Great Falls Elementary

Summary:

Great Falls Elementary is a highly-regarded public magnet elementary school in Great Falls, Virginia, serving grades PK-6 with a student population of 547. The school is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools district, which is ranked 41 out of 130 school districts in Virginia and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Great Falls Elementary consistently outperforms the Fairfax County and Virginia state averages on standardized tests, with over 90% of students proficient or better in Mathematics and English Reading across all grade levels. The school has a relatively diverse student body, with a significant Asian student population (around 15%) and a low student-teacher ratio ranging from 12.6 to 14.5. Great Falls Elementary also spends more per student ($11,599 in 2020-2021) compared to the state average, which may contribute to its strong academic performance.

While Great Falls Elementary outperforms many nearby schools, such as Colvin Run Elementary and Forestville Elementary, the Fairfax County school district as a whole has a strong focus on education, producing several high-achieving schools. The low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at Great Falls Elementary, combined with its exceptional academic results, suggests that the school's success may be influenced by the socioeconomic status of its student population, a trend observed in many top-performing schools.


Detail:

Public, Magnet PK, KG-6

 701 Walker Rd
       Great Falls, VA  22066


(703) 757-2100

District: Fairfax County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
63rd of 1,114 Virginia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,599 Help


Students who attend Great Falls Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Cooper Middle
High:    Langley High

Student/teacher ratio:  14.5 Help
Number of students:  547

Racial breakdown:

White:
66.0%
Asian:
14.8%
Two or more races:
11.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  4.8% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Great Falls Elementary ranks better than 94.3% of elementary schools in Virginia. It also ranks 17th among 137 ranked elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 88.5. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Great Falls Elementary has the largest elementary school student body size in the Fairfax County Public Schools District.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Great Falls Elementary is $11,599. 70 elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Great Falls Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Great Falls Elementary 63rd of 1114 Virginia public elementary schools. (See Great Falls Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
Asian students:
White students:


Fairfax County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Fairfax County Public Schools 41st of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Great Falls Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Great Falls Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 84.62 66th 1062 93.8%
2006 85.36 44th 1071 95.9%
2007 88.25 22nd 1083 98.0%
2008 83.07 61st 1081 94.4%
2009 83.93 52nd 1082 95.2%
2010 82.73 57th 1113 94.9%
2011 87.27 20th 1117 98.2%
2012 89.33 9th 1117 99.2%
2013 89.70 34th 1120 97.0%
2014 89.99 31st 1110 97.2%
2015 86.61 45th 1100 95.9%
2016 86.28 51st 1096 95.3%
2017 84.53 87th 1099 92.1%
2018 78.35 179th 1097 83.7%
2019 80.02 166th 1105 85.0%
2021 86.88 124th 1103 88.8%
2022 91.12 38th 1109 96.6%
2023 93.10 19th 1114 98.3%
2024 88.50 63rd 1114 94.3%
See the entire list of Virginia Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Great Falls Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 91.51 23rd 1100 97.9%
2024 85.97 88th 1098 92.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Great Falls Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 88.65 14th 324 95.7%
2024 84.46 22nd 355 93.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Great Falls Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 92.58 19th 1093 98.3%
2024 88.33 58th 1101 94.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Great Falls Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 79.15 25th 230 89.1%
2024 69.77 73rd 238 69.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for White students at Great Falls Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 87.92 35th 984 96.4%
2024 78.97 130th 979 86.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Great Falls Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

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Enrollment information for Great Falls Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 642 642
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 660 660
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 676 676
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 694 694
1993 619 6 68 12 1 n/a n/a 0 706
1994 644 7 60 13 1 n/a n/a 0 725
1995 592 3 58 14 3 n/a n/a 0 670
1996 592 3 58 14 3 n/a n/a 0 670
1997 599 6 67 9 3 n/a n/a 0 684
1998 594 8 60 7 3 n/a n/a 0 672
1999 625 8 63 9 5 n/a n/a 0 710
2000 661 8 74 8 3 n/a n/a -4 750
2001 685 8 73 15 4 n/a n/a 0 785
2002 667 7 72 11 6 n/a n/a 53 816
2003 667 7 72 11 6 n/a n/a 53 816
2004 542 5 51 14 6 n/a n/a 54 672
2005 494 5 44 14 4 n/a n/a 50 611
2006 471 6 45 17 3 n/a n/a 40 582
2007 454 3 60 17 3 n/a n/a 33 570
2008 458 2 59 18 2 n/a n/a 42 581
2009 459 3 67 20 2 n/a n/a 39 590
2010 442 3 61 20 1 n/a n/a 41 568
2011 417 8 49 28 1 0 40 0 543
2012 435 7 54 34 1 1 40 0 572
2013 428 7 61 36 3 1 42 0 578
2014 408 5 63 39 4 1 51 0 571
2015 395 6 62 33 4 1 51 0 552
2016 373 8 64 37 4 1 59 0 546
2017 374 8 66 31 4 1 61 0 545
2018 355 6 67 31 2 2 56 0 519
2019 367 8 67 25 2 1 52 0 522
2020 348 9 67 24 1 1 60 0 510
2021 302 8 71 27 1 0 61 0 470
2022 338 13 80 37 1 0 56 0 525
2023 361 11 81 31 1 0 62 0 547

