10 Reasons Why We Have "Terraset Tiger Pride"

Our School Culture 

At Terraset, we live by our philosophy of “We See You, We Welcome You, You Belong Here.” Our school embraces our diversity and celebrates the unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives of our students, staff, families, and community partners.

Terraset Is A Hill With A School Inside It 

“Terraset” literally means “set in the Earth” and we are the first of only two underground schools in FCPS. Our building first opened in 1977 and was beautifully renovated in 2016.

Terraset Community

Our diverse and supportive community is truly international, with 21 home languages represented here. Our incredible Parent-Teacher Organization collaborates with the community to provide resources and organize events such as our annual basketball challenge game, skate nights, and movie nights, that enrich the school experience for all students. 

Outdoor Learning Spaces

Our science curriculum is enriched by outdoor learning in our rooftop garden and outdoor classrooms, as well as here students engage in hands-on experiments and observe nature firsthand.

Innovative STEAM Instruction

All student receive STEAM instruction which encourages interdisciplinary learning, blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in exciting ways such as creating a device to remove aphids to protect the milkweed population in 2nd grade and design and build a rocket to launch into space in 6th grade.

Award-Winning Teachers

Terraset is home to not one, but TWO FCPS Region 1 Outstanding New Teacher Winners! In 2024, Kindergarten Teacher Ellie Jamborsky, earned this honor and in 2022, Fifth Grade Teacher Courtney Wiley (now a STEAM resource teacher) earned this title. Furthermore, Silje Carling earned the South Lakes Pyramid Outstanding Teacher honor in 2024!

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Reduced

During the 2023-24 school year, Terraset significantly lowered chronic absenteeism from 22.28% to 7.90%.

Academic Achievement and Rigor

All students receive rigorous and responsive instruction that includes FCPS Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning. Students also have access to Advanced Academics Programming (AAP) as well as our AAP Local Level IV classrooms which provide full time services for eligible learners. Terraset exceeds state benchmarks and is fully accredited across all Virginia Department Of Education (VDOE) School Quality Indicators.

Once A Tiger, Always A Tiger

Our current Principal, Katie Aldridge, and our most recent former Principal, Lindsay Trout, were both also students at Terraset!

Outstanding Teachers and Staff

Our phenomenal teachers and staff are dedicated to lifelong learning, innovative practices, building relationships, and inspiring our students to be their best every single day.