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Sangster Elementary

Summary:

Sangster Elementary is a highly-rated public elementary school in Springfield, Virginia, serving 925 students from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. As part of the Fairfax County Public Schools district, Sangster consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with exceptional academic achievement and a diverse student population.

Sangster Elementary's academic performance is truly exceptional, with proficiency rates significantly higher than the Fairfax County and Virginia state averages across all grade levels and subject areas. The school's diverse student body, with a racial makeup of 60.22% White, 8.11% African American, 7.68% Hispanic, 14.92% Asian, and 8.97% two or more races, is notable compared to nearby schools like Halley Elementary and West Springfield Elementary. Sangster also excels in supporting the academic achievement of various student subgroups, ranking among the top 10 in Virginia for students of all backgrounds.

Another key differentiator for Sangster Elementary is its low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 2.94% to 3.24% over the past few years, significantly lower than the nearby schools. Additionally, Sangster spends more per student ($9,276 in 2020-2021) compared to the state average, indicating a strong investment in the school's resources and educational programs. These factors, combined with Sangster's consistent academic excellence and diverse student population, make it a standout elementary school within the Fairfax County Public Schools district and the state of Virginia.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

 7420 Reservation Dr
       Springfield, VA  22153

(703) 644-8200

District: Fairfax County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
2nd of 1,114 Virginia Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,276 Help


Students who attend Sangster Elementary usually attend:

High:    Lake Braddock Secondary

Student/teacher ratio:  17.7 Help
Number of students:  925

Racial breakdown:

White:
60.2%
Asian:
14.9%
Two or more races:
9.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  3.2% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Sangster Elementary ranks better than 99.8% of elementary schools in Virginia. It also ranks first among 137 ranked elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 95.78. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a 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 Sangster Elementary has the largest elementary school student body size in the Fairfax County Public Schools District.  (See more...)
Teachers
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Sangster Elementary is $9,276. 129 elementary schools in the Fairfax County Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Sangster Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Sangster Elementary 2nd of 1114 Virginia public elementary schools. (See Sangster Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Fairfax County Public Schools:

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

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Sangster Elementary.

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Your rating for Sangster Elementary?

Rank History for Sangster Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 83.14 85th 1062 92.0%
2006 79.36 121st 1071 88.7%
2007 82.76 83rd 1083 92.3%
2008 83.33 58th 1081 94.6%
2009 83.19 58th 1082 94.6%
2010 79.84 101st 1113 90.9%
2011 84.85 46th 1117 95.9%
2012 80.07 132nd 1117 88.2%
2013 86.36 72nd 1120 93.6%
2014 88.20 45th 1110 95.9%
2015 81.98 126th 1100 88.5%
2016 86.94 41st 1096 96.3%
2017 79.67 158th 1099 85.6%
2018 89.92 29th 1097 97.4%
2019 91.90 9th 1105 99.2%
2021 94.68 10th 1103 99.1%
2022 95.76 2nd 1109 99.8%
2023 95.17 4th 1114 99.6%
2024 95.78 2nd 1114 99.8%
See the entire list of Virginia Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 92.04 7th 245 97.1%
2024 92.41 4th 247 98.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Female students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 93.34 7th 1100 99.4%
2024 94.80 2nd 1098 99.8%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 96.57 3rd 324 99.1%
2024 97.46 2nd 355 99.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 88.17 3rd 182 98.4%
2024 89.60 3rd 195 98.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 95.18 4th 1093 99.6%
2024 95.25 3rd 1101 99.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 85.69 7th 230 97.0%
2024 85.59 7th 238 97.1%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 97.73 4th 579 99.3%
2024 97.80 3rd 588 99.5%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 96.14 6th 564 98.9%
2024 97.85 2nd 580 99.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Sangster Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 91.39 7th 984 99.3%
2024 92.78 7th 979 99.3%
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.

