Research Lake Braddock Secondary Public Schools in Manassas, Virginia

“I am a rising 8th grader at this school and I am more than please with this school. This school has great teachers and many great activities. We constantly place high in competitions such as Science Olympiad and MATHCOUNTS so you can tell our teachers put a lot work into our performance. The school day is wonderful. Classes are rarely boring. I would recommend this school to anyone.”

“I'm a rising sophmore in LB. The teachers/counslers and administators are more invovled with the student. I've gotten help from many of many techers, and there are also tutors programs. The counslers are willing to sit down with the parent and student, to discuss whats going on with grades, classes the student should take and anything that will help the students future. Also the leadership here is strong. I'm personally a strong leader now, then I was before. Taking in examples from teachers and students. The curricular here is top notch. Students are offered advanced programs here like AP, honors and GT. Yes the grading is hard, but I personally take it as a challenge and a preperation for college. As sports, music etc. It's a great way for students to learn and make new friends. I'm invovled in swim and chorus, and from both i learn a lot.”

“One of the highest performing schools on the East coast of the US! The standards of learning test results mark LB as a standout. The wide variety of high quality programs available to the students is remarkable. Our student has really grown here.”

“I am a former student and I have to say that although most local residents think highly of this school, I found it to be very difficult to succeed there. I only began to do well once I went to college. The teachers are spotty, there is a drug problem underneath the surface, it is very easy to fall through the cracks due to the size. My brother had a worse experience than me because he was labeled LD.”

“I think that Lake Braddock is a great school to get a quality education if you are willing to work hard. There is also a wide variety of classes and extra-cirriculars availiable to all students. I think the school is big, but when you go there for a month or so you definately do not get lost. I transferred to this school a couple of years ago and I'm glad I'm at a school that values education.”

“It is my first year at Lake Braddock and I think that it is a wonderful school! If you want your kids to get a good education then send them to LB!”

“I am a student at Lake Braddock and I think, overall it's a great school. If you're willing to put in the effort into your work you will get good grades. The music department is excellent and has encouraged me to want to go on with music in my career. I'm kind of upset with the parents commenting on how the school is poorly run. Yes, LB has some administrators that arent the best, but what school doesnt? I've done fine in my years so far, and I believe I will continue to do fine in my last couples years of high school”

“Grading is almost impossible for those wanting to go on to great colleges. Interim grades usallly arrive about two weeks before the end of a quarter, so it is too late to help adjust any problem areas.”

“It appears that there is no room for students to just have fun. Massive school where good kids can easily get lost.”

“Very good school. Band program is excellent. Roy Holder is a top-notch instructor; one of the best in the country.”

“I am a former student from LB, and a high school teacher in Prince William. I have had the opportunity of watching my parents struggle with the administration, teachers. As a teacher, I have realized that the teachers lack the support from the administration that they need in order to be successful. This affects how the students feel about their education. I can definitely say that neither my husband or I feel that we received a quality education from LB, and my brother (just graduated) agrees.”

“Lake Braddock ranks among the highest in Fairfax County for SAT scores. Teachers take the time to provide additional tutoring if asked. The secondary school is co-located with the high school (grades 7 - 12).”

“I am a rising junior currently enrolled at LBSS, and, thus far in my academic career, I find it to be the best school that I have ever attended. As a student, I feel I am qualified to say that Lake Braddock is an amazing high school; it was at LB that I fell in love with music. I am a member of the band program and find that, rather than being terribly exclusive for those who do not play instruments, it is the most friendly program I am involved in. Because of band, I am a more outgoing person and have gained leadership qualities, as well as discipline and motivation to excell. Lake Braddock has encouraged me to be more than mediocre; I highly recommend it to any rising high schooler.”

“I've got 3 daughters that attend LBSS, and I must say that I'm highly dissapointed with the faculty and the adminstartion. I've been having problem with my daughters teachers for years! My 2nd eldest daughter has come home and complained to me about her teacher and how they dont help her and she repeatly asked me to change her to a new school. At this point that's exactly what I plan to do. Adminstration is always on the backs of the students over trivial things such has ' your shoulder is showing' your bra strap young lady' When there are more important things to be worried about. Such as gangs that repeatly try and enter the school and the fights that happen. What LBSS needs is a complete change not just the exterior and the interior of the school but the people who run the school and teach our children.”

“I just happen to find this review on a day when I am totally done with Lake Braddock. I'm tired of trying to work with teachers who never have to follow up on anything. I agree if you aren't gifted or special ed you are left behind. My boys are A's, B's and C's and just trying to get a teacher to help me help them improve the C's is impossible. I even had one teacher ask my son if he was slow or something because he was having a problem with Algebra. This school needs looking into by Fairfax County. Our kids education is suffering.”

“The teachers at LBSS are overall very good with a few teachers that are outstanding. The academic programs are also quite good although the German program is dissapointing and not standardized throughout Fairfax Co. German is not emphasized enough although it is recommended for science, literature, and religion majors at the university level. The guidance couselors and special education assessments are much weaker than at other high schools in Fairfax County and much less than the fine programs in Alexandria. A variety of music, art, sports, and extracurricular activities are available to students. An after school program is also available to provide students with fun and educational programs. Any weaknesses in a school are ultimately the responsibility of the principal/principals. Having the middle school physically located at the high school is also not a good situation based on developmental psychology issues.”

