St Marys Elementary School

Posted: August 2, 2023

Posted: August 2, 2023

Posted: August 2, 2023

Posted: August 2, 2023

Posted: August 2, 2023

Posted: August 2, 2023

Posted: August 2, 2023

Wonderful School Teaching respect and a Christian behavior

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

I currently have two children at St. Mary’s School- one in 2nd grade and one in kindergarten. They are new to the school this year (my older child previously attended MCPS) and I could not be happier with my decision to enroll my children at St. Mary’s. Their teachers are wonderful. They are clearly talented and dedicated educators and I have been so impressed with my children’s academic growth. But even more importantly, thanks to St. Mary’s small class size, their teachers have had the opportunity to really get to know my children, and they are thriving because of that. The other thing that I truly love about St. Mary’s is the sense of community at the school. School leadership makes a very obvious effort to cultivate this sense of community by making programs like the Kindness Club, Big Buddies, and Mustang TV a part of everyday life at school. On top of that, the school also hosts numerous activities outside of school hours. Events like their Midsummer Block Party, Back-to-School Picnic, Trunk-or-Treating, art show, Christmas show, and St. Nicholas Festival have not only allowed my children to build strong friendships with their classmates outside of school but have also given me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other parents. My family and I are very happy with our decision to enroll at St. Mary’s and I whole-heartedly recommend it to others.

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

Posted: June 30, 2022

St. Mary's has been a wonderful, warm and happy place for my children. My kids range in age from preschool to junior high and I have been very impressed with the teachers and the quality of education. The class sizes are small and the teachers and support staff have been incredibly loving and supportive. I have a neurodivergent child and the teachers and administration have been responsive and supportive.

I have found the community to be inclusive, friendly and diverse. Teachers seem to really know and care for the kids and have been swift to assist with concerns over social or academic issues. When I noticed that my junior high aged child was starting to take school less seriously, the principal was willing to personally address the situation, which was particularly helpful.

Homework can be lighter or heavier depending on the teacher, but I have found that the teachers are very responsive to parental feedback and, most being parents themselves, never want it to become a burden.

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

Good school if your child does not have learning disabilities. My children were ridiculed and berated for their inabilities to perform. They were both “put down” in art class by the same teacher. Teacher/student bullying is real at Saint Mary’s and they call it discipline. I do not “buy into the Saint Mary’s way”. The facility is too punitive and condemning to children.
Spare the rod and save the child. Holy Bible

Posted: June 12, 2020

Like all schools, some teachers are wonderful and other need additional training and some should find a new calling. If you are looking at this school, take it on a case by case basis and really ask questions about your child's teacher. Some teachers and teacher's aides would benefit from more professional development.

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

The leadership at this school is severely lacking. There is an overall lack of organization that ends up being disruptive to the educational goals of the institution. Additionally, communication from administration is often indirect, unclear and poorly worded. I think that a more effective leader would help move the school in the right direction.

Posted: June 12, 2020

There are zero resources for students with learning differences. Additionally, there is no effort on the part of staff to connect families to any resources offered by the ADW. If you child has a learning difference please choose another school. This one simply isn't equipped to serve students who need additional resources or support.

Posted: June 12, 2020

Posted: June 12, 2020

This is tough. There were many aspects of the school that were wonderful at first but as we became more involved we began to see more of the deficiencies that really pointed to a lack of effective leadership and we began to regret our choice by not realizing that this wasn't a good fit earlier than we did. If you are considering this school (or any private school for that matter) ask about its long term strategic plan, enrollment, financial stability and their plan for Fall 2020 especially as it relates to distance learning.

Posted: June 12, 2020

I believe that the school's approach to homework for elementary aged students is outdated. Current educational research shows that there is little value in assigning homework at this level (especially if it is not project based) There is a tendency to assign 3-6 worksheets or workbook pages in lower elementary grade per night so you can spend up to an hour doing worksheets when you child should be playing.

