Cresaptown Elementary School

Having two children go to Bel Air Elementary I can say it is one of the best schools I've seen. The teachers and staff are excellent and to be commended. Actually, they have been commended as a national Blue Ribbon School. The principal is enthusiastic and knows each child by name. The school's Parent Teacher Organization is really great and there are always volunteers working on the bulletin boards or helping teachers prepare materials. My oldest daughter was constantly discussing her reading with the school librarian and her teachers. Overall I have no complaints about the school and consider it a real gem.

Our family was part of this school for years (my husband and I are both alumni, we have family who have worked here, and all of our children have gone to school here). Teachers and staff are (were) deeply dedicated and Christ-centered. Unfortunately, the leadership of the church that oversees the school showed a consistent unwillingness to listen to valid concerns raised by staff and parents. When serious concerns were brought forward, the response from church leadership was silence, dismissal and, at times, outright hostility. Teachers who faithfully served were disrespected and mentally abused. Parents who advocated for accountability and Christ-centered resolution were labeled as troublemakers "doing Satan's work". Despite repeated attempts to seek peaceful resolution, no effort was made by leadership to engage in any kind of meaningful conversation. In the end, most of the staff resigned and most families decided not to return. A thriving, 50-year ministry in our community has been damaged by those entrusted with it's care. If you are considering this school - take time to learn who is truly leading it.