Fort Belvoir Elementary

I have three kids in this huge school. It school employs an inclusion model. Every grade level has instructional aide. Many classrooms have a general ed teacher and special ed teacher too. The school serves mostly military families. Several of the teachers are military spouses or spouses of military retirees so they really understand the community they are serving and are a part of it. There's nice science lab with a science resource teacher. There's a great STEM program that is even offered during the summer. The upper grades students have the opportunity to join the band. The teachers welcome parents/volunteers and even local university students studying education into the classroom. Fort Belvoir's students are coming from diverse communities (from all over the country) with very different expectations of parental involvement and teacher responsibilities. The academic outcomes for all students is often a reflection of parental education. FCPS has magnet schools for gifted/advanced students, and military kids transfering into the district have less hoops to get through for admittance into these programs. If you are looking to have kids saddled with book ladden backpacks with hours of homework each night, then FBES is not for your family. However, like any school you will have to work at home with your kids. If you want to experience a great community, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of No. VA, and a school where all kids learn with the freedom of also participating in sports, scouting, and other after school activities then give it a try. We have loved our three years here.

This school had no differentiation for above average students, and the overall instructional strategies used and assignments given were behind in the field of education to say the least. There were never any clear learning goals. We never saw the principal in a year's time. The behavior and classroom management was a huge problem as well. It was a waste of a year of our child's education.

My son changed schools with four months left in the year. The teachers and aids were very attentive to our needs. He has a IEP, and the staff made us a part of the team to help meet the goals set. they three teachers that taught my son are outstanding! They all do a fantastic job! Thanks FBES!

This is the worst school we've ever encountered. EVERYTHING slips through the cracks. This is our 3rd year at this school and from day one we've had problems in all areas (i.e. teachers, bullies, cafeteria, etc.) It's not just with one child either, I have two that go there and both of them have equal amounts of issues in different areas. Are they singling out just one family? Highly unlikely. If you can, avoid Ft. Belvoir Elementary at all cost!