Brien Aly
Frederick, MD 21704

I was denied accommodations for my 504 plan suck as extra time or a separate testing space by multiple teachers. Teachers made me feel that my anxiety disorder was my fault and did not accommodate my mental health struggles. I was bullied about my weight and when I reported it nothing was done.

I've had pretty positive experiences putting my two children through this school. We attended when the school was newly, freshly renovated with our 1st child. The principal has been there since its re-opening, is calm under pressure, regularly involved, and runs a tight ship. We've had excellent instruction from several great teachers. I am impressed with the methods they employ for reading and writing. They put on fantastic school plays produced by the MET. The PTA is active and has several annual events. The teachers are generally warm, friendly, really care about the well-being of the kids. I appreciate the emphasis on teaching emotional intelligence and empathy. There have been some challenges with rowdiness and bullying on the busses, however, but the staff were quick to act each time. The classes can be a little large; the county doesn't pay the teachers enough. Many choose to live in Frederick but work in Montgomery Co. because they pay the teachers more there, so Fred. Co. loses out on the best. After COVID and nationwide school shootings, the school, understandably, put very strict protocols into practice to limit entry of anyone into the school during school hours. This made it feel much less welcoming for parents to be involved as everyone had to go through vigorous trainings in order to even enter the building. I can't blame them, but this kept my husband from entering for an award ceremony once and that was really disappointing. This hasn't kept me from volunteering in my child's classroom, library, after-school activities, and chaperoning field trips, though. I feel my kids are extremely safe, but the kids also feel a bit trapped and overly-sheltered. I guess this is better than the alternative, but certainly different than how we grew up. The Frederick curriculum has some big drawbacks, too - they don't teach about the Climate Crisis and how humans are contributing to mass extinction, and pollution. There are some radical-right members on the Board, too, unfortunately. The school used to compost, but they no longer do this. The field trips are a little boring compared to those with more access to DC and museums, but they at least have several field trips a year. There has been some favoritism towards families that are well-off, and there are MANY kids that have wealthy backgrounds. The diversity of students, however, is fairly broad, and that's refreshing. Preparing students for middle school is lacking; there were big learning curves.

Our experience at Urbana Middle was heartbreaking. Our bright, curious, and neurodivergent child, who once loved learning, ended up deeply traumatized by relentless bullying—including sexual harassment—that went unaddressed by the school. Despite clear signs of distress, withdrawal, and school refusal, the staff ignored our concerns and failed to ask why.There is little structure, no meaningful support, and no accountability for student behavior. Our child became severely depressed and developed suicidal thoughts, and the school offered no help. As a family, we’re still dealing with the lasting emotional impact.This is not a safe or supportive environment, especially for vulnerable or neurodivergent students. Please think twice before sending your child here.