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Great Falls Elementary

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 642 30.9 20.7 n/a
1990 660 31.1 21.2 n/a
1991 676 32.7 20.6 n/a
1992 694 33.3 20.8 n/a
1993 706 37.4 18.9 n/a
1994 725 43.6 n/a 0.6
1995 670 n/a 0.0 0.6
1996 670 n/a 0.0 0.6
1997 684 n/a 0.0 1.2
1998 672 n/a 0.0 0.7
1999 710 37.6 18.9 1.1
2000 750 n/a 0.0 0.7
2001 785 46.6 16.8 1.9
2002 816 56.5 14.4 0.9
2003 816 56.5 14.4 0.9
2004 672 42.5 15.8 0.8
2005 611 41.5 14.7 0
2006 582 38.0 15.3 n/a
2007 570 42.1 13.5 n/a
2008 581 31.8 18.3 0.4
2009 590 32.1 18.4 0
2010 568 29.8 19.0 0.4
2011 543 29.0 18.7 0.9
2012 572 35.9 15.8 2.3
2013 578 37.3 15.4 0.9
2014 571 33.8 16.8 1.4
2015 552 33.0 16.7 2.2
2016 546 34.0 16.0 1.6
2017 545 33.3 16.3 1.5
2018 519 33.4 15.5 4
2019 522 36.1 14.4 2.3
2020 510 34.7 14.6 3.1
2021 470 37.0 12.6 n/a
2022 525 37.0 14.1 3
2023 547 37.5 14.5 4.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Great Falls Elementary

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 642 30.9 20.7 n/a
1990 660 31.1 21.2 n/a
1991 676 32.7 20.6 n/a
1992 694 33.3 20.8 n/a
1993 706 37.4 18.9 n/a
1994 725 43.6 n/a 0.6
1995 670 n/a 0.0 0.6
1996 670 n/a 0.0 0.6
1997 684 n/a 0.0 1.2
1998 672 n/a 0.0 0.7
1999 710 37.6 18.9 1.1
2000 750 n/a 0.0 0.7
2001 785 46.6 16.8 1.9
2002 816 56.5 14.4 0.9
2003 816 56.5 14.4 0.9
2004 672 42.5 15.8 0.8
2005 611 41.5 14.7 0
2006 582 38.0 15.3 n/a
2007 570 42.1 13.5 n/a
2008 581 31.8 18.3 0.4
2009 590 32.1 18.4 0
2010 568 29.8 19.0 0.4
2011 543 29.0 18.7 0.9
2012 572 35.9 15.8 2.3
2013 578 37.3 15.4 0.9
2014 571 33.8 16.8 1.4
2015 552 33.0 16.7 2.2
2016 546 34.0 16.0 1.6
2017 545 33.3 16.3 1.5
2018 519 33.4 15.5 4
2019 522 36.1 14.4 2.3
2020 510 34.7 14.6 3.1
2021 470 37.0 12.6 n/a
2022 525 37.0 14.1 3
2023 547 37.5 14.5 4.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Great Falls Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $243 (2.5%) $9,498 (97.5%) $9,740
2020 $226 (2.1%) $10,493 (97.9%) $10,719
2021 $329 (2.8%) $11,270 (97.2%) $11,599

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Great Falls Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 166th of 1105 Elementary schoolsRanks 19th of 1114 Elementary schools
 13.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Great Falls Elementary)9997.3
 1.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8571.3
 13.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8269.1
 12.9%
3rd Grade English Reading (Great Falls Elementary)9294.5
 2.5%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7269.6
 2.4%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Virginia)7166.1
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Great Falls Elementary)9189.2
 1.8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8673.8
 12.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8369.7
 13.3%
4th Grade English Reading (Great Falls Elementary)8693.9
 7.8%
   4th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7776.3
 0.8%
   4th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7572.7
 2.3%
5th Grade Mathematics (Great Falls Elementary)8082
 2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)7763
 14%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8167
 14%
5th Grade Science (Great Falls Elementary)9292.4
 0.4%
   5th Grade Science (Fairfax County Public Schools)8170.7
 10.3%
   5th Grade Science (Virginia)7966
 13%
5th Grade English Reading (Great Falls Elementary)8894.9
 6.9%
   5th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8075.6
 4.4%
   5th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7871.4
 6.6%
6th Grade Mathematics (Great Falls Elementary)9393.3
 0.3%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8765.2
 21.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7857.8
 20.2%
6th Grade English Reading (Great Falls Elementary)96100
 4%
   6th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8378.5
 4.5%
   6th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7770.4
 6.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Great Falls Elementary)100100
   7th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8669
 17%
   7th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7855
 23%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students522547
 4.8%
African American811
 37.5%
American Indian21
 50%
Asian6781
 20.9%
Hispanic2531
 24%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White367361
 1.6%
Two or More Races5262
 19.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients2.3%4.8%
 2.5%


Schools Near Great Falls Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Great Falls Elementary

Students who attend Great Falls Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Cooper Middle
High : Langley High

Yes. Great Falls Elementary ranks in the top 5.7% of Virginia elementary schools.

Students at Great Falls Elementary are 66% White, 15% Asian, 11% Two or more races, 6% Hispanic, 2% African American.

In the 2022-23 school year, 547 students attended Great Falls Elementary.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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