A. Henderson Elementary School

3799 Waterway Dr

Dumfries, VA 22025

School District

Prince William County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Prince William 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 April 23, 2024

Looking at the ratings from the outside this school seemed top notch and inviting with its Stem based hands on learning motto. However, I found this school is lacking in a few key areas. To start School and teacher connection here is lacking big time. As a parent we are a team and I’m your biggest advocate until you make me think otherwise. Unfortunately , You can feel a divide right when you come to the school as they will have you wait outside in freezing temps vs let you go inside their office and collect your child. This limits connections and supports my child’s jail view of the school as it definitely gives this vibe ! Information here is also hard to get. Key events are communicated but often only once and I’ve spent time scrolling trying to find what time something is at or even trying to remember an event because they do not communicate properly. I wish they would remind us the night before as some of us have more than one child , a job , 1000 things going on but we want to be there and we want to support YOU!!! This again limits connections and again parent connection=team =big things!! Last, Instruction 3rd grade onward is basically SOLs only. Every test given in class is based on them and they are only focused on what’s being tested period. Nothing else logical really matter (spelling , punctuation etc.) Positive is the Teachers here are organized but I feel as though they are hand tied and TIRED due to the above and faced with redundant teaching. This is not their fault and falls on school itself as something tells me this is where their focus is on only. Culture here overall needs work I feel the tension and although I think principal supports teacher it’s just obvious they are not pumped up to be teaching a state test. I pray something changes but as long as state tests run the budget or principal goals I’m pretty sure nothing will change and for that I pity the teachers and the kids.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2022

Dedicated, collaborative and caring staff, kind students, strong STEM program, involved caring parents, class mtgs, positive school culture, PAWs PALs mentoring program, for PBIS, 1:1 technology, value student movement, many volunteering opportunities, library collection is a priority, communication valued by staff, responsive staff
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2021

I will agree with the last review...our son experience was exactly the same...they made false claims about our son and rushed him out without time to adjust...I wish it was a way to contact the last parent this school must be stopped...they way they treat children with ADHD is disrespectful and discriminatory and disgraceful...and I have a child of color.
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2017

MY son has attended Henderson from kindergarten all the way through 5th grade. All of his teachers have been top notch. MY son has autism and this school has gone above and beyond to address his needs. I feel very lucky to have such a great school.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2016

Henderson is tucked away in the heart of Montclair...a loving community that cares deeply about the well being of their children. My children benefited greatly by the education they received From Henderson. After graduating from Henderson, they went on to Saunders Middle School & Forest Park High School, then graduated with degrees from VA Tech & JMU. We have quite a few neighbors who's kids attend Henderson and just love it! We are so thankful for how the teachers at Henderson prepared our children to succeed!
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2016

My son attended this school for a short time...we tried to meet with the principal before the start of the school year, to ask about there programs for special need due to our suspect of ADHD with our son. Ms.Beveans the principal never answered our emails. His first day was terrible it was difficult for him to adjust. We tried to speak with the principal...and she gave us this condescending look. After his 7th day she wanted him removed without givin time for his adjustment...and he was diagnosed with adhd. She moved to furlough him...put out they made up stories om him. After we got the county involved...my son was moved to a better school. Ms.Beveans is more concentrated on scores not the well being of children with special needs...and many of there programs got discontinued. And i got serveral complaints how they treat chilldren of color with special needs...to further confirm my neighbor daughter has the same issues and they took time with her. Hate to bring in race but from the complaints from other parent bought us to this conclusion. We are currently working with CHADD on over sons right being violated...i hope this is to serve as a warning to parents with children with Special needs. Good test scores should not take presidents over a childs growth in learning...every child should have a equal and fair chance at a good education.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2016

This school is probably fine for kids who are working on grade level or below, but not for higher kids. Some teachers are good at teaching students on their level, and some let the kids coast through the year because there is no incentive to teach them. They're given extra work instead of work that's on their level. Despite being way above grade level last year, my child has made absolutely no gains this year. I agree with the other poster about the drama. There are too many parent volunteers which only causes confusion in the classroom and lack of direction.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2015

The principal and deputy principal are responsive, engaged, participatory, and excellent leaders. Mrs Rocco in the office is amazing. She knows everyone and serves with excellence. My daughter loves being at this school. We've been here three years and I have no complaints. The participation by the vibrant PTCO is outstanding. Bravo Henderson!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2015

