Most of the students at Graham Road Elementary School are the children of very recent immigrants and speak a language other than English at home; about 80 percent meet the requirements for the federal free and reduced-price meal program. Just a few years ago, the school was one of the lowest performing schools in Fairfax County Virginia.
Because of thoughtful organization and a relentless focus on instruction, in 2008 100 percent of the school’s sixth-grade students met state reading standards (70 percent exceeded standards), and 96 percent met state math standards (72 percent exceeded standards).
Principal Molly Bensinger-Lacy says,”This is a hard job, but if you want to wake up knowing that you will make a difference, this is the place to teach.”
Dispelling the Myth: It’s Being Done – Graham Road Elementary School, Fairfax County, VA