Stafford County Schools (Fairfax: statistics, safe, installing)

[AMT660]

There has been alot of discussion about schools isn PWC and Fairfax County, but I haven't read much about Stafford County schools. How do these schools (elementry, middle & high) rate or compare to the neighboring counties? Any all info is appreciated.

[VRE332]

All of the illegal immigrants that left Prince William County now reside and are schooled in neighboring counties like Stafford

[AMT660]

VRE332,
That doesn't tell me anything about how well the schools educate the students, or the quality of the education compared to or percieved by the neighboring counties.

[Michiko21C]

AMT660,
I am applying to PWC from Stafford as a new Math teacher. The situation seemed to be similar. We could not hire more teachers in Staffod. I have a son under IEP, but I felt they do not want to spend any more time and energy to support my son in general ed class.

Quality -- it is depend on which school and teacher. Under some old teachers who do not want or cannot afford to learn updated skills, material, and philosophy; students are greatly discouraged.
Because of more techonology integration in PWC, I like schools in PWC.

My personal recommendation is Colonial Forge HS in Stafford. You can also go to the DOE and find more details. Good luck.
VDOE:: Reports & Statistics

Regards;

[EMTnest]

I would look closely at the sped program in PWC. They are doing MAJOR cutbacks -- self-contained classes and co-taught classes are minimal plus they are not getting a lot of attention in the general ed classes either. Our superintendent is very into "appearances" -- take a look at the new headquarters building. And since appearances "matter" -- the principals have taken to making their schools LOOK good by installing the smart boards etc. ets. while we run out of paper/copy machines being out of order etc.

[militarymom]

Stafford is average. PWC is average. Fairfax gets good marks but...its all based on state standards. Sure fairfax can get the kids up to that standard but if the standard generally is low-who cares? In the end its more based on teacher than specific district. You can be in the best district and have a cruddy teacher or be in the worst district and have a phenomenal one.
This opinion comes from someone who moved their kids out from southern california though. My kids are a year ahead now that they're here. However...that said, its the state SOLs (standards) that are lower here. Our teacher teaches based on those standards. My child reads at a second grade level here (he left in the middle of K where he read only average compared to his class in southern ca)so the teacher hasn't done squat academically. Why? he's already passed the state standard so why have a higher expectation? You can find this anywhere.
Stafford is comparable to the others is what Im saying. I'd suggest finding a good area, one you like, feel comfortable and safe in, maybe talk to principals at the schools as well and get a feel. You can always go on greatschools.com but I found that not very helpful at all, the ranks are only as good as the standards again, and the reviews are only as good as the parents who write them.
I do agree with the previous comment that appearances matter. They do down here in stafford/spotys county as well. The computer room is nice and pretty but the teaching is definitely not up to par.