Norwood

Sherwood Elementary School sure has changed over the years. Ever since the current principal took over, Sherwood has gone downhill quick. It used to be such a cheerful sunny place, with a glowing reputation that continued for years. Historically, Sherwood was always in the 8-9/10 range. Now, things are very different. The current 7/10 rating is a huge stretch. Slowly but surely, all the best teachers have left. Staff morale is down. Families who are able are leaving en masse- and it's not because of the pandemic. The teachers aren't teaching, and the students aren't learning. There is little classroom control, and equally, little to no consequences for the children who repeatedly misbehave. It's not safe. There is no homework, and little accountability is placed on the students academically or otherwise. The main focus is on the test scores. Children are not getting the academic, social, or emotional support they need. Parents on the whole are unhappy. All of this is directly related to the administration. It all comes down from the top. Sadly, Sherwood is no longer the safe, sweet thriving little school it once was. Sherwood Elementary School sure has changed, and sadly, it's not for the better.

School is good but the teachers getting touchy with my children is a big problem, and everyone at that school just shrugs it off like it’s no big deal.

Our experience at Brooke Grove was SUPERB! We were coming from another section of MoCo and were blown away by the teachers, the level of engagement, and the quality of teachers. What a FABULOUS community school!

My family's time at this school was, to put it simply, a mistake. The educational standards are alarmingly low. It appears that students are just being pushed through the system, regardless of whether they can read or pass basic tests. Our experience suggests a lack of accountability, as standardized testing was skipped. The leadership is a major concern; the principal does not seem equipped to handle the challenges of the school. The school's physical state is also troubling, the building is old and run-down, and we were particularly concerned about the presence of mold. Despite a growing student body and significant community fundraising, the school always seems to be short on funds. On top of that, security is a serious problem, with unauthorized individuals often entering the school's playground. This school is reactive, not proactive, and the children are the ones who suffer for it. I would strongly advise parents to look elsewhere.

We love and trust Mater Amoris Montessori School! The huge wooded campus combined with the exceptionally practiced AMI Montessori education cannot be beat. Hiking trails, a creek, child-tended gardens, chickens, rolling hills for sledding, multiple playgrounds, and fresh air from being out in the countryside! Knowledgeable, passionate, hardworking, and kind educators who are experts in their craft in warm and inspiring classroom spaces filled with natural light. You could not find a more nurturing, stimulating, or respectful place for your child to grow. Alumni all over the DMV truly become misty-eyed when recalling their formative years at this school. We are in our fifth year at Mater Amoris, with children at the primary and elementary levels. As a mom of three and an AMI-trained Montessori guide, I am delighted that our family has found our place. We are excited and grateful about many more years to come at Mater Amoris Montessori School and in their wholesome and engaging school community!

The teachers are the beating heart of the Upper School and they are amazing! They are dedicated and gifted professionals and almost every one goes above and beyond to make learning engaging, to seek out extra enrichment activities, and to support students when they struggle. I see the care they put into their daily lessons and the emphasis on getting students not just to memorize the "how" and the "what" but to truly understand "why this matters." They are all here because they want to be. I also see my child gaining confidence through interacting with their teachers, learning the give-and-take of seminar discussions, learning how to respectfully advocate for themselves or ask for clarification or even the occasional extension. These skills help prepare them to engage with college professors and future bosses. I am confident my child is getting an individualized and top-notch education and I know they are well-prepared for college.