School History

Great Falls Elementary School opened its doors to students for the first time on May 1, 1953. However, at that time, our school went by another name. We invite you to explore some facets of our unique and fascinating history by visiting the links on this page.

School History: The Schools of Forestville (1870-1922)

Learn about the early public schools in the village of Forestville. Forestville was renamed Great Falls in the mid-20th century.

School History: Forestville Elementary School (1922-1953)

Explore the history of Forestville Elementary School and learn about the challenges students and teachers faced during the Great Depression, World War II, and the baby boom.

School History: Great Falls Elementary School (1953-1980)

Learn about the renaming of our school from Forestville to Great Falls; and how desegregation, the creation of intermediate schools, and the introduction of kindergarten impacted our school during the second half of the 20th century.

School History: Great Falls Elementary School (1980-2010)

Learn about Great Falls Elementary School’s first major renovation, the introduction of Japanese Immersion, and a visit to the school by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan.

School History: The Principals

Learn about the principals who have led Great Falls Elementary School from 1953 to the present.

What’s in a Name?

Great Falls Elementary School takes its name from the surrounding community. Learn about the history of Great Falls and the surrounding area, including the Patowmack Canal and the lost town of Matildaville, in this video produced for Fairfax County Public Schools’ cable television channel Red Apple 21.