Fun Facts, Community Quotes, & Points of Pride

When Parklawn School opened on September 8, 1958, the student body was comprised solely of seventh and eighth graders. It was the first middle school in FCPS, before it officially opened as an Elementary School in the 1961-1962 school year.

“I love that everyone is working together to support our students. Also, there is a sense of belonging and a good support system.”

Community Engagement

Parklawn Elementary celebrates its vibrant global community through events like Family Celebration Night and Snuggle Up and Read Night. These gatherings highlight the diversity of our families and foster a sense of belonging and connection.

PTA Involvement

Our PTA is a cornerstone of family engagement at Parklawn, earning recognition as a National PTA School of Excellence from 2020-2022. The PTA collaborates with the school to host exciting events such as the Family Picnic, Bingo Night, Book Fair, assemblies, and science-themed activities.

Community Partnerships

Parklawn thrives on strong partnerships with organizations like Book Bounce, Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club, Food For Others, Penn Daw Firehouse, Alfred Street Baptist Church, and Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. We were featured on NBC for being one of the first schools to partner with Grand Involve, a senior mentoring program. Additionally, our collaboration with the Capital Area Food Bank brings a monthly community market to serve families.

“I love that we care and support each other at Parklawn. I love that our main focus is to help our students to become productive citizens in our world. I am happy to be here!” 

STEAM Opportunities

With two dedicated STEAM labs and three specialized teachers, Parklawn Elementary ensures that all K-5 students actively engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. These hands-on experiences inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Language Instruction

Every student in grades K-5 participates in the Spanish FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary Schools) program. This initiative builds bilingual communication skills and enhances cultural understanding.

Social and Emotional Development

At Parklawn, we value the social-emotional development of every child as much as their academic growth. Grounded in the Responsive Classroom approach and supported by the Second Step program for K-5, we cultivate a nurturing environment that fosters the whole child.

Staff Recognition

Parklawn’s exceptional staff members have earned numerous accolades over the years, including the 2018 Region 2 Outstanding New Teacher, 2021 Region 2 Outstanding Operational Employee, and 2024 Region 2 Outstanding Principal. Their dedication exemplifies excellence in education.

“I love the teachers and the amazing support they give their students. Both my children are proud Panthers!”

Enrichment Programs

Parklawn offers dynamic before and after-school activities like Honor Choir, Lego Robotics, Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, and Elementary Engineering. This year, we proudly hosted a Family Science Night, sponsored by a grant from the Children’s Science Center.

Environmental Leadership

The school actively promotes sustainability through its tree-planting initiative, supported by Fairfax County's Tree Preservation and Planting Fund. This project not only beautifies the campus but also educates students about ecological responsibility, with hands-on involvement in planting diverse tree species like American Elms and River Birch​.

“I love the personal dedication and care of the teachers and staff to the learning of all students.”

Family Engagement through Field Trips

Parklawn organizes family-oriented field trips, such as a recent visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. These events foster connections between staff, students, and families while providing enriching educational experiences.

We are Family. We are Learners. We are Parklawn.