McNair Elementary School unites staff, families, and the community in working together to help academic and social goals, and develop the skills and dispositions to be responsible citizens and productive members of a global community.

A hallmark of the McNair program is the staff’s strong commitment to collaboration to help all students succeed. A large team of literacy, math, and English as Second Language specialists routinely plan and co-teach with classroom teachers. A range of special education services span preschool through grade six. Weekly team meetings allow staff to analyze student data, discuss best practice, and customize instruction to meet student needs.

Recognizing the strengths and potential of the school population, McNair offers the full range of gifted/talented services, including school-based center classes beginning in third grade. A full time gifted/talented specialist provides added support to all K-6 classrooms. A 30-unit computer lab, SmartBoard technology, four wireless 20-unit mobile labs, and computers in every classroom make state-of the-art applications available to all children. A grant-funded Design and Engineering Lab features robotics sets for student use, K’nex constructions, object-oriented computer programming, and architectural CAD programs.

Located in a richly diverse community, McNair families represent over 50 countries and languages. McNair’s own Parent Center, conveniently located next to the main office and staffed by a team of multilingual parent liaisons, offers parent coffees, informative workshops, and a welcoming introduction for new families. Working in partnership with the PTA, McNair Elementary School empowers parents to be proactive in supporting their children’s achievement through participation in SOL Information nights and other family events.

Opened in September 2001, the school was named for the McNair family, members of the Herndon community since 1904. McNair Elementary School continues their long tradition of civic pride through school-wide emphasis on positive citizenship, community service, and respect.

McNair Elementary Profile

Herndon and the surrounding area was part of the original land grant owned by Lord Fairfax. Robert "King" Carter and his sons explored the land and discovered what they thought was a copper mine near the creek called Frying Pan. Roads were built from this creek to the Occoquan River, allowing the land to be settled and towns to grow.

Since before the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Herndon area has been an integral part of the community development outside of Washington, D.C.

Herndon History Activity Book

Herndon History Coloring Book