Finding the right home involves more than just selecting a property type; it’s also about considering its condition, location, and price. If you have kids, you know there’s another significant factor to consider: schools. Finding the right school can be a big challenge, especially if you have children of different ages. Suddenly, you’re looking for more than one good school but elementary, middle, or high schools at the same time.
In this blog post, I want to help you out by highlighting the areas with the best school districts or pyramids in Fairfax County. Instead of just showing you the top three or four, we’re going to explore places with multiple top-notch school pyramids. Because narrowing down your search to just one pyramid can be quite restrictive. Some neighborhoods have several great schools to consider, ranging from those that are absolutely top-tier to others that are still pretty awesome.
Let’s explore why these areas are worth your attention. Each boasts at least two highly rated high school pyramids, and within these pyramids, you’ll find well-respected and highly regarded schools at every grade level.
Here’s a quick rundown for those unfamiliar with how the Fairfax County Public School pyramid system is organized. At the base of each pyramid, you have several elementary schools.
These elementary schools feed into a middle school in the middle of the pyramid. And at the top, there’s the high school, which gives the pyramid its name. Generally, the quality of the high school is a good indicator of what you can expect from the elementary and middle schools in the same pyramid. A top-ranked high school often means that the schools feeding into it are of a similar caliber.
With that understanding, let’s explore the areas within Fairfax County known for their exceptional school pyramids.
McLean
McLean, VA, is first on our list, and it’s easy to see why. This area is one of the most desirable places to live, not just in Fairfax County, but also for those looking to be close to Washington, D.C. McLean offers the potential for finding your dream home in a prime location.
You’ll find two of the county’s top high schools in McLean: Langley and McLean High Schools. Excluding a specialized magnet school, these two stand out as the highest-rated high schools in the county, securing the second and third spots in the U.S. World News Report rankings for Fairfax County. Both schools boast impressive reputations and have received high ratings on websites like Great Schools, Niche, and School Digger.
But the excellence in education doesn’t stop at high schools. Middle schools in the area, including Cooper Middle and Longfellow Middle, are also highly thought of, with ratings of 8/10 and 6/10 on Great Schools, respectively.
Several outstanding elementary schools serve the community, such as Colvin Run, Churchill, Chesterbrook, and Haycock, each earning an 8/10 rating. Additionally, there are many other elementary schools in the area with ratings of 6 or higher.
The area’s affluence likely influences the high quality of McLean’s schools. In 2023, the average home sale price in McLean was $1,492,000, making it one of the most affluent areas in all of Northern Virginia. To the surprise of no one, top earners expect top-rated schools.
Living in McLean isn’t the only way to be zoned for these exceptional schools. Great Falls, another affluent area in Fairfax County, falls within the Langley school pyramid. Then, there are parts of Falls Church that also fall within the McLean High School pyramid. While homes in Falls Church generally command higher prices than much of Fairfax County, they are considered somewhat more affordable than McLean’s. We’ll dive into Falls Church a bit more later.
For those prioritizing excellent educational opportunities in a premier community, McLean stands out as a stellar choice.
Vienna
Moving on to Vienna, this area offers a unique mix of high school options. While Vienna is zoned for several different high schools, most homes fall within the coverage areas of the schools we’ll discuss shortly. A portion of Vienna falls within the Langley pyramid we mentioned earlier, which includes Colvin Run Elementary, Cooper Middle, and Langley High.
Additionally, Vienna is zoned for Oakton, Marshall, and Madison High School pyramids, which rank 4th, 5th, and 7th, respectively, on U.S. News’ list of top high schools.
Middle schools in these pyramids include Carson, Thoreau, and Kilmer Middle, each earning a rating of 6/10 or higher on Great Schools. Once again, Vienna boasts several highly rated elementary schools with ratings of 7/10 or greater, including Crossfield, Navy, Lemon Road, Archer, and Vienna Elementary.
Like McLean, Vienna has an above-average home sale price, averaging around $1,150,000. However, for those considering townhouses, prices typically range between $750,000 and $800,000.
Centrally located in Fairfax County, Vienna offers a convenient commute to Washington D.C. It’s an ideal choice for parents seeking a well-established community with various schooling options.
Falls Church
Let’s take a closer look at Falls Church, a community we’ve mentioned previously. Parts of Falls Church are situated within the McLean and Marshall pyramids, boasting two top-five high schools.
With a variety of single-family homes and townhouses available, Falls Church offers options for every family. Its average sales price, at $1,050,000, is the lowest on the list so far. Its prime location provides unparalleled convenience, with easy access to the city and public transportation options.
However, it’s essential to note that Falls Church also encompasses two other high school pyramids, which unfortunately rank among the lowest in the county. Justice and Falls Church High Schools come in at number 20 and 21 out of 25 schools, respectively.
If Falls Church piques your interest, I recommend you check each property address against the Fairfax County Boundary Map Locator. Simply enter a property’s address, and it will tell you its school assignment at each grade level.
Springfield
That brings us to the final area we’re highlighting in our exploration of Fairfax County’s top school districts, Springfield.
Families here are served by some of the top schools in Northern Virginia. West Springfield High School, for example, is celebrated for its excellence, ranked number 9 in Fairfax County by U.S. News. Additionally, Lake Braddock Secondary and South County High are highly regarded, ranked 12th and 14th, respectively. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the West Springfield pyramid is the most sought-after of the three.
Springfield’s commitment to quality education continues through its middle and elementary schools. Irving Middle School has a commendable 6/10 rating from Great Schools. Meanwhile, the area’s elementary schools are nothing short of impressive, with several boasting ratings of 7/10 or higher, including West Springfield, Cardinal Forest, Orange Hunt, Sangster, and Hunt Valley, to highlight a few.
Like any area, I advise potential residents to consider school assignments carefully. While Springfield is predominantly zoned for the highly rated schools mentioned, there are exceptions. Some parts of Springfield fall under the Annandale and Lewis pyramids, which might not align with every parent’s expectations, being ranked 19th and 24th by U.S. News.
Springfield is an immensely popular choice for many looking for a place to call home in Northern Virginia. Whether you’re in the market for a condo, townhouse, or a single-family home, Springfield has something to offer everyone.
One of the most appealing aspects of Springfield is its affordability, especially compared to other areas we’ve discussed. Springfield also has the lowest average sales price on today’s list and is one of a few areas you can find a detached home for well under $1 million. The average sales price in Springfield is $679,000.
Being a bit further from the city means Springfield residents enjoy more breathing room. Many of the single-family homes in Springfield sit on generous lots, often larger than a quarter acre, offering ample space for gardens, play areas, and outdoor entertaining.
In Closing
As you explore the top-rated school districts across Fairfax County, remember that finding the perfect home involves more than just its physical attributes. It’s about ensuring your family has access to excellent educational opportunities that align with your values and goals. By leveraging resources like the Fairfax County Boundary Map locator, you can confidently navigate your home search, knowing that you’re making the best choice for your family’s future.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your home-buying journey, having an excellent agent on your team is another resource you’ll need. Feel free to text me at 703-539-2053 or Click Here to schedule a Perfect Home Consultation to discuss your home-buying needs.
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