Monarch Academy
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Phone: (410) 760-2072
District: Anne Arundel County Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 • 678 students
Monarch Academy, a charter school located in Glen Burnie, MD, serves grades K-8 in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Monarch Academy is a charter school located in Glen Burnie, MD. 678 students attend Monarch Academy.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 7/10 | 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: May 14, 2026
Posted: May 14, 2026
Posted: May 14, 2026
Posted: May 14, 2026
Posted: May 14, 2026
Posted: May 14, 2026
Posted: May 14, 2026
Since starting as a new family at Monarch, my child has had so many issues with her peers. They are in kindergarten, and it is very surprising to see the large number of children in the class, but even more surprising is the number of children with special needs. A lot of the children have behavioral issues that are very disruptive to the learning environment. I feel like the teachers "try" to address the issues that occur, but frankly, there are just too many kids. My child has been hit by other children, and really, there aren't any consequences. I like how Monarch tries to create a family-like environment, with events and such. No child likes school, but it's beyond what I ever imagined, and I don't know if we will be back next year.
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
Mr.Joel is a horrible principal that treats the kids terribly, most if not all staff members are very ignorant and rude they also hand out incident reports for no reason and overall I wouldn't send your kid here
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
Posted: February 12, 2025
when kids were getting bullied the teachers and helpers helped greatly.
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Posted: February 2, 2025
Special needs kids are a huge problem. They are allowed to continually be disruptive and violent towards other students and even staff. There are no real consequences for them because they are "special needs". Monarch does not have the proper staff and support for these kids. It makes learning hard for the other kids. Lots of bullying going on and again, no real consequences. Huge lack of communication in the school too. There are some really great teachers.
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: August 18, 2021
Learning-wise, it was ight. Prided themselves on making the student a better person. Personally, classes were easy, I just had to do the bare minimum. BUT THEY HAD THE BEST AND MOST INVOLVED TEACHERS THAN ANY OTHER SCHOOL I'VE BEEN TO! So for that, they get 5 stars.
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: August 18, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Both my students are thriving at Monarch. The students are engaged with real world experiences through learning Modules. They have hand on experiences that focus on Modules across various topics (Pollinators, Birds, Frogs, Mechanics, Schools Around the World, The Water Cycle, Chespaeake Bay Animals, etc.) In Kindergarten my kiddo could describe all the steps of the Water Cycle...I was stunned since that's info I learned in HS.
They also have Student Led Con where students present their learning to their parents/care givers. Th is really allows the students to develop confidence and practice presenting skills.
Overall, we've been here 4 years and love Monarch Academy.
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 26, 2021
Posted: February 23, 2019
There is a learning support team to address learning differences.
Posted: February 23, 2019
There is no bullying that I'm aware of.
Posted: February 23, 2019
Keeps parents well informed. Provide a safe and healthy learning environment for the children. Would like to be more informed on PTA meetings and activities.
Posted: February 23, 2019
Great! Great Teaching Staff and Support Staff!
Posted: February 23, 2019
It depends on the grade. Elementary school seemed to give well-balanced homework assignments. Middle School can do better. Math and Science Homework is solid! English/Humanities students need more homework to reinforce vocabulary, grammar and writing. Band program does a good job tracking instrument rehearsal.
Posted: February 23, 2019
For the most part, most teachers appear to be very dedicated to student learning. Areas of improvement would be to provide reinforcement exercises in areas where students may be lacking (Math does an extremely good job - Thompson)
Posted: February 23, 2019
Student are required to adhere to their 6 habits: Perserverance, Responsibility, Inquiry, Collaboration, Service and Compassion. (at least I think there are only 6)
Posted: October 13, 2017
Posted: October 13, 2017
Posted: October 13, 2017
Posted: October 13, 2017
Posted: October 13, 2017
Posted: October 13, 2017
Posted: October 13, 2017
Kids have been at this school for 7 years now (K-6) and simply is perfect for our family. The educational model (TranzEd) is amazing for hands-on learning and keeps the kids engaged. Our 2 kids (6th and 2nd) don't like Fridays because they are off for 2 days for the weekend from school is how much they love this. The administration is superb too.
