Shepherd Elementary School

We love ESS. It is a focus school so class sizes are small, and it’s a smaller school with mostly walkers. Two of our teachers have been fantastic, one was not and resigned but the administration communicated well with parents and ensured a smooth transition. I like how families are so engaged with the school and practically everyone comes to school events. The school also has a magical atrium garden that grows tons of food for students, including grapes, strawberries, paw paws, and salad. The school is diverse and always communicates in 3 languages (English SpaniSh and Amharic). If you want a school with engaged families, good teachers, and diversity, come here!

My son attended this school for two years before we moved to get away from this school and their sad excuse for leadership. My son was the victim of violence on several occasions at the hands of the same aggresor. Every time I brought the incidents to the Vice Principal, I was given the same answer, they would talk to the children. Every altercation was instigated by the same child, and nothing was ever done but the Vice Prinicipal had high hopes, that by doing nothing something would change... As time went on it became very difficult to get my son to go to school. He did not feel safe there and I can't blame him. I can't stress enough how disappointed we are by the lack of action of this administration. I've never said this about a school but I HATE this school and I am so excited to leave this community in the past.

I am the proud dad of two young boys who are have come up through Lowell's Pre-K and are now in 1st and 4th grade. This school is incredible. Lowell has done so much to support our kids academically and socially, including during the difficult pandemic years. Our boys love going to school, and they have a vocabulary to express their feelings in amazing ways. The teachers are first-rate and the small classes and first-name basis with everyone has helped our kids feel like they are part of a real community that has a set of progressive, shared values. The campus is awesome, too, from the classroom spaces to the beautiful outdoor front field and playground spaces, plus being across the street from Rock Creek park. I was a public school kid, but my wife sold me on the benefit of a K-8 school, and I'm so glad she did. We are so glad we chose Lowell, and we know our kids will see benefits from the school throughout their lives.

I have been a parent of Quality Time for about 8 years. My daughter attended the daycare from 2 years old until the pandemic and now my son is 4 in the PreK program. I consider Quality Time a part of the family. Considering that my daughter is now 10 and I still remember all of her teachers, this place has truly made an impact in our lives. She's had a strong academic journey thanks to the amazing start at this center. Since leaving this center, my daughter has excelled academically and continues to be at the top of her class. My son is also doing well. I will be sad the day that I have to say goodbye this part of our chapter.