We Are Proud of Our Puma Family!

10 Reasons Colin L. Powell Elementary School is Unique

Developing the Whole Child

At Colin L. Powell Elementary, our vision is to empower all learners to embrace new challenges with curiosity and compassion. We recognize that developing skills in language arts, math, science, and social studies is critical for academic success. We also believe in the importance of providing a well-rounded education that fosters personal growth, creativity, and social skills. We are proud to offer a robust Fine Arts program featuring art, band, strings, general music, chorus, physical education, Language through Content (LtC), and Imagine It. The core curriculum and Fine Arts programming provide students with opportunities to explore their talents, collaborate with peers, and develop essential life skills. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes both core academic subjects and the fine arts, we are committed to developing the whole child and preparing them for a successful future.

A Warm and Inclusive Welcome

Colin L. Powell Elementary proudly promotes a culture of inclusion and acceptance, making it easier for students to make friends and feel part of our school community. We understand how hard it can be for newly registered students to start at a new school, and we are committed to making that transition as easy as possible through our First Friends Program. This program provides new students with a "first friend" in their classroom to guide them through the transition to a new school and be a buddy as new friends are made. To promote continued friendship over time, we encourage students to use our buddy bench on our playground, which is designated as a welcoming space for students to sit if they feel lonely or want to play with someone. 

A Focus on Student Well-Being

We prioritize the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our students. According to the 2023 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener, 90% of our students feel supported at school, and a large majority report positive social awareness, self-awareness, and self-management skills.

A Focus on Literacy

We work hard to instill a love of reading in our students and promote literacy development. We are proud to share that our library circulates over 50,000 books annually which shows how much our students love to read! We are also proud of the ways in which we engage with families to promote reading at home through our Summer Reading Program and Family Book Club.

Empowering Students to Thrive

We have an outstanding staff! They are committed to providing excellent instruction and unwavering support to help every student reach  their fullest potential. They foster a positive learning environment, believe in each student's abilities, and tailor their approach to meet individual  needs. A great example of our outstanding staff is Laura Senturia, who was named FCPS’ 2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher and 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year.

Specialized Programs to Meet Diverse Needs

At Colin L. Powell Elementary, we are proud to offer a variety of specialized programs to meet the needs of all our students. These programs include full-time and part-time Advanced Academics services, preschool and school-age autism classrooms, special education services, and multilingual learner services. We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

A Thriving PTA Community

The Colin L. Powell Elementary PTA is a dedicated group of parents and staff who actively support our school and students. They organize a variety of events and fundraisers which foster a strong sense of community and provide valuable resources for our teachers and students. Our PTA sponsors a variety of after-school clubs to cater to our students’ interests. From chess and theater club to cooking, dance, debate, pottery, and sports, there is something for everyone! These clubs provide students with opportunities to explore new passions, develop new skills, and make friends.

A Supportive Atmosphere

At Powell Elementary, we strive to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. Our  strong sense of community is evident in the interactions between students, teachers, staff, and parents. We celebrate the individuality of our students and are proud of our YOUseum. This special showcase displays artifacts and personal items from our students to celebrate their diverse backgrounds and experiences. This program helps them to feel proud of their individuality and fosters a sense of belonging.

Nurturing Biliteracy

Colin L. Powell Elementary is proud of our school's Korean Immersion Program, which is the only one of its kind in Fairfax County Public Schools. Students in our dual language immersion program have the opportunity to learn math, science and health in Korean while developing an understanding of Korean culture. Sixth grade students in the Korean Immersion Program have the unique opportunity to participate in an international field trip to South Korea. This serves as our Annual Capstone Learning Experience, providing the students with an opportunity to apply their language skills and learn about Korean culture firsthand. 

A Culture of Student Leadership

We believe in empowering our students to take initiative and contribute to their school community. Our programs such as safety patrols, the school news show, Guardians of the Green, and the Student Council Association (SCA) provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact. The Colin Powell SCA has empowered student leaders over the years to live up to our school’s motto of “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.” Their leadership has raised and donated well over $100,000 to 14 different charities, with more to come! Our Guardians of the Green are proud to serve as good stewards of the environment by leading our recycling program and outdoor learning spaces.

Colin L. Powell Elementary School Pumas are learning today...leading tomorrow.