Rachel Carson Elementary School
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: (240) 740-1840
District: Montgomery County Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 644 students
Rachel Carson Elementary School, a public school located in Gaithersburg, MD, serves grades PK-5 in the Montgomery County Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Rachel Carson Elementary School is a public school located in Gaithersburg, MD. 644 students attend Rachel Carson Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 10/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program data from Maryland State Department of Education, and using 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program End-Of-Course data from Maryland State Department of Education. |
| Student Growth | 8/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student Growth - Elementary Level data from Maryland State Department of Education, and using 2025 Student Growth - Middle Level data from Maryland State Department of Education. |
Posted: February 6, 2025
This elementary school provides an excellent learning environment with dedicated, tenured teachers who bring experience and stability to the classroom. The schools 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 schools strong emphasis on security and student well-being. Overall, a great choice for families seeking a supportive and high-quality educational experience.
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: February 6, 2025
Posted: October 21, 2024
It's one of the top schools in the county for elementary school kids, in one of the most fun neighborhoods to be a kid in the county, and the teachers it draws in are top notch. What's not to like?
My son has thrived in this neighborhood and school, and I'm so glad he's getting this experience.
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: October 21, 2024
Posted: February 23, 2021
Hello, I am writing this review as a current middle school student and an alumni of RCES. Overall my experience was meh. Here's why:
Homework: 4/5 The teachers always gave us a decent amount of homework, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by it but it's nothing too crazy.
Teachers: 4/5 Also pretty decent, some had great personalities some were mean. Still not too bad
Leadership: 3/5 I don't really know much about this, I don't feel like they put enough effort into this section of school.
Character: 5/5 Pretty good this spread the message pretty well and the staff is always reminding you in the hallways. Don't worry it's not that annoying
Learning Differences: 4/5 From what I've seen my school does pretty well and really tries to help students with learning differences. Not enough for 5/5 though
Bullying: 1/5 Defo a problem, I've expirienced bullying in all my years at this school. Taunts becuase of the way I talk, rumors were spread about me, Older kids were picking on me, you name it. School didn't seem to care
Overall: Decent school, just watch out for the bullying
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2021
Posted: September 5, 2020
Average experience. Disappointed on the first day of this school two years ago I could not walk my child to his 1st grade classroom even though he was new. Only kindergarten children are allowed to have their parent walk them in the first day. There are over a thousand students flooding in the front door. Never seen my child so scared. His class was nice and the teacher was sweet. But there were 28 in his classroom and he definitely got lost in the shuffle. A number of parents were nice, but theres also a lot of cliques. My child is white, but there seemed to be racial disparities in the school. Bullying unnoticed. Parents who live in the kentlands/lakelands seemed to get preferential treatment even though the principal truly tried to help with diversity and inclusion. Agree the front desk staff is grumpy.
Posted: September 5, 2020
Received little to no homework. Had no idea what my child was working on.
Posted: September 5, 2020
We had an excellent teacher. But she seemed overwhelmed.
Posted: September 5, 2020
They have a Hands Up award that seems to motivate some of the students
Posted: September 5, 2020
Principal seemed scattered and overwhelmed with the amount of students
Posted: September 5, 2020
They had reading groups based on reading level and reading specialists to help students
Posted: September 5, 2020
My son told me a year after he left that he was bullied. I had no idea nor did his teacher. Apparently it happened in the restroom frequently and no one was there to supervise.
Posted: May 22, 2019
This school is only good if youre white. Otherwise bullying at recess and lunch is a HUGE issue and there are parent aides in charge who only look after their own kids. Principal is lazy and doesnt care.
Posted: May 22, 2019
Posted: May 22, 2019
Posted: May 22, 2019
Posted: May 22, 2019
Posted: May 22, 2019
Posted: May 22, 2019
Posted: October 29, 2018
They are trying to make the kids have more leadership
Posted: October 29, 2018
Posted: October 29, 2018
Posted: October 29, 2018
I rate this school 2 out of 5 because it is dirty and unorganized
Posted: October 29, 2018
Teachers don't give a lot of homework at school
Posted: October 29, 2018
Posted: October 29, 2018
Kids at this school are neutral in kindness.
