Dumbarton

My daughters attended Arlington. In an attempt to register my youngest child (the others are in high school and college) for the upcoming school year I called Arlington and was met with a completely unprofessional demeanor by the the principal. Within a matter of minutes, based on the interaction, I made the decision that my daughter wouldn’t attend and so would not recommend that school. While Arlington was good for my older kids as it’s a tech school with a Google partnership, I find them lacking in their ability to manage the kids, provide a quality learning environment (overcrowding to the point students take class in hallways and portables), or even be respectful to the parents. Given the financial commitment to improve the school, I would assume the staff would also be upgraded or provided some training so they aren’t so belligerent and rude over simple questions. If I am calling to ask questions, rudely directing me to “just go online” and hanging up is disgusting.

The experience is worth it UkAnd I love the teachers

This information needs to be updated. As of 2026, the old Bedford Elementary School was razed and replaced with a new, state-of-the-art school in a beautiful, green setting. As far as the curriulum and teachers, is one of the best schools in Baltimore County.

My experience with this school has been exhaustive for so many reasons. Its cliques from families to teachers to principal and entire staff. I had to advocate for my daughters rights then advocate for my son against faculty harassment. Its frustrating that they forget they are working with families. Children should be allowed to be children. My daughter also shares that teachers who were dismissed for aggression in the past were hired back. She shared there are bullying in school. My son who is active and loves socializing was constantly reminded to fit into this school since prk. He has been singled out by the teachers through removal from activities and events without parents knowledge. As a parent I keep finding things out from my child instead of a teacher. Zero communication. In prek, I was threatened by teacher that if my son doesn't behave certain way then "she knows every teacher at Fort Garrison so it will be based on my recommendation". she retired but it sets the tone for how this place functions. Overall experience has been of adult "high school drama" and which kid is "the favorite" and will single out kids who are active and dont conform. Thats what they exemplify to kids in their classes. If you want to o succeed in this school you must be a stay at home parent who is constantly volunteering at the school. There are some teachers that are great but the rest are in desperate need of long term vacation as they seem exhausted especially kindergarten to 1st grade. Lunch ladies are yelling angrily at kids to stay quiet (lunch time and recess are the only time kids could be kids) and im glad we are getting out of this place. Its been a very long and frustrating journey at Fort Garrison.

Great school with great teachers!! My daughter has had excellent experience in learning. Her second grade teacher has really made a difference!! She loves going to SPES and all the activities that it offers.They make learning fun and enjoyable.