Murch Elementary School

While a few teachers and certainly the families at Lafayette are dedicated to a positive learning experience, the administration, starting with the activist principal is unfortunately sub-par at best. The principal rules with a top-down approach and often disregards parents' concerns, waving off the "policy-educated" parents in DC. This method ensures there is limited criticism or interference of the many nonsensical approaches to handling any kind of bump at this school from bullying to other behavioral issues. This school is equipped to handle children with clear developmental delays, requiring an aide, or kids who are within the "norm". For kids, especially rowdier boys with any kind of neurodivergent temperaments such as ADHD (which many kids now are diagnosed with!), this school is not for you. They can not adequately manage boys with ADHD or higher energy kids - simply cannot - no matter what they promise. They are very worried about possible outbursts and/or disruption in the classroom in case a DCPS official walks by. It's a "not on my watch" , old-school approach. Rowdier boys are called out as trouble-makers, impacting their self-esteem, made to sit solo or supervised by the principal, and, at worst, placed on a safety plan (which is usually reserved for older kids). The teachers are fearful of making mistakes and the counselors are left overwhelmed and undermined by the principal. While the neighborhood and community are stellar, this school for kids with stronger temperaments and higher energy will be very challenging - the admins are not open, welcoming, or flexible enough for those families. There are plenty of other great elementary schools in NW DC with a different, more humane, and child-centered philosophy including Murch and Mann, even if they aren't perfect. Know your kiddo and try to adjust to the best learning environment for them.

Based on our recent personal experience and conversations with some of the parents, Eaton Elementary is not best suited for children with special needs. Evaluations were taking a long time; there were examples of special needs children being bullied by their peers, and the LEA Representative was often inaccessible. I must say that we had a wonderful experience with other children and parents. The occupational therapist was great, very devoted, and S&L therapist and psychologist were fine too. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there was shockingly unethical behavior of the general education teacher and LEA Representative, which should have led to a disciplinary action. It is unfortunate that such unreliable persons found their place in Eaton.

The best school in DC BY FAR! Every single one of the staff members are very engaged with all of the students. They recognize and know each and every student by name. They foster and nurturing loving environment to make all new students and current students feel welcomed and heard /seen. They operate that if a private school so there are so many programs and courses before and after school for the children. They are learning at such and accelerated rate that my 5 year old who has never been to school has already learned how to read in a matter of months. They teach social studies, math, reading, writing anything you can imagine you name it to their kindergarteners. Imagine what is being taught to the upper level grades. They do not miss a beat on informing parents and keeping us up to date with what goes on at school. They are very transparent and interactive and available whenever you need them. There’s just so much good to say about this school I’m absolutely in love with the environment. I’ve seen nothing but kindness from all students. No bullying everyone is very supportive of one another which I love! Another great thing is that students who are struggling a little in a subject are taken out of class and into McAllen groups to help keep them ahead with their peers in whichever lesson they might be needing xtra work on instead of not caring and letting them fall behind.

Just would like to see more equity and fairness across the board. Treat each student as though they matter and just treat some.

MSCC is a wonderful school. Our son has been attending for the past year (from 1.5 to 2.5 years old), and my husband and I are continually amazed at our son’s social, emotional, and developmental growth. The toddler teacher, Ms. Pfefferman, is an amazing teacher and caregiver. Her love and care for her students is so special and I love watching my son develop strong bonds with her and all of his friends at school. Our friends abs family constantly comment how advanced our son is in all aspects of development and we know it is because of this school.

NPS is a special place that focuses on your child developing as a whole person through a loving community, character building, and strong academics. We have loved the experience and feel privileged to be a part of it! Thanks to the Head of school and deliberate efforts by the administration, it is becoming much more diverse and we see this in both our children’s classes where more that 60% of the students are people of color.

Awesome, cool school. Great for learning and stuff.