Posted: September 7, 2017
Posted: September 7, 2017
This is our second year with the school and so far it has been a great experience for our student. However, we will probably send our child to our local middle school or a private middle due there being more extracurricular/IB options elsewhere. I do love the community atmosphere of the school. I love that my kid has projects and presentations where they can work in a team and practice public speaking. My kid is a hands on learner and she has had many opportunities to learn while doing. Communication with her teachers has been great.
Posted: September 7, 2017
Posted: September 7, 2017
Posted: September 7, 2017
Posted: August 18, 2017
Posted: August 18, 2017
Posted: August 18, 2017
Posted: August 18, 2017
Daughter has really thrived at this school.
Posted: August 18, 2017
Posted: August 18, 2017
Posted: August 18, 2017
Posted: May 22, 2017
If you are looking for leadership that is great from the top down, this is not the place for you. The principal is uncommunicative when you want her to be and delegates everything except the dozens of emails and text messages we get a week. She has absolutely no knowledge of what is occurring academically in any of the grade levels and admits to handing off responsibility to the dean of academics. She even hands off lunch room issues. The discipline in the school is inconsistent at best, but mostly ineffective.
Posted: May 22, 2017
There is strong administrative support from the 504 program and for those students who require additional help. The in-classroom support could use some professional development with the teachers. There is zero support in the lower grades for advanced students who would benefit from advanced materials or a gifted program. The expeditionary learning model should benefit both groups, but does not seem as strongly supportive of this as it could be. More differentiation is necessary to allow both groups to achieve their goals.
Posted: May 22, 2017
Some of the teachers model bullying behavior when they punish the classes for not behaving. Bullying in the classrooms is handled differently by different instructors. When children feel threatened, sometimes are afraid to say anything. The school will often "forget" to inform you of issues when your child has been threatened or bullied, unless you contact them.
Posted: May 22, 2017
The school preachers its "Habits of Excellence" which include "contribution" and "responsibility." However, the only examples of these are including children who did not break rules in "collective punishments" and a lack of responsibility from faculty when they make a mistake. The lack of respect for teachers seems to be a big problem. Students only respect a few of the faculty and excessive time that could be spent learning or doing other activities is spent trying to quiet students and have them follow rules. In their cultural art times, students are often made to line up and re-enter classrooms until they can perform this task properly.
Posted: May 22, 2017
Lower grades have optional homework that is not graded. This works well.
Posted: May 22, 2017
We have mostly had a good experience with the teachers. They do seem to have a high turnover rate and mostly very inexperienced teachers.
Posted: May 22, 2017
Our experience was mainly neutral until this last year. Major issues have been swept under the rug and the school is in need of an administrative overhaul. Unnecessary communications are excessive and necessary ones are almost nonexistent. The main subject teachers and the art teacher have been very good, but a school is only as good as the people who run the programs. The teachers often have their hands figuratively tied when it comes to academics and discipline.
Posted: October 14, 2016
Our son started last year at Monarch as a Kindergartner. For him, the teaching style and flexibility afforded the teachers to depart from tradition was a good fit. He is a child that can get easily bored and distracted. From what we've experienced at Monarch, he's engaged. From where he began, he's made great strides in reading & math while at Monarch. Of course, every parent will have to decide whether the school and approach to learning is the best fit for their child. Our experience with teachers have been wonderful, and both his K & 1st grade teachers have been very open to communication. There is great sense of working as a team with your teacher, administration, Monarch community for your child's success. I share this last aspect after hearing from other friend's and their schools. Apparently not everyone gets weekly updates of what's going on the classroom, what they will be learning during the week, etc. I would recommend checking out the school and making your own decision/conclusions. For every family it will be different, but every child and their needs are also different and very specific.
Posted: October 14, 2016
Posted: October 14, 2016
Posted: October 14, 2016
Posted: October 14, 2016
I appreciate that these are introduced to the students and begin to model for students positive models of character, who/how we can make a positive impact in this world.
