8501 Topping Rd
Baltimore, MD 21208

As a Black family with two children currently attending Fort Garrison Elementary, I wanted to share our experience, which has been very different from some of the negative reviews posted here.Choosing the right school is one of the most important investments we make in our children’s future. We had the option to send our children to private school, even though it would have come at a financial cost. Instead, we decided to give Fort Garrison a chance. We are glad we did and have not been disappointed.Our children are showing steady growth academically, socially, and emotionally. The teachers—especially the more experienced ones—are truly on point. We have seen genuine care, structure, and professionalism in the classroom. While I do think the broader Maryland/Baltimore County curriculum can sometimes feel limiting for gifted students who want to push further, that is a systemic issue and not a reflection of the school itself. Within the framework they are given, the staff does a strong job.We did experience a bullying situation with one of our children. After trying to resolve it directly with the other family without success, we went through the appropriate school channels. The principal responded quickly, and the issue was addressed promptly and effectively. I was impressed by how seriously it was taken and how fast it was resolved.I understand that the school has a relatively small Black demographic, reflecting the surrounding neighborhood. However, in our personal experience, our children have been treated fairly and supported appropriately. When we have raised concerns, we have felt heard. Race is a complex issue in this country, but from our vantage point, we have not experienced hostility or unequal treatment.No school is perfect, but Fort Garrison Elementary has been a positive environment for our family. The school appears to be thriving, and we are grateful for the educators and staff who work hard every day for our children. My only regret is not being able to volunteer and support the school community as much as I would like.

Administrators are unresponsive to parents’ and students’ needs. They are also unable to get ahead of poorly behaving and violent students. You have to send about 3 emails to get 1 response. Every when issues should be elevated within the administration chain, because they are not being addressed, the school will just keep sending you back to the grade level VP. I had to give up and withdrew my child because the school was unsafe - verbal and physical assault- and school response was slow to nonexistent.

My grandson attends Pikesville High School and he has raised his grades significantly compared to the high school he was attending. He seems happier and finishes all of his home work. He has had the opportunity to stay late and get extra help from teachers. His counselor had been very responsive to all our questions and is very nice.I would recommend Pikesville High School to anyone.