Sangster Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.6)
40%

0%

40%

20%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, August 24, 2017

Open Quote The office staff and teachers for the most part seem to be helpful and caring. The principal is a different story. She is cold-hearted and out of touch with children and parents. She either doesn't care or does not know how to deal with parents. She flat out refused to meet with us about our concerns. She talks like she runs the school like a business and the children are just numbers. A good leader should always listen to concerns and feedback regardless of if they agree with the concerns. Emphathy is not in her vocabulary and she comes across as more of a bully. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Open Quote What is going on with the leadership at Sangster Elementary School in Springfield? Did you see the number of teachers that will leave Sangster when school is out? Dr. Atwater has to be concern when many great teachers will move on from Sangster. Sangster was a great school when Ms. Kinsey was the principle. Over the past 2-3 years, I noticed many great teachers had moved on. The Fairfax School Board should take a look at the leadership that is running Sangster Elementary school. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Open Quote This is a wonderful school. The principal runs a tight ship and is an amazing lady. The teachers are kind and caring. The neighborhoods that feed into Sangter are great communities to raise children in. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, September 2, 2013

Open Quote Dump the Common Core and buy textbooks. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Sangster Elementary

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Compare
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 796 796
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 900 900
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 922 922
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 946 946
1993 795 35 55 14 0 n/a n/a 0 899
1994 763 25 48 13 0 n/a n/a 0 849
1995 744 26 47 11 0 n/a n/a 0 828
1996 744 26 47 11 0 n/a n/a 0 828
1997 701 24 48 10 2 n/a n/a 0 785
1998 638 28 49 14 2 n/a n/a 0 731
1999 605 29 52 13 4 n/a n/a 0 703
2000 595 26 62 17 2 n/a n/a -4 698
2001 558 28 64 21 3 n/a n/a 0 674
2002 528 26 71 17 2 n/a n/a 28 672
2003 528 26 71 17 2 n/a n/a 28 672
2004 542 29 68 19 2 n/a n/a 37 697
2005 560 32 74 27 0 n/a n/a 43 736
2006 567 23 74 36 1 n/a n/a 55 756
2007 524 24 81 39 3 n/a n/a 57 728
2008 532 26 102 34 1 n/a n/a 55 750
2009 544 32 96 29 1 n/a n/a 67 769
2010 554 36 109 22 2 n/a n/a 79 802
2011 586 39 119 48 1 0 64 0 857
2012 590 38 114 45 0 0 67 0 854
2013 632 36 110 54 0 0 71 0 903
2014 653 38 101 65 1 0 71 0 929
2015 619 40 95 70 1 0 69 0 894
2016 622 43 112 73 3 0 77 0 930
2017 622 59 108 86 3 0 90 0 968
2018 608 62 111 100 3 1 83 0 968
2019 618 70 124 89 3 2 77 0 983
2020 629 76 135 84 2 1 78 0 1005
2021 542 64 120 78 1 1 81 0 887
2022 545 68 126 65 1 0 78 0 883
2023 557 75 138 71 1 0 83 0 925

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 Sangster Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 796 40.6 19.6 n/a
1990 900 44.9 20.0 n/a
1991 922 46.9 19.6 n/a
1992 946 47.8 19.7 n/a
1993 899 1.1 817.3 n/a
1994 849 51.0 n/a 0.5
1995 828 n/a 0.0 0.1
1996 828 n/a 0.0 0.1
1997 785 n/a 0.0 0.5
1998 731 n/a 0.0 1
1999 703 41.0 17.1 1.6
2000 698 n/a 0.0 0.3
2001 674 41.0 16.4 1.3
2002 672 49.7 13.5 1.1
2003 672 49.7 13.5 1.1
2004 697 47.0 14.8 2.1
2005 736 46.0 16.0 1.4
2006 756 52.0 14.5 1.4
2007 728 54.4 13.4 2.1
2008 750 30.0 25.0 2
2009 769 30.7 25.0 2.1
2010 802 30.9 25.9 2.4
2011 857 31.5 27.2 1.9
2012 854 50.6 16.8 1.9
2013 903 49.4 18.2 2.2
2014 929 51.2 18.1 1.4
2015 894 50.0 17.8 1.9
2016 930 51.0 18.2 2
2017 968 52.3 18.4 1.4
2018 968 54.5 17.7 2.1
2019 983 56.5 17.3 3
2020 1005 57.0 17.6 2.6
2021 887 55.3 16.0 n/a
2022 883 51.0 17.3 2.9
2023 925 52.2 17.7 3.2

