Hammond Elementary School

Posted: February 24, 2026

Going downhill with new leadership. Special education is non responsive seems to have taken a severe turn for the worst and staff turnover has massively increased. Three stars for the fact that there are still many fantastic teachers there.

Posted: February 24, 2026

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Posted: July 9, 2024

Very good school. My kids love it

Posted: July 9, 2024

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Posted: May 30, 2024

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Posted: May 30, 2024

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Posted: May 30, 2024

Posted: May 30, 2024

This school has too many children with uncontrollable behavior issues - other students at the school are routinely traumatized, threatened with violence, and forced to endure a learning environment of constant disruption and chaos. While one cannot help but feel compassion for these traumatized young children, an entire school cannot suffer at the expense of a few. The administration does not have the resources to handle these children and just tolerates outrageous behavior on a daily basis. The teachers try their best and are overall well meaning, but simply cannot be good teachers in this environment and are routinely quitting as they cannot take it anymore. TRUST ME - DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE IF YOU EXPECT THEM TO LEARN AND NOT NEED CONSIDERABLE THERAPY WHEN THEY GET OLDER.

Posted: May 23, 2022

My children have been at this school for 4 years and we have had a very positive experience.

We chose to move to this school pyramid because the school demographics are diverse. We have mixed race children and wanted a diverse background so that they would be surrounded by peers of all races. HES has a very good balance of children of all races, and minority representation in all areas is higher than the national averages. There is also a good mix of socio-economic diversity so that my children understand the concepts of privilege and compassion and learn how to be inclusive to people at all socio-economic levels.

As for the teachers and staff, we have had wonderful support from the front office staff to the teachers to the paraeducators (counselors, special education teachers, and other support staff). My children love school, love their cohorts and love the staff. My children want to participate in many of the extracurricular activities because the school fosters a wonderful sense of community. So when there are special events outside of school hours, my children actively want to see their friends, fellow students and the staff for special events. This sense of community helps make my children enjoy the school and the atmosphere and want to learn. They have thrived in this setting.

The pandemic was a very challenging time and my children had difficulty learning remotely. The teachers did a wonderful job trying to accommodate the students and families remotely in a very difficult setting. The children were so grateful to be back to in-person school and returning to school after such a challenging period only increased their desire to learn and be in school. The teachers did a really great job in transitioning the children back into in-person school, adapting to the varying degrees of learning loss and bringing the children up to speed at or above grade level.

I do want to make a comment about some of the lower ratings (3 stars and 1 star). I think it is unfair for Great Schools to leave such old reviews up. All of the 3 star reviews are from 9 years ago and the 1 star review is from 10 years ago. In that time, the principal has retired and the former assistant principal is now administering the school. Many of the teachers have changed from that period, so the school is very different from when those reviews were posted. Reviews from more than 6 years ago should be limited.

Posted: May 23, 2022

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Posted: March 13, 2022

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Posted: March 13, 2022

We have been a Hammond family since kindergarten. The teachers communicate well with parents. My son has a diverse group of friends. This school is a 10/10.

Posted: March 26, 2020

Outstanding! Safe learning environment, safe walk to school and back home for students living in surrounding neighborhoods, challenging curriculum, knowledgeable educators, & caring administrators.

Posted: March 26, 2020

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Posted: September 23, 2019

This school is amazing! From the kindergarten observation day to the Open House, and through the 1 month of school, I have attended PTA night and new family night. Teachers are amazing. Administrative are taking good leadership. Even the parents attending those activities are very involved and caring. Overall it's a very good environment for a good child's well being. Parents, the great school rating is not going to lead to an accurate judgement of the best environment for children. Nurturing a child is a long process. Be patient! Life is not just a test the teachers help preparing in the 3rd grade.

Posted: September 23, 2019

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Posted: September 14, 2019

This school is amazing. If this school is a 6/10 I am supremely curious to know what is required to be a 10/10 because in my experience this school is a 10. I have the unique experience to say this as parent who transferred their child from a private school and feel this overall experience has been far superior minus the 1300/mo cost. I can't say enough about how amazing this school is from the front office, to the school nurse, to the classroom teachers and the auxiliary teachers. HES is an amazing school all the way around!!

Posted: September 14, 2019

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Posted: August 21, 2019

Excellent, overall our child has had great relationships with her teachers and peers.

