Leonardtown Elementary School

Posted: April 20, 2023

The school prides itself on its test scores. Unfortunately, that's the singular priority for administration. We've had students at Leonardtown for 7 years and what was a lovely school has been very negatively affected by high staff turnover since the current principal started.
Discipline is incredibly inconsistent. Each of my kids has had a bully in their class, and little to no corrective action has ever been taken. The discipline is haphazard and blanket punishments means kids who are behaving suffer the consequences of those who are not. Meanwhile, kids with actual special needs are punished for behaviors they cannot control. I was told more than once that my child's ADHD and SPD issues might be solved with "better discipline at home." Parent input is welcome as long as it's hours and hours of volunteer time or effusive praise. Efforts to engage in addressing problems result only in the family being flagged as problematic. My neurodivergent child needed a 504 and it wasnt until he moved to another school that the staff put in the time and care to make it a useful tool for him. Blanket solutions were all Leonardtown could offer.
Student initiative is discouraged. The 5th grade wanted to have an end of year ceremony, the principal said the school board banned them. I have yet to see this in writing anywhere and other schools are having them. A student put together a petition and before even reading it, the principal went into each 5th grade classroom and tried to convince the students they had been deceived by a classmate because "no one wants a ceremony." The petition had signatures from about 75% of the class. Students were afraid they'd get in trouble for signing the petition. For a school that preaches "above all else, respect," I've personally experienced very little of that from Leonardtown Elementary School.

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: February 26, 2020

On a scale of 1-10 I would rate my experience here a 2.
While the school may seem to do well with educating the average or high average student, they lack severely in the ability to educate students with disabilities who may require even a little extra support.
When trying to advocate to get your child support the school seems to red flag you and you get the cold shoulder or ignored. I have 3 children (one with special needs) and moved here from VA 3yrs ago and am shocked at how poor this school measures up to the few schools in VA my kids were in.

Posted: February 26, 2020

Too much homework given not allowing enough family time in evenings and feels as if parents are expected to teach at home with the type and amount being given. This takes away kids time in evening to spend with family and the ability to enjoy being a kid.

Posted: February 26, 2020

I have been pleased with daughters kindergarten and headstart preschool teachers but have been very disappointed with my 4th grade son with disabilities, teachers who either appear to not care or lack training/experience in educating kids with special needs.

Posted: February 26, 2020

Posted: February 26, 2020

Upon moving here from VA 3 yrs ago with a son who has special needs, we have been fighting the school ever since to try to get him the supports he needs and due to this the staff in charge of IEP and 504 now act annoyed and cold with us.

Posted: February 26, 2020

This school seems to lack resources and staff qualified to help children with special needs which results in my experience to them pushing my child thru with poor grades so therefore the next year he falls even further behind.

Posted: February 26, 2020

There was a kindergarten student who had behavior issues using foul language, disrupting class, hitting and kicking other students in head and stomach including my child who was punched in the back so hard she cried til nose bled. Myself and a couple other parents reported this to Principal, yet the bully was still in class daily doing the same violent behaviors and after 3 meetings with principal who kept making excuses for the bullying child and child was never punished for daily violent behaviors, I contacted security at school board by email about the incidents only to receive a call from Principal who was not happy about my email as I found out it was simply forwarded back to her! I assumed I could report this anonymously!
While principal was not happy with me contacting school board the next day the child was put into a different class to get the obvious help he needs. I dont feel this was handled professionally by school officials and while I may not be liked much by them now at least my daughter isnt crying because shes afraid to go to school.

Reviewed: April 24, 2012

This school has a great reputation.