administration and teachers are caring, smart, consistent and truly focus on the students educational, emotional, and developmental health. They do a great job of balancing rigor with fun, so students remain engaged and enthused. The small class size enables teachers to "dig deeper" and tailor education for each student. They also do an exceptional job in communicating with parents through continuous both formal and informal communications. In addition to an outstanding and balanced curriculum, Pinecrest also offers useful and helpful after-school and alternate activities, such as field trips, annual field events, movie nights, annually holiday music event (Kids were fantastic this year, thanks to an amazing music teacher!), STEM-related after school volunteer options, and other events. Their summer camp program is fantastic and fun, and our girls have engaged it all three summers. It's nice that alumni of the school volunteer and work at these camps, providing a sense of legacy. I highly recommend parents looking for a private school environment that is compassionate, considerate, and offers smaller class size and tailored education to the specific needs of their children to consider Pinecrest. We have had nothing but an exceptional experience with the school.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2023

We feel very lucky to be part of the Pinecrest School family. Our son is currently a 5th grader who moved from the public school system. This is a small and intimate school where all ages mix in an inclusive environment with exceptional pastoral care. Our son has developed ahead of his age group in all areas and their attention to all round development is weaved into everyday curriculum activities so that the children are confident young people. Most impressive has been the graduated transition between grades that sets realistic expectations and just the right about of accountability as the children grow. The size of the school may make people think that it would lack opportunities and challenge. That could not be further from the truth! The inventiveness, creativity and dedication of the staff (who know every child) delivers an outstanding program both in and out of the classroom; after school activities, field trips, whole school activities and plenty of outdoor and physical running around time!Without reservation I give the school 5/5 in all areas. If you ask my son what's is best about Pinecrest - he says 'the teachers'.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2023

I can't speak highly enough of this school. My son started Preschool here at just 2 years old (November birthday), and to have him in such a wonderful classroom setting with enrichment classes that young is amazing. He's now in his 3rd year of Preschool, and I have no doubt that he will be better equipped than most for kindergarten. We have adored all three teachers and staff, and have gotten to know them on a personal level. Parents have multiple opportunities to get involved - from park gatherings, movie nights, weekly assemblies, class parties, parades, etc - I have a great understanding of what goes on during class time from hands on experience. The staff is exceptional, motivating the students and parents to be involved in their educational experience.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2023

Our family could not be more pleased with the education and support Pinecrest offers. This is truly a community and our daughter has learned more in Kindergarten (spelling, reading, math – and routinely comes home eager to share her latest knowledge – i.e., “the water cycle”). She is excited to go to school each day, enjoys the special program that Pinecrest offers each week (yoga, mindfulness, music - and plenty of outdoor adventures and fresh air). The teachers and entire staff are nurturing, supportive, and provide plenty of communication and reminders each week. We also utilize the before and after care – which is such a blessing for working parents that are back to the office after Covid!
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2023

The two years our son has spent at Pinecrest have been integral in his development. The individualized whole-child focus has been exactly what he needed moving through Kindergarten and 1st grade. Great teachers, amazing support from the administration, and a healthy environment that really does nurture a love for learning. It's been worth every penny and we look forward to the years to come.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2023

Pinecrest has been a true blessing for my daughter. Her preschool experience has been exceptional in all areas. When a child looks forward to going to school every day with joy, it speaks for itself. I am so happy my daughter is learning and growing in a school surrounded by genuine care, love, and support from extraordinary staff. Pinecrest is family and community at the finest and I highly recommend this school for your child.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2023

The staff and teachers feel and act like family at Pinecrest. We started sending our daughter here because she was having school anxiety at her local public school and the classes were so big that she was overwhelmed. We were anxious at first about changing her environment - new friends, new teachers - but we are so glad that we did. Everyone at Pinecrest is so supportive. Not only are the class sizes smaller so the teachers have more time for one-on-one, but so many of the adults outside of the classroom have been there to support too. Our daughter's teacher is also amazing. She builds her students' interests into the lessons she teaches, and she has really nurtured our daughter's passion for the natural sciences and reading. Our daughter still has anxiety but she is in a much more supportive place and we feel like she is building the skills she needs to manage her stress and still be successful in school.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2022

Pinecrest is a wonderful school and is a hidden gem in the area. The school promotes the idea of creating a thriving and positive community amongst its student body, staff, faculty and parents... and in my experience of having sent two of my children there, they really are successful in doing so. The class sizes are small, which has been a huge benefit to both of our children, but especially our older child who tends to get lost in larger class environments. The principal and staff know our children by name, and the teachers create a nurturing and stable environment for learning.Pinecrest promotes the practice of mindfulness during the school activities. During our children's time there, they have become focused and engaged students. The principal’s leadership and communication is exceptional and she and the entire staff work together very well to create an open-hearted, inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2022

Pinecrest is an amazing school and an incredible community. Both of our children have attended Pinecrest since they were 3-year old preschoolers, and our oldest will be a sixth grader for the 2022-23 school year. Over the past eight years, we have been blown away by the curriculum, the teachers and staff and the administration. But even more impressive than academics is Pinecrest's ability to focus on and nurture the development of the whole child. During their time at Pinecrest, our children have thrived academically, but have also become more self-confident and self-assured thanks to the dedicated administration, teachers and staff, who are always engaged and accessible. We have not once questioned our decision to send our kids to Pinecrest, and we are incredibly grateful that we have found this school and become a part of its wonderful community.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2022

