Carson Middle School

13618 McLearen Road

Herndon, VA 20171

School District

Fairfax County Public Schools
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
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 other on October 01, 2024

As an alumnus of Rachel Carson, I wish I could look back fondly on my time there, but unfortunately, the school's consistent failure to provide a safe environment overshadows much of my experience. While the academics were decent, the lack of attention to student safety was alarming. Incidents that should have been addressed immediately were often brushed aside, and I frequently felt the administration was more concerned with maintaining appearances than with protecting the well-being of its students.For a school that prides itself on community, it was disappointing to see how often bullying, harassment, and even physical altercations were mishandled or ignored altogether. The absence of proper response systems left many students feeling vulnerable. I sincerely hope the administration takes these concerns to heart because no student should have to prioritize their personal safety over their education. While I’m grateful for the friendships and a few dedicated teachers, I can’t in good conscience recommend this school until significant changes are made to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2024

Our experience at Carson led us to leave FCPS for private school. More time was spent educating my kids about social justice campaigns and pronouns than academics. My children graduated with near perfect grades despite performing below grade level in mathematics and writing.
Submitted by student on April 03, 2024

Amazing school with the best teachers and great friends. I love this school!!
Submitted by other on December 14, 2021

I sent my student to this school because they are an AAP school. For the most part they have done an adequate job. However, they cant be bothered returning calls or emails from parents. The administrators at this school have been non-responsive when I have attempted to call asking specific questions. I have talked to other parents and they confirm the same. So if that doesn't bother you than you will be fine. Remember, its only 2 years out of their life so most middle schools in Fairfax County will suffice. Just don't expect calls back.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2020

Virtual learning is a complete and utter failure at this school. Does your student have special needs or ADHD? If so, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! This school is horrendous for special needs students. They fail to understand special needs don’t learn the same, and sometimes need special attention. Caring? Not quite. Patient advocates? Sure, they have them...although they don’t do anything at all. If we could afford private school, we would go there.
Submitted by student on July 12, 2019

I loved this school because it is fun and the teachers are very enthusiastic. The male PE teachers are harsh. My friends PE teacher didn't allow him to be with us during OUR FREE TIME!!!
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

Statistically speaking, this school is one of the highest ranked middle schools in the county, state, and even in the US. 1 - We send the most amount of kids to TJ. 2 - Our GPA average is a B+, a significant jump from other schools. 3 - We have gotten above 97/100 average in our standardized testing 4 - We have a pass advanced average for the SOLs. In addition, we have the 2010 Principal of the Year (Mr. Frattali) and 2014 Teacher of the Year (Mr. Shah). Carson is an extremely competitive environment. We have clubs such as Model United Nations, Debate, MathCounts, TSA, and TARC that always score very high in competitions. Keep it up Carson!
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2015

I had two kids go through this school, one a tech whiz and one a humanities/music person. Carson was the best school they ever went to in FCPS. It starts at the top, with the principal and the administration. Mr Frattali is a person who --amazeballs!-- actually likes kids and can get them to follow his leadership without being patronizing or coercive. The teachers are uniformly excellent, with some standouts in science, music and languages. The office is friendly and welcoming to parents. The building and facilities are kept in excellent condition. For those parents who are thinking about TJ, Carson is one of the top three source middle schools for TJ. I had one go to TJ and one go to their base HS and both were academically and socially well prepared by Carson for their high schools. We moved into the area specifically for the Crossfield/Carson/Oakton pyramid, and it was a great decision.
Submitted by other on November 05, 2014

I have been in Rachel Carson for two years already and time flies! RCMS is simply a GREAT school. I can guarantee that you will enjoy your time there. The staff members are great and the classrooms aren't overly crowded. You will surely make friends here because everyone is nice and sociable. There are also a lot of electives to choose from and the schedules are very flexible. Last but not least, the principal is very friendly. The room temperature is also usually perfect.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

Carson is a model for how a public school should operate. The facility is very well maintained. The teacher body is stable (low staff turnover) and highly effective across all departments, notably science, math and music. Whenever I visited the kids were respectful of the teachers and one another whilst still evidently having a lot of fun (they're only 12, after all). I had two kids go through Carson, one was a science nut and went to TJ and the other was a history buff and ended up at Oakton. Both were well-prepared for high school and thrived, thanks to the basis they had at Carson. I unreservedly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2014

Excellent school. Well run. Good communication. Safe environment. Kids were happy there, which says a lot for middle school. AAP teachers did a good job.
Submitted by other on February 01, 2014

My school is a very good school. It has many number of electives to choose from, and has many after-school activities. The teachers are very nice and cooperative with students. They don't overload us with homework, but don't give us less and easy homework either.
Submitted by other on February 01, 2014

Carson is a really nice school. I was new this year and I really felt welcome. The teachers are very understanding and I found it very easy to understand their lessons. I got my grade from a B average (from my old school) to a straight A student because of how well the teachers teach. The students are awesome and very welcoming, I never felt like a new student and it seemed as if I had known them for years.
Submitted by other on June 18, 2013

Rachel Carson is the best middle school and I love it. The teachers are great and it is very safe!