Ravensworth Elementary School

5411 Nutting Drive

School District

Fairfax County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 April 22, 2024

This is the worst school my kids have ever attended. Many of the young white woke female teachers seem to have a problem with boys and my son has had to feel it. If this county offered school choice they would be out in a heartbeat. My son is bullied for being special Ed and instead of doing anything about it he’s been bullied and accused of outlandish things that he is incapable of and wouldn’t understand by teachers who should be supporting him. It’s appalling and completely inexcusable. The school offers no explanation. Neither one of my kids enjoy going to this school and have anxiety in the morning when it’s time to go. My son gets sick from it some mornings. These “educators” should be ashamed.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2021

The school is good for your kids
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2019

School is small, friendly. All staff-related experiences have been positive--from the principal to the teachers to the front desk to the custodians. My child is receiving age appropriate work, and has plenty of "play time", social time, and Mrs. Kim (K) foster creativity and teamwork.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2018

Any school is what you make of it. Children and their families can choose to be involved, attend programs, volunteer, and be active in the school community. There are great teachers, average teachers and bad teachers at any school. We have been very active in all aspects of Ravens life. My children have many happy memories and a good education to take with them. There were tough times and bad teachers, but overall we are very happy that we landed at Ravensworth ES.
Submitted by parent on July 05, 2017

The school principal is highly responsive and responds effectively to all questions and concerns. She always has a smile on her face and greets the students and parents warmly. She leads by example. The Spanish immersion program is run really well and is a wonderful opportunity - even if there is a good amount of homework! (But that is the case everywhere nowadays it seems.) The annual large fundraiser is incredibly spirited and well-run. Fundraising is not a burden on parents compared to other schools I hear about. The school is newly remodeled and the teachers, staff and students are proud of their environment and it shows. Dedicated teachers rule at this school and the counselor-lead "lunch bunch" for students who need extra time to talk about any issues (social or emotional) is a wonderful idea and my child has participated in it a few times. Keep up the good work.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2017

We have great experience with teachers, staff and principle. Both kids did excellent with academics progression, in class work and test without too much parental involvement. It has been a great upward trend for last 4 years. This school has a great academic potential to become next AP category with little bit more support from school district (Fairfax) to the principle. Staffs are all-around dedicated and caring.
Submitted by other on August 08, 2016

I was excited when my child started the 1st grade immersion program. Unfortunately, it seems that there were internal problems at the school. The 1st grade Spanish teacher left in April, then the long sub got sick, then there were a series of subs. The teachers seemed uninterested in advancing in science. The administration is not open to new ideas. It's sad really.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2016

The teachers have been very responsive to questions and concerns regarding my child's progress and get back to us in a timely manner. The school has a great sense of community without bombarding the parents for a million different fundraisers!
Submitted by other on June 05, 2016

My kids have had some outstanding teachers at Ravensworth that really tune into their individual needs. I have one son with learning disabilities and he has gotten the support he needs though special education to excell. I'm really impressed with the new principal. She has revamped the immersion program and I've been very impressed with the new teachers she hires
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2015

We've been very happy with our experience at Ravensworth. My middle child is in the immersion program, the other 2 have come through sibling placement, although I hope the kindergartner will be able to join immersion next year. My oldest has been pushed and challenged in a positive way, but with solid expectations. My middle one was dismissed in kindergarten at our base school when I asked multiple times about her speech. When I asked last year at Ravensworth, they had her tested immediately and have since started her on therapy, I can hear the improvement already. My youngest is being challenged in kindergarten although she started already knowing how to read and add, they push her own limits to keep her from growing bored. We have had experience in private school, our base school, and now Ravensworth, and I am by far happiest at Ravensworth. Mrs. Salata and Mr. Paper run a tight but kind ship focused on the success of the children.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2015

I don't know why the average is 3 stars...I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. The principal, Mrs. Salata is AWESOME. The Vice Principal, Mr. Paper, is also great; they are both very hands on with both the students and the parents.I have loved all of my sons' teachers. Both of my sons have IEP's and I am very happy with the education, approach and services offered by the school.Parents can be as active as they would like through multiple volunteer opportunities.Lastly, there are pepole who MOVE to this school district because of Ravensworth's SPANISH IMMERSION education opportunity where children are taught in Spanish to "immerse" them in the language. I believe families who choose this education track have to apply to be accepted into it, and their children are taught 1/2 in Spanish and 1/2 in English. If my boys weren't special ed, I would have LOVED to sign them up for this.All in all, Ravensworth is a GREAT school.My children had attended two other schools before Ravensworth but Ravensworth is my favorite. :)
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2014