Posted: October 14, 2016
Posted: October 14, 2016
Homework should not be something that is rushed though in the midst of after-school activities/sports. I appreciate that we have monthly homework which we can take the time to work through with our 1st grader at a good pace. It becomes more of a tool for reinforcement than a thing to check-off and get over with.
Posted: September 24, 2016
Posted: September 24, 2016
Posted: September 24, 2016
Posted: September 24, 2016
Posted: September 24, 2016
Posted: September 24, 2016
Posted: September 24, 2016
I love this school my son has become a whole new person here! He is much more happier and much more interested in learning! Monarch is a school that focuses on the students needs and what is best for each student! I love love love the community and support my son has here! He has gone from a C student to an A student! All the staff here are happy and nice and really care about each child!
Posted: August 8, 2016
My daughter has been a student at Monarch's Baltimore campus since kindergarten. She was one of the first students to attend the school when they opened in 2012, so she has been around for all of the changes. She is now going to the 4th grade. I will tell you this- the school is wonderful. The staff are supportive and their curriculum is impressive. My daughter reads on a 5th grade reading level (although we work with her at home also.) She is also learning Spanish and plays the violin, which is amazing, considering most inner-city schools have done away with Music from their curriculum. I can't imagine any parent having something negative to say about Monarch when you consider the poorly run schools in the area. For a school that's been open only four years they are developing swiftly. I plan to keep my daughter there as long as I can. So far, her campus only goes up to 6th grade.
Posted: June 30, 2016
The teachers at Monarch Academy spend a lot of time creating Expeditions for the students that must meet the needs of the students at their level of learning. In addition they participate in weekly professional development classes- more than what is expected from a teacher in the county. The teachers respond quickly and professionally to parents via email or phone call within an acceptable amount of time.
Posted: June 30, 2016
Posted: June 30, 2016
Character education is infused throughout the lessons. The students are held accountable for their actions through the Student Support Center (SSC) and the parents are encouraged to share concerns with the school.
Posted: June 30, 2016
My children have attended Monarch Academy for the past two years after transferring from private school. Not only were they welcomed with open arms, they embraced the learning environment and the culture of the school. My children come home excited to share what they have learned about through their Expeditions and field work. They are academically challenged by their teachers and staff and Character Education is infused throughout the day. My eldest took advanced classes this year- Algebra 1 and Spanish 1. Our other child was in STEM Math and all of our children are above grade level in reading. My children have flourished in this atypical classroom environment. If you are seeking a traditional program you won't find it here. And while there is not an opportunity for afterschool programs, there is before and after care to meet the needs of working families. There are also several "electives" Middle School students can take during the day that you would never see in a traditional school such as yoga, musical theater and Earth matters. We feel strongly we have made the best decision for our children to attend Monarch Academy. The faculty and staff are committed to the students and the school building is inviting and beautiful as well.
Posted: May 1, 2016
Posted: May 1, 2016
Posted: May 1, 2016
Posted: May 1, 2016
This is not a great school. Staff members are unprofessional. And some kids at this school is treated unfairly because of their skin color and this is very sad.
Posted: January 23, 2016
Horrible school. Really a waste of time in trying to get your kids in this school
Posted: January 23, 2016
Posted: January 23, 2016
Posted: January 23, 2016
This school has a problem with dealing with African American students. And they don't teach the students any social skills
Posted: July 9, 2014
All three of my children are enrolled at Monarch. We have been enrolled since the first year they opened. My kids love their school. I couldn't imagine my kids going any where else.
Posted: May 19, 2014
Miononarch is an innovative school - the expeditionary learning model has been great for my son. Looking at topics across multiple disciplines creates a deeper understanding of the concepts. We wish there was more communication from the teachers, and advanced learners are not as challenged academically as they could be, but it is an excellent school.
Posted: October 16, 2013
This is my son's second year at Monarch. He absolutely loves it. He was in private school before. Monarch is a close second. I think they would rate as high as a private school if they weren't forced into the public school model of student/teacher ratio (high). In his private school there were 14 students to a teacher and an assistant. At Monarch, it is about 20 to one teacher. Despite this ratio the teachers do a phenomenal job with their students. My son has continued to maintain his reading at one grade level above. I especially like the school's approach to learning. I am confident in the future success of the students at this school.
