Ehrmansville

I would like to share my experience as a parent of a former student at Elkridge Elementary School. While the school may have strengths in academic programming, our family's experience raised serious concerns about equity, inclusion, and the overall treatment of students from diverse racial backgrounds.During the one year my daughter attended, we observed patterns that suggested unequal treatment. As a Black family, we felt that our concerns were not taken seriously, and that our child was not given the same level of support or encouragement as some of her peers. It seemed that students from certain backgrounds — particularly white students — were prioritized and better accommodated.We were also troubled by the lack of diversity among the teaching and administrative staff. With a staff demographic that appears to be overwhelmingly white, it was difficult not to feel that cultural understanding and sensitivity were lacking. This became especially apparent in how behavioral or academic concerns involving students of color were handled.Additionally, many staff members live in the surrounding neighborhood, which may contribute to an insular environment. This can sometimes create unconscious bias, whether intentional or not, especially toward families who are new, different, or from underrepresented communities.Due to these challenges, we ultimately decided to move our daughter to a different school where we felt she would be better supported and valued. We hope that Elkridge Elementary — and the broader school system — takes steps to invest in diversity training, inclusive hiring practices, and open dialogue with families of all backgrounds.Every child deserves a fair, respectful, and welcoming educational experience. We sincerely hope that improvements can be made so that future students and families do not face the same challenges.This country has the potential to be truly great — but only if we continue to confront and eliminate racism in all forms, including in our schools. Our children deserve better, and we can all do better.

A right place for learning and teaching

This school is more of an International school than a Canadian school when majority of their staff and teachers are international temporary workers. Their teachers are recruited from out of the country and are hired as teachers but with no BC teaching license. They leave every year making it a high turnover rate school. Less than half of the staff are Canadian and Canadian certified teachers. A fellow parent and I transferred our kids to another school with a more stable Canadian certified and consistent staff.

My experience at Arundel Christian School has been disappointing. In my opinion, the school places unrealistic academic expectations on students while offering limited flexibility. One of the biggest concerns is the requirement of a 75% to pass classes. While high standards can be beneficial, this policy can create unnecessary stress and make it difficult for students who are struggling to recover academically.Another major concern is how difficult it can be to transfer to another school. From my experience, the transcript system and academic policies can create challenges for students looking to move elsewhere. Families should carefully research how credits, grades, and transcripts may be viewed by other schools before enrolling. The process can feel much more complicated than it should be, making some students feel stuck rather than supported in pursuing the educational path that is best for them.Another issue is the number of teachers who seem to leave the school. Several good teachers have departed, which can affect consistency and the overall quality of education. It often feels like students are expected to adapt to constant changes rather than being provided with stable support.I also feel that the school environment is very family-centered and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Because of this, students may not receive as much exposure to diverse perspectives, experiences, and opportunities that could better prepare them for life beyond the school community.Additionally, I believe the school places a strong emphasis on tuition and fundraising. At times, it can feel as though financial contributions are prioritized more than student concerns.Diversity among faculty is another area where I think improvement is needed. In my experience, there are very few African American teachers, and greater representation among staff could provide students with a wider range of role models and perspectives.Overall, while some families may have a positive experience at Arundel Christian School, my experience has left me feeling that the school needs greater transparency, more balanced expectations, stronger teacher retention, easier transfer processes, and a broader connection to the world outside its community.

We’ve had a wonderful experience at Hanover Hill Elementary! The teachers are caring, patient, and dedicated to helping every student succeed. The school provides a safe and welcoming environment where kids are excited to learn each day. Communication with parents is excellent, and there’s a great sense of community. Highly recommend this school to any family looking for a strong academic and social foundation for their child.