Posted: February 9, 2018
Posted: February 9, 2018
Posted: February 9, 2018
Posted: February 9, 2018
Posted: February 9, 2018
Posted: February 9, 2018
Posted: February 9, 2018
This is the most disorganized school ever. From the PTA, to dismissal. Events are not efficiently communicated. Drop off line at the kiss and ride is a nightmare. Front desk administration always grumpy. Parent "aides" during lunch and recess are a joke - there have been too many bullying instances with no intervention, since the aides are volunteer and are merely there to watch their own child. Special education resources? Good luck with getting in touch with the counselor! It's shocking and disappointing to have a school like this within Montgomery County.
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
My daughter has an excellent experience at Rachel Carson.
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Posted: February 23, 2017
Excellent teachers and responsive staff. The kids receive a solid foundation for middle school.
Posted: March 31, 2015
I personally feel that our Kindergarten Teacher needs an additional training on how to deal with 5-6 year old kids. Kids being treated like adults without much of personal guidance and supervision. Kindergarteners expected to act and deal with situations like grownups. Kids constantly sent to principle for minor misbehavior due to lack of teacher support to control the situation in a class room. Homework poorly constructed, I had to send my child to Kumon school not to be behind! This is our first year and I am not a very happy with this Blue-ribbon school. I hope the next year we will see better structured homework assignments and well trained teacher. Over all school staff is very friendly and supportive!
Posted: July 15, 2014
RCES is a great school that could use a little tweaking when it comes to their homework assignments. My son was in kindergarten last year and week after painful week we received the same unimaginative homework assignments that were varied ever so slightly to reflect what they were learning in class. It was very boring for my son and I. The staff are friendly and open to parent suggestions. I found afternoon dismissals to be a bit chaotic and disorganized. They have good academic, special education, and therapy resources. My son's kindergarten teacher who was rated quite well by other parents quickly jumped to conclusion that my focus-challenged son would not be much of a success in her classroom, even after explaining that he just needs a little more time to mature. She was wrong. During our last meeting she openly admitted that she had been wrong about my son and she had the test scores to prove it. I feel that RCES more than adequately helped prepare my son for first grade.
Posted: October 23, 2013
My son started his KG at RCES this school year. This school is great. Staff are so friendly and responsible. We are able to communicate with the teacher and always getting prompt responses. The school neighborhood is great! We have very good interaction with other parents. I really admire the school Principal's leadership. We are so glad to find this school for our son.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakelands | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Gaithersburg | MD | 0.8 mi | |
| 2 | Water's Landing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Germantown | MD | 5.5 mi | |
| 3 | Old Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 7.1 mi | |
| 4 | Fox Farm | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Great Falls | VA | 8.2 mi | |
| 5 | White Flint | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rockville | MD | 8.9 mi | |
| 6 | Norwood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Olney | MD | 11.7 mi | |
| 7 | The Willoughby | Condominium/Townhouse | Chevy Chase | MD | 13.6 mi | |
| 8 | Forest Knolls | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 13.7 mi | |
| 9 | DuMont Oaks | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 14.2 mi | |
| 10 | Iverly | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 15.1 mi | |
| 11 | Fox Mill Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Herndon | VA | 15.1 mi | |
| 12 | Hillandale | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Silver Spring | MD | 15.5 mi | |
| 13 | Takoma Park | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Takoma Park | MD | 15.6 mi | |
| 14 | Shreevewood | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 16.4 mi | |
| 15 | Falls Church City | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Falls Church | VA | 16.8 mi | |
| 16 | Barkley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fairfax | VA | 16.9 mi | |
| 17 | Leeway Overlee - N Arlington | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arlington | VA | 17.1 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentlands | Gaithersburg | MD | 0.2 mi | |
| 2 | Ashburn | Ashburn | VA | 13.8 mi | |
| 3 | Silver Spring | Silver Spring | MD | 14.6 mi | |
| 4 | Vienna | Vienna | VA | 14.9 mi | |
| 5 | White Oak | Silver Spring | MD | 15.5 mi | |
| 6 | Arlington | Arlington | VA | 15.8 mi | |
| 7 | Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 16 mi | |
| 8 | West Falls Church | Falls Church | VA | 16.3 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 11.4 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 17.3 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 18.6 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 19.5 mi. |
| NRO Chantilly | 19.5 mi. |
| Pentagon | 19.8 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 21 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 21 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 21.3 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 21.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 21.5 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 22.7 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 24.3 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 27.4 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 28.5 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 28.8 mi. |
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 36.7 mi. |
| Indian Head Naval Base | 36.7 mi. |
| Quantico Marine Base | 41.5 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 41.8 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 42.5 mi. |
| Shepherd Field | 44.1 mi. |
Refine Search
National Ad
