8309 Persimmon Tree Rd
Bethesda, MD 20817

We owe a lot to the Carderock school community. The teachers are excellent, the curriculum is strong, and the staff does what any highly rated school would be expected to do. From an academic perspective, Carderock is a great school.However, our experience with the parent community was painful. For years, we assumed the challenges our children faced must be because they were somehow difficult. We never blamed the system or the “community.” We did everything we could to be involved . I personally organized several major school events without PTA, Foundation, or staff support. I have never done so much kindness for anyone in my life.But instead of creating connection, our involvement seemed to polarize some parents, and we became even more socially excluded. To be clear, the most hurtful part was not how we were treated...we got used to being left out... but how our children were excluded. Watching that happen was devastating.That experience pushed us to make a very difficult decision: we left Carderock, sold the home we all loved, and moved to a new area so our children could grow in a more welcoming environment. It felt like losing years of our life , memories, friendships, and a community we tried so hard to be part of. It was emotionally excruciating.But leaving turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Within six months of moving, our whole family began thriving. We made hundreds of new friends, and our children are now valued, included, and happy.After we left, our kids wrote postcards to their classmates., guess what? no one replied. We mailed birthday gifts, again no one called. That confirmed to us that the door was closed, and we were right to move on.I share this in the hope that it helps new parents make informed decisions. Carderock is an exceptional school for some families, and many students will have a wonderful experience there. But for some, it does not work.For context: I am a successful professional, ex-Wall Street and a business owner, yet throughout our time at Carderock, about 99% of parents would look me up and down and then turn away. I don’t want that to happen to anyone else, especially to children.We have no resentment now. The pain ultimately led us to a happier life, and for that we are grateful

Grade inflation is rampant here - meaning a student who coasts looks on paper the same as an engaged student who does their best, which is unfair when they’re competing for the same college spots. Seriously, at graduation they ask students with a 3.8 or higher to rise, and 3/4 of the kids stand!

It is confusing and alarming that the minority African American students are only 4% of the total student population, yet their suspension rate is 6% which is near the state average of 7%. It does not make sense that their equity is high when they are suspending so many African American students.