It's a Great Day to Be a Kanga!

10 Reasons Why Keene Mill Soars

Keene Mill is ranked as the 22nd elementary school in the state of Virginia!

Keene Mill Elementary is fully accredited. Keene Mill students consistently exceed state standards by implementing the rigorous FCPS curriculum, differentiating instruction, and providing personalized student support. Keene Mill emphasizes the whole child. Teachers provide strong instruction and incorporate Portrait of Graduate skills. Keene Mill was chosen as a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education in 2018 and is an Advanced Academic Center. Our teachers engage in varied professional development opportunities including Math Labsites.

We offer a thriving character education program! 

Our Kangas CARE (cooperation, acceptance, responsibility, empathy) program encourages students to demonstrate good character and builds confidence, empathy, and kindness. Students are recognized monthly by their classmates and teachers for showing one or more of these qualities.

Our school culture prioritizes a welcoming and inclusive environment, as well as social and emotional well-being!

Our social-emotional lessons focus on the development of emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. We prioritize the mental health and well-being of the entire Keene Mill community. Diversity is our strength. We have created an inclusive and welcoming space for all students and staff, ensuring equity and inclusion by celebrating the rich cultural backgrounds of the individuals in our school community. Keene Mill represents over 30 languages!  

A variety of activities are offered to our students beyond the bell

Keene Mill encourages students to expand their knowledge outside the classroom and get involved in programs such as Girls on the Run, Code Ninjas, Chess, RunFit Kidz, and Acting for Young People. These programs take place before and after school, and some on early release Mondays. Every student is encouraged to be creative, collaborate with others, explore their passion, and develop new skills.  

We nurture our students' 21st century skills!

Our students have many opportunities to participate in activities and clubs during the school day. Our safety patrols assist kindergarten students and monitor the hallways, buses, and kiss and ride during arrival and dismissal. The Student Council Association plans School Spirit Days and our annual Helping Games charity initiative. They also serve as “first friends” for our new students. Musical students are able to join chorus, band, or strings. We also have a morning news show: KM in the AM. 

We recognize and celebrate our Keene Mill educators!

Keene Mill has had multiple staff members nominated for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards. Our staff has also been recognized and spotlighted for excellence in education. We have been nominated by parents, community partners, and fellow staff members. Some of our staff have gone on to the region and district levels of the awards program. The principal was the Region 4 New Principal of the Year in 2022. 

We value our school and community connection!

Our school thrives on the partnership between our parents and the community. The Keene Mill PTA hosts several major events annually, such as International Night, Costume Bingo, Science Night, and a Fun Run. We have opportunities for parents to volunteer in classrooms and the library, attend field trips and support teachers. Keene Mill also gives to the community with a project called the Helping Games. We collect Pennies for Patients, books for our sister school, food for our local food bank - ECHO, shoes for the Soles for Souls program and have a day of celebrating kindness to others.

Our school culture is warm and welcoming!

Keene Mill takes pride in fostering a warm, inclusive school culture where students feel a deep sense of belonging. It’s a place where both teachers and students are encouraged to take risks, explore their potential, and grow through self-discovery. Together, they build resilience and perseverance, preparing to face life’s challenges with confidence and determination.

Keene Mill offers a beautiful building and grounds!

Keene Mill was renovated approximately 10 years ago. We have a beautiful campus with the latest technology to engage and educate our students. Keene Mill has beautiful courtyards for both students and staff to access and enjoy. 

We are a Purple Star School and CodeUP grant participant!

Keene Mill is a military-connected school. We have 10% or more military-connected students. This year, we will be designated as a Purple Star school, in which the Virginia Department of Education recognizes Keene Mill for our excellent support of military-connected children and families. Due to our large military population, Keene Mill is one of thirteen schools participating in a 2-million-dollar federal grant from the Department of Defense. The grant focuses on increasing students' access to computer sciences and STEAM learning experiences to advance math learning goals and spark interest in STEAM and computer science careers.

Keene Mill Elementary is dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation to enable all students to achieve future success. We provide a safe learning environment, set high expectations, and focus on the excellence and achievement of individual learners. We empower today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders!