Linton Hall School

9535 Linton Hall Road

Bristow, VA 20136

52 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 08, 2024

If your goal as a parent/guardian is to instill a love of learning, partner with a school to support your child's socio-emotional learning, build your child's self-esteem and/or instill Catholic values, look elsewhere. Under the guidance of the previous head of school, this was a nurturing community in which teachers and students felt supported in their learning journey and grew as well-rounded individuals. Under new leadership, a toxic and controlling work environment has driven out some of the best teachers and sapped the remaining ones of their joy, which translates into a deadened classroom experience. The top priority now is safety and control at the expense of true learning. Example: Instead of embracing the potential of teaching science and sparking wonder through the solar eclipse, the school kept the students inside the gym, citing "safety issues" (presumably because of the few minutes of darkness and/or the chance of students not looking through their special glasses). They could have organized a volunteer network of parents -- there are many within the community who are eager to volunteer -- to assist teachers in keeping students safe but instead these students sat out this historical event and watched it later on the news. Additionally, the school has cut back on P.E. times and has one very short daily recess, which results in lots of wiggly students in the classroom and teachers taxed by that. Discipline is wildly inconsistent and decisions seem to be based on whether the child has been labeled a problem or not. The school's approach feels like a power-hungry cop catching kids in their mistakes, rather than a positive culture of "catching" students doing good. There are monthly awards that name a child in each grade for extraordinary kindness or living Benedictine values but when the daily approach is punishment and there's a fleeting monthly moment of positivity, how do you think that feels to students living that reality? Rather than supporting kids in growing socio-emotionally -- the school counselor is only present a few days a week -- the school has enacted a bribery system, shortcutting substantive growth opportunities in favor of handing out trinkets.The exodus of great teachers has led the headmaster to make desperate hires or keep teachers who should not be there. The academics are on par with a mediocre public school (lots of worksheets). Instead, look for a school that nurtures students as people and engages them as learners.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2023

The pluses: As a private school, LHS is able to expel the incorrigible problem students, so there's probably less bullying and disruption.The minuses: Academics are not as good as public school; though there are a couple of good teachers at LHS many are not well qualified. Also the school grading and discipline is inconsistent; whether this is random or due to favoritism is an open question, but whatever the cause it's not good. The attrition rate is rather high. Although the campus is large it is neglected.Overall not a good value for money.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2020

Excellent academics, professional teachers and administration. We are blessed to have such an amazing school family. My child is in middle school and we are very pleased with her experience. All the families pay tuition and truly want their kids to be in a Christian environment.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2016

We just ended our first year and are very impressed. The small class sizes were perfect for our kids and helped with their social anxiety tremendously. The teachers want students to succeed and challenge them to do so. The administration is incredibly loving and personable. Public schools around here cannot compare.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2015

Great school for the right clientele. The classrooms are huge and spacious due to the lack of students, which says tons about this school. The teachers care a lot - about themselves, leaving a 'survival of the fittest' mentality between the students. So if you are a stay at home mom you can literally re-take school with your child every day, there is no one there who will stop you. There is a breathtaking campus, probably the best in N VA, what a shame that its not used to its fullest capacity.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2015

My daughter just graduated from Linton Hall last night. She is sad to leave after 10 years of being part of the Linton Hall family. She was accepted to the high school of her choice and due to her high placement scores (top 1% in math, top 5% overall) she will be taking the most challenging classes the school offers. She has been well prepared by her teachers at Linton Hall and I could not be more grateful to all of them. There is no better place for your child!
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2015

Little Sprouts Preschool is a wonderful preschool that offers a very warm, nurturing environment for your child. My three children have gone here and I can't imagine them anywhere else. The school educates the whole child with basic fundamentals, play, music & movement, science, art, Spanish and more! The staff is more like our family and they really care about all of their children! This is an incredible program for preschool aged children (age 2 1/2 to Pre-K) in the Bristow, Gainesville, Haymarket and Manassas area and I highly recommend it!!!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2015

I cannot say enough great things about Little Sprouts. The program at Little Sprouts allows for each child to develop the skills necessary to foster a love of learning. They do this through active exploration, small & whole group activities, independent discovery and imaginative play. The staff at Little Sprouts is so loving, caring and knowledgeable. They greet you every morning with a big smile and provide the children with love and security. This school is dear to my heart. While my daughter attended the school it was discovered that she was suffering from significant hearing loss. The teachers and director were instrumental in helping develop strategies and accommodations to help my daughter to be successful. Not only did they help my daughter but they helped me. They were always there to listen, give their expertise and went above and beyond what I feel most schools would have done
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2015

