Springfield Estates Elementary School has been named an Exemplary High Performing School in the  National Blue Ribbon School program by the U.S. Department of Education.  Springfield Estates Elementary, one of 329 schools named to the program for 2016, is a Fairfax County public school.

Springfield Estates was recognized for its academic excellence and for closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, demonstrating that all students can achieve in the classroom.  In order to qualify for the Exemplary High Performing Schools designation, a school must be in the top 15 percent of schools in the state based on state assessments in reading and math, or a composite index including these assessment results and other subject areas or performance measures, such as attendance, as well as   the top 40 percent of schools in the state based on the performance of students in subgroups.

Principal Mary Randolph explains the success of Springfield Estates is a team effort.  “Our students are encouraged to become strong readers and thinkers, challenged to become risk-takers and self-advocates, and expected to become collaborative and respectful team members,” she states.  “As a Responsive Classroom school, we strive to create communities of learners that know and respect one another, work together, and help each other.  Every classroom has a daily morning meeting in which students greet each other, share information about themselves, listen to others’ ideas, celebrate group efforts, and practice the skills that help them to feel safe while learning. 

“We promote the growth mindset, often reminding students that learning sometimes feels difficult and uncomfortable and mistakes are part of the process,” she adds.  “We stress consideration for others and explain that everyone is different and actions have consequences so it is important to think about how one’s own behavior affects others.  These supports contribute to student achievement by creating a safe environment in which students can thrive.”