Posted: August 21, 2019

The teacher provided guidance on how and what to study so our child could keep up with the curriculum.

Posted: August 21, 2019

Our child has had very attentive and dedicated teachers.

Posted: August 21, 2019

Posted: August 21, 2019

We have been happy with the actions and work by the senior administrators

Posted: August 21, 2019

Posted: August 21, 2019

They quickly addressed two situations in which our child was being bullied and it did not happen again. We closely monitor this

Posted: May 10, 2019

Principal of the year says it all and this achievement goes all the way down to everyone else!

Posted: May 10, 2019

Posted: May 10, 2019

Posted: May 10, 2019

All around, superb and diverse school worth bringing your child to learn!

Posted: May 10, 2019

Having weekly reports is helpful to identify progress.

Posted: May 10, 2019

Teachers and staff really care about their students!

Posted: May 10, 2019

Posted: March 25, 2019

Posted: March 25, 2019

Posted: March 25, 2019

Excellent environment that feels safe and inclusive for the majority of students and parents.

Posted: March 25, 2019

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Posted: September 17, 2018

We have a wonderful experience at Hammond from the front office to the principal and the teachers have been terrific. I can’t say enough good things about this school.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Great principal. She is always hands on.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: April 19, 2018

Fantastic teachers, leaders, parental involvement. My kids have been supported and are thriving

Posted: April 19, 2018

Follows HoCo guidelines. Teachers will provide additional support if asked.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Lots of discussions around kindness. Children participate in discussions/ campaign to support those in need around us.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Our principal, Kimberlyn Pratesi, was Principal of the Year for all of HoCo. She is amazing.

Posted: April 19, 2018

My personal experience. They are solid. Better than many private schools.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Even minor concerns are treated respectfully and addressed very quickly.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Love it! If you plan to move here because of school system, this is an easy decision. Also, the PTA is very much active and helpful in so many levels. Ms. Cavanaugh and Ms. Strine are exemplary teachers who really take time to assist you on how you can maximize the potential of your child. Ms. Armstrong is great as well especially with other events such as Talent Night and Multicultural night. Staff members in front are very helpful as well. Thank you everyone for what you do for our kids!

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: August 31, 2017

Focus on the 3 R's is evident of "ready to learn", "respectful", and "responsible" on almost everything that they do.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Ms. Pratesi and Ms. Ciarapica are superb, objective, and fair leaders. They should be voted on Best of Howard County.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Being divided in multiple programs are helpful to personalize the lessons as much as possible based on their skill level.

Posted: August 31, 2017

Posted: May 22, 2016

We love Hammond Elementary. Amasing teachers who go above and beyond for the students. The ladies in the front office are very professional and always melcoming. Mrs. Partesi,the principal is always present in the school. My kids have a lot of respect for her. Engaging field trips connected to the curriculum. The seminar GT program is amazing so is the music program. A big thank you to Ms Baird for being an awesome 4th grade teacher!!!

Posted: May 22, 2016

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Posted: August 24, 2015

My son did very well his first year at Hammond as a kindergartener. What makes the school great is the high level of parent participation, the teachers (Ms. Braxton is AWESOME), and the positive reinforcement form of discipline (1-2-3 Magic), which we started using at home as well. My son is reading above grade level and there is a strong sense of community within the school.

Posted: August 24, 2015

Posted: August 24, 2015

Posted: August 24, 2015

I think the 1-2-3 Magic system and "Tuffy Tickets" the school is using to showcase good behavior and honesty is very good. I appreciate how they give older elementary students more responsibility which also promotes a sense of integrity.

Posted: March 29, 2015

This school is awesome. The principal is on top of things. She is at all the events and she is always available for the parents. I am very pleased with the quality of education that my kids are receiving at Hammond.

Posted: June 12, 2014

My kid loves the school, teachers, staff, and the Principal. I rate it 10 on 10 :)

Posted: June 11, 2014

My daughter has been going to HES and I have been very very happy with her overall performance. I love the staff and teachers. They try to make the student do their level best. Very impressed overall!

Posted: June 9, 2014

My child has been attending Hammond Elementary School for 2 years now and I feel that she is receiving an excellent education. The school has been in transition with a new Principal this year and extensive redistricting a few years ago, but I have had good experiences here so far. All of my child's teachers have been really willing to help her learn and the Vice Principal (Mr. Tark) is always friendly.

