Henry Charles W School

Henry is a wonderful school in a great and diverse community. We chose to send our kids to Henry over private school based on what we had heard, and we could not be happier with the decision.

We've had a terrific K-2 at Henry. My daughter enjoys a warm environment and there's a feeling of camaraderie among the faculty and students.

My daughter is in 1st grade at CW Henry and has blossomed academically and socially. Her classroom teachers have been warm, loving and in control of their classroom. FIrst grade is a warm environment where her whole class is invested in the success of the other students and they work together for a positive classroom environment. The parent community is incredibly supportive of the school. Many of our friends sent their kids to private schools but we sure are glad we choose to stick with Henry.

We are having a good experience with our oldest in Kindergarten this year. Music, art, gym and computer are the "specials", and the terrific bonus of a Playworks instructor for recess. The focus is definitely on academics, but the teachers make it fun--with interactive lessons, and free choice time in the afternoon. There is an organic garden that the kids have fun planting and maintaining (and tasting!). This year, there has been a "kinderstrings" program (violin classes), plus an African dance residency just for the kindergarteners. A huge plus for kindergarten is that the 2 kindergarten classrooms have en suite bathrooms, plus outside access to their very "own" kindergarten playground. Principal Rogers welcomes parents to budget meetings and is very responsive to any concerns. Plus, the active PTA is a huge asset for the school. The downsides are the ongoing budget issues, nurse only 2 days/wk, and large classes (although there are aides), and aging building. The school, PTA along with Mt Airy USA are working to get the older kids playground a massive facelift very soon so that should help the look of things a bit!