Wheaton-Glenmont

My kiddo completed 1st grade and is now in his 2nd grade year at Bel-Pre. In my experience, this school has excellent teachers with trash administrative staff and leadership. Again, This rating is not a reflection of the teachers, aides, or paraeducators - Only the admin and leadership. Actually, I have NEVER felt welcome at Bel-Pre as an EFL citizen (English as a First Language) and Special Needs Parent. Upon arrival, if you are not Spanish speaking, YOU CAN WAIT. You will wait to be assisted if there are other Spanish speaking parents also waiting to be helped. At first I thought I was imagining it, but I was not. The front office staff does not even greet you until you speak to them first - Or of course unless you appear to be Spanish speaking. It's very strange and off putting. No matter how friendly you are to them, they are stone walls - unless of course your appear to speak Espanol. Does it matter how friendly the secretaries are - Definitely. They set the tone for the entire establishment. By the way - My child is Autistic and minimally verbal. Imagine the cringe of entrusting him to extremely unfriendly authority every morning. Nightmarish to say the least. In regards to the leadership - The Principle is not respected by her staff , it shows - And now I understand why. She is a one dimensional leader. Not fit for the task of ensuring that her AND her immediate staff makes everyone feel welcome - including plain ole' English speaking citizens as well as the neuro diverse community. In violation of FAPE, My child was initially turned away, on his much anticipated, first day of school because the Principle failed to prepare for his needs.(As outlined in his IEP) I was told "I'm warning you that he is not safe here!" My kid is still recovering from the anxiety of that day. (as if he does not have enough challenges) In true poor leadership form, there was zero acknowledgement, zero apologies, and zero accountability. She has followed up with the same unprofessional behavior that she condones from the front office staff - No hello, smirking and eye rolling. I had no idea that my kid would not be welcome at Bel-Pre for his 2nd grade year. If I had known, I would have moved mountains to make sure that he never returned there. Last year in first grade, His teacher, peers, and the Special Education staff welcomed my kiddo in all his unique, Autistic glory. This year leadership decided that they did not want to do the work. He was NOT welcome.

My boys (K and second grade) love this school. They are eager to share with me what they learn when they get home. Teachers communicate with me regularly and send home optional homework. The PTA is very active and there are extracurricular activities after school and through Kids After Hours.