Poplar Tree Elementary School

13440 Melville Lane

Chantilly, VA 20151

School District

Fairfax County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Fairfax County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 15, 2022

Love the school. Am happy to have my kid going here and she loves it
Submitted by other on August 31, 2021

It was lovely and they taught me well it is a good place.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2019

Great school in a great neighborhood. The teachers truly care about the students.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2019

Excellent experience at PTES. Great teachers, especially the Kindergarten staff.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2018

Terrible school. Bullying, racism, bad principal and teachers
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2017

My children always had excellent teachers and administration has been responsive to my needs.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2017

This school is riddled with unchecked bullies. They do a lot of lip service to "Prevent Bullying" but the teachers do not do anything to stop it--but rather ignore it. Several of the teachers we experienced also lack effective classroom management skills. I would not describe this school as having a good learning environment.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2015

This school has the resources it needs to encourage intense learning! You will learn even if you don't want to learn. The faculty and administration really care about the students.This is the definition of a great school.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2014

My child came into Polar Tree well ahead of the reading level for their age; the staff squandered her advantage and then turned around, in an accusatory and hostile manner, and told us WE had a problem and WE had to hire a tutor. Many times the faculty weren't very good and it seems to trickle down from a Principal bent on power and making it a difficult work place for the staff- hence the poor quality of teachers. As with any business, the turnover of staff is a pretty good indicator as to the atmosphere of the workplace. This school has a MAJOR problem with turnover- anyone who's any good will bail out at the first opportunity. In 6 yrs at Poplar Tree, we had ONE very good teacher- the rest were average or worse. Lots of issues with the 'mommy clique' lobbying for their kid to have an advantage, so beware that element if you don't like to have to 'play the game'...as we prefer not to. Our child did FAR, FAR better once they arrived into Middle School. If you can afford to do it, send your child to a private school- this school has a tyrannical principal and is over-run by helicopter mothers.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2013

A nice neighborhood school however quality of teachers inconsistent. My daughter had some fabulous teachers, unfortunately the concerns in the community about the weak sixth grade team was true. Two teachers were added this year and were a huge disappointment. Some teachers lacked innovation, unable to connect and motivate children, most did not utilize the fabulous technology provided, even though it is part of the teachers job description and Rocky Run Middle is leader in digital education. Children change teachers for each subject to prepare for middle school, however, this is the only preparation; teaching styles & methods same as other elementary grades. Parents with middle school students have advised others than our kids are the least prepared for middle school compared to other schools and our experience supports that concern. A motivated child who is eager to learn will manage. The principal is aware of some of the problems, but unsure if change will happen. Administration view and parental view of situation very different. Despite weak areas in this school or any in this county the the demographics of this area ensures success & weaknesses overlooked.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

This truely is a great school. The small class sizes, the additional help that the teachers receive to enhance the classroom is excellent. The technology in the classroom is far above anything I've ever seen. The PTA and parent participation is excellent as well. The Principle dodoes whatever she needs to do the improve the quality of education for her students. I love this school.