Absolutely love this school! We moved here 3 years ago. We were embraced immediately by the principal and the front office staff. Mrs. Rocco the front secretary is superb. Super nice, remembers everyone's name and so attentive. They took the time to place my children with the best teachers for them based on their individual needs. We have had the best teachers. My daughters attended Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade here. The school has an excellent military support community and superb teachers. The school is always striving to better themselves and is a focus school for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). I can not say enough about the community this school has. The principal and teachers are always responsive and happy to help with any concerns you may have. My son has been receiving speech therapy at Henderson since he was 3, which has been a wonderful experience. The speech therapist genuinely cares for my son and his progress and has been able to help my son achieve tremendous growth! The school has a great parent volunteer source so teachers are well supported. Love this school!
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2015

It's hard to rate the school better than a two when there is so much drama surrounding this school. Every where you turn, moms are complaining about the school's principal and the negative environment. A rating of a "9" is only the test scores and not the culture of the school. While the academics are strong at Henderson, it lacks a positive environment for both the kids and the parents.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2014

Excellent administration and staff with caring and supportive parent base. We are a military family and have been in several different school systems, none compare to the education and support that my child has received since attending Henderson. Their dedication to the kids and their advancement in the community is outstanding and the Principal, Ms. Bevans is truly there for the kids. She takes time to know each one of them by name and make them feel special. Ms. Rocco and Ms. Peterson in the front office are AMAZING and are truly one of a kind. The parent support that you will find at this school whether it is thru PTCO involvement, classroom volunteering, or just day to day at the school is unsurpassed. It is a pleasure to be a HUSKY!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

This school has moved up the ratings ever since Mrs. Bevans became Principal. She is very good, thorough, knowledgeable, dedicated and a true professional. She is always looking at ways of improving and doing better and the students and teachers follow her example. The ESOL and reading programs are superb. I could not ask for better and I look forward to many more years at this school.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2014

Excellent administration and more excellence to come. Classrooms are engaging, excellent extra-curricular offerings, high quality performing and STEM program, there something for everyone! There's a place for every student and it's an exciting place to be! The faculty and staff feel more like a family, and much emphasis is given to the student. It's a smaller PWC school, so students are given more individual attention than they would receive in a larger school. The principal and teachers are VERY communicative, with very high standards for both students and staff. The parents are very involved with activities with a large volunteer and support to school...often you will find parents, grandparents and community volunteers. The staff can often be found given back to the community with varies programs. All around excellent school!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

My child has gone to this school for 5 years, my only complaint is it's not a K-8. I don't want to say goodbye when my child goes to middle school. The support and care my child receives along with the positive learning enviroment is top notch! Thank you Henderson Elementary!
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

My daughter has been a student at Henderson since kindergarten and she's now starting 4th grade. Her General Ed and Special Ed teachers have all been wonderful and she loves coming to school every day. Henderson has the excellent Olweus Bullying Program and she has never been bullied. SOL scores for Henderson have been outstanding and I've noticed the school's rating on this website has risen from 6 to 8 since the Principal, Mrs. Bevans, came to the school. She and the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Goddard, are super smart, friendly, innovative and strive to make Henderson the best school for all students.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

We have enjoyed being a part of Henderson Elementary. Our 5th grade daughter has just blossomed. She loves school, her Teacher and friends. So we are thrilled with our choice to have her attend Henderson.
Submitted by other on April 27, 2013

this school is an excellent school my youngest sibling is going here and he loved this school and teachers i would reccomend this school to anyone the only thing i do not like about it is some kids get bullied and not many teachers help that well
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2011

My son has attended Henderson for g K-3. Overall, I have been very happy w/ the school teachers & administrators. As an earlier poster from early 2011 said, there are some busy-body parents who do think they run things. If we're talking about the same PTCO leadership - they were voted out for the 10-11 school year. When I noticed my son having continued difficulty in reading, I requested a Student Evaluation. Henderson officials were prompt in scheduling, and offering suggestions. I never felt pushed aside. As it happens, my son is ADD and at no time did the administration push medication. To date, for g3, they (& the teacher - Mrs. Meyers) have been great in working with me to try different things to help my son succeed. He's had a 180 w/ the *help* of medication. I do worry w/ the loss of the new Principal mentioned below (Mrs. Rineshuttle) - the current acting Princ, could be a problem. More extracurriculars would be nice, but since I can't afford anything, it's not a sticking/selling point.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2011

Henderson is a great school. But it seems there are a lot of parents there who think they run the school. Class size is not the schools fault - It's the county and state government who don't put education first. If you think your child is not being challenged enough then you should take the initiative and challenge them. Your child is not the only child in that classroom.