Bel Pre Elementary School

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2026

This is one of the best schools I have ever come across. I'm grateful for the kindergarten staff and team.

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: July 11, 2026

Posted: April 16, 2026

Our experience at Bel Pre Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD was very negative. In practice, this school is not inclusive of children with special needs, which aligns with what other families have already pointed out in their reviews.

The main issue is the leadership. The administration lacks transparency and does not demonstrate a genuine commitment to ensuring that all students receive appropriate support. There is a clear lack of resources, and even more concerning, a lack of willingness to properly allocate or utilize them. In addition, there are several safety issues that leadership never acknowledges or resolves, eroding trust from families and negatively impacting children wellbeing.

There appears to be a pattern where disabilities are approached and managed as behavioral issues, rather than being appropriately supported through specialized services and accommodations. This approach avoids accountability and results in students not receiving the support they need to succeed.

Communication with families is inconsistent, and concerns are often ignored or minimized. Instead of collaboration, the approach feels evasive and uncommitted.

While some teachers try to do their best within these limitations, there are others who follow directives from leadership, even when those decisions end up negatively impacting students.

Overall, I would not recommend this school to families looking for a truly inclusive environment, adequate support, and responsible leadership.

Posted: April 16, 2026

Posted: April 16, 2026

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Posted: April 16, 2026

Posted: September 3, 2025

My kiddo completed 1st grade and is now in his 2nd grade year at Bel-Pre. In my experience, this school has excellent teachers with trash administrative staff and leadership.

Again, This rating is not a reflection of the teachers, aides, or paraeducators - Only the admin and leadership.

Actually, I have NEVER felt welcome at Bel-Pre as an EFL citizen (English as a First Language) and Special Needs Parent. Upon arrival, if you are not Spanish speaking, YOU CAN WAIT. You will wait to be assisted if there are other Spanish speaking parents also waiting to be helped. At first I thought I was imagining it, but I was not. The front office staff does not even greet you until you speak to them first - Or of course unless you appear to be Spanish speaking. It's very strange and off putting. No matter how friendly you are to them, they are stone walls - unless of course your appear to speak Espanol. Does it matter how friendly the secretaries are - Definitely. They set the tone for the entire establishment. By the way - My child is Autistic and minimally verbal. Imagine the cringe of entrusting him to extremely unfriendly authority every morning. Nightmarish to say the least.

In regards to the leadership - The Principle is not respected by her staff , it shows - And now I understand why. She is a one dimensional leader. Not fit for the task of ensuring that her AND her immediate staff makes everyone feel welcome - including plain ole' English speaking citizens as well as the neuro diverse community. In violation of FAPE, My child was initially turned away, on his much anticipated, first day of school because the Principle failed to prepare for his needs.(As outlined in his IEP) I was told "I'm warning you that he is not safe here!" My kid is still recovering from the anxiety of that day. (as if he does not have enough challenges) In true poor leadership form, there was zero acknowledgement, zero apologies, and zero accountability. She has followed up with the same unprofessional behavior that she condones from the front office staff - No hello, smirking and eye rolling.

I had no idea that my kid would not be welcome at Bel-Pre for his 2nd grade year. If I had known, I would have moved mountains to make sure that he never returned there. Last year in first grade, His teacher, peers, and the Special Education staff welcomed my kiddo in all his unique, Autistic glory.

This year leadership decided that they did not want to do the work. He was NOT welcome.

Posted: September 3, 2025

Posted: September 3, 2025

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Posted: September 3, 2025

Posted: March 21, 2025

My child had a bad experience in this school, he got hit by three kids and the school didn't do anything, didn't notify those kids parents and didn't notify me that my child was in the nurse room. At Bel Pre Elementary School and don't feel safe to send my child. I didn't have a reponse of the reason those kids hit my child. I'm moving away from this area. Bo I do not recommend this school. If you can don't send your children there, they're going to be bullied and the teachers and adm does not care.

Posted: March 21, 2025

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Posted: March 21, 2025

Posted: October 14, 2023

When I came to this school when I was little my kindergarten teacher gave my sweater to a student and I told the teacher that’s my sweater but my friend said it was hers but the teacher never believed me I hope she’s fired

Posted: October 14, 2023

Posted: October 14, 2023

Posted: October 14, 2023

Posted: October 14, 2023

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Posted: August 27, 2021

This is a great school. The way the school is run, the attentiveness, communication, and dedication from everyone are evident. Any issues or questions are immediately addressed. Due to COVID, you can see how the staff has stepped up their game to engage and to teach students to continue their educational and emotional growth. It is amazing to see how much this school has done versus some other Counties and schools.

Posted: August 27, 2021

Posted: August 27, 2021

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Posted: April 27, 2021

my son goes here teachers are wonderful and are dedicated and most importantly love what they do!

Posted: April 27, 2021

Posted: April 27, 2021

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Posted: September 11, 2017

Great staff and leadership all three of my children are currently attending

Posted: September 11, 2017

Posted: September 11, 2017

Posted: September 11, 2017

Posted: September 11, 2017

Posted: September 11, 2017

Posted: September 11, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2016

This was my daughter's first year. She entered 2nd grade worried and frightened on how her new school was going to be. I was worried because she had been a little delayed with her reading and of course I brought it to the attention of her teach. Within a month, her teacher brought a private tutor who was able to help her one-on-one and build her confidence. By the end of the year, most of the staff knew my daughter and advised me she was very bright. She is so sad to be leaving Bel Pre. This is a wonderful school. The teachers really took their time with her to help her where she needed to be. Thank you!

Posted: May 7, 2015

We came to this school after being overseas for 15 years, missed the first month of school and our kindergartner had some catching up to do in adaptation, language, etc. The teachers and staff immediately made him feel welcome, kept us informed of his well being, especially in the adaptation phase and today he is thriving and loves his school. The teachers are dedicated and caring as well as proactive. Furthermore, we have noticed that they assign differentiated homework based on the child's ability and even at kindergarten they are pushing the kids up to and past their limits. They also do a good job of integration of art, music, media center. The school also promotes building self esteem via their Swag days and utilizes a positive discipline approach with their Panda Praise and anti-bullying program.

Posted: April 30, 2015

We have been thrilled with the teachers and staff at Bel Pre. They do such a great job of keeping a warm sense of community in the school. We have one child through and one still enrolled here, and both are progressing extremely well and prepared for the many gifted & talented and magnet school programs. We believe the K-2 format works wonderfully as an introduction to school for the little ones. Also, the new school building is a beautiful facility that offers every advantage to the kids.

Posted: February 17, 2015

i will give ms Ridinger (kindergarten) for all the good job she does.The management and the organisation is awesome.i love this school.

Posted: October 15, 2013

This school could be great under good leadership. Unfortunately, there are several issues: Curriculum 2.0 demoralizes the teaching staff Students of extreme differences are lumped in one classrom. There are 6+ parallell classrooms so there would be an opportunity to stratify by abilities so that more advanced students would not get bored Bullying is not always addressed appropriately.

Posted: March 30, 2013

Bel Pre is a great school in otherwise bad school boundary for high-school and Strathmore. The staff at Bel Pre go beyond and above to engage parents with several activities through out the year, 'Character Nights', "Math Nights" etc. The teachers are second to none and the principal is awesome. My daughter had Ms Belin for Advanced Reading and what a great teacher. I wish her Happy Retirement, it is a loss for Bel Pre. This is a great school, I just wish it was K-5. Hope that add more classrooms and make this K-5