Posted: November 18, 2019

Posted: November 18, 2019

Posted: November 18, 2019

Posted: November 18, 2019

Posted: November 18, 2019

Posted: November 18, 2019

excellent- admin will meet and work with parent who have concerns and are open to parental input- students are very close and kind to one another

Posted: February 22, 2019

Teachers are not effective at this school

Posted: February 22, 2019

No type of respect no type of being honest and no manners

Posted: February 22, 2019

No leadership they don’t respect or responsibility

Posted: February 22, 2019

If your kid has learning disability or difficulties he or she will be treated poorly

Posted: February 22, 2019

They don’t care about kids getting bullied they don’t even have no type of discipline for students .

Posted: February 22, 2019

Not a good school . Good location but not a good school . Principal has a lot of degrees but no professionalism

Posted: February 22, 2019

Stay away from this school . Teacher don’t know how to teach . A lot of bullying going on .

Posted: November 18, 2015

This second year for my daughter in this school and she goes to second grade. I am satisfied with her behavior as well as educational growth day to day. Teachers challenge the students to get the best out from each one of them, overall I love the school.

Posted: November 18, 2015

Posted: November 18, 2015

Posted: November 18, 2015

They try their best to teach values to the kids, I am saying this because I could see my daughter catching up something good and talking about it with me at home.

Posted: November 12, 2015

As a long- time parishioner at St. Mary’s church in Rockville, I was very excited to send our eldest child to St. Mary’s school in the fall of 2015. The school has exceeded all of our expectations in just a few short months. What we love about St. Mary’s, in no particular order:
1. Parent involvement – Parents are encouraged to be an active part of the school community and made to feel valued. Parents are expected to volunteer, participate, and partner with the teachers. As a result, there is a sense of camaraderie among the parents, as well as with the teachers.
2. Sense of community – Both the school staff and parents feel a sense of responsibility for all of the students, and everyone has a common goal of making the children feel safe and cared for while holding students to a high standard, academically and behaviorally. There are many fun and educational school-wide activities that bring the student body together in the evenings and on the weekends. In addition, the school supports the community at large through fundraising, donations, and volunteering.
3. Teachers – The teachers at St. Mary’s are clearly dedicated, motivated individuals who really want to make a difference in the lives of children. You often see the teachers at school after hours, participating in school events, and they seem to get great joy from being a part of St. Mary’s. Students don’t just come to school to learn to read and write. Their personalities and moral development are nurtured by the teachers, and children learn to be respectful, confident, empathetic, and caring. The student body is culturally diverse.
4. Academics – Children are challenged appropriately; teachers are able to meet the children at their level and help them progress to the next. There is a variety of specials throughout the week, such as music, art, PE, technology, Spanish, and guidance. The school utilizes technology where appropriate to reinforce the classrooms lessons at home. There is a variety of after school clubs and sports, as well as field trips.

Posted: November 12, 2015

We have been so pleased with this school and the education that our son is receiving here. He transferred in from public school last year, and the teachers have been amazing with helping him in the transition. I truly feel that the staff here cares about our children and the education that they receive. What a wonderful community St. Mary's is, and I am so glad that we have the chance to be a part of it. My daughter will start school here next fall.

Posted: November 12, 2015

Posted: November 12, 2015

Posted: November 12, 2015

Posted: October 13, 2014

We are new to this school and are amazed at the sense of community and quality of education. My daughter in middle school is being prepared for high school with block scheduling and organizational classes. My younger son is happy with the teachers, schedule and creative way the curriculum is administered. The teachers truly try to engage the children no matter what their learning style is. I was very sad to read the review from the graduate posted here. If anything, my children are more empowered in the few short months they have been at St. Mary's

Posted: September 8, 2014

I went here and hated this school. All it does is prepare you to be scared in life. If you value your children's future, DO NOT send them here.

Posted: March 13, 2014

I am a parent with 3 children at St. Mary's and we have had a wonderful experience. I am a working single mom and I have found St. Mary's teachers, parents, students, and community wonderful! I feel like everyone has welcomed and accepted me and my children with open arms. The kids get a good solid education. the specials ie. music, art, Spanish, and technology seem outstanding. I am extremely pleased with the caring environment that St. Mary's offers. I have never heard any parent say anything but high compliments for the school! I appreciate that Father Gallagher and Principal Eisel are available to greet the kids outside every day. There is a wonderful sense of community. All the teachers and staff seem very involved with all the kids. I am a very involved parent with much higher standards than almost anyone I know and my children have attended other schools but I have been extremely pleased at St. Mary's. I also think the building and facilities are extremely good compared to the other Catholic and small private schools I toured, many of which had much higher tuition. I would highly recommend to my friends, family, and others!

