Greenwood Elementary School

Julia Brown School Olney is exceptional! I cannot say enough good things about the place. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when we moved our daughter from a traditional daycare to the Montessori environment, but JBS exceeded whatever that expectation was. We knew it was the right fit the minute we walked into the school facility for a tour. It was clean and calm, with big well-lit classrooms that didn't feel cluttered and overstimulating. We noticed immediately that there was a sense of order and a good system, and that the children looked happy and well taken care of. My daughter loved the place from day one! She felt at home and looked genuinely happy in a way that felt visibly different from her previous daycare. She loves all her teachers and has made so many friends. She always looks forward to going to school. We're so glad we decided to keep her at JBS for the kindergarten program. She's learned so much in a short time--academically, socially, emotionally and various life skills. JBS nurtures while also encouraging growth and independence. They strike that balance so well! All the directresses and assistant teachers are absolutely wonderful too! Very experienced, and not as much turnover as other daycares in the area. It's clear to see the teachers love their jobs and they're good at it. Ms. Hunter is an amazing administrator for the school; she's also fantastic at her job!One other thing worth mentioning is the community of families at the school-- from all walks of life. Everyone is genuinely kind.Honestly, I cannot say enough great things about JBS-Olney. If you're hesitating... please stop. You can't go wrong! I highly recommend.

School is not what it used to be. Stay away. Don’t waste your money.

My family's time at this school was, to put it simply, a mistake. The educational standards are alarmingly low. It appears that students are just being pushed through the system, regardless of whether they can read or pass basic tests. Our experience suggests a lack of accountability, as standardized testing was skipped. The leadership is a major concern; the principal does not seem equipped to handle the challenges of the school. The school's physical state is also troubling, the building is old and run-down, and we were particularly concerned about the presence of mold. Despite a growing student body and significant community fundraising, the school always seems to be short on funds. On top of that, security is a serious problem, with unauthorized individuals often entering the school's playground. This school is reactive, not proactive, and the children are the ones who suffer for it. I would strongly advise parents to look elsewhere.

The teachers are the beating heart of the Upper School and they are amazing! They are dedicated and gifted professionals and almost every one goes above and beyond to make learning engaging, to seek out extra enrichment activities, and to support students when they struggle. I see the care they put into their daily lessons and the emphasis on getting students not just to memorize the "how" and the "what" but to truly understand "why this matters." They are all here because they want to be. I also see my child gaining confidence through interacting with their teachers, learning the give-and-take of seminar discussions, learning how to respectfully advocate for themselves or ask for clarification or even the occasional extension. These skills help prepare them to engage with college professors and future bosses. I am confident my child is getting an individualized and top-notch education and I know they are well-prepared for college.