“As a parent, I am so disgusted with LBSS! Even more disgusted with some of the previous remarks that some of the teachers posted in their reviews in as far as parent involvement. I have two stepkids that have been attending LBSS for the last two years. Good kids, they are not trouble makers, but are absolutely beyond discouraged with the school. We have agreed that they will be transfered to another school, possibly Robinson, for the next school year. The remarks of 'parents not getting involved' is a cop out by the teachers and administrators. I agree with the input in as far as teachers and admins providing unwanted alibis and excuses; it is exactly that! As far as I am concerned, LBSS is one of the bad apples of the FCPS. I also agree with the other post in as far as other parents reviewing all their options.”

“I think LBSS is an excellent school. There's so many things for your child to do & there are so many great sports offered there. Most of the teachers are great & my child learns a lot! I'm so happy we fell under the LBSS district.”

“I just want to inform you that in the year book last year the asian to white ratio was almost identical and there are more students attending now than what you have posted.”

“Horrible, horrible, horrible school atmosphere in as far as the leadership. There are some good teachers at this school, but with the lack of leadership in the front office, these teachers appear to be reluctant or in some cases not willing to do their job to their full potential. More bricks, mortar, and any other other renovations that take place is good, but if something is not done about the administration staff, the same problems will exist. The current staff that is in place does need to be replaced. There are other schools in the FCPS with as large or larger student bodies (I.E. Robinson, at 4400 students) that are doing well. This is because they have qualified admin staff in place. Who is in place now at Lake Braddock is not getting the job done.”

“Majority of the principals/administrators there at lb are pathetic. No professional bearing and absolutely no follow-up skills. At times they even appear to be defiant and or deliberate actions on their part. Two weeks to answer emails and or to return telephone calls;... If you are lucky! I have one daughter that is a senior there and a son that is a sophmore. My son has asked to be transfered to another school. From what i can see, there are a lot of parents that are trying to be active and involved with their children that attend this school, and yes there are some parents that are not active or supportive, but not all of the parents of the entire student body of some 4000 students are deadbeats. I agree with the other post in as far as other parents and looking at other options. Definite problems with the admin staff.”

“I am curently at LB and the administration is bad. But it is also a great school. Teachers work hard with what they have and that is not much. The state must fund the schools more. The biggest problem is parents who are not involved or care enought to dicipline their own child. Because Lake Braddock is part of FCPS it excels towards excellence. Teachers are amazing people and are always willing to help. Teachers can't do every though, parents must know what's going on in their children's life. Most of the time if a student is doing bad they say it's the teachers fault, but it's not, it's a lack of a good home life with parents who don't care or know what's going on.”

“This school has problems. More so in my opinion in the middle school area. An overhaul is needed not just with the facilities but with the administration as well. A new school desperately needs to be built to provide some relief for the overcrowding, but some of the administrators need to go as well. Greatschools, feel free to pass on my email to those interested in replying back to me.”

“The first thing that came to mind when I first spoke with the administration staff as well as some of the teachers at LBSS is how unorganized they are. After my kids spent two years in that school, I withdrew them and moved them into another school in which they have both excelled extremely well. The FCPS can nominate as many teachers as they want, the protocol for the staff that is currently in charge is still unorganized! Onlooking parents; please be advised and take a second look at the school as well as review all of your options before enrolling you kids there. You may have to pay an additional fee to enroll them into either Woodson or Robinson, but it is well worth it!”

“Lake Braddock is a large school with both the benefits and drawbacks that this affords. The benefits are that with a large student population there is the luxury of a wide range of electives and activities to choose from -- everything from Japanese and Model United Nations to band, orchestra, chorus and guitar ensemble. Sports range from the standards of football and basketball to golf team and ice hockey and crew. The downside is that a large school nearing 4,000 students isn't as personal. The building is currently undergoing renovations and will be state-of-the-art. The principal and administration welcome the PTSA, volunteers and mentors to the school on a regular basis and attend many, if not all, of the extracurricular activities. They show great pride in the student's accomplishments. In 2004 Lake Braddock was honored with the FCPS teacher of the year award given to one of its history teachers.”

“I am very disapointed with Lake Braddock. Teachers and Administrators are quick to make excuses and they do not pay attention to detail; unless of course they are covering their own butts. If your child has a Learning Disability, they will be lost in the shuffle.”

“Going to school at LBSS is a very discouraging experience for most kids. Unless you are a super star in something, there is no place to shine. Sports are very competetive and reserved for only top contenders. There are lots of activities, with music being the best, but if your child is not in choir or does not play an instrument, getting involved could be very difficult. Teachers and administraters are very responsive to input, but they respond more with the attitude of, 'We're doing the best we can with what we've got.' Unfortunately, what they've got was someone's 'good' idea to put 4000 teens in the same building. It's very hard for most good kids to shine under the circumstances.”

“I am attending Lake Braddock, and I must say it is probably the best school that I will ever attend. The sports are great. The teachers are very devoted to their work. And for that, I give them a great deal or respect. There are no other words that really can describe LBSS than awesome in every way.”

“Very dedicated teachers. Parents are extremely supportive. Students with parental involvement can attain their potential (true for just about any situation). Excellent academic programs. Physical facility showing some wear and tear. Only negative is sheer size of the student population especially if your child tends to get lost in the mass of humanity. All parents need to ensure that Fairfax School system is adequetly funded at all cost.”

“Unless your child is a high achiever he will be lost in this school - furthermore those who are not high achievers have been encouraged to drop out and get a GED//teachers can be very negative with children who have problems//opting out of FLE guarantees a 'D' for the quarter in subject it is being taught in.”