Nativity Catholic School

6398 Nativity Lane

Burke, VA 22015

36 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

We made the switch to Nativity Catholic School from a highly rated public school and are so happy with our decision. Our kids are thriving now with the quality education, sense of community and overall compassion that Nativity offers. I would highly encourage anyone to consider this school if they are having doubts about their child's educational experience elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2022

We had a great experience at Nativity for our sons. The curriculum was challenging, the teachers were excellent and caring, the administration was strong and driven to provide the best education and learning environment possible, the faith formation was strong. The parish priests were omnipresent, and it instilled in our boys the confidence that you can be who you are, without compromise, in this world. This is a loving, nurturing environment that allows kids to grow.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2021

We have had an excellent experience at Nativity. My family has been a part of the school community for the past 20 years. My last child is now in the Middle School. The principal is amazing and truly cares about the students. She practices what she preaches. She partners with the parents to help each child grow. The teachers are outstanding and clearly work hard. The school excels in Math and Science. I highly recommend Nativity. The faith formation and academics are top notch!
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2020

I love the idea of Catholic education. I want my children to have a Catholic education and the things I believe about Catholicism. However, the fact is, your child will experience more kindness, tolerance, and respect in the public school. If you like the Republican party the way it is, watch Fox news and recognize Pro-Life as one issue and not such things as a living wage, welcoming the immigrant, universal health care, affordable higher education, affordable prescriptions, then this is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2019

As soon as we walked in the front door, we felt a real sense of community. We’ve made lifelong friends with many of the families. We laughed, learned, and cried with them as our kids have grown up in this gem of a Catholic School, tucked away under a canopy of trees -- part of a very generous, friendly church and school community. At Nativity, my boys were challenged, loved, inspired, guided -- complementing everything we were doing as parents. I recommend Nativity Catholic School without hesitation. It’s much like extended family -- small enough to give you that warm sense of community; big enough that not everyone knows your business.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2019

This School has bad leadership and few bad teachers. The teacher implicitly allowed other students to bother and annoy the ones who this teacher did not like. The students ended up ganging up on this student (who this teacher didn't like) and as a result, this student exploded and there was a physical altercation. The school leadership blamed the incident on the student even though there were many similar cases have happened with this teacher. After leaving Nativity, this student became the top student at the Advanced Academics Program in the public school and the report card shows that this student has excellent behavior and leadership in the classroom, with great attitude towards teachers and peers.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2018

I love the problem solving approach. The project based learning is a plus.The commitment to STEM education is top notch. I love the Robotics and Maker Space classes.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2017

If you are looking for a very traditional school in which you work from one end of the workbook to the other in every subject this is the school for you. If you're looking for more innovation and application of research to education, this might not be a good match. They offer very little in the way of enrichment, they don’t do group projects or cooperative learning. They do have a ‘Maker Space’ classroom but they don’t have an overarching curriculum or plan for the class. The science lab is beautiful but the school uses the “lab learner” program which is, once again, a workbook series. The workbooks inhibit the interdisciplinary method of integrating subjects and only a very talented teacher would be able synthesize the subjects together. Teacher turnover is a real problem. The administration likes to hire people they know rather than experienced or innovative teachers. Spanish isn't taught using engaging or fun methods for younger students; it's similar to high school spanish and fluency is not the goal. The gym teacher still ‘teaches’ dodge ball and disregards all the research into the negative aspects of the game. Homework is assigned every night, however, not all the homework is on the student's independent level. Rather than help your child practice or review you might find yourself teaching. The school relies very heavily on the students signing the ‘code of conduct’ at the start of the year. They have a no tolerance policy on bullying but other than signing the code it’s not discussed and it is assumed that is enough to make sure it doesn't happen. And if (when) it does happen, they will often minimize it or even deny it. School-themed tee-shirts are given for various reasons and students sign each others but if a child only has one or two signatures on the shirt they are still expected to wear it on spirit day. In effect validating cliques and classroom popularity. i . The school is in an upscale neighborhood and students are homogeneous and this does show in student interaction. It’s not necessarily a bad school but it doesn’t stand out in any positive ways amongst very good public schools and other catholic and private schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2015

