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10 Reasons Why Laurel Hill is an Amazing Place to Learn

Laurel Hill Elementary serves students ranging from grades K-6. Known for its diverse student body and strong academic programs, our school emphasizes both academic excellence and personal growth. Laurel Hill offers various means of instruction to help establish meaningful, equitable, and engaging learning experiences for all. Tap into what makes our school a phenomenal place to learn.

A Strong Foundation in Literacy

At Laurel Hill, reading is at the heart of what we do. Our well-established Literacy Lab provides an engaging environment where students and teachers collaborate to improve reading and writing skills. The success is reflected in our impressive SOL scores, with a 3-year average in reading that highlights the dedication of our teachers and the hard work of our students.

Get2Green Initiatives & Green Flag Status

Laurel Hill is committed to environmental stewardship through our Get2Green initiatives. We are proud to be recognized as a Green Flag school by EcoSchools U.S., part of the National Wildlife Federation. From our school-wide recycling program to our outdoor learning spaces and the new Go Green-Keep It Clean Club, we are empowering students to become responsible, ethical global citizens.

Hands-On Learning in the Science Lab

Our students love science! Led by Mr. Cookson, Fairfax County’s Teacher of the Year in 2020, our Science Lab is where hands-on learning comes to life. Mr. Cookson makes every lesson interactive, and every student participates fully. We also host exciting events like the Geography Bee and the Spelling Bee, plus the new SparkleMuffin podcast where students discuss various science topics.

CodeUp! Grant & Robotics Club

Laurel Hill has been awarded the Code Up grant, a program funded by the Department of Defense to enhance STEAM and Computer Science education. Our Robotics Club is a student favorite, providing opportunities for kids to explore programming and robotics using resources like Lego Mindstorm, Lego Spike, and Micro:bits. Students are developing the critical skills needed for the future.

National Award - Court of Creativity with the Harlem Globetrotters

Last year, Laurel Hill students earned a day with the Harlem Globetrotters after submitting a video to the National Court of Creativity contest. The video showcased the students’ basketball skills and highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion. The day included a live performance, classroom visits, and a picnic celebration, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

Virginia Department of Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award

Laurel Hill received the 2023 Virginia Board of Education Continuous Improvement Exemplar Award for meeting high standards in school performance and continuous progress. This award recognizes our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, and our leadership in creating a thriving school environment.

PTA School of Excellence & Family Engagement

We are proud of our PTA, which has earned the School of Excellence Award for 2022-2024. This recognition celebrates our strong family-school partnership, where teachers, families, and students work together to foster an environment that supports student achievement and a sense of belonging.

Lion Pride Carnival: A Community Celebration

Every year, we wrap up the school year with the ultimate community event: the Lion Pride Carnival. This fun-filled celebration brings together students, alumni, and families to enjoy dunk tanks, inflatables, carnival food, and more. It’s a day of fellowship and fun that makes Laurel Hill feel like a second home for everyone.

Advanced Academics & Critical Thinking

Our Strategies Lab promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through advanced academic projects. Students engage in hands-on learning that challenges them to think deeply and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, preparing them for success in a global society.

One School, One Book & Literacy Night

The "One School, One Book" initiative brings our entire school community together through the shared experience of reading the same book. This program encourages discussion across classrooms, homes, and hallways. To celebrate the conclusion of the program, we host a Literacy Night filled with games, themed activities, food trucks, and fun, making reading an exciting, community-building experience.

Laurel Hill ES is more than just a place of learning; it's a place where teachers, students, and families come together to help our young learners learn, grow, and thrive.  As lions, we ROAR together!