Posted: February 25, 2014

St. Mary's is a wonderful school with great teachers and excellent administrators. We have two children in the school who are growing academically and spiritually. The church leadership is involved and all the parents create a vibrant community. There is a reason why this is a blue-ribbon school.

Posted: January 25, 2014

As a long time St. Mary's parent, I have been pleased with the overall experience. St. Mary's is a welcoming, supportive community. The school has afforded my children opportunities that have helped them develop into kind, happy, intelligent, confident people with strong Christian values. My high schooler was well prepared to take on an honors curriculum in high school. St. Mary's follows the same ADW curriculum that other area Catholic schools follow, and has qualified, dedicated teachers at all levels who take an interest in each child's success. In addition to the core academics, St. Mary's offers superior art and music education and numerous extra curricular activities. Best of all, my children are happy to go to school each day.

Posted: January 17, 2014

This school is a true gift for my kids and I know they will talk great things about St. Mary's when they grow up and move on to their lives! My kids love this school. They feel loved by their teachers and are beginning to nourish friendships with their classmates. There is a lot of focus on passing on faith values through service and different classroom projects. You don't get this on a regular school. Academically, I feel that my kids are attaining a sense of independence or ownership with everything they learn and do, and I must attribute that to their teachers. The school hours are so convenient and I always feel that my children are well protected and taken care of every day when I drop them off at 7:30am until I pick them up after 3 P.M. For us working parents, this is very convenient. I love seeing that priest, Fr. Gallagher?, and the principal, Mrs. Eisel, greeting and welcoming my kids at the door EVERY DAY. It's just amazing. The school is also open to parents volunteering in many activities but also they don't force you like in other schools. There is a good spirit here, I think.

Posted: July 12, 2013

We had our 5 year old son in St. Mary's pre-K and have had problems with his teacher, who's name I will leave out of the review. The new principal we also found unprofessional on many levels, she missed 2 meetings with us and never showed, only to call us 3 weeks later. Overall, for the money we could find a better schools with more caring teachers.

Posted: March 25, 2013

Both my children have attended/graduated from St. Mary's in Rockville, Md. The experience was exceptional. The teacher's take a very active interest in the success of their students, they stay in close contact with the parents, and are willing to help in any way needed. It's not just a school it's like an extension of family. The community of parents and students also very tight.The success of each student is of great concern to the faculty as well as the parents. I do not regret sending my children to this school and I recommend St. Mary's to any parent who is looking for a school with a great academic curriculm as well as a safe and loving environment for their child/children. Our moto is "Christ is the reason for our school" need I say more.

Posted: February 26, 2013

My son goes to St Mary's. Our experience has been wonderful from the start. Academically, the school is top notch. The combination of the fun......celebrating holidays, special days and holy days, makes for a perfect learning environment. I also like how the school gets the children involved in social concerns.

Posted: February 26, 2013

My daughter has attended St. Mary's School for 7 years. She has always been adequately challenged and offered enrichment when she has mastered the grade level requirements. She has been taught great study skills and has been taught a good work ethic. She has had very good relationships with all of her teachers. The faculty and staff are warm and welcoming, always willing to communicate about my child's progress. Having had the experience of sending children to public school, I appreciate that the teachers at St. Mary's are here because they love the children and teaching the word of God. There is a very strong catholic identity within the school. The school goes to weekly mass, quarterly benediction and rosary. I like knowing my child is safe and feels safe at St. Mary's. Parents are always welcome but are asked to comply with all child protection policies. The parent community is very involved in parish activities for the children and is supportive to the other families. I feel the St. Mary's community is like extended family.