Nativity is a fantastic school. I have two children (one in elementary and another in middle school) who are thriving in the school. The staff is awesome and understanding; the principle and administration are available at all times and very accommodating. Some of the feedback about students leaving in 5th grade negates to mention that Nativity is surrounded by some of the best middle and high schools in Fairfax County. As such, families have lots of choices to pick from, not to mention, save on finances (private tuition is expensive!). Nativity offers 6th, 7th and 8th graders a High School preparatory program based on individual academic excellence. My son has benefited greatly from small class sizes in middle school – I consider it a big strength of the school because it allows for a customized curricula for the students and maximizes there educational experience and developmental growth. The science program is very much hand-on and mirrors what kids will experience in high school. The elementary school is second to none. Nativity was a great decision for our family.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2015

Nativity is one of the best schools in the area. My husband and I are so impressed with the academics and the catholic values being instilled in my children. So looking forward to another great year.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2015

7 students graduated from 8th grade in 2014. 14 students are registered for 8th grade in 2015 although only 11 are expected to return. There are no electives in Middle School. Physical education is once/week from 1-8th grades. PE instruction is poor. A new gymnasium will not solve the problem. Music is taught by a preschool teacher, even for Middle School students. Technology instruction is limited to keyboarding or basic applications, also in Middle School. Art is torturous with a disdainful and angry art teacher due to return next year. Note taking is not taught in this school in any grade level and particularly concerning, in Middle School. Students are expected to know how to take notes, though they have never been taught directly or within curriculums like Social Studies. Middle School teachers are not state certified in English, Mathematics or Spanish. Other Middle School teachers are certified to 6th grade, though it is unknown whether their certifications have been kept current with state standards. No Middle School teacher has Middle School certification in any subject area, nor other needed professional teacher skills and knowledge of practice. Teachers in Middle School are disdainful of students and parents. There are excellent after school activities provided by invested parents. Middle School registration drops significantly in fifth grade as parents explore other Catholic or public school options. There is a very concerning problem with respect for student and family confidentiality due to discussion among and between staff and other parents, including the principal and admissions director.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2014

Active duty Army, our children have attended parochial, public/gifted, & DoDDS, (12 diff schools), from preschool-HS. Recently PCSing from Germany, we attribute our boys positive academic experience to what a special place Nativity school is. Countering concerns in other reviews: It is common in private schools to move kids into 7&8 public middle schools for easier transition into public HS because of $. Also, be aware of helicopter parents in all NOVA! Cossetting parents try to control the Nativity principal & teachers (All which are certified w/ MA) & think their children can do no wrong. When they don't get their way, spread gossip, trying to undermine the school. Thankfully, Ms. Kelly does not give into threats, takes concerns to heart, & settles issues in a fair manner, both for students and her staff. As a result, many of these cosseting parents have left- Thank God! Lastly, I want to emphasis the Middle School Team is SUPERB! My 8th grader will be graduating w/ HS Alg & Geo, & Spanish I. Also, science program exceeds the gifted program in the Fairfax public schools & why we chose Nativity over the GE in public schools. Most impt, my sons love Nativity- can be themselves!
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

The preschool at Nativity is outstanding. Early elementary is strong. Upper elementary and Middle School need work. Families begin to leave in 5th grade. What we need at Nativity is good communication since at present there is no forum for discussion between parents and administration. Bi-annual 'Town Hall' meetings would be helpful. Meetings in October and a second meeting in February to discuss areas of strength and growth would help. Questions/concerns could be prepared & reviewed in advance, an agenda set & solutions discussed in open & transparent communication. Meetings should be grouped (K-2, 3-5 and 6-8) in order to best address topics pertinent to the grade levels. The handbook should include a section for parent expectations of the school (professional conferences, responsive classrooms etc.). There are outstanding STEM opportunities (robotics, math and chess clubs). It should be clear that these are after school and wknd activities entirely initiated & supported by dedicated parents. Without parents the programs would not exist. Caution should be taken describing others as spiteful. As parents, we are concerned about our children, naturally.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2014

