Relay Elementary School

I would like to share my experience as a parent of a former student at Elkridge Elementary School. While the school may have strengths in academic programming, our family's experience raised serious concerns about equity, inclusion, and the overall treatment of students from diverse racial backgrounds.During the one year my daughter attended, we observed patterns that suggested unequal treatment. As a Black family, we felt that our concerns were not taken seriously, and that our child was not given the same level of support or encouragement as some of her peers. It seemed that students from certain backgrounds — particularly white students — were prioritized and better accommodated.We were also troubled by the lack of diversity among the teaching and administrative staff. With a staff demographic that appears to be overwhelmingly white, it was difficult not to feel that cultural understanding and sensitivity were lacking. This became especially apparent in how behavioral or academic concerns involving students of color were handled.Additionally, many staff members live in the surrounding neighborhood, which may contribute to an insular environment. This can sometimes create unconscious bias, whether intentional or not, especially toward families who are new, different, or from underrepresented communities.Due to these challenges, we ultimately decided to move our daughter to a different school where we felt she would be better supported and valued. We hope that Elkridge Elementary — and the broader school system — takes steps to invest in diversity training, inclusive hiring practices, and open dialogue with families of all backgrounds.Every child deserves a fair, respectful, and welcoming educational experience. We sincerely hope that improvements can be made so that future students and families do not face the same challenges.This country has the potential to be truly great — but only if we continue to confront and eliminate racism in all forms, including in our schools. Our children deserve better, and we can all do better.

All three of my children attended AES and absolutely loved it! The teachers and staff are so dedicated and genuinely care about the students even after graduation! My only complaint is the drop and pick up congestion. I wish the parents cared more about following the rules and not parking in front of the no parking zones in front of the library. It inhibits cars from pulling into the car rider pick up line and buses pulling in. Also parents park, then walk their child across the street making it dangerous to pull out. Why not just use the car rider loop?

The administrator went out of her way to ensure my very apprehensive kindergarten child was able to be escorted to class each day at the beginning of the school year. The team of teachers made sure to keep me abreast of his day and social interactions.

I cannot say enough good things about this center! When someone first told me about it 4 years ago, they said it was like an extended family. Now, almost four years later, I can say this is so true! I have had three kids enrolled over the past few years and my oldest stayed to join in the kindergarten program. He has thrived in that program and was reading just a few months into the school year! They have a great curriculum and structure in the classroom. We have had a kid enrolled in every one of the classrooms at this point and all of my kids love it and each of the teachers in the classrooms from the infant room to the kindergarten room are amazing! We have been so happy with the care. It is their home away from home!

While the school community is welcoming, the academics fall far below the expectations of the local public school district. Both administrators are former middle school teachers and are ill informed about early childhood and elementary education and cannot provide the level of professional development that the elementary teachers desperately need. Parents have raised concerns over the lack of academic rigor and small group instruction for years only to be told "it's coming." If you hold administration accountable, they will call in one of their superiors and quickly suggest that you find another school. If you value your child's academic experience and want a collaborative partnership with a school for which you pay tuition, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. St Augustine has a lot of potential, but there are no mechanisms in place to bring the academic rigor beyond mediocre and the administration seems completely clueless as to how to effectuate positive change to improve student outcomes.