Posted: February 26, 2013

My kids go to school at St Mary's. They are very happy and although we had a few bumps along the way, it was all for the best. No school or child for that matter is perfect! What helps is the open communication, the respect and committment shown by the teachers and the principal. I love the fact that the school has increased it's after school activities - Art, Dance, Drama, Chess, Scouts, Robotics, Newspaper and Yearbook Clubs and now Scratch as well as the seasonal sports during the year. My kids love meeting their friends after school, and we as parents get to socialize and catch up. It's a great community.

Posted: February 25, 2013

We have three kids in St Mary's. All three started in preschool. I love the school and its wonderful community. My children are growing up in a loving, faith filled environment. They go to church every Friday as a school, they say the rosary together, and they practice their religion in every day school life. The principal and teachers are open and caring. My kids feel safe and secure. They never compain about not wanting to go to school and wake up every morning happy to go to their 'second home'. It is a small community compared to some schools, and that is why it fits us perfectly. I think our kids do better in a smaller environment and they get more inidivual attention. St Mary's has also received the National Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence which effectively puts the school among the very top nationwide. If you are looking for a Catholic Education, I highly recommend St. Mary's.

Posted: February 8, 2013

The first thing I noticed about St. Mary's was the wonderful community. Our oldest son attended from Pre-K until graduation. It is dismaying to me to see these negative comments on here because it truly made my son a wonderful, empathetic, giving person. He is excelling at a private high school and will have life-time friends from his St. Mary's experience. There were certainly bumps along the way, but overall it was a wonderful experience for us.

Posted: February 7, 2013

I have two children at St. Mary's and my oldest graduated in '12 and is attending a private Catholic high school. I am an involved member of the school and parish community. While no school experience is perfect, I feel as if St. Mary's strives to teach to the entire child which is an invaluable lesson. Certainly as important, if not more so, that math and English. There have been undeniable adjustments with a new principal but the numbers do not point to a mass exodus in the middle school years as the current 6th grade class has nearly the capacity 30 students. There are small classes within the school, some in the primary and some in the upper grades and all for differing reasons. unhappy folks can be found in every school and situation, you owe it to yourself to tour the school to get the sense of community and warmth that only a personal visit can yield.

Posted: February 5, 2013

St. Mary's is truly a warm, caring community. The students are well-behaved and kind to others. The Responsive Classroom curriculum is phenomenal and fosters this caring environment. You will not find a more nurturing environment for your younger children. HOWEVER, the academics after the early childhood years leave much to be desired. As students approach the upper grades, there is an exodus as families see the writing on the wall.

Posted: January 27, 2013

Excellent parent community with supportive teachers, pastor and priests that help to form a truly well-rounded student. While the principal is new and is still making some adjustments, with the help of the other leaders of the school community and the dedicated teachers, we know there will be great results as there were in the past! I totally disagree with the two prior disgruntled parents that have posted here (or perhaps delusional - a child was bullied "by a parent with money" - very hard to believe!) St. Mary's deserved its honor as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence!

Posted: January 27, 2013

St. Mary's has been great for our 3 kids. They are well adjusted in mind, body and spirit. The Pastor is 100% behind the school and its activities. The parent community is very active and embracing. I know when we had an issue with something at the school we went to the teacher or principal directly to resolve the issue, not some anonymous web site to bash. St. Mary's is a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for a reason...

Posted: October 11, 2012

Very disappointed. The former principal was extremely lovely, caring, true believer in charity and community but believed in discipline! Current principal although highly educated is NOT a leader. Very political! This one knows who keeps the school open - the long timers with money. Parents who are cliquey and if you have a job and can't volunteer much you are NOT welcome! Some wonderful teachers and the support staff is great! Curriculum is okay.Nice music program, drama.Extracurriculars ok. Leadership is below average. The enrollment is down which should tell you something. My son graduated from this school after transferring in 7th grade - he struggled freshman year! He is excelling in EVERY class now in honors and AP but at this school was considered a 'problem' who had an 'adjustment' problem because we were military. Not impressed. My youngest started here until in 2nd grade she was bullied by a parent with money and influence (we were told not to use the hottest buzz word to describe her situation). We transferred to another blue ribbon Catholic school and are doing VERY well. She used to struggle with math but for some reason it is her favorite subject now!