At McNair we are proud to "run with the best!"

10 Reasons McNair Stands Out

Sandburg Middle School serves students in grades 7 and 8. Known for its diverse student body and strong academic programs, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and personal growth. Sandburg offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and clubs, to support well-rounded student development. The school is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and preparing students for success in high school and beyond.

Academic Achievement

Students across McNair Upper put their math and language arts skills to the test in March Madness ST Math and Lexia competitions. 

Student Recognition

Student programs include quarterly positive recognitions through S.M.I.L.E. Awards (“SHINE, MOTIVATE, IMPROVE, LEAD and EMPOWER”- positive student referrals), which include breakfast with school administration; and connecting with mentors through the FCPS MentorWorks Program.

Staff Recognition

Staff are celebrated each week through Teacher of the Week, Benchmark Shout-Outs, birthday treats from the principal, and principal treat carts to acknowledge the hard work of our school staff. 

Community Engagement

The McNair community is very involved in the school and often attends Family Coffee Talk events, Literacy Night, Power of Words, and Social Emotional Learning Night. The PTA collaborates with the school to coordinate teacher-run after-school clubs for students. 

School Culture

The McNair Upper community builds a sense of belonging through a Positive Behavior Approach House System where all staff and students are divided into one of four houses to promote positive student behavior and earn a reward for their House when they reach their House goal by earning enough Mustang Marks. Staff and students also participate in dress-up spirit days and Workout  Wednesdays where staff and students promote healthy lifestyle choices. 

Teachers and staff build community through committees focused on:

• Equity 
• Social and Wellness 
• Enrichment 
• Get2Green 
• Tier One Behavior and Wellness 

A Brand New Facility

McNair Upper’s state-of-the-art building opened in 2020. McNair Elementary School was one of the largest elementary schools in Fairfax County at the time, and McNair Upper was opened to house grades 3 through 6. 

Student Attendance Celebrations

Students enjoy On Time, All the Time attendance parties.
 

Unique Programs

A Lego lab, funded by grants, is a popular way to help inspire students to study STEAM topics. 

Student Leadership

Our student leadership development opportunities include: 

• Student Council
• Boys to Men
• Safety Patrol of the Month
• OG Girls Group
• Student Ambassadors
• 6^th Grade Basketball Club

Our Awesome Town!

The McNair Community can be found just across the highway from Dulles Airport in Herndon, VA. Herndon is a fast-growing, culturally-diverse town with many large employers like tech companies and government contractors. Herndon is also home to many parks, shops, and restaurants; making Herndon a great place to live, work, and play!