My son is a second grader in the Spanish Immersion program at Ravensworth. We've been very pleased with the school. We did not have any experience with the old principal, as we started with the school the same year the new principal started. But I echo what other reviewers have said - she is very visible, very accessible, and is bringing a lot of positive energy to the school. The new 1st grade immersion teachers are amazing - like seriously the dream team! My son also loves his 2nd grade teachers. I also like that the school does a fun-run for its annual fund raiser - 100% of the money raised goes to the school. No need to make the kids sell random items that no one really wants anyway. Raises money and contributes to health and fitness! Win win for everyone.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2014

The new principal is awesome, she is an excellent communicator, she responded to my email within the hour and followed up with me regarding my issue. She is very proactive, visible, and competent. We also love the community feel of the school and neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

Ravensworth is a great school. My kids have made some wonderful friends and the immersion program is going to leave them a step ahead.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

We have had a wonderful time at this school. I also have a special needs child and have had a wonderful time with the program. The teachers have taken every suggestion and made more to make the learning experience great for this child. It has been so great that even know my child had the option to go to another school we did not take advantage of this option. My kids are not in the immersion program and have thrived and done well. I really appreciate that the teachers my kids have had holds them accountable to do their best - even if they kids are excelling. I do hope there is less of an emphasis on SOLs in the future but I do think my kids are learning and SOLs are a fact of life every student has to deal with. I don't have any experience with the new principal but I look forward to changes she has planned.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2014

We have been in the Ravensworth neighborhood and school for two years now, my son is in the second grade. He is not in the immersion program, I prefer that he gets his math and science skills down instead of a second language at this point. We are very excited about the new principal and the security changes she is making. The staff is always very kind to him, including the nurse who will call if he gets hurt, and his teacher is always open to communications with me. He is in a happy and secure environment, and we love that he can walk to school (with supervision of course)! He does not have special needs so I cannot speak for those folks, I can only say that we have been pleased. He is reading by leaps and bounds and he loves the art program as well.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2013

I have two children at Ravensworth Elementary who have had an overall positive experience with the school. We have a new principal who has already brought new energy and positive changes to the new year. I have never witnessed bullying at the school, but sincerely hope that the new administration will adhere to a no tolerance policy. Our children deserve a safe and happy learning atmosphere. Our school needs parent involvement in order to be successful and volunteers are greatly appreciated by the teachers and PTA!!! Ravensworth does have talented and caring staff and teachers in the immersion program! The first year can be overwhelming and I do hope that the new principal is able to restructure the curriculum and make the program more cohesive for the lower grades. I have heard from numerous families and have experienced with my own kids, that if you can get past the first year in immersion...it is rewarding and worth it. I am excited about the possibilities for our school and think we are on the road to excellence.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2013

I can't speak for the bullying complaints in previous reviews, but my experience with Ravensworth over the past 4 years has been mostly positive. The teachers are committed, the staff is fabulous, and with the new principal, we already see many much needed changes in the school. Sure, there are a few bad apples, but you get that at any school. The new administration has brought about a new energy and a new way of doing things, even in these first few weeks of school. Starting last year, the PTA has been committed to bringing in classroom hands-on STEM workshops, science fairs, chess club, after school fitness, Global language classes and so much more. Parents are involved in the school and there is always a large turnout for family fun activities like the ice cream social, bingo night, parents night out, movie night, etc. This school is making great strides to become one of the best in the area! I can't wait to rate this school 5 stars in a year or two!
Submitted by other on August 13, 2013

Ravensvorth school family school second generation, is the best place to grow in educatet ,good , person .
Submitted by other on August 10, 2013

Bullying behavior is accepted at this school as documented by several different families. It is unbelievable that the administration has no clue how to handle reports of bullying that are even witnessed by other students. Run, as far away as you can, if you happen to fall within their school boundaries. Just read other reviews on this site in regards to bullying. It is happening and is allowed to continue. How sad for the poor little victims who speaks up and are met with no solutions from administration. Clearly, it is a huge problem that continues year after year. We are glad this school no longer has any part of our child's life.