Bailey's Elementary for the Arts and Sciences
1. Academic Achievement
Bailey's Elementary School is committed to providing a high-quality education that fosters academic excellence. Our dedicated teachers and staff work tirelessly to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are proud of our students' academic achievements. Our focus on academic rigor, coupled with our supportive and nurturing learning environment, enables our students to develop strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These skills will serve them well as they continue their educational journey and beyond.
2. Student Programs
Bailey's Elementary School, one of only two elementary magnet schools within the Fairfax County Public Schools system, is renowned for its exceptional academic offerings and dedication to the arts. The school attracts highly qualified teachers specializing in science, the arts, and technology, providing students with a unique and enriching learning experience. In partnership with the Kennedy Center, Bailey's Elementary participates in the Changing Education Through the Arts Program, integrating the arts into the curriculum to foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. For students seeking bilingual proficiency, the school offers a Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, immersing students in a Spanish-speaking environment to develop fluency in the language. To support students learning English as a second language, Bailey's Elementary provides an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. Bailey’s is also a Title I school, which provides additional federal funding to support students from low-income families. To promote STEM education, Bailey's Elementary has a dedicated STEAM Lab, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and access to state-of-the-art equipment. The school also offers Creative Movement classes, combining dance, music, and physical activity to enhance students' coordination, creativity, and self-expression.
3. Staff Recognition
Bailey's Elementary School is proud to have a dedicated and talented staff. The school has been recognized for its outstanding educators and support staff, as evidenced by various awards. Janice Perreault was selected as our 2024 Outstanding Elementary Teacher (School Recipient) in the FCPS Honors. Sara Crummett was recognized as our Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee (School Recipient), and Maria Demarest was selected as our school’s Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee (Pyramid Winner) award. Additionally, Ms. Caitlin Tracey was named the FCPS Region 2 Outstanding New Teacher Recipient. Our school also has a strong team of specialized professionals, including Math Recovery Specialists who provide targeted support to students who may be struggling with math, and highly-trained Content Specialists in Literacy, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Our school's commitment to excellence is reflected in the outstanding work of its operational staff, such as Mrs. Maria Demarest, the Family Liaison, who has been recognized for her valuable contributions to the school community.
4. Community Engagement
Bailey's Elementary School is fortunate to have a strong and active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA plays a vital role in fostering a positive and supportive school community through its numerous events and initiatives, such as Trunk or Treat, the annual Parent/Teacher Basketball Game, community garden clean-up days, participation in the Get to Green initiative, partnership with HACAN, and Parent Literacy Classes. These efforts contribute to a vibrant and engaged school community.
5. School Culture
Bailey's Elementary School promotes a positive and inclusive school culture through the implementation of the Responsive Classroom approach. This evidence-based framework focuses on building positive relationships, creating a supportive learning environment, and fostering social-emotional skills. The school also encourages regular attendance through the Here Every Day Yay! (HEY!) Class Attendance Program, celebrates diversity through Global Community Night, ensures equity through a staff lead Equity Team, inspires students through author visits, fosters community through the Family and Staff Soccer Classico, and supports English Language Learners through Project GLAD. These initiatives contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
6. Facilities and Resources
Bailey's Elementary School is equipped with modern facilities and resources that support a high-quality education. The school features an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning, a dedicated STEAM lab with state-of-the-art equipment, a variety of arts programs, and a strong emphasis on technology integration. Our school's STEAM Lab provides students with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through hands-on projects and collaborative learning experiences. These resources contribute to a rich and engaging learning environment for students.
7. Student Growth and Progress
Bailey's Elementary School is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. The school has implemented strategies to address chronic absenteeism and provide comprehensive support for students' academic, wellness, and behavioral needs. The school's chronic absenteeism rate is lower than the district average, indicating a strong commitment to regular attendance and student engagement. Bailey's Elementary also has a robust Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) program to provide targeted support to students who may need additional assistance. This program offers a variety of interventions and resources to address students' academic, wellness, and behavioral needs, ensuring that all students receive the support they require to succeed.
8. Special Recognitions
Bailey's Elementary School has been recognized for its excellence in education and its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience for its students. In 2017, the school was honored with the prestigious award of Spanish Embassy School of the Year, recognizing its outstanding Spanish language program and its contributions to promoting Spanish language education. Ms. Caitlin Tracey, a dedicated teacher at Bailey's Elementary, was awarded the FCPS Region 2 Outstanding New Teacher Recipient for her exceptional contributions to student learning and her positive impact on the school community. In 2023, Ms. Maria Demarest, one of our Family Liaison, was nominated for the School-Based Outstanding Operational Employee for her outstanding work in supporting students and families, and for her dedication to the school community. These awards highlight Bailey's Elementary School's commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for its students.
9. College and Career Readiness
Bailey's Elementary School is committed to preparing students for college and career success. One of the key initiatives in this regard is the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which focuses on developing students' academic skills, organizational abilities, and college and career awareness. Through AVID, students are provided with the tools and support they need to achieve their goals and become successful learners. The program emphasizes the importance of organization skills, teaching students effective time management, note-taking, and study techniques. Additionally, AVID helps students explore various college and career options, providing them with valuable information about different pathways and opportunities. By participating in AVID, students develop the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition to higher education and beyond.
10. Alumni Success
Bailey's Elementary School is proud of its strong alumni network and the many successes achieved by former students. Our PreK-2 campus plays a crucial role in laying the foundation for future academic and personal achievements. As our students progress through the Justice High School pyramid, they continue to excel and demonstrate the positive impact of their early childhood education. Examples of partnerships within the pyramid include Justice HS Seniors returning to Bailey's to volunteer their time and a partnership with Glasgow Middle School to provide bicycles for students in need. These collaborations highlight the enduring connection between our school and the broader community and demonstrate the lasting benefits of a strong early childhood education.