My three boys have had the gift that is a Pinecrest education during their elementary school years. One is now off to college, one is a rising high school junior, and one is still marinating in the magic of Pinecrest School as a rising 4th grader. Our time as part of the Pinecrest School community has spanned 15 years and one pandemic. The consistent quality approach to education is unfathomable. This school does not stray from its mission. What I love the most about Pinecrest School is that I know that my kids received the best academic education possible in the best social environment possible. They are 100% prepared academically and show up in life with quiet confidence rooted in honesty, integrity, and kindness. #ThisIsCommunity #ThisIsPinecrestSchool
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2022

Pinecrest has never failed to provide the kind of environment that has helped our kids learn and grow. We have one son now in high school and he has excelled thanks to the great foundation he built at Pinecrest. From the head of school to the teachers to the other support staff, it's always been obvious that the type priority was the students.It was never more obvious than during the height of COVID when a variety of safeguards were put in place that supported a positive learning experience for the kids and kept them safe.The academics are excellent but the school does more than that. It's place where the social and emotion development is as important as the academic. I see it in my kids and their Pinecrest friends -- caring, kind, independent. You would think that a small private school would be conducive to a helicopter parent type of situation but that is not the case. My sons have learned to advocate for themselves and think for themselves. There a multiple activities that build confidence and self-esteem such as the monthly class presentations that each student gives.For parents, there also are opportunities to connect and get involved.The school has been a big part of our family and we are extremely grateful to be part of the Pinecrest community.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2022

Pinecrest is an incredibly loving, caring, and nurturing environment! The small class sizes and individualized attention is amazing! It’s not just a school if your family! The mantra Pinecrest is Community is lived and breathed everyday!
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2022

Our family has been very pleased with our daughters' experience and education while attending Pinecrest. Our children have thrived in the small classes allowing the teachers to customize their learning experience. The faculty and staff are extremely warm and caring and we know our children are in great hands every day. We would highly recommend Pinecrest for your children.
Submitted by other on March 23, 2022

Pinecrest is an absolutely amazing school! We found Pinecrest for our son in the fall of 2020 because they were able to offer safe, in-person instruction for all students. We are in our second year at the school and can't say enough about what a great community school this is. The Head of School, admin staff, teachers, and enrichment teachers are some of the kindest, warmest people we have ever met. Each child is appreciated for his/her individuality and are supported both academically and emotionally. Class sizes are small and intimate. The school has a weekly communication cadence that is very detailed and helpful. The teachers are easy communicate with and are very responsive to questions/concerns. From an academic standpoint, our son is thriving. We really appreciate the well-balanced approach Pinecrest provides to academics. Lessons are often held outside and STEAM is a huge part of the student's curriculum. We highly recommend Pinecrest!!
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2021

Pinecrest is an amazing school! We moved our daughter here for first grade last year as we wanted a smaller and safer environment during COVID. We love the whole child approach of the school and that in addition to traditional subjects, she spends time doing STEAM, yoga and mindfulness. The leadership at Pinecrest is phenomenal and we can always count on Ms. McDermott and the Board to be accessible, communicate frequently, and have the kids' best interest at heart. This year they've added a Creative Movement class that my now 2nd grader loves. The sense of community at Pinecrest is great and even though they no longer have in-person family events, we are happy to Zoom with other families while doing Pinecrest Bingo or Trivia. We highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2021

I have never been more proud of my daughter and her growth this year, in a large part due to Pinecrest. Their focus on academics combined with integrity, empathy, justice and peaceful living are perfect for the time we find ourselves. My daughter never came home from school unhappy the entire year!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2020

We made the decision to move our two children to Pinecrest this fall and couldn't be happier. Leadership and communication are excellent and we've found the teachers to be both competent and compassionate. Instead of staring at iPads all day, our little ones are thriving and enjoying learning in a positive environment with small class sizes. As a smaller school, Pinecrest has a community feel and delivers an outstanding education at a reasonable cost compared to the large, so called 'elite' private schools in the area. It was a difficult decision to move our children out of a highly rated public school district but Pinecrest has exceeded our expectations.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2020

I have two children at Pinecrest and am so pleased with our experience at this school From the teachers to the administration to the other families, it is such a wonderful community. During the current environment, (a global pandemic!), I felt compelled to write this review. I have been so impressed with the effectiveness of the school during this time (and all of the time really, but especially now). The kids have been engaged since Day 1 of the "new normal" and have had daily connection points with teachers, friends, and even PE, STEAM and music. The kids are engaged and learning in a creative and challenging matter, yet in the most realistic manner possible, making it feel doable for families. The teachers fondness for the students is obvious in every video session. It makes me so happy that my kids have these relationships with their teachers. The administration supports the teachers, kids, and even the parents. I am just really impressed with the quality of education at this school, and the attention paid to instilling curiosity, kindness, creativity, and individualism into the students.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2020

My children have attended Pinecrest for several years and our family feels that we have truly found a home here. The teachers and staff are extremely supportive and focus on development of the whole child, not just academics. Families are very involved and everyone knows each other. It really is a tight-knit community.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2020

I love what this school has done for my son. He's growing into a thoughtful and compassionate kid who is confident and prepared for coming academic and social challenges. This school and its staff make a difference in lives and that is what really matters.