Education

Advice from the Pros

Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.

From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.

Discussing the Election with Children

Local educators offer suggestions for navigating a complicated political climate.

While Colleen K. Vesely has watched televised debates and political events with her children throughout this election season, an event during which the American Civil Rights movement was discussed stands out. It was a concept her 3-year-old daughter didn’t grasp, of course. But Vesely used the moment as opportunity to start guiding her children through this year’s election season.

Fairfax: Revolutionizing Education

Local company, scientists address the demand for more computer-science education across K-12 and universities.

The Washington Business Journal recognized Scriyb, LCC as the Best Innovation of 2016; a great stepping stone for a local company with a lot of promise.

Mount Vernon: Michael M. Skinner Dies

Mount Vernon High School’s “institution.”

Michael M. Skinner of Mount Vernon died Oct. 17 at the age of 91. Skinner was as well-known fixture at Mount Vernon High School between 1955 and 1983, where he taught history, coached basketball and was served as subschool principal.

Springfield: 50 Years of Spartan Star Athletes

West Springfield names inaugural Sports Hall of Fame class.

West Springfield High School continued to celebrate its 50th anniversary by inducting 21 individuals into its inaugural Sports Hall of Fame.

Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT

Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains

On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.

Brightview Great Falls, Madeira School Partner for Off-Campus Internships

Brightview Great Falls, a popular senior living community in Great Falls, is partnering with The Madeira School, an all-girls day and boarding school in McLean. Volunteers from the tenth grade will experience a variety of roles and job responsibilities at the community during the fall and spring semesters in what is known at Madeira as Sophomore Co-Curriculum.

BASIS Independent McLean Hosts Seminar - Demystifying Global Education Rankings

The seminar will feature a conversation on the role of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in global benchmarking and their influence on educational excellence across the world. RSVP is required.

McLean: BASIS Independent Opens Tysons Corner’s First Prek-12 School

More than 40 teachers and nearly 300 DC-area students were welcomed by Sean Aiken, head of school of BASIS Independent McLean, who opened the doors to Tysons Corner’s first prek-12 school.

Mount Vernon Snapshot: Field Trip at Huntley Meadows Park

Brittany Hopkins's third grade class from Sangster Elementary School in Springfield visited Huntley Meadows Park on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Chantilly: That ‘It’ Moment

Mighty Marching Chargers compete at regional competition.

The 170-student strong Mighty Marching Chargers, Chantilly High School’s marching band, competed in the Bands of America Regional Championship at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Twenty-seven marching bands from nine states participated in the competition. The Mighty Marching Chargers placed fourth in their class and tenth in the finals round. They earned the highest score the band has ever earned in 15 years of competing in Band of America events.

Seeing the Childhood of an Iconic Character

Chantilly High presents “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

Most people are familiar with the story of “Peter Pan,” but don’t know how he became the boy who never grew up. So Chantilly High is telling his prequel in its upcoming play, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

McLean, Vienna: Marshall High to Present ‘The Sea Cook: A Story for Girls’

What happens when you put together a female cast of pirates, an innovative set design, and the creative writing of a talented former student? You get “The Sea Cook: A Story for Girls,” a feminist revision of the classic story “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Mount Vernon: Celebrating Joshua Owusu’s Life

Stratford Landing student loses brain cancer battle.

Joshua Owusu’s bell-like soprano voice floated through the reception hall, carrying the words “Maybe we found love right where we are,” from singer Ed Sheeran’s hit “Thinking Out Loud.” A video projected on one side of the hall showed Owusu, a sixth grader at Stratford Landing Elementary School, performing confidently and innocently onstage, sharply dressed with suspenders and a clip-on bow tie.

Walk to School Day in Burke

Students around Fairfax County participated in International Walk to School Day on Oct. 5.

The Connection