Ten reasons we are Mustang Proud!

Discover why West Springfield Elementary is a top-rated school in Virginia. With a focus on academic excellence, innovative programs, and a strong sense of community, here are ten reasons we're proud to be Mustangs.

Core Values

Our core values at West Springfield Elementary School include:

• Caring Culture - We nurture a responsive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Community - We foster collaborative relationships among staff, students, families, and community members.
• Achievement - We encourage and guide each student to reach his or her full social, emotional, and academic potential.
• Critical & Creative Thinking - We empower all students to use their strengths, strategies, and skills to become independent thinkers.
   

Top 100 Elementary School in Virginia

We are very proud to be among the Top 100 elementary schools in Virginia according to US News and World Report.
 

Dedication to Elevating Excellence

West Springfield places a strong emphasis on fostering higher-level thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills among its students. From kindergarten through sixth grade, all students engage with Critical and Creative Thinking strategies, which help cultivate their analytical abilities. To further support advanced learning, we offer Advanced Math courses for students in grades 3-6, providing them with opportunities to deepen their mathematical understanding and skills. Additionally, our "Code Up" program is introduced in grade 3, enhancing students' coding and computer science proficiency through hands-on experiences. For those seeking even more challenging academic opportunities, we are implementing the Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) for grades 3-6. Currently, grades 3 and 4 have access to the Full-Time AAP program at West Springfield. By the Fall of 2026, Full-time AAP will be available for students in grades 3-6 who qualify. 
 

High Academic Achievement

West Springfield consistently excels in state-mandated assessments, showcasing strong performance in core subjects such as math and reading. This commitment to academic excellence has earned the school multiple Governor’s Awards of Excellence, recognizing its notable achievements.

In 2022, West Springfield Elementary was proudly nominated for the Virginia National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. This prestigious program honors public and private schools that demonstrate outstanding academic performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps among diverse student subgroups. The nomination reflects West Springfield's dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment and its unwavering pursuit of excellence in education.

Virginia Purple Star Designated School

West Springfield Elementary School is deeply committed to supporting our significant population of military students and their families. In recognition of this dedication, the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children awarded WSES the Purple Star School designation. This prestigious designation is granted to schools that exemplify a strong commitment to creating a military-friendly environment. WSES has implemented various initiatives aimed at meeting the unique needs of military-connected students, including tailored support services, resources for transitioning families, and programs that foster a sense of community. West Springfield has been a Purple Star Designated school since 2020.

Positive School Culture

At West Springfield Elementary, we are committed to nurturing a positive school culture where every child feels that they belong and are safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Our core values of caring, safety, and responsibility guide our efforts in creating an environment that fosters both academic and social-emotional growth. Using the Responsive Classroom approach, our dedicated educators cultivate engaging and inclusive spaces that promote collaboration and mutual respect. Through morning meetings, collaborative problem-solving activities, and a strong emphasis on community, we empower students to build meaningful relationships and develop essential life skills. Our special programs and events, such as Buddy Classes, the Mentor Program, and Student Ambassadors, further reinforce our values. These initiatives, along with school-wide field trips, assemblies, and community celebrations, help create a respectful and inclusive atmosphere where students learn the importance of caring for one another and being responsible members of the school community.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At West Springfield Elementary, we cultivate an environment where cultural richness thrives, and every voice is heard and valued. Our innovative programs and dedicated staff empower students to embrace differences, foster empathy, and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for their growth. We are proud to offer specific initiatives that reinforce our commitment to diversity and inclusion, including our Equity Team, Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC), and Parent Liaison. Events like Heritage Night, Chalk 4 Peace,  and the "Walk in My Shoes" program provide opportunities for students and families to share their unique backgrounds and experiences, further enriching our school community. Additionally, our parent-led Diversity and Equity Advisory (DEA) Committee plays a vital role in fostering dialogue about advancing these important values at West Springfield. Through these collective efforts, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that promotes continuous self-reflection and growth. At West Springfield Elementary, we believe that by embracing diversity, we prepare our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Get2Green Environmental Stewardship Program

Participating in sustainability initiatives is essential for students, as it fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills while tackling real-world environmental challenges. This is why it's vital for our Mighty Mustangs to have access to FCPS’s Get2Green Environmental Stewardship Program. 

Through this enriching program, students engage in hands-on activities that cultivate a personal connection to nature, empowering them to become lifelong advocates for the environment. The Get2Green program not only inspires individual growth but also encourages collaboration through the student-led Get2Green club. West Springfield is the recipient of the  Captain Planet Project Learning Garden grant to redesign the courtyard to create an additional outdoor learning space that includes a sensory garden.

Active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

Our PTA plays a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community among our Mighty Mustangs by hosting a variety of engaging events throughout the school year. From the exciting Ice Cream Social at the beginning of the year to fun-filled evenings like Bingo Night and the Mustang Dance Party, these events provide opportunities for families to come together and connect. In addition to community-building events, the PTA supports numerous school programs and a wide range of after-school activities. Students can explore their interests in clubs such as Running Club, Chess, Robotics, Pottery, and Coding, among others.

STEAM Lab

West Springfield Elementary dedicates some of its instructional funds to access STEAM lessons. In our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Lab, students are preparing to learn much the same way as adults do every day. They face a challenge, have to figure out what they need to learn to solve that problem, find resources to support that learning, collaborate with peers to brainstorm solutions, try out their ideas, and then improve upon them in an ongoing cycle. STEAM is real-world learning!