The school has a proud heritage of graduates who return with families to share in its ties to another era in Arlington's past.
The Parent Teacher Association supporting Barcroft Elementary School, a public elementary school (pre-k through 5th grade) in the Arlington, VA school district, located in the Barcroft neighborhood. Originally opened in 1925, Barcroft Elementary School has had longer, continuous service to the community as an elementary facility than any other public school in Arlington. It has served students thr
ough the ravages of the Depression, World War II, the Baby Boom, Desegregation, the unrest of the Sixties, the redefinition of power and patriotism of the Seventies, and the redistricting of the Eighties. The community and the school are named for Dr. John Woolverton Barcroft. Dr. Barcroft came to Virginia in 1848 and first settled on Columbia Pike beyond our county line at Holmes Run. This area is presently the Lake Barcroft community in Fairfax County. Federal Troops returning from the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) damaged Dr. Barcroft's mill and home so badly that Dr. Barcroft returned to New Jersey until after the war between the states. Dr. Barcroft returned to Virginia in 1880 and rebuilt the flour mill and a number of other homes which became a small community. He was not only a physician, but he also invented a ditching and dredging machine, the principles of which are incorporated in some of our present day equipment. The community, with 10 young children ready for school, but too small to walk through Arlington Forest to Glencarlyn School, decided to start its own school. This was established in the home of Mrs. Edith Fairfax, their teacher, in 1906. The first year enrollment swelled, and in 1908 the community erected a building at 800 South Buchanan Street to serve as church, community center, and school. The Barcroft School and Civic League, as it was called, held many fundraisers, and the School Board rented space there until a separate four-room school building was completed. The new building, named for Dr. Barcroft, opened in 1925 with an enrollment of 65 children. Dr. Barcroft's picture was installed in 1927. In 1945, as the community grew, nine more rooms were added. A library and a new wing with six classrooms, cafeteria, and a multipurpose room were added later in 1945, as were 5 acres of playground. Yet another change came in 1975 with a gymnasium and open space and access. Reflecting the changing needs of the times, 1985 brought closed instructional spaces for the needs of an everchanging student profile. The spurt in population growth in the fall of 1987 brought the addition of two portable classrooms.
03/18/2026
Keep Kids Learning! March 27, 7:00 pm, Kenmore Middle School. Come out for this youth-led positive evening advocating for high-quality after-school programming in Arlington. Free pizza and snacks. Very kid-friendly!
Check out this very uplifting promo video! https://youtu.be/KDRprLYeKO8?si=DeizWbJkY9rD4Y08
🎉 Want to support Barcroft Elementary?
Grab dinner at Chipotle this Wednesday, October 15, between 4–8 PM at:
📍 3556B S Jefferson Street, Falls Church
🌯 Order online using code B4WBMMQ or show this flyer in the restaurant, and 25% of sales will go directly to the Barcroft Elementary PTA!
Your meal will help fund:
✅ Field trips
✅ After-school enrichment
✅ Teacher support
✅ Special school events
Let’s eat for a great cause—thank you for supporting our students! 💙
03/18/2025
Barcroft Elementary community events are so fun! Thank you to our organizer, Rachel, and our Bingo caller leaders, Principal Ms AB and Music Teacher, Mr Glosh! Go eagles!!!!
01/19/2025
Heartfelt appreciation for Judy Apostolico-Buck during Virginia Principal Appreciation Week!
She goes above and beyond every day for her students. Her selflessness, dedication, and genuine care make such a positive impact on everyone at Barcroft Elementary. We’re so extremely lucky to have a leader like her! Thank you for all that you do!
12/19/2024
Thank you to the many who contributed to the PTA holiday celebration for Barcroft teachers and staff today!!! Go Eagles!!!
11/26/2024
Will you support Barcroft students and staff through our Tuesday Giving Campaign? Thank you!!! Go Eagles!
11/02/2024
Hi Barcroft Community!
All children deserve to receive high quality education which includes field trips as they provide social and enriching educational experiences. Arlington Public Schools has cut field trip funding. Our goal is to raise $5,750 via this campaign by 12/3 (50% of funds needed for field trips this school year).
Will you help make field trip experiences possible for all Barcroft students?
Additional information can be found below and on the campaign page.
Thank you Barcroft Staff and Teachers for putting on such an amazing Halloween parade!!!! Thank you neighbors and parents for coming out to cheer on the kids!!!! Happy Halloween! Go eagles!
08/27/2024
Welcome back, students and families! We can't wait to work hard, get smart, have fun, and be kind with you all this year at Barcroft!
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¡Bienvenidos de nuevo, estudiantes y familias! ¡Estamos ansiosos por trabajar duro, ser inteligentes, divertirnos, y ser amables con ustedes todo este año en Barcroft!
03/18/2026
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08/27/2024