Fields Road Elementary School

Posted: July 2, 2026

Fields Road Elementary School has been absolutely wonderful. The environment is incredibly welcoming from the moment my daughter started, it’s a warm and positive place for children to learn.
The teachers are highly engaging and truly care about each child's progress. They do a fantastic job of working individually with students to ensure that everyone is up to speed and no one gets left behind. We are so grateful for the dedicated staff and the supportive community here!

Posted: July 2, 2026

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Posted: November 21, 2023

We have three years of experience at FRES and every year it gets worse. My kids love their teachers and they're making progress academically, but the violence is insane. Kids throw chairs at teachers. Fights on the playground are a regular occurrence. Teachers are called names and are prevented from presenting the material by unruly kids who there are zero resources to handle. Someone apparently brought a knife to school! In elementary school! And everyone literally had to shelter in place last month because some kid was rampaging through the halls. The worst thing is that the administration doesn't seem like they could possibly care less. No discussions on this issue, very little communication to parents (I think the only things I've seen from the admin are the communications about the shelter in place and the knife - nothing at all about the ongoing problems or any efforts to solve them). Teachers have left in droves already, and I'm sure we will see more of them exit this year. Who could feel good about teaching in this environment, with no support? I'm disgusted and seriously looking at homes elsewhere so we can get out of this school. No kid deserves to have to try to learn in this environment. MCPS should be ashamed for letting this happen.

Posted: November 21, 2023

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Posted: July 28, 2020

Although, we have no experience with this topic with our own children, we did see on a few occasions how bullying was mishandled. They may be an anti-bullying school, but the reality of dealing with the issue is a very different thing. This is an issue that needs handling with great care and all the complexity it brings. It is not something that can be swept under the rug or dismissed, which is often what it seemed like according to other accounts we heard.

Posted: July 28, 2020

2/10.

At the school, it always felt like there was some kind of breakdown between staff, administration and parents that clearly affected the learning environment. Our personal experience with our own child's significant learning disability being constantly refuted ignored, alone gives this school a low rating.

I am not surprised that this school's rating has dropped over the past couple of years. Too many teaching staff seemed to be apathetic or beaten down by whatever what was going on behind the scenes at the time our children attended there, which sometimes was reflected by unsubstantial/lack of quality education that was offered (of course there will be a % of teachers at the school that are decent, but too many are letting them down overall).

I do honestly hope this will change and action is taken soon, because this is a disservice to all the students that need support whether that is those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with educational needs or ESL students.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Posted: July 28, 2020

At the school, it always felt like there was some kind of breakdown between staff, administration and parents that affected the quality of the learning environment.

We often witnessed unprofessional behavior, whether it was dealing with a parent who was upset, teachers speaking within ear shot of student/parents having inappropriate conversations with other members of staff, or inappropriate/apathetic behaviour such as some teachers staring at phones during sports day or not dealing with students' poor behavior as appropriate. This is not even mentioning the failings in education needs that were offered to our children while they attended this school.

There were a significant catalogue of worrying signs/failings that would be too long a list to put here, but this is a synopsis of what we experienced first-hand while our children attended this school.

Our personal experience with our own child's significant learning disability being constantly refuted and ignored alone would be enough to give this school a low rating. I am unsurprised that the rating has dropped over the past couple of years.

Posted: July 28, 2020

Posted: July 28, 2020

There is certainly some disconnect between leadership, staff and parents at this school, unless you are groups of parents that have been actively involved for years. Those not from a select inner circle of parents may feel they are ostracized or not part of the school community, this meaning less partaking in volunteering at school from many families. The school could do with working on being more inclusive.

Posted: July 28, 2020

We have a child that was clearly exhibiting a learning disability. Despite us bringing it to the attention of staff, we were dismissed, rejected and told that our child was fine/on level. However, this was not what we were seeing at home and frustration/anxieties started increasing as a result. It was completely unsatisfactory that we were not referred on for any further support or investigations despite voicing our concerns. So, as a result we decided to move our child out of the school as we could see advocating was getting us nowhere.

Fast forward to a new school district and new school which happy to engage, listen, support and work with us as a family and it is like day and night by comparison. Our child was immediately assessed and identified as 18+ months behind reading level, exhibiting a learning disability in reading/writing and immediately put in an intensive intervention scheme. Following a few months of collecting data by staff, our child was assessed for and given an IEP for all the learning needs. This kid is now thriving in confidence and is finally progressing in the correct direction (it is still a long road ahead of course), but the gap is closing with the peers that had been such a struggle to keep up with before, which we are all relieved and happy about.

Posted: July 20, 2020

10/10 FRES has been an amazing kindergarten experience for us. Mrs. Maguire specifically exceeded all our expectations during such a transitional year with online learning and covid. The school did an outstanding job with the transition and keeping staff and students accountable in a fluid, open, and understanding method. I am proud to be a FRES family.

Posted: July 20, 2020

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Posted: July 20, 2020

Excellent all around. A great place to prepare a kid for the world.

Posted: July 20, 2020

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Posted: July 6, 2020

Posted: July 6, 2020

Excelente enseñanza para todos los estudiantes. Muy buena atención y comunicación de los maestros.

Posted: July 6, 2020

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Posted: May 18, 2018

Posted: May 18, 2018

Posted: May 18, 2018

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Posted: May 18, 2018

Posted: May 18, 2018

Excellent. Small classes and good student to teacher ratios, a great CAP program for students who need it and teachers who really care about the students.

Posted: May 1, 2017

Fields Road welcomes everyone! The staff is receptive to parents and students. Every student has a chance to shine in this school....the teachers are highly effective at recognizing differences and teaching for all cultures. Everyone is embraced and encouraged to be themselves. A great school for personal and academic enhancement.

Posted: May 1, 2017

Posted: May 1, 2017

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Posted: May 1, 2017

I had a child spend his entire elementary career at Fields Road and now I have another one that is in Kindergarten. I have always been impressed with the teachers and faculty at this school as well as the overall school spirit. The school feeds into a great middle school and high school and my kids have met great friends throughout and we have made friends with many of the wonderful parents from Fields Road.

Posted: March 9, 2017

Fields Road Elementary School is a great school. I absolutely love the principal, staff, and teachers. They all do a phenomenal job and genuinely care for the students and the community. The curriculum is effective and well-rounded. The best part is the support, encouragement, and interest from the school and the community; there is a great balance and equal partnership between the two.

Posted: March 9, 2017

I have seen that this has become a more prevalent topic at the school and the staff is concerned about taking a more active role which is very important and necessary. I am glad that letters have been sent home about this topic as well as assemblies have been put together to discuss this topic with the students.

Posted: March 9, 2017

Posted: March 9, 2017

Posted: March 9, 2017

School pride is very important at this school and it is very evident in the classrooms, PTA, and all the activities associated with the school. The students have a genuine love for the school and each other and have learned how to follow the basic common cores of the schools like integrity, compassion, and respect for each other as peers and for their teachers and staff.

Posted: March 9, 2017

The teachers are all very supportive and encouraging. They have a genuine love for the students as well as the profession itself. They realize the important role that they play for each of the students and take that very seriously. Also, the relationship that they have with the parents has been very positive and constructive.

Posted: March 9, 2017

Having Math homework everyday is effective, but not overwhelming because it usually only consists of one page. It gives the student the chance to review what they have learned that day or that week