Mt Rainier Elementary School

Posted: June 12, 2019

Speaking from a first grade perspective: The teachers assign homework and activities but are not oppressive in follow up or requiring that it be turned in. This is a win-win. If you are a millennial parent in the camp of "it is a violation of the UN Charter on Human Rights to require my kid to do homework" then you are golden. If you are in the camp of "I need to teach my kid to be responsible because some day they will have assignments in the workplace" then you are also golden.

Posted: June 12, 2019

The current principal has worked really hard to raise the quality of teachers. Our teacher experience has been very positive so far.

Posted: June 12, 2019

MRE has a strong focus on respect, peace and being a good member of the community. They support this through school-wide events and celebrations when they achieve a certain number of peace days.

Posted: June 12, 2019

The principal and vice-principal have been responsive to concerns specific to my daughter. They have also been responsive to feedback about their leadership.

Posted: June 12, 2019

My daughter came in with a pre-k education and her teachers have worked with her in kindergarten and first grade to make sure she is challenged and have worked to address her approach to learning.

Posted: June 12, 2019

Not sure how to answer this since my kid has probably been the bully a few times. She doesn't admit it and we have never received a report but I suspect its true.

Posted: June 12, 2019

Schools are what you make of them in many cases. If you are expecting to send your kid here and then have zero involvement or follow through at home or at the school with their education then this school may not meet your needs. If you are white and/or middle class and your kid has only been raised around that and you are fearful of exposing your child to anything but that then this may not be the school for you. This is a very diverse school with a lot of kids qualifying for free/reduced school meals. If your goal is to prepare your kid to be a functioning member of an increasingly diverse society then this school and the teachers will set your child on that path. If you are looking for a school with opportunities to be involved in your child's education then this school should work for you. I rate it five stars because nothing is perfect and everything and everyone has room to improve and grow.

Posted: June 12, 2019

MRES is one of the smallest schools in the entire Prince George's county---it has a cozy neighborhood feel that is unusual for the area. My son is in the second grade and so far all three of his teachers have been great. It does struggle a bit with resources but there is an active PTO that has grown every year since we started. There are many opportunities to get involved and the small size makes it easy to make a difference. The school has implemented an Arts Integration program for the past few years, taking advantage of its location in an Arts District.

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Posted: April 14, 2017

I find the building and staff inviting. I believe the staff sincerely cares about the well being of the students. I observed the dismissal and found it very orderly.

Posted: August 31, 2013

My daughter just started Kindergarten & this school has been very frustrating! I've been trying to get involved & stay on top of things since registration but have been unsuccessful. First of all, we were never notified that there was an orientation or a supply list. When we got the list it was very generic (ex- "glue sticks". How many do they need?) It took a full week of school before I got any papers to sign (emergency forms, lunch forms, etc)& that was after I had to pester the teacher about it. I have no idea what she is learning about in class & there are NO notes sent home about rules, behavior, curriculum. In the mornings, the doors are left wide open & anyone can come in or out. I do not feel comfortable with that at all. I was also trying to get my teaching certification since last year. I tried to do my practicum hours there & had called & emailed the school almost daily from Feb-May and NO ONE had responded to me about what I would need to do to get my hours in there. I've decided to move a little ways down the street so my daughter can go to a better school.

Posted: June 4, 2013

My child just graduated from Kindergarten. Mount Rainier reminds me of my elementary days, being very traditional and community oriented. I admit that my child should be more academically challenged because she is an advanced reader. However, my sincere belief is that they, with help from the parents/community, are truly striving for excellence. As a former educator, I know that finding veteran teachers, and those with strong emotional intelligence can help a program thrive, and surpass expectations. One suggestion might be to make the school a teaching school, allowing college interns assist the veterans/current teaching staff in formulating highly effective curriculum and lesson plans.