Amazing staff and amazing school! I felt guilty sending my youngest to a different preschool after my older children went somewhere else. But, Little Sprouts / Linton Hall has so far exceeded all expectations and hopes for his first year of preschool. It is such a kind and compassionate environment focused on growing these little hearts and minds while giving them opportunities to enhance their communities through community service opportunities and a focus on the virtues. My youngest has amazed me with what he's learned and he's so excited to share his experiences with me every day. If you are looking for a play-based program that intentionally focuses on growing their minds and hearts, look no further!
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2015

The teachers make this school! They have gone above and beyond for my son. The teaching plan extends far beyond what a typical school would teach. My child has advanced more than I would have ever thought possible in their care and we are so glad that we chose this school! They say it takes a village to raise a child... consider this your loving village and family!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2014

Little Sprouts thrives! Kids are engaged at the lower school but unfortunately 3rd grade through 8th misses the mark. First, there are very few boys that attend LHS and there is only one male teacher which makes it hard for role models. My kids did well in the lower school for a short time but we moved on due to curriculum problems, not enough diversity and I just couldn't see my kids graduating from that school and doing well in the middle school. The teachers are not well versed in technology and cant manage the kids of todays generation. It seems they need some younger teachers, innovative. Big changes are needed.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2014

Our family moved to the area from out of state and have found Linton Hall School to be an inclusive, welcoming environment. Our child has thrived socially and emotionally, and as an upper school student, is showing an unprecedented enthusiasm for learning. Our child continues to rank in the top 5% nationally on standardized tests, and has meaningful dialogue with engaged, well-qualified, dedicated teachers. If you're looking for a caring environment with smaller classes and academic rigor, come take a tour and experience this gem of a school for yourself.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

Linton Hall School is a wonderful school that prepares students for high achievement in high school. The teachers are well-qualified and always have the best interest of the students at heart. My children are learning well and thriving at Linton Hall School! The school has a great curriculum and a beautiful community.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2014

School has so much potential, but one cannot help but feel like the school is a sinking ship. Currently, the price tag doesn't quite meet the value, if you want a small catholic school, go to a diocese school. If you want academics, go to a school where there are qualified teachers. If you feel entitled to quality, proactive school administration/leadership, don't waste your money here. But if you want a very small class size and a great sports program, this is the place to be.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2014

Private School can get away with hiring many unqualified & unlicensed teachers, which is easily seen in the low standardized test scores. Great school for stay at home moms, you can literally stay at the school all day with no questions asked. Grades are assigned not for merit, but to placate the parents. Standardized scores say all. My daughter went from 99th percentile and then to 50% in one year due to an unqualified teacher. My complaints were ignored, and worst of all, my daughter was discriminated against due to my actions.
Submitted by other on October 31, 2013

I am an alumnus of Linton Hall and have so many great memories at this school. The education and values I recieved here have without a doubt made me who am I today. This school and community not only prepares you for high school, it also prepares you for college and beyond. The faculty and staff at Linton Hall truly care about each and every student. The school community is very loving and welcomes you back long after you have graduated 8th grade.
Submitted by other on October 30, 2013

I attended Linton Hall School from K - 8 and can honestly say I was thoroughly prepared for high school. The academics at Linton Hall obviously surpass those of the local public schools, as I found the advanced freshman and sophomore classes to be easier than some classes I took at Linton Hall. I loved the personal attention afforded to the students due to the small class size, the sense of community, the involvement with the Sisters and their other ministries, and knowing that there was always someone there who i could turn to if I needed anything.
Submitted by other on October 30, 2013

I am a student at Linton Hall, and we have a great school community. Linton Hall has a supportive staff, and we are all a family. I play sports for the school, and the coaches are very friendly and have helped me become a better athlete and a better person.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Linton Hall School has been a wonderful experience for our children. It provides a small family atmosphere where there is no question that the learning process will not be disrupted by bullying, unruly children, etc. They celebrate the children striving for excellence, so that the children want to succeed in the classroom and in their activities and are not made to feel embarrassed by doing well. Additionally, having the sisters involved is a unique element to the school. It provides the children with another perspective of service by seeing the sisters minister to the children and to others in the community who need their help.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

Linton Hall School was 'home' to our family for 14 wonderful years. During this time our children were nurtured academically, socially, and spiritually. The Benedictine traditions, which are the basis for the love and compassion shown to all who pass through Linton Hall's doors, are a wonderful foundation in which to teach academics and life skills. My children left Linton Hall well prepared to excel in high school, and attend academically challenging colleges. Linton Hall is not just a particular teacher, class or program - it is the combined experience of all of these, which develop our children to go out and become successful adults.