Garrett Park Elementary School

We love the school! Our son loves the school.. It's in a great neighborhood!

10 years ago, we found White Flint Children’s House for our oldest daughter. She immediately liked the place and had three wonderful years there. She developed strong reading and math skills and also made friends that she still spends time with. Now our two younger children are also in WFCH. During COVID, we saw the loss of some teachers and programs, but the school has rebuilt most of them in the last year or so. Our 6 year old is in the kindergarten program. The teachers and the programs helped her overcome the social-emotional challenges brought on by COVID, and gain the same confidence and strong academic skills her sister had. Our 2 year old has been in the toddler program since he was 18 months, and also seems to really enjoy the company of his teachers and friends. Ms Margaret, the head of the school is the most dedicated teacher / administrator I have ever met! The school also has a very diverse student body and many kids with multiracial / multicultural background. We believe that 3-6 years are the most critical years in a person’s development, and we feel lucky to have found WFCH for our kids.

My child left this school last year. I was deeply alarmed by what became clear when she was enrolled at a new school. Her reading comprehension was abysmal, as was her spelling level for her age. And as for french, she knew basics but nothing beyond that! French relatives and online programming have taught them more. They also don't inform me of any issues with spelling or reading, even though I can see it in previous work. I should have paid more attention. That's my responsibility. But there's absolutely no excuse for this. Additionally, they weren't proactive in resolving bullying and gendered harassment our child experienced, and didn't stay the course in creating healthier emotional development. Don't invest in this school. If multi cultural, bilingual learning is important to you, or actually necessary, please seek other resources in Philadelphia, or the surrounding areas. Find french tutoring. Enroll them in local programs. I'm speaking from my heart, from my family experience, and I wish you and your family the best in making these very difficult decisions.

Fernwood Montessori is a wonderful AMI Montessori school. It used to be called Lone Oak years ago. Our experience with the school has been nothing but positive, from the nurturing teachers to the involved administration. Our children are thriving and we feel confident that they are getting an authentic montessori experience. The school has been over the whole time during the pandemic and we are very grateful that our kids have been able to go to school in person, and have a sense of normalcy. I would recommend this school whole-heartedly.

I love this school so much since it's a trilingual school once you reach 6th grade. The after school activities include theatre, basketball, volleyball, chess, running, swimming, soccer... The bus drivers are very nice towards everyone and if you have after school activities, you get picked up at 5:30.