Potomac High School

3401 Panther Pride Drive

Dumfries, VA 22026

School District

Prince William County Public Schools
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
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 October 08, 2024

This school has a lot of issues, I have no idea how anyone could rate this school 5 stars. The teachers honestly seem to care (most of them) and there are numerous emails that try to reach the parents. The main issues is the students, a lot of them do not want to learn and cause problems with the kids that do. Some of the language I've heard used by children was ridiculous and it's said in front of adults that don't say a word. I had high hopes for the NJROTC program but it seems like there is only so much they can do with kids that don't care and unfortunately they try to drag down everyone else. It's also not a safe environment, my child tells me about the fights that happen almost daily, threats of violence happen daily. I think this is or last year here, many better high schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2023

Great school , great staff Potomac is a good school with lots of diverse programs, and activities.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2018

Great school ! Great teachers and staff
Submitted by other on September 06, 2016

Potomac is a good school with lots of diverse programs and extra curricular activities. It also boasts a large group of successful alumni.
Submitted by teacher on February 22, 2015

A wonderful school. Makes you feel like you are a part of a family!!! I miss my Potomac Family!!!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2014

This school is a diamond in disguise. It's unfortunate the past reputation of this school perpetuates through the rumor mill. The principal shows great leadership and is regularly seen around the school and at after school activities (the same for many of the teachers and administrative staff). We are a military family and this was our teen's 1st year here (junior). Our teen is in the Cambridge program which has a very challenging curriculum and we feel our teen is very well prepared for any college. The class sizes are smaller and our teen has been treated and expected to perform as a college student. The counselors and administration have gone beyond the call of duty and have been very responsive to our concerns (prior credits/test scores, graduation requirements, etc) . The teachers are top notch, care about students' education, and are involved with supporting clubs & extra curricular activities; even concession stand duty for the booster club. It's unfortunate many parents aren't as involved; many work in the DC metro area and have long commutes and bad traffic). It appears the majority of the students come from working class homes where both parents work outside the home.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2014

Excellent facilities, great JROTC program, great classes, very clean, good teachers. The Principal plays an active role in all actitives. My daughter is happy, and I am happy. Great school!!!
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2014

My son is a senior this year and his overall experience at Potomac has been great and the same was for my daughter who attended Potomac and now she is a sophomore at Virginia Tech. Being involved in many sport and other civic activities makes the difference. There are excellent teachers who volunteer for after school activities and go beyond their way to teach and support the students. The new Principal is on top of all activities, his enthusiasm has reflected in many aspects of the school. Another important thing is the parents' involvement which will make a difference in this or any other school.
Submitted by teacher on February 19, 2014

Potomac is an excellent school with a diverse student body. The size of this school is one of its greatest strengths, and students get more attention than at other schools in the area.
Submitted by teacher on January 27, 2014

The late 90s early 00s reputation of Potomac is not only unfairly casting its shadow on the success of our school, it has blinded many to the statistical results we have achieved. Thanks to Prince William County's outdated specialty school programs, many families have sent their kids to the "bigger" neighboring high schools where they just become one of the crowd. What I see at Potomac is nothing short of amazing given our diversity and hamstrung budget capabilities thanks to the horrible site based management strategy still dominating from the previous old boy network of former supervisor Kelly. Watch out $$ schools of PWCS. We are on our way to actually earn our academic success through the dedication of the greatest staff in PWC and the leadership of the best principal I have worked under during my 10 year tenure. The fifth star is the one we will always be striving for.
Submitted by teacher on January 27, 2014

There have been major changes to this school in the past few years (for the better). Administration is becoming more consistent with student discipline. I think the staff would benefit from more team building as an entire staff. Overall a great place to work, good students and admin is working hard to support the teachers however they can.
Submitted by teacher on January 27, 2014

Potomac is a extremely diverse school which offers great academics, athletics and community service. Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers in academics, medicine, business and the military.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2014

We have been very pleased with Potomac HS. The new principal and recent renovations have made all the difference for the school and Students. The Principal attends all PTSO, student meeting and all school activities, The Cambridge Programme is a challenging program that prepares students for college much better than the traditional method of teaching. There are several new programs coming to the school. Pleased our son is a student here! Submitted by a parent
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2013

Great all around High School in Prince William County public school system. My son is now a Jr. who love the small room teacher to student ratio.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2013

Excellent facilities, great JROTC program, great advance classes, very clean, good teachers. The best HS in the county.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2013

We have been very happy with Potomac HS. The new principal and recent renovations have made all the difference. The Cambridge Programme is a challenging program that prepares students for college much better than the traditional method of teaching. So happy our son is a student here!
Submitted by other on June 19, 2013

The New Principal Is Just Fantastic , It's Just the teachers that don't do a great job at potomac and that really upsets me that the teachers do not do their job .
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2013

My child has attended this school all 4 years. He has done well with his SOL's and SAT's. This is what matters most to me when selecting a school. They have prepared him well. His teachers have held him to high standards and he has taken some tough classes. Teachers are helpful, but I did much emailing and had to use School Fusion to keep up. The new principal has brought excitment to the Potomac program. He clearly is involved with the students, attends games and activities.The renovations have also contributed to brought excitment. His counselor is good, but again, I had to communicate with them. Front office personnel is ok. Not the friendliest, but ok. Sports program is excellent. Safe school. The students are kind and respectful. It's not a perfect school, but it has been a great experience for my kid.
Submitted by teacher on February 18, 2013

Excellent administration, excellent renovations, and more excellence to come. Classrooms are engaging, excellent extra-curricular offerings, high quality performing arts and sports programs... something for everyone! There's a place for every student at Potomac, 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 is VERY communicative, with very high standards for students and staff. Please do not hesitate to send your student here!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2013

I was told when I moved to the area that this school was bad but I underestimated the level. This is one of the worst school environment that I have ever encountered. The students are rude, irresponsible and unexcited about learning. From my observation,the teachers just go with the flow which makes the place a worst learning environment for a kid that actually wants to learn.