Burning Tree Elementary School

Posted: August 18, 2026

All of my children went to Burning Tree and I could not be any happier with the great education they received and the many friends they made. The teacher and staff are supportive and communicate well with parents. The only draw back is the rather old facility. The 1958 build is really showing its age, but you can't really fault the school for it as these decisions rest in the hands of the board and MCPS.

Posted: August 18, 2026

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Posted: May 11, 2026

We have had an amazing experience at Burning Tree. Small classes, involved parents, amazing teachers. Could not ask for anything more!

Posted: May 11, 2026

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Posted: April 22, 2026

My son has attended 1st grade this year and I have nothing but great things to say about Burning Tree! He came in as a “new” kid this year, but had great friends by the end of his first week which was such a relief. Class sizes are small, his class is 16, which allows all the kids to work together and easily get their needs met. His teacher, Mrs. Luzi, is amazing! She looks for every opportunity to collaborate with the kids which started with them creating class rules and procedures including the use of Glow notes (which highlight something great our kid did) and Grow notes (which share something our kid could use some help with). For their birthday she creates a giant poster with a drawn portrait of them surrounded by kind notes from each kid. She also hosts a student of the week program which includes a fun activities each day to share something about themselves, then at the end of the week they get a bound book that includes a letter and drawing from each student.

He needed speech and had an IEP so I’ve had the opportunity to meet with the entire special needs team throughout the year and I continue to feel so grateful for the care and attention that this staff gives to their students. Each specialist really got to know my son well and figured out the best ways to support him. Even the principal, front office staff and nurses have all shown nothing but kindness and a desire to care for and support our kids in whatever they need.

The PTA is also a great support system in this school. They host several fun events for the kids and families including a beginning of the year picnic which was our first opportunity to meet a lot of the parents of the friends he had made.

My son is testing well above his grade level and absolutely flourishing. We all feel like we really lucked out being able to be a part of this excellent school!

Posted: April 22, 2026

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Posted: September 18, 2025

The Learning Center program at Burning Tree is deeply neglected, under and poorly staffed, high turnover and utterly fails its students. The principal is aware of the issues but does not care to improve it or help the students receive an education or the basic things required by their IEPs.

Posted: September 18, 2025

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Posted: August 19, 2025

From the grades, to the teacher and staff, my child comes home everyday with a smile

Posted: August 19, 2025

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Posted: June 11, 2024

This review is mostly regarding the special education program at this school (the Learning Center). The program is drastically understaffed and has inappropriately placed students leading to diverted teacher and para educator focus which leaves tbe students who have a more appropriate profile for a learning center classroom woefully left behind and under educated. The school administration has no special education background or focus and seem to be intentionally neglecting the program, which was once great. Safety concerns include many un reported serious falls, passerbys being able to come up to the fence outside the K and 1st playground and talk to children, low supervision because of understaffing and rampant non compliance with IEPs. Parent/teacher communication is poor and the learning center coordinator, principal and vice principal also makes no effort. While our experience is learning center specific, there has been a lot of turnover in teachers and admin at this school overall which has led to decline in all areas.

Posted: June 11, 2024

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Posted: December 6, 2017

Posted: December 6, 2017

Posted: December 6, 2017

Great school! We transferred here from another Bethesda school which we thought was very good. But seeing the difference between two amazed me. Wonderful teachers, great leadership and great parents involvement.

Posted: December 6, 2017

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Posted: September 12, 2014

Terrific school! Great teachers, good education, all-round child development, diverse...Keep it up Burning Tree Elementary School!

Posted: January 14, 2014

I do not understand with the previous reviewer. I have been a parent at Burning Tree for five years and have two children passing through the system. Their teachers have been consistently exceptional. Their work is challenging and stimulating. Yes, there are tests to deal with, but that's an issue with the Board of Education and will be the case at any public school. Arts and Music at this school are also thriving. We'd love more sports but sadly that's not in the curriculum. Parental involvement and the PTA are extraordinary at Burning Tree. I can't imagine a more supportive community. We know several families who have left their private schools and opted instead for Burning Tree and are very happy with their decision.

Posted: October 22, 2013

This school disappoints on so many levels. The staff is either "getting ready to retire any day," to quote one or very young and inexperienced. The level of bullying is outrageous and scary. For some reason the administration believes harm only comes from physical bullying, not the psychological games some of the kids play at the expense of other children. As a parent volunteer at recess, I leave each day so sad at what I see. There is also a surprising amount of fraternizing of "moms" with teachers. I'm not against friendly relationships, but being BFFs with your child's teacher is strange and suspect. I look forward to moving to Pyle.

Posted: February 18, 2013

This school disappoints on so many levels. If you want your child to memorize for test scores and not learn you will love it here though.

Posted: August 20, 2012

gr8 school i went to it and the teachers are gr8 and the best part is that the 5th graders of 2012 got 2 correct the washington post!!!

Posted: April 17, 2011

This school has become much worse with the new principle but the teacher are amazing and try to really get to know the students. So i still think this school is a good choice for parents