Union Mill Elementary School

13611 Springstone Drive

Clifton, VA 20124

School District

Fairfax County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 September 30, 2024

Union Mill is an FCPS gem. Tight-knit community, caring staff, great school spirit. All of our kids have thrived here.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2024

This school is amazing! There are engaging activities for the kids and also for families! The teachers make your child feel cared for and always are treating them with respect.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2022

No after-school activities - like a chess club or running club. There are some good teachers, but also some bad apples. Little growth for kids who are average or above-average. They aren't being challenged. Lack of reading groups with novels in the upper grades.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2020

This is an excellent school. The community is the best in Fairfax County. The teachers, students and parents work together everyday to make this this best environment anyone could ask for! Our children are all different and the school worked so well for each child!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2019

We moved from CA schools and coming from a state with such budget issues and low state proficiency levels, Union Mill is a amazing school. I don’t think the parents that have only been to this school understand how great of a school it is. The staff is invested in the whole wellbeing of the kids not just about test scores and rankings. The resources the district provides for programs and support staff is unheard of. Even when the kids transition from 6th grade to middle school the staff makes the transition as smooth as possible and the students are prepared academically for middle school. We love everything about UMES!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2019

Big gap between neighborhoods and students who have parents that earn a higher income than those who don't. Not sure why teacher turnover is high but it affects those who have been in school all their lives. The new teachers need to understand what it means to be a teacher instead of feeling pressured to have kids regurgitate information in order to have good scores.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2015

We came to this school from a much smaller FCPS. Initially, I was and still am overwhelmed by the number of students but I have to say that I cannot be happier with the teachers and staff. Our experience has been absolutely welcoming. Just last week they had the new students come up in front of the school to ring the bell to welcome them to the Union Mill family. The year has just started so I have yet to see how my son excels in the classroom but so far he is adjusting well, he loves his teachers, he is enjoying the lessons that are being taught, and he looks forward to going to school. So far, we cannot be more thrilled with this elementary school.
Submitted by other on August 19, 2015

We switched schools last year from another school within Fairfax County after a move and we are not particularly impressed with Union Mill. The school is extremely large and my children seem to be just a number to the administration. After going 2 years never having to meet with a teacher, we had 3 different meetings this past year including one with the principal and were less than impressed with the response we received to our concerns. The feedback we received was very sterile and canned with absolutely no concern for my child as an individual. I am very disappointed because we left a much smaller school where the staff truly cared about my children and I am not at all convinced the administration care at all about my children at Union Mill.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2015

This is an excellent school with high parent involvement and devoted teachers. I have a kindergartener and I used to teach at the elementary level at a different school. Due to the parent involvement the students here have so many opportunities that other schools do not offer. The curriculum is standard for Fairfax county, my son's school work is age appropriate for him. I am looking to stay in this area because of this school. It is true that there is a beautiful library and gym, including a rock wall. Too bad there isn't an art room, as most Fairfax County Public Schools have. This is the first year after a remodel.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2014

I have a 4th and a 6th grader and the Teachers have been amazing. My son started in 1st grade. The school is located inside a residential neighborhood of about 1500 homes and there is a sense of comunity accross the board. I will add since Ms Case has come on board a few of the weak teachers are no longer at the school and each year I see improvement in the school
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2014

My son Just started his 3rd grade in this school .. Best teachers.. very involved.. keep parents well-informed with whatever going on in classroom.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2013

My child is completing his second year at this school. The support at UM is outstanding! The principal, vice principal, counselors and teachers (from librarian, music and PE) are all highly visible, fair, and easy to get to know. I'm very happy with the level of parental involvement. There are always great ways to either help out in the classroom or preparing materials to help the teachers out. The PTA does outstanding work for the school and administration but not living in the Little Rocky Run neighborhood which surrounds the school, makes it difficult to be accepted, very clickish, for the most part but not all. It's too bad the PTA doesn't actually encourage ALL parents to be involved. I certainly commend them on the level of work they do.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012

Top notch school with the BEST teachers! We have been to several elementary schools due to military moves and we can say UMES is the best! Principal and vice principal are highly visible, and communicate well with students and parents. LOTS of proactive parent volunteers. Beautiful library and gymnasium. Full time Advanced Academic teacher can provide your child enrichment if he/she needs it. All around, a GREAT school! Recommend it highly!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2012

School is VERY large and only has one part-time GT teacher. The PTA is a click of SAHM. Since Mrs Shadis left the school has gone downhill. The houses around the school are all older and close together.