John Adams Elementary School

John Adams Elementary School Grades PreK - 5
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

5651 Rayburn Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22311
Phone: 703-824-6970
Fax: 703-379-4853
Parent Link: 703-379-0645
Map + Directions

Principal:
Grace Taylor

Web Page:
www.acps.k12.va.us/adams/

Introduction

John Adams Elementary School, originally built as a middle school in 1967, became an elementary school in 1980. The school is known for its many special academic programs, strong academic curriculum, and its dedicated teaching staff.

Academic Curriculum

John Adams's academic curriculum includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Quarterly themes integrate science and social studies into the reading and language arts periods. The school also offers:

  • art instruction with a certified art teacher once a week
  • vocal music instruction with a certified music teacher once a week
  • instrumental music lessons beginning in fourth grade
  • physical education classes by a certified P.E. teacher twice a week
  • strong program for talented and gifted children who perform above their grade level academically or who have special ability in art or music
  • family life instruction at age-appropriate levels
  • English as a Second Language classes
  • Special Education Programs

Technology

The Alexandria Schools launched a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to bring the latest in technologies into the classroom, including computers, telephones, multimedia, Internet and CD-ROM research capabilities. This school-wide fiber optic networking has recently been completed. In addition to this latest technology, John Adams also has a computer lab and a school library that is automated and connected to the Internet.

School Faculty

Number of Licensed Staff: 84
With postgraduate degrees: 63%

Awards and Honors

  • Harry Burke Primary Award for Outstanding Achievement in Special Education: Kerri Buonamico, 2012
  • Anne Lipnick Inclusion for All Award: Wendy Neidermeyer, 2012
  • National History Teacher of the Year: Stacy Hoeflich, 2011
  • National Endowment for the Humanities: Grantees to study in Germany and Austria: Wes McCune, 2005, 2008; Stacy Hoeflich, 2007; Kate McGinn, 2009; Wendy Neidermeyer, 2009
  • The Washington Post Agnes Meyer Award for Outstanding Teaching: Wes McCune, 2008
  • The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award: Grace Taylor, 2007
  • Who's Who Among Teachers: Gloria Cannon, 2000
  • Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education" Award: Wes McCune, 1997
  • Harry Burke Special Education Award: Cindy Wynne, 1997
  • EAA Whole Village Award: Wes McCune, 1996

Demographics

Enrollment (as of 9/2012): 825 students

  • African American: 34%
  • Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian: 11%
  • Hispanic: 32%
  • White: 20%
  • Unspecified: 3%

Special Academic Programs

Before- and After-school Programs

Other Student Programs

  • Lunch Buddies
  • Mentoring Program
  • Quarterly Honors Programs
  • Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)
  • Safety Patrols

School Support Team

At John Adams, a team of principal, assistant principal, psychologist, social worker, nurse and guidance counselor work together to help students and their families. They provide an array of testing, counseling and other support services.

Meal Program

Alexandria students may receive free or reduced priced meals if their family income meets eligibility requirements. For more information on our meal programs, visit the School Nutrition Services section of our website.

Community Programs

Volunteers

Parent and community volunteers play a key role in the education of children at John Adams. Volunteers tutor students, arrange special events and chaperone field trips. The PTA provides financial support and person-power to John Adams.

Business and Community Partners

  • Center for Naval Analysis
  • Crestar Bank
  • Electronic Data Systems
  • Kiwanis
  • The Mark Winkler Company
  • U.S. Army Materiel Command

Special Events

  • Back to School Night
  • Book Exchange
  • Book Fair
  • Family Reading Night
  • Festival for the Arts
  • Kindergarten Open House
  • Kindergarten Parent Orientation
  • Math Night
  • Primary Initiative Parent Workshops
  • School Opera
  • Science and Technology Night
  • Spanish Immersion Open House
  • The Kennedy Center CETA Showcase
  • Winter/Spring Concerts

John Adams Elementary School is fully accredited and meets Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). To learn more, review the Virginia School Report Card (PDF) on the Virginia Department of Education Web site or review recent Test Scores.