Rockland

I was a student of MWS from Kindergarten to the end of sixth grade, and I’d have never expected it to go so downhill after the principal changes a few years ago. To all parents, I am literally begging you not to send your kids here. The education, teachers, students, were all great years ago, but since then it has changed dramatically. There are fights almost every day, and the teachers don’t seem to do anything about it. The teachers bicker and gossip about the students like children— they should not be educators. The students being elementary and middle schoolers, they need to have inspirations. Most of the time family isn’t enough, so they take school with them too. The teachers will literally bully the students, and then the students will bully the other students. You will not be learning. In sixth grade, I had an 100 in every single class. Though, for some reason, I can’t quite seem to remember ever having any piece of work that was graded. Or any piece of work, end of sentence. The school lunch is just normal Baltimore City Public School lunch, it’s going to be bad no matter what. The staff that is hired to care about students mental health, do not care about students mental health. The staff also does not seem to care about the importance of the fact that those 8th graders are supposed to be high schoolers next year, not stingy 1st graders. Transferring was the best decision that I have ever made. I’m not joking, do not go to this school.

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.

I honestly do not know how this school has received such high ratings. I expected a school culture that prioritized equity, transparency, and student well-being, but that definitely hasn't aligned with what we've experienced.

Our daughter’s currently attend SPSG’s Upper School and have been enrolled since the 5th and 6th grade. From the first days when they made the choice to attend SPSG, they both been drawn to the warmth that exist between students and faculty and the sisterhood between the girls. We’ve marveled at the progression they’ve made as students and as people. They are secure in who they are, they laugh and enjoy their classmates and the relationships that have been developed with faculty are enviable. They truly trust the adults in that building - confiding in them through sobs when they didn’t make a sports team, and advocating for change when there’s an “injustice” like too many tests in one week. While the academics are rigorous, and they absolutely are, our girls seem to tackle each challenge with confidence. If I had it to do all over again, I’d easily choose SPSG. It’s a top choice for so many families and we’ve found such great family friendships in the St Paul’s community that we’re positive will extend beyond our girls' time at SPSG. We also love the shared spaces between the schools and the opportunities to interact with the boys at the boys school and with the youngest kids on campus (at the pre and lower school). It's truly and unique and special place.