Glen Forest Elementary School

Glen Forest has a culturally diverse student population from 47 countries who speak 39 different languages. Our diversity is a rich resource that provides many opportunities for students, families, staff, and the community to learn together. We honor diversity, enhance creativity, and develop higher-level thinking through literacy, numeracy, technology and the arts. Our mission is to foster lifelong learners. We develop the whole child, creating a future of responsible, contributing citizens for a better world. Within a safe and caring community we collaborate, differentiate, motivate, and communicate so all can achieve their greatest potential. We believe all students will learn through active and authentic teaching that respects and develops their rich and diverse strengths. We believe a safe and nurturing environment will provide the structure and support to motivate our students as lifelong learners and model citizens. We believe teachers are learners and leaders who build the future by inspiring others, both children and adults, to learn.

We follow the Fairfax County Public Schools Program of Studies and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) curriculum. Our instructional program is challenging with an emphasis on developing 21st century skills. We utilize a balanced literacy program that stresses the development of expressive language, fluency, comprehension and writing skills. Glen Forest teachers set high expectations for all students in all subject areas. We embrace an inclusive philosophy and use a co-teaching model to support students in their general education classroom. As a Professional Learning Community, our teachers communicate and collaborate on a regular basis to meet the needs of all students. Students participate in physical education, music, library, art, STEM and technology lab. Orchestra and band are available for our fourth and fifth grade students. Enrichment is provided through Advanced Academic classes at third, fourth and fifth grades and through the infusion of the AAP curriculum into the general education classrooms; as well as in our Before and After School programs. Our Advanced Academic teachers conduct lessons in all grade level classrooms and provide support for our Young Scholars program. Building technology skills is a high priority at Glen Forest. We support this goal through our technology lab, mobile laptop, Netbook and iPad carts and interactive SmartBoards in every classroom. Students use a variety of software applications in FECEP/HeadStart through fifth grade. Connecting with families and the community enhances the academic achievement of all students. As such, the Glen Forest Family Resource Center serves as a place for parents to learn about school activities and programs. We provide English and Early Literacy classes for the community. Computer classes along with parent workshops on a variety of topics are offered as well. Our family evening events build community spirit and celebrate our cultural diversity. Glen Forest—Our futures begin here!