At McNair we are proud to "run with the best!"

The McNair Community can be found just across the highway from Dulles Airport in Herndon, VA. Herndon is a fast-growing, culturally-diverse town with many large employers like tech companies and government contractors. Herndon is also home to many parks, shops, and restaurants; making Herndon a great place to live, work, and play!

McNair is one school community split between two buildings: McNair Elementary (Pre-K through 2nd grade) and McNair Upper Elementary (3rd grade through 6th grade). We are a high-achieving learning community where academic, behavioral, and social learning is delivered with friendliness and respect. We historically offer a variety of after school programs, clubs, mentoring groups, and other enriching opportunities for our students. We are proud to be the home of students and families that come from all over the world and speak over 43 different languages. We believe that building relationships with our families and local community members is vital to our success.

McNair is proud to be a member of Fairfax County Public Schools, FCPS Region 5, and the Westfield High School Pyramid.

Academic Achievements

McNair Elementary takes pride in its fully accredited status, reflecting our commitment to high academic standards and success. In the 2023-2024 school year, students accessing Multilingual Learner services improved their spring math screener scores by 5%, showcasing remarkable growth. These achievements exemplify our dedication to fostering student excellence and continuous improvement.

Student Programs

At McNair, students thrive in a variety of unique programs and clubs, including the Origami Club, Garden Club, and Morning News Crew. Our 2024-2025 Odyssey of the Mind team received glowing reviews from judges for their creative problem-solving skills, while the Yearbook Drawing Contest inspires student artistry. These engaging opportunities help cultivate leadership, creativity, and collaboration in every student.

Staff Recognition

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 McNair Elementary Outstanding Employee Award recipients including: 

• Outstanding Teacher: Rachel Haymond (ECCB Special Education Teacher)
• Outstanding New Teacher: Joanna Grimes (First Grade Teacher)
• Outstanding Professional Employee: Kaitlin Burg (Advanced Academics Resource Teacher)
• Outstanding Operational Employee: Cheyenne Cole (Special Education Instructional Assistant)
• Outstanding Leader: Brandy O'Bryant (Assistant Principal)
• Outstanding New Principal: Elizabeth Watson (Principal)

These individuals exemplify dedication and innovation. Brandy O'Bryant was also honored with the Outstanding Leader Award for the Westfield Pyramid, recognizing her exceptional leadership during the 2023-2024 school year. 

Community Engagement

McNair Elementary strengthens connections through events like Parent Coffees and Teas, Family Literacy Night, and the Get2Green Earth Day celebration. PTA-sponsored initiatives, such as Movie Night and Afterschool Clubs, bring families together in fun and meaningful ways. These programs build a strong, inclusive community where families feel valued and engaged.

School Culture

With input from staff, students, families, and community members, McNair reimagined its Mission and Vision in the spring of 2024, creating a shared purpose for success. Family Engagement Survey results show that our community feels a strong sense of belonging and connection to school initiatives. Weekly spirit days, musical entrances, and events like Hispanic Heritage Night celebrate school pride and inclusivity.

Facilities and Resources

McNair Elementary boasts a modern outdoor learning space featuring a pollinator garden, providing students with hands-on opportunities to connect with nature. This innovative environment complements our well-equipped classrooms and technology-integrated learning spaces, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.

College and Career Readiness

Our partnerships with organizations like Floris Methodist Church, Food for Others, and Kids R First provide students with resources and support. In spring 2024, McNair partnered with Westfield High School's Finish Strong Program, hosting interns to inspire career exploration and community collaboration.

Alumni Success

We are proud to welcome back Roxana Naemi, a McNair Elementary alumna, as our newest Enhanced Autism Classroom teacher. Her journey exemplifies the strong foundation our school provides for future leaders and educators.

Student Growth and Progress

McNair Elementary celebrated a significant achievement during the 2023-2024 school year by reducing the chronic absenteeism rate from 30.77% to 10.2%. This progress reflects the dedication of our staff and families in supporting consistent student attendance and engagement.

Special Recognitions

McNair Elementary received the prestigious Heartleaf Center Grant and Partnership, furthering our commitment to student wellness and learning. Events like Walk/Roll to School earned enthusiastic community feedback, and the Virginia Lottery Teacher Tour spotlighted the incredible efforts of our educators.

McNair is more than just a place of learning; it's a community where young minds are nurtured, and spirits are uplifted.