Fields Road Elementary School

This school is struggling significantly. Despite the dedication of the teachers, the mandatory immersion program is poorly conceived, as evidenced by the test scores. No adjustments have been made post-pandemic to address the substantial decline in performance, leading to a significant gap in fundamental skills necessary for middle school. Innovative ideas are often rejected under the pretense of “equity,” which the school interprets as treating everyone equally at the lowest common denominator. It is perplexing how a public school can enforce an immersion program on families, and MCPS has been unwilling to offer Change of School Assignments (COSAs) for parents who wish to opt out. Additionally, my children have been assaulted and have repeatedly had their learning disrupted by emotional outbursts from classmates, with minimal intervention from the school to address these issues.

They made my child walk 7 laps during recess when she did nothing wrong at all. And the staff in the lunch room recorded my child without my permission. She is in 5th grade

My son have been at SMES sinse 1st grade, and he loves it. We are very happy with the administration, school-parent communication, atmosphere, and education at SMES.

This elementary school provides an excellent learning environment with dedicated, tenured teachers who bring experience and stability to the classroom. The school’s management is generally effective, fostering a positive and well-organized atmosphere. The facilities are well-maintained and in good condition, creating a comfortable space for students to learn and grow. Additionally, the school boasts a diverse student body, promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness. Most importantly, I always felt that my children were safe here, thanks to the school’s strong emphasis on security and student well-being. Overall, a great choice for families seeking a supportive and high-quality educational experience.

After our initial acceptance into The Goddard School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, our experience took an unexpected turn. Despite the joy and relief we felt upon being accepted, the owner's subsequent decision to reverse this acceptance was both surprising and disheartening. This review reflects our experience, aiming to provide other parents with insight into our journey with this institution.Communication and Reliability: 1/5The most challenging aspect of our interaction was the lack of consistent communication. After the excitement of acceptance, the reversal of this decision by the owner, without a clear explanation or sufficient notice, significantly impacted our plans and trust in the school's administrative processes.Transparency: 1/5The reasons behind the sudden change in our acceptance status were not transparently communicated to us. A clearer understanding of the criteria and decision-making process would have been appreciated, as it would have helped us better prepare for alternative arrangements.Impact on Family: 1/5The unpredictability of this situation placed a considerable strain on our family, disrupting our scheduling and causing unnecessary stress. The excitement of securing a spot, followed by the disappointment of its retraction, was a rollercoaster of emotions for us all.Overall Experience: 1/5While we cannot speak to the academic or developmental aspects of The Goddard School, our pre-enrollment experience was far from satisfactory. The unforeseen reversal of our acceptance not only caused logistical challenges but also left us feeling valued less by the administration.In conclusion, our encounter with The Goddard School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, was unsettling and disappointing. For parents considering this school, we recommend seeking clear, written confirmations regarding acceptance and maintaining open lines of communication with the administration to avoid similar situations.