Posted: April 30, 2014

This is my children's 2nd year at Hammond and they really enjoy going to this school. The teachers are all very friendly and willing to communicate any issues and progress as it occurs throughout the year. The music program is excellent and the class is very diverse in its student body. Each grade has different levels to allow your child to excel at their pace be it top of the class or at the back they will continue to improve. The school very much encourages parent volunteers and has a great PTA system. Being attached to the middle school is a bonus going forward and the school feels very safe and well mannered.

Posted: June 4, 2013

Coming from AES K-2, I've been very pleased with my child's third grade year at HES-as it's such a pivotal year academically The entire third grade team has been excellent! They have been interactive from the start and proactive throughout the year in what works best for the children. The assistant principal, Mr. Tark, is also very involved with the children and approachable.

Posted: April 1, 2013

Obviously a one-star ranking indicates a bias-slanted issue and AES (8) is ranked lower than HES (9) overall. Still both are very high and redistricting can be stressful. Regardless, as a military member who has lived all over, I had no intention of exposing my children to a public school education until I moved to Howard County. HES is top notch with great cultural diversity to prepare my children for the real world. The new VP is awesome! I'm content with having my children educated in Howard County. My sister is a professor and specializes in elementary education. She reviewed the numbers and found we have one of the best schools in one of the best districts nationwide. We frequently share programs with her and she found use of diverse lesson plans and techniques that push children to higher learning standards. I spoke with some military doctors who found humor with colleagues sending children to private schools when they could get a private school-equivalent education from most of the public schools in Howard or Montgomery County. If we don't get redistricted away from Atholton HS (rank=10) I will consider my kids lucky to get a public school eduction here.

Posted: March 13, 2013

My children have all gone to HES and still are. We have always had great communication with all the staff and administration. Sometimes it takes a little on the parent's part to communicate what they need from the staff and administration. You must remember there are over 500 students in the school. Volunteer some so the teachers know who you are...and YES I do work full time and find time to volunteer. If you see what is going on in the school, you will be extremely impressed.

Posted: March 12, 2013

This school could be called Test Prep Academy. I'm tired of my kids spending an entire quarter getting ready for the MSAs. Also - I agree with the poster about communication. The admin. should use the newsletter to let parents know what's going on in the building. right now, for an elementary school, there's no "personality" coming from the school -- all the spirit/community comes from the PTA.

Posted: February 10, 2013

I appreciate each reviewer sharing their perspective, good or bad. Not every teacher, student, and parent is going to have the same experience. At this time, I can give 3 stars and hopefully this will change to 5 stars. Does Hammond provide a safe learning environment? Yes. Are the academics strong? Yes - I would give this alone 5 stars. My children are challenged and I have the teachers to thank. How is the staff? The front office is friendly and kind. Lunch aids and recess aids are great. Why 3 stars? There is a lack of communication or lack of managing parents' expectations about communication. I would give this area a 1. For example, "no news is good news". Parents may not need to hear how wonderful their kids are (or maybe they do), but they may need to hear something. Comments on the report card would be helpful. Kudos to the teachers that take the time to write substantive comments and communicate with parents. Not every parent knows what questions to ask or can easily decipher the letters/numbers. How could Hammond improve in my eyes? Better communication.

Posted: December 3, 2012

Like a new job, a new school takes some getting used to. I have two kids at HES and couldn't be happier.

Posted: October 27, 2012

I LOVE Hammond. The teachers are wonderful and the administration is great. I have had three children go through Hammond, and they all had a great experience!!

Posted: October 3, 2012

The teachers of this school are EXCELLENT! It is sad to see when someone rates HES low because my children have had problems addressed in this school immediately and have had help when needed. Today they are strong in their academics due to the time and dedication of these teachers. We have many new students this year due to the redistricting who have come into an awesome school. Plus our new wonderful vice principal who came from AES as well as many of the students so he already knows many of the issues there may be with a redistricting. I hope everyone has a good school year and to keep trying to communicate with the staff and teachers.

Posted: October 2, 2012

We just got redistricted to this aweful school from AES and so far I have not figured out what the hoopla is all about. I agree to the reviewer who posted about non cooperative and judgemental staff. My son is having the worst possible time at this school with the staff and the over all handling of all the issues that we have faced so far. If I could give it a minus zero star, I would.