Posted: August 17, 2013
My son has been at Monarch since the school opened. I would not want him to anywhere else.
Posted: July 20, 2013
We absolutely love Monarch Academy! The teachers and administration are engaged in the learning and development of the students. I was very impressed with the kindergarten classes this year. The emphasis on projects and fieldwork always kept my daughter excited and wanting more. My daughter was reading before starting at Monarch, and at the end if her school year she now reads on a 2nd grade level. The work of all the teachers at Monarch is outstanding!
Posted: July 4, 2013
I would not recommend this school to anyone. There is no disciplinary structure, making it hard for students to learn and for teachers to get support from administration. Furthermore, there are no extra-curricular activities or honors-level classes in middle school. Teachers are more concerned with being politically correct than teaching important curriculum. Bad behaviors in middle school get ignored, as administration thinks if they just show "love and caring," a child's behavior will turn around. That has proven ineffective. Bullying and cyber-bullying takes place on a regular basis, and racial tension is high. Please, DO NOT send your child(ren) to this school!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Village Town Homes | Apartment Complex | Severn | MD | 7.4 mi | |
| 2 | Cape Arthur | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Severna Park | MD | 7.6 mi | |
| 3 | Carrollton Manor | Area of Town | Severna Park | MD | 7.8 mi | |
| 4 | Westridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Severna Park | MD | 8.1 mi | |
| 5 | The Provinces | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Severn | MD | 8.1 mi | |
| 6 | Landing | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Elkridge | MD | 8.3 mi | |
| 7 | Shelter Cove Luxury Apartments | Apartment Complex | Odenton | MD | 8.7 mi | |
| 8 | The Greens at Locust Chapel | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Ellicott City | MD | 10 mi | |
| 9 | Midway Common | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fort Meade | MD | 10.1 mi | |
| 10 | Canterbury Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Arnold | MD | 10.7 mi | |
| 11 | Harvest Run | Condominium/Townhouse | Odenton | MD | 11 mi | |
| 12 | Piney Orchard at Pinedale Courts | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Odenton | MD | 11.1 mi | |
| 13 | Crofton | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Crofton | MD | 13.6 mi | |
| 14 | Eaton Square | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Rosedale | MD | 14 mi | |
| 15 | Phythian Apartments | Apartment Complex | United States Naval Academy | MD | 14.8 mi | |
| 16 | The Point at Annapolis | Apartment Complex | Annapolis | MD | 14.9 mi | |
| 17 | The Residences at Park Place | Condominium/Townhouse | Annapolis | MD | 15.3 mi | |
| 18 | Tidewater Colony | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Annapolis | MD | 15.4 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anne Arundel County | Pasadena | MD | 5.4 mi | |
| 2 | Severn | Severn | MD | 6.2 mi | |
| 3 | Baltimore | Baltimore | MD | 7.6 mi | |
| 4 | Severna Park | Severna Park | MD | 8.1 mi | |
| 5 | Cape St Claire | Cape St Claire | MD | 13.2 mi | |
| 6 | Laurel | Laurel | MD | 14.7 mi | |
| 7 | Annapolis | Annapolis | MD | 15.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Coast Guard Curtis Bay | 1.7 mi. |
| Fort Meade NSA | 9.9 mi. |
| Annapolis Naval Station | 15.2 mi. |
| US Naval Academy | 15.4 mi. |
| Walter Reed Medical Center | 29.6 mi. |
| Marine Barracks Washington | 30.1 mi. |
| Washington Navy Yard | 30.5 mi. |
| Andrews AFB | 30.6 mi. |
| Fort McNair | 31.4 mi. |
| Coast Guard Headquarters DC | 31.6 mi. |
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | 31.7 mi. |
| Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia | 32.9 mi. |
| Pentagon | 32.9 mi. |
| Fort Myer | 33.4 mi. |
| Henderson Hall | 33.7 mi. |
| Mark Center Alexandria | 37.2 mi. |
| Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church | 39.6 mi. |
| Fort Belvoir | 44.3 mi. |
| Fort Detrick | 47.7 mi. |