I don't believe some of the negative reviews are based out of spite, but concern. The low student numbers in the upper grades are very disturbing. The mixed level of teacher certification (state certification, not VCEA) is a cause for concern. We will be leaving Nativity after this year because we feel it is not an academically challenging school, while it is a mostly friendly environment. Others may disagree, Though it was selected as a "Blue RIbbon" school in 2008, it has not received that distinction in subsequent cycles. That selection was 6 years ago. A few of the current teachers are excellent and dedicated, while many seem simply under-qualified in both credentials and in practice. Note: The pre-school program is probably the best in NoVA. So, I would not tell prospective parents not to enroll their children there, but would encourage them to ask hard questions about why many students are leaving well before 8th grade. Ask about specific teachers your children will have. Ask about specific testing and grading methods and ask a lot of questions about gifted and/or special needs programs, if those are a concern. Everyone can make up their own mind.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014

This is our first year at Nativity and I am pleased we chose this school. My son has adjusted well and loves coming to school. Nativity cultivates confidence, fosters leadership and responsibility rooted in the Catholic values of faith, hope, and love. It s a safe and supportive learning environment enforcing mutual respect among students, faculty, and the administration. The teachers I ve interacted have all been responsive and kind. My son s teacher is simply phenomenal! She has been very responsive to our inquiries and requests. She s simply a great teacher, I can t say enough about her. The school offers rigorous academics and appreciates all learners. The school administration addresses concerns quickly. It s a wonderful caring and nurturing community that values the uniqueness of each student within a truly supportive environment. I can t wait for my younger son to join Kindergarten in the fall.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014

I respect free discourse. However, I am wondering if some of these negative reviews are simply out of spite. My family has been very involved in this school for many years, and we have seen an increase in the number of children enrolling in the school, the teachers work very well together and have shared learning communities. My children have all gone through this school and outperformed their peers from other schools in high school. The principle is very responsive to parent concerns. This is a fully accredited and a National Blue Ribbon School of academic excellence with advanced middle school math programs including Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry. It has rich and rigorous STREAM learning, a robotics program, chess club, X-STEM math tutoring, and sets high expectations for student participation. The small class sizes in middle school are a big strength, together with a flexible program that allows for the students to maximize their educational experience and developmental growth.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

I love Nativity Catholic School. I am so happy with the teachers and staff here. Each one is so welcoming and affectionate. My child is excited about going to school everyday. I feel so blessed.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

Unfortunately I have to agree with the previous, concerning reviews. There is no teacher accountability. Teachers do not respond to emails from parents.Homework is not posted. The in-house Moodle system is ineffective. It is not used or current. Any suggestion that homework is posted is false and deceptive. Homework is supposed to be written down each day by teachers on a homework board, but this task is delegated to students who may or may not write everything down. Teachers make sometimes sarcastic and cruel comments including, "You are not smart enough for this .", "This is the work of a kindergartener", Though some families like K-4th, from 5th grade on, there are serious problems. There is no effective discipline. Friday detentions are a badge of honor for poorly behaved, but "cool" students. There is no in-house or out of school suspension.There are dwindling numbers from 5th grade on. Eight students in 8th grade. It is not the economy. This is an utter fallacy given our small school & our overcrowded & affluent parish. WE are in desperate need of professional intervention. Cardiac care is needed because the school is unresponsive and bleeding profusely.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2014

I unfortunately need to agree with the 2-star review of August 2013. This school is in a state of decline and teacher quality is uneven at best. Academically, it is not a very challenging school, with many teachers striving only to teach everyone at the level of the slowest students. A few teachers actually are outstanding, but with single-class grades, it is just the luck-of-the draw for students. Sadly, a few teachers seem to actually dislike their students (!), particularly the boys (evidenced by the rapidly dwindling numbers in the upper grades). I do not believe that all teachers are truly state certified, but all at least have VCEA certification, which is a joint diocese, not state, initiative. Agree that some would benefit greatly from a better grasp of teaching theories, along with student teaching experience (required for actual state certification). Great observation on the lack of a dress code for teachers. Some (not all) of them dress like they just do not care. We find this rather surprising for a Catholic school that rigidly enforces its student uniform rules. I wish Nativity luck in getting back to its old standards, but this will likely be our last year there.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2013

This is an excellent small school. Ms. Kelly, the principal, is wonderful and extremely involved with the students and parents. The classroom teachers all have a bachelors degree, most have their masters, and all are state certified. The children are wonderful and the parents are very involved. Our sons truly enjoy going to school together here. Cursive writing is still taught at this school.