Springfield Estates Elementary School - Springfield, VA

Springfield Estates Elementary School is a microcosm of America's schools, serving over 800 students from 74 different countries. With a Title 1 program supporting low-income families and an Advanced Academic Center-based Program challenging gifted learners, our greatest task is creating a sense of community in which all students thrive. As a school community we understand that students learn best in an environment that not only supports their intellectual growth, but one that values their social and emotional development as well. Teachers and staff believe that it is only when students feel connected to the school's cooperative, supportive culture that they strive to reach their academic potential. We use the Responsive Classroom Program from the Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc. as guidance in the development of child-centered instruction. Through daily Morning Meetings each class develops a sense of community that ensures that every child is welcomed and valued. Classes work together to develop behaviors and expectations that serve the best interests of all the students.
Literacy, and its many components--listening, speaking, reading, and writing--is our focus at each grade level. Strong literacy skills support students' learning in all other areas. To address the needs of our second-language learners, we initiated a reading program in the lower grades called Reading Intensive Care Unit that supports struggling learners from the outset. We have been delighted with the increased skills and confidence of our RICU learners. All students are provided direct instruction, academic choices, and specific feedback to continue to improve.