4536 Middleton Ln
Bethesda, MD 20814

BCC was overall a good academic experience, with supportive teachers who genuinely help students succeed and prepare for college. On-level and honors classes are manageable, while APs are challenging and stressful. The school offers many APs, honors, and electives. The building is large but not overcrowded, with decent facilities. Guidance counselors are kind but busy, so outside college guidance can be useful. The school is very diverse, with many clubs offered. However, some groups of students push religious beliefs and may pressure vulnerable students into Sunni Islam. Safety incidents like lockdowns, bomb threats, guns on campus, and a carjacking have occurred, but this is common at nearby schools as well. That said, if you choose your friends carefully, avoid negative influences, and stay aware, the environment can be safe and positive. I would say BCC is best for independent, confident, goal-oriented students who make smart choices.

Somerset Elementary school is a diverse, culturally rich, international community, with excellent leadership and staff, and with a very engaged parent community as well. Everyone is welcomed and treated with respect. The school nourishes its international character and celebrates diverse cultures. It also provides academic excellence and individualized approach to students' learning. In our experience so far, it is clear that Somerset sets the children ready for success in further education. Most of the teachers and staff that we encountered would go above and beyond to get the best outcome for their students. We could not be more grateful for being part of Somerset ES community.

I am a former middle school teacher. I have a special needs son that is on the spectrum but he is adamant to be on grade level and treated like everyone else. He prefers to fly under the radar with his disability and has been very successful with masking behaviors. The teachers understand this characteristic, they respect it, and they really have helped him to reach his full potential. He is doing well in all of his classes, and he loves school for the first time ever. I am so impressed with this school.