Schools in Fairfax county versus Loundoun county (Leesburg, Herndon: crime, houses)

[estele5]

We are relocating to the Herndon area and I am wondering where the schools are better. Is looking at test results enough or should we consider some other parameter? We are originally from Europe and not familiar with the american system. Our kids will be going to elementary school. We are looking at houses in Ashburn or Sterling. Iny input will be welcome.
Thank you

[novanative75]

The schools in Ashburn and Sterling will be Loudoun County. The schools in Herndon are Fairfax County. I will start by saying that both are excellent school districts. I grew up in fairfax County and went to school there and have worked there as a guidance counselor. What a wonderful school district. My only concern in Herndon would be the high school, depending on where in Herndon you live. I would stay away from any schools that feed into Herndon High School or South Lakes High School. Although having said that, and seeing other school districts around the country, those are great in comparison. So, you really can not go wrong.
Be careful in Sterling. You want to stay away from Park View High School and its feeder schools. That area is known to be more high in crime and more gang-ridden than other parts of the area. Now, before people attack, it is not East Compton by any stretch of the means, but the gang activity that is present in Loudoun County is mostly in that area.

[NightHawk112005]

Originally Posted by novanative75

The schools in Ashburn and Sterling will be Loudoun County. The schools in Herndon are Fairfax County. I will start by saying that both are excellent school districts. I grew up in fairfax County and went to school there and have worked there as a guidance counselor. What a wonderful school district. My only concern in Herndon would be the high school, depending on where in Herndon you live. I would stay away from any schools that feed into Herndon High School or South Lakes High School. Although having said that, and seeing other school districts around the country, those are great in comparison. So, you really can not go wrong.
Be careful in Sterling. You want to stay away from Park View High School and its feeder schools. That area is known to be more high in crime and more gang-ridden than other parts of the area. Now, before people attack, it is not East Compton by any stretch of the means, but the gang activity that is present in Loudoun County is mostly in that area.

If that gang element of Park View worries you, find a location that sends your children to an elementary school that will feed into either Briar Woods, Stone Bridge, Broad Run, Dominion or Potomac Falls. The first three are in Ashburn, the others in Sterling. All I can say is to ask before you move.

[5stones]

IMHO...
Ashburn schools top out Herndon schools by far. Potomac Falls HS (Sterling) is great and I too Believe it far out weighs Herndon HS.

YOu can't go wrong with Ashburn, it's safe and all the schools are good and it's full of families. (but it's a little too suburban...urban sprawl for some)

The neighborhoods that feed into the Potomac FAlls HS are all good. Some are outstanding..Lowes Island, and Cascades. some have issues (countryside). But all are good.

YOu can go out a bit futher to Leesburg and get more of a town with Charater (real downtown etc...) than Ashburn. But some of the schools are facing some problems and overcrowding at the HS level unti lthe new one is built. I'd stay away from Heritage HS if you have older kids (overcrowding) County has a better rep.

The town of Purceville is nice too. Kind of hometown Americana. Good schools. Not too far from Herndon for work 30-45 min in rush hour if you take rt7. on the toll about 20min.