What Schools Have the Highest Ratings in Northern VA?

Based on several local surveys and performance reviews, here are the schools in Northern Virginia that have been recognized as the cream of the crop when it comes to quality education: ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS According to a Washington Post article, the following are the Top 5 elementary schools in Northern Virginia:
  1. McKinley Elementary
  2. School Vision: "The McKinley community envisions a strong and nurturing learning environment in which students demonstrate respect for self and others. Students meet established performance standards focusing on learning core subjects. The students have a variety of experiences that broaden their views of the world." McKinley Elementary is located in North McKinley Road, Arlington, Virginia. It ranks on the top spot of top rating schools in Northern Virginia, because 79% of the school’s students rated as “advanced” (the highest among three levels). The rating was determined through a series of state tests.
  3. Key Center School
  4. School Vision: "Key Center School creates an educational climate where diversity and individuality are celebrated and respected, and where all staff continually strive to maximize the potential of each student through increasingly higher expectations." Springfield City of Fairfax County is home to Key Center School, which ranks second on the list with 77% of its students in the “advanced” level (jumping from 64% in a span of five years).
  5. Churchill Road Elementary
  6. McLean, Virginia – along Churchill Road – is the location of Churchill Road Elementary, the elementary school snagging the third spot on the list with a rating of a 77% (from 55% in 2003).
  7. Greenbriar West Elementary
  8. Greenbriar West Elementary is located at Poplar Tree Road in the Chantilly Area of Fairfax County Virginia. It ranks 4th even as it shows a significant leap in its ratings from 47% in 2003 to 77% five years later.
  9. Louise Archer Elementary
  10. Located in Nutley Street, Vienna, Virginia, Louise Archer Elementary completes the top 5 list belting a 76% rating from 2003’s 64%.
HIGH SCHOOLS According to a performance review done by Northern Virginia Magazine, the following are the Top 5 high schools in Northern Virginia:
  1. Thomas Jefferson High School – located in Alexandria, Virginia
  2. Langley High School – located in Mclean, Virginia. Click here for more information on this school.
  3. McLean High School – located in Mclean, Virginia. Click here for more information on this school.
  4. George Mason High School – located in Falls Church, Virginia. Click here for more information on this school.
  5. W.T. Woodson High School – located in Fairfax, Virginia. Click here for more information on this school.

Barcroft Park

Barcroft Park
Barcroft Park
Barcroft Park is 65 acres of highly-maintained family oriented recreational facilities. Barcroft supports a variety of sports and family activities.  Barcroft is the home for several baseball leagues as there are 5 baseball diamonds with bleachers here. Four of these fields are for youth; one is for one adults. There is a batting cage to support the baseball community. Barcroft has a a lighted rectangular playing field for sports like soccer, football or rugby. This field has a synthetic surface, concession stand, restrooms, and goals. Other sports are also supported by:
  • a basketball court;
  • two new tennis courts (opened in 2007);
  • a volleyball court;
  • a handball court;
  • and horseshoe pit.
At this location, Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center has a gymnasium to support several indoor sports. The gymnasium has everything needed for a boxer to train. This includes a boxing room with speed and punching bags, sparring ring, and floor exercise area. The gym can also host basketball, floor hockey, and indoor soccer. On-site, there are a variety of classes such as
  • aerobics,
  • boxing/kick boxing,
  • and gymnastics.
For the benefit of picnickers and visitors the park has three water fountains, a rental picnic shelter, picnic tables, charcoal grills. There is also a paved path throughout the park to walk, jog or bike. That path has a bridge, and stream. Hours for the park are sunrise to half hour after sunset except on lighted facilities. The facilities are open Tuesday, Thursday and weekends. 4200 South Four Mile Run Drive Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 228-0700 Park Map (PDF)
Barcroft Park
Baseball field at Barcroft Park
Barcroft is a part of what makes Arlington such a great place to live. To search condos in Arlington or property of any type in Northern Virginia, try our fast and free database of all available properties. Barcroft is located not far from Skyline Square and Skyline Plaza.

Elementary Schools of Northern VA

Find homes for sale by school district in Northern Virginia

One of the most import decisions you'll ever make for your child is where they will attend school. Northern Virginia prides itself on many fine public schools and our website empowers parents to find homes find homes by school district. If you need help finding a home or would like suggestions that will fit with your commute, please feel free to call us at any time.
School in Cameron Station
Cameron Station school

Kayaking the Dyke Marsh

Julie and I rented a tandem kayak at Belle Haven Marina and tooled around in the Dyke Marsh and in the Potomac.

Arlington Price per Sqft. Show Minimal Decline

Arlington  average price per square foot The chart above plots the price per square foot of 1 Bedroom condos in 22201 vs. all Arlington over the past year. While there has been some decline, the change is almost statistically insignificant. The chart below shows little change in 2 BR's in the same area. Arlington average price per square foot

Properties in

Will Nesbitt
Will Nesbitt

Crystal City condo market in transition

The Market Activity Index in Crystal City continues show sawtooth pattern. This pattern often indicates tension between sellers who want to move property but who are not willing to dump property at lower prices.  At the same time buyers are moving swiftly to snag deals, indicating we are near the bottom, or at least in a period of transition.  The days on market fell dramatically, and this means that real estate is selling again. The chart was drawn from the past 180 days of condo activity in 22202 zip code.

Riverside Camping at Riverbend Park

Families can enjoy camping and night hiking at Riverbend Park. Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5 mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail linking national and regional parkland. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy exploring many islands in the Potomac River. Serious anglers and families can bring a boat or fish from the shady riverbank. Nature highlights include spectacular river views, beautiful wildflowers and birds. Facilities include a visitor center with snack bar, gift shop, exhibits and riverside picnic area. The park also has a nature center which is available for rent. Camping will began at 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday on May 15th. Bring your camping gear, toasting sticks and a dinner to cook on toasting sticks. S’mores and a light breakfast are provided. The cost is $45 per family. To register, call 703-759-9018.
  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

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  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

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  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

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  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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Biking the Mount Vernon Trail

Julie and I rented bikes in Old Town last week. We then biked the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon and back.  The trail here is pleasant with some ups and downs that can be a little challenging, but not too tough.  The views along the river and through the forest are great. Along the way the trail passes through the Dyke Marsh. We stopped there to take some pictures and drink some water.   Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers Market

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers Market is located at King Street Gardens Park, 1806 King Street In 2010, the market is open on Wednesdays, May through October from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m with dates and times subject to change.
King Street Gardens
Hanging Gardens
The Upper King Street Farmers Market offers area residents and commuters the opportunity:
  • to shop for fresh
  • locally grown produce meat
  • dairy and bakery items