Terra Centre Elementary School

Terra Centre Elementary School

Public Pre-K, Elementary School | Grade Pre-K-6
6000 Burke Centre Pky,  Burke, VA
Fairfax County Public Schools
4.5
629 Students
A-
Niche Grade
When Terra Centre Elementary (TC) opened in 1980, it was renowned throughout the Burke community for its unusual, ultramodern design. Conceptualized in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s, the school was built largely underground to boost efficiency. Three feet of earth covered the roof, to offset heat gain and loss, and solar panels harnessed energy. Though the school completed a renovation in 2015, resulting in a building that looks quite different from its formative years, Terra Centre’s commitment to environmental innovation remains. Enrolling approximately 630 students in its preschool and K-6 programs, this highly rated public school fosters “an environment where academic, social, emotional, and ethical growth is expected and where students share in and accept responsibility for their learning.” With a student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1, the school prioritizes differentiated instruction, including unique offerings such as a STEAM lab and an outdoor discovery garden. When they’re not experimenting or planting, TC Tigers can participate in extracurriculars such as safety patrol, band, Odyssey of the Mind, chess, student council, and Socratic Seminar. Thanks to strong community support, volunteerism, an active PTA, and a commitment to dynamic programs, Terra Centre Elementary remains as groundbreaking today as when its vision first broke ground decades ago.

School Details

Head of School
Ms. Michele Sims
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Math Proficiency
68%
Reading Proficiency
84%

Niche Grade

A-
Academics
A-
Teachers
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Reading Proficiency
84%
Math Proficiency
68%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
43
Full Time Teachers
43
Teachers in First or Second Year
18.8%

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
372:1

Student Diversity

Male
53.1%
Female
46.9%
White
61.4%
Hispanic
12.6%
Asian or Pacific Islander
11.9%
Two or more races
10%
Black
4%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Christine Weedon, an experienced agent in this school's attendance zone.

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

This School’s Reviews

GreatSchools Reviews
4.5 19 Reviews
5.0 parent
1/2/2023
This is the third year for my youngest one. We are happy with the school, the principal, the teachers and the admin staffs too. The aye reachable, responsive, and friendly. In overall, we found that the school serves what the kids need and parents’ expectations.
5.0 parent
11/21/2021
Our second year at Terra Centre and we love this school. My son has been given opportunities for success, teachers and personal is friendly. Excellent library and librarian! Also it’s our fist year as parent of special kid going to special education preschool here, and I feel grateful about this pro...
5.0 parent
5/23/2018
This is our second year at Terra Centre - overall we are very, very happy. The teachers really care and want to be there. The principal is visible but doesn't necessarily make time for one on one interaction with students. The school also needs to revisit how it handles students that are not necessa...
5.0 parent
2/9/2018
It is our first year at Terra Center and we can say it feels good in all aspects. Teachers are good at what they have to do and loving to their students.The principal is friendly; a very nice person. The whole community feels like a big family. PTA organices the best events.In a nutshell, we love TC...

Agents Specializing in Attendance Zone

See All Agents

Map

Attendance Zone

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Additional Schools in the Area

Parks in this Area

Additional Neighborhoods in this Area

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.