Marie Reed Elementary School

My experience at this school is great so far, when we first came back after summer break it was kinda wild like fights and stuff but now it has gotten more safe and students cosequences. we are a very organized school and the teachers and staff are great, and the students are OK, there is no bullying in the middle or elementary school. So, so far this a great school year right now.

As a parent, in-class parent volunteer, parent chaperone (had to clear an FBI background check and get finger printed), PTA representative, I was very excited about Ross. But what I saw over 4 years, was deliberate withholding of FAPE from dozens of students especially those with any kind of dyslexia or learning disability. Why would the smallest school in DCPS, in Ward 2, always under enrolled, withhold reading supports to students eligible for an IEP? Ross leadership would not hear that 1 in 5 people have dyslexia. That people with dyslexia are super bright thinkers, and are more able to adapt because that is what they always have to do. Ross refused to offer supports to its teachers and supports that would not have come out of the Ross school budget. Ross leadership is focused on raising money from the the parents of the lower grades to pay for everything in the school. Dyslexia is usually recognized and or diagnosed btwn 2-5 grades when the work gets harder, and yet it can be detected as early as pre-k. Ross refused phonics and to give teacher training in Child Find- a federal and state law. Why would Ross NOT even support its own teachers in academic expertise? People want to teach as a small school, so why is there an intense turnover rate of teachers at Ross? For 10 years, Ross leadership refused to place a parent representative on the Personnel Committee so that the parents could have input on teacher hirings. Why? Parents, PTA, and LSAT signed a petition and sent it around to OSSE and others for Ross leadership in order to force a placement of a parent on this committee. This letter also demanded that Ross leadership hire non-white teachers, to hire racially diverse, teachers, representative of DCPS. Why did this have to happen? Ross could be a vanguard of change. It could be an incredible school for reading and writing, and why not? With this focus, students from 2-5th grades would stay rather than leave in a mass exodus in 3rd and 4th grades and/or leaving the DCPS system altogether. DC Council passed The Decoding Dyslexia bill- Ross Leadership should take everything in that bill and run with it!! It should become the top example for how the measures in that bill can turn around an entire school especially after 3 yrs of COVID school shutdown, Canvas, Teams, etc...(spring 2020, SY 2020-2021, fall 2021).

HD Cooke and the staff there has been a great support to me and my granddaughter. I greatly appreciate all of them. Great School. 10 stars if I could.

This school is exceptional. They are dedicated, mission-aligned staff who respect the historical legacy that OA carries. This was the first bilingual school in the Northeast US, and every day they work to honor the Salvadorian immigrants who built this place, and all the families (from around Latin America and the world) who continue to make it incredible. I am honored to have my kids here with this team.

Our 2nd grader has gone to Garrison since kindergarten and we cannot say enough good things about the school. From the principal to even the security, everyone is engaged with the students. The principal is a constant presence and knows all the students. There is a sustained effort to communicate with the parents. We feel like the faculty is invested in our child's education. Highly recommend.

After touring this school to enroll our then 3yo I knew this was a special place. The teachers have been such an incredible support emotionally and educationally. They have cared for my child in a way that has helped her grow into a kind, loving, and intelligent individual. We do not speak Spanish in the home but our kid is now fluent and speaks like a native. This is a special place that provides everything and more to facilitate a safe, loving, and rich environment. Highly recommend!!

My child is having a wonderful experience at St. Augustine because the teachers are experienced and caring. The teachers are always available to meet and discuss any questions that I have regarding my child's education.The parish community supports the student body academically and spiritually. I have been very pleased with this school.

I have been working at Aidan for several years, and it has been such a meaningful experience. I’ve learned so much from our dedicated and talented teachers, and I’m constantly inspired by the collaborative and supportive community here. One of the best parts of Aidan is the shared growth mindset—we’re encouraged to keep learning, improving, and helping one another succeed. I feel very accomplished as both an educator and a professional because of the opportunities I’ve had here.