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 Sangster Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 796 40.6 19.6 n/a
1990 900 44.9 20.0 n/a
1991 922 46.9 19.6 n/a
1992 946 47.8 19.7 n/a
1993 899 1.1 817.3 n/a
1994 849 51.0 n/a 0.5
1995 828 n/a 0.0 0.1
1996 828 n/a 0.0 0.1
1997 785 n/a 0.0 0.5
1998 731 n/a 0.0 1
1999 703 41.0 17.1 1.6
2000 698 n/a 0.0 0.3
2001 674 41.0 16.4 1.3
2002 672 49.7 13.5 1.1
2003 672 49.7 13.5 1.1
2004 697 47.0 14.8 2.1
2005 736 46.0 16.0 1.4
2006 756 52.0 14.5 1.4
2007 728 54.4 13.4 2.1
2008 750 30.0 25.0 2
2009 769 30.7 25.0 2.1
2010 802 30.9 25.9 2.4
2011 857 31.5 27.2 1.9
2012 854 50.6 16.8 1.9
2013 903 49.4 18.2 2.2
2014 929 51.2 18.1 1.4
2015 894 50.0 17.8 1.9
2016 930 51.0 18.2 2
2017 968 52.3 18.4 1.4
2018 968 54.5 17.7 2.1
2019 983 56.5 17.3 3
2020 1005 57.0 17.6 2.6
2021 887 55.3 16.0 n/a
2022 883 51.0 17.3 2.9
2023 925 52.2 17.7 3.2

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 Sangster Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $141 (1.8%) $7,804 (98.2%) $7,945
2020 $108 (1.3%) $8,487 (98.7%) $8,595
2021 $164 (1.8%) $9,112 (98.2%) $9,276

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Sangster 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 9th of 1105 Elementary schoolsRanks 4th of 1114 Elementary schools
 0.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Sangster Elementary)9797.2
 0.2%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8571.3
 13.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8269.1
 12.9%
3rd Grade English Reading (Sangster Elementary)9593.8
 1.3%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7269.6
 2.4%
   3rd Grade English Reading (Virginia)7166.1
 4.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Sangster Elementary)99100
 1%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8673.8
 12.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8369.7
 13.3%
4th Grade English Reading (Sangster Elementary)9698.7
 2.7%
   4th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)7776.3
 0.8%
   4th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7572.7
 2.3%
5th Grade Mathematics (Sangster Elementary)9788.2
 8.8%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)7763
 14%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)8167
 14%
5th Grade Science (Sangster Elementary)9792.7
 4.3%
   5th Grade Science (Fairfax County Public Schools)8170.7
 10.3%
   5th Grade Science (Virginia)7966
 13%
5th Grade English Reading (Sangster Elementary)9794
 3%
   5th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8075.6
 4.4%
   5th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7871.4
 6.6%
6th Grade Mathematics (Sangster Elementary)9897
 1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Fairfax County Public Schools)8765.2
 21.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Virginia)7857.8
 20.2%
6th Grade English Reading (Sangster Elementary)9799.5
 2.5%
   6th Grade English Reading (Fairfax County Public Schools)8378.5
 4.5%
   6th Grade English Reading (Virginia)7770.4
 6.6%
7th Grade Mathematics (Sangster 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 Students983925
 5.9%
African American7075
 7.1%
American Indian31
 66.7%
Asian124138
 11.3%
Hispanic8971
 20.2%
Pacific Islander20
 100%
White618557
 9.9%
Two or More Races7783
 7.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients3%3.2%
 0.3%

Schools Near Sangster Elementary








Frequently Asked Questions about Sangster Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 925 students attended Sangster Elementary.

Students who attend Sangster Elementary usually go on to attend:

High : Lake Braddock Secondary

Yes! Sangster Elementary is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 2nd of 1114 Virginia elementary schools.

Students at Sangster Elementary are 60% White, 15% Asian, 9% Two or more races, 8% African American, 8% Hispanic.


Rate Sangster 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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