12809 Kernel Cir
Bowie, MD 20715

I am writing to express deep concern over the management of this institution. There are significant safety and cultural issues, including theft and physical altercations. Unfortunately, administration focuses heavily on superficial dress code violations rather than student safety. Furthermore, the instructional culture suppresses critical thinking. Students are penalized for asking questions, as staff equates respect with compliance. While this is designated as a Talented and Gifted school, the quality of leadership falls below nearby neighborhood schools like Samuel Ogle. This environment actively harms student morale. Finally, the school must stop removing critical public reviews from 2025 and 2026, as parents deserve full transparency.

There are so many disturbing things to cite about this school, starting with the incredulous population of 2600+ kids. That’s over 600 students per grade level, and there’s simply not enough space or resources to support a community of this size. In the highest tax paying city in the county, this school leave so much to the imagination. The facilities are outdated and worn down. The hallways are dark and dingy. The teachers are lackluster; they don’t even assign homework. I assume bc they don’t want the responsibility of grading 600+ assignments several times per week. There’s no homeroom classes. There’s not enough lockers to accommodate students and assignments come a month into the school year. Students walk around in their coats and carrying all their belongings all day long. Good luck catching the IT staffer who manages the schools’ devices, WiFi, etc. He’s unresponsive and unavailable always. The multipurpose/lunch room overflows. I couldn’t even witness my daughter’s first high school honors experience bc they don’t have space to accommodate parents. All of this is the perfect pressure cooker, and it’s no wonder that there’s a fight at least twice a week. It’s so disappointing and embarrassing that this is the neighborhood school. We all, especially the students, deserve better and for our tax dollars.

My twins just graduated from KES and I cannot rave enough about the teachers and staff. From the front office staff to the school nurse to the teachers and Principal, everyone exudes positivity and excitement for learning. The school worked with me and my family when one of my children was having anxiety issues. They were patient, empathic, and determined to make things better, which I greatly appreciated. Thank you KES for allowing a space for my babies to have a great elementary school experience, now off to Middle School.