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"Abingdon
has already exceeded our expectations. Our son's Kindergarten teacher and assistants
have been extremely supportive and understanding and they welcome our input. They
have really helped him adjust to and enjoy Kindergarten. We are certainly happy
we chose Abingdon. " --Jack and Trista Nealon (2009)
“The
teachers and staff at Abingdon really work together to make the most of each child's experience there. The school's relationship with the Kennedy Center
offers the children unique opportunities to learn in creative and innovative ways. I
am more impressed with the school each time I'm there, which is often.” --Debbie Staren-Doby (2009)
“My
kindergartener is excited to go to school each day. When he returns home and
tells me about all the things he has accomplished, I know he is being challenged and nurtured.
Yeah Abingdon!” --Jane Temoshok (2009)
“I
initially overlooked [Abingdon’s] unique potential. It was only after researching
the other local schools that I decided that Abingdon was the best choice for my son. Abingdon promotes a warm and diverse
environment that has allowed my son to grow and explore while staying right here in Fairlington.” --Jayme Wood (2009)
" This year, I have one son in fourth grade at Abingdon and the other is in second grade. Both have attended
Abingdon since they were in Kindergarten. It has been very interesting to observe how different they are in terms of
their "smarts." One of them is strong at independent work, while the other needs more "hands-on" learning opportunities. The special
classes offered at Abindgon, such as architecture, communications, science, and violin provide both
sons with content they need academically, as well as with enjoyable learning experiences that suit their different learning
styles. I am a huge fan of Abingdon, Project GIFT, and the theory of
multiple intelligences." -- Tina Masciangioli (2009)
"Our first impressions of Abingdon was formed when we attended the open house after Kindergarten information night. We
all immediately noticed how engaged the teachers were, how happy the current students seemed, the cheerfulness of the school,
and the fact that Miss Uyeda knows each child by name.
"Josh was able to take advantage of the school's Speech Pathology program before even beginning Kindergarten, and he was
made to feel immediately comfortable. Miss Werner is a miracle worker, and we have nothing but praise for how she worked with
Josh.
"From day one, Josh has enjoyed the variety of his education at Abingdon. He LOVES going to architecture, music, communications,
library, computer lab, art, phys. Ed... the list goes on! We all also enjoy the extras; library night, bio express, raging
reptiles, regular field trips to the planetarium. They all make for a varied and fun experience!
"Lastly, the parent involvement simply boosts the school experience to a new level; field day, fall festival, honor roll
party, movie night; all of this and more make the school a community, not just a place to put our kids from 8 to 3.
"We have completely enjoyed our time at Abingdon and are so sad to go. Abingdon has an intangible quality that's difficult
to put into words. Kids are proud to go there. Teachers are proud to teach there. It feels safe and enriching and happy. Besides
receiving an excellent education, my child is truly cared for, and that means everything!" --Gayle McKercher (2008)
"I wanted to share my favorite "I am proud to be an Abingdon parent experiences.' I love telling people that my 4th grade
son has made 2 claymation movies this year. I remember attending an all Arlington county meeting where other residents were
discussing ways of making sure students receive enough social studies time. I mentioned that at Abingdon, my son has studied
Virginia history in his home class. He has also built a model of Jamestown in his architecture class. This was followed by
making claymation movies about the Revolutionary and Civil Wars in his communication class. The response from a school district
personnel was that Abingdon is a History Alive School and not every school receives these activities. The other people present
look astonished that our elementary school children are actually creating movies.
"This meeting was followed two days later by another exciting Abingdon moment. We attended the family concert of the Alexandria
Community Band. My 4th grade son, who has never played an instrument before this year, played his violin with the adult musicians.
All the training he received from the instrumental music program at Abingdon. That very same night, an Abingdon claymation
movie about Jamestown was shown while the adult Alexandria Band played a musical composition. The movie was met with a standing
ovation from the audience. The people I was sitting next to could not believe that 4th graders made the movie including writing,
filming, and editing. I just have to say 'WOW!'
"My kindergarten daughter is reading to me each night and writing stories. She could not do that a year ago." --Donna Felipe
(2008)
"When I talked to my friends, family and co-workers about the classes and programs at Abingdon - they are surprised that
it is a public school! Most can't get pass that a child in kindergarten has science and architecture classes (which are my
daughter's two favorite)! Although we enjoy living in the Fairlington community, it is Abingdon that is keeping us here. We
are absolutely in love with Abingdon." --Jennifer Luciano (2008)
"Now that my son is in middle school, I can see other benefits of him having attended Abingdon. His elementary school experiences
not only prepared him well academically but, also developed him into a 'whole child' – meaning he is very confident
in his abilities and has high self esteem." --Colleen Weiser (2008)
"I have two sons at Abingdon--one in first grade and the other in third grade. We love everything about Abingdon, from
the reading, writing, math, science, and social studies in the regular classrooms to all the "specials"--architecture, art,
music, PE, science, and 21st century communications--which provide students with extra instruction outside the regular classroom
setting. The school also has an excellent library (including special "library nights") and a morning news program "Cardinal
News Network." After school activities such as African drumming and science are an additional treat for the kids." --Tina
Masciangioli (2008)
"Our daughter is nearing the end of her first year at Abingdon and we could not be more pleased. We feel her kindergarten
experience has been superb. Her teachers were excellent and she has flourished academically in the nurturing environment at
Abingdon." --Beth Andrews (2008)
"Did anyone go to Abingdon's orientation? I was already sold on the school, but my husband and parents whole-heartedly
agreed with me after visiting it and meeting the principal and teachers and seeing the kids in action. One of the things that
struck us the most was the feeling in the school: the color, warmth, joy, and pleasure in learning. I'm curious to hear other
people's impressions. Our daughter, Sofia, will be going to kindergarten at Abingdon in the fall. Has anyone else made this
decision yet?" --Amy Suardi (2007)
"I went to the orientation and was definitely sold on the school. My daughter, Abby, will be starting Kindergarten in
the fall too. Another school I visited that day seemed so sterile and crowded compared to Abingdon. I couldn't agree more
that Abingdon exuded warmth and friendliness and creativity. I'm really comfortable with the idea of Abby starting school
there. And, as comfortable as I was after the orientation, I was even more sure it was the right place after I went to the
PTA meeting that night and spoke to some parents of Abingdon students." --Michelle Presson (2007)
"My son started Abingdon in preschool and is in kindergarten this year. I can't tell you how pleased we have been with
this school! The teachers are great and very caring - the principal is outstanding - my son is very happy. The friendliness
is real - and everyone is very receptive to your questions, comments, etc. I feel we are truly blessed to have this school
in our neighborhood." --Susan Snare (2007)
"My son was in the Pre-K program this year and has thoroughly enjoyed it. He is definitely thriving there. I'm very pleased
with his teachers, the staff, as well as Ms. Uyeda and Mr. K (Vice Principal). I briefly talk every morning with his teachers
to see how things are going. They seem to welcome this communication. You are so right about the warmth and friendliness and
creativity. I'm also very pleased with the extended day program, which has the same characteristics. I've been so happy and
pleased with Abingdon that I decided not to apply to a Montessori school this year, despite the fact that I have always been
a staunch advocate of Montessori, for YEARS! Kendryek will continue at Abingdon and enter into kindergarten this fall." --Amy
Jo Wheeler (2007)
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my son's time at Abingdon. The teachers are dedicated and caring. Many are there at 6:00 a.m.
in the morning and others are still there when I pick up Jacob at 6:00 p.m. at Extended Day. Joanne Uyeda, the principal,
is very special too. She specifically requested to come to Abingdon 6 years ago. She has made Abindgon sparkle under her leadership.
Jacob is a straight A student. I never questioned whether or not the school's diversity would have a negative impact on his
academics. Joanne and her teachers have high standards." --Colleen Weiser (2007)
"Yes...we too will be parents of an Abingdon kindergartner next year. Isaiah has LOVED being in pre-K this year at Abingdon
and I still feel so grateful that we were able to qualify for this FREE all day program!" --Marti Mefford (2007)
"My son Josh is currently a Kindergartener at Abingdon, and I cannot say enough positive things about his experience.
From the fact that HE now reads the story to US at bedtime, to the overwhelming evidence that he is a cared-for student and
not 'a number'. Also, Josh receives Speech Therapy at Abingdon, and we couldn't be more pleased about the quality there as
well. I love all the well deserved buzz about Abingdon again this year, thanks FANS!" --Gayle McKercher (2007)
"After attending the orientation, we have decided to send our daughter, Emily, to kindergarten at Abingdon this fall.
We felt the school environment was very warm and inviting. The teachers we met were excited to be there and very proud of
their school. We were considering two other schools, but now feel Abingdon is our best choice." --Beth and Steve Andrews (2007)
"I love Abingdon because there's always a ray of warmth and sunshine beaming down on the school! On the first day of
school, the staff and faculty were 'all smiles' as the children were welcomed in the pouring rain. Every day since, Principal
Joanne Uyeda is joined outside by other staff members as the students are entering the school building -- whether getting
off buses, getting out of cars or walking from home. It's a friendly and inviting place; I feel comfortable and secure knowing
my daughter, a kindergartener, is warmly welcomed there each day!" --Dana Andy (2006)
"When I think about all my son learns and does at Abingdon, I know that he is in the right place. The teachers challenge
him and nurture his special love of science and music. He thrives in its diversity and academic excellence. Truly, it's a
gem right in my neighborhood." --Ellen Clore-Patron (2006)
"From the first moment we stepped in Abingdon, we felt it was the ideal environment for an elementary school. It looked
and felt like a 'children's place'. The education, administration and teachers are exceptional. They nurture, love and guide
the children not only in academics, but in social and individual development resulting in happy children who love to learn.
We couldn't be happier with our choice to send our daughter to Abingdon!" --Kate Maxwell (2006)
"Abingdon is much like the kind of elementary school I went to--the curriculum is strong across the board from visual
arts and music to science and math. At the same time, Abingdon also offers new approaches to the traditional subjects, such
as learning math and social studies through architecture, which take elementary school learning to a whole different level.
Above all, I find that Abingdon has some of the most dedicated and loving teachers and staff that I have ever met." --Tina
Masciangioli (2006)
"As my son enters 5th grade, I reflect upon my son's last 4 years at this school and am grateful that my husband &
I selected Abingdon. This school has that 'small town' school intimacy hat comes with low student/teacher ratios. There have
always been stimulating classrooms. Project G.I.F.T has offered unique learning opportunities violin, claymation, architecture,
communication not offered elsewhere. In his 5 years at Abingdon, his academic performance has never been compromised, instead,
he continues to be challenged to perform to his highest potential." --Colleen Weiser (2006)
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