SOLITUDE Ct
Lothian, MD 20711

A great culture being ruined by a new principal who seems intent on flexing his muscles. Amy Oakes (who left in 2021) set up an incredible culture of trust and "family" It is totally being ruined by this new principal, who's only been in place a few months. The kids are no longer allowed to be on campus during breaks (can't even go the library without a pass!), forcing kids off campus. What are they supposed to do in the winter? His draconian and unwarranted new policies (without any parent input) will destroy the culture of this schoolThank god my child is a senior - otherwise we would move schools. The new principal even showed up at local restaurants to make a big show of "being in charge' if the kids (who were quietly eating lunch "made problems". He needs to put his ego in his pocket and think about servant leadership that made this school culture great.Please treat this kids as adults and with respect. The condescending attitude towards the students is really not the Littleton spirirt

Not to discount the negative experiences here, but I’m truly grateful for our neighborhood school, and I feel like my daughter is thriving. I think the school tries to set strict standards and overall works hard to ensure a positive experience for all. After years of being unsuccessful starting a club at my daughter’s elementary school, the school was supportive for starting the future city club from day 1. I know the teacher supporting the club- Mrs. Gardner best and she’s incredibly supportive of different learning styles and those who don’t fit the “cookie cutter” mold. We are definitely not cookie cutter people, but I think the school is doing a great job of creating a safe a nurturing environment. I know special education can be very challenging- the school actively tries to meet everyone’s needs. We are lucky that our daughter is on the higher percentile end of the spectrum, and I don’t feel that even her needs are being met exactly but unless you have a very low student to teacher ratio with an incredibly tailored experience, I think that’s going to be impossible. All of my interactions with the school, teachers, principal, and staff have been positive. I have felt heard, and I feel like my daughter is seen and cared for. The security guard has a fun finding the ducks game with the kids throughout the school, and there have been many occasions of fun events and activities that seem above and beyond from a typical public school experience. Newton earns a well deserved almost 5 stars from us, but I will definitely adjust if I see any reason to. I’m sorry to those families that have had a negative experience, but for those reading, I wouldn’t avoid this school. Please be positive and voice your concerns to the staff of there are any issues because I think the school very actively tries to do their best and hold everyone to positive values.

Frankly, if your child is average (meaning an 85-115 IQ), no behavioral issues, no ADHD/anxiety/other issues, is content and/or able to sit still and listen to a teacher lecture and then fill out endless worksheets, they will do just fine and you will be a happy parent. For the numerous families that I know, including ours, who have kids with ADHD, anxiety, are on the spectrum, or who just struggle, this school is an exercise in frustration. There are numerous instances that I (and other moms that I know) have been reduced to tears due to interactions with teachers and leadership. Several families that I know have left the school. I want to give kudos to the Special Ed team who helped me (and certainly my kid) maintain my sanity during our time here. To say it was challenging would be an understatement. I'm still giving the school 3 stars because my kids did learn how to read, write, and do arithmetic. If you and your kids are cookie-cutter people, all will be fine. If not, you might want to do some research and talk with parents whose kids have challenges.

Great school! Teachers and administration are wonderful, and facilities are very nice! One of the few schools in the Denver Metro offering Orton Gillingham which makes it really stand out. The teachers, principal and all the staff supporting have gone above and beyond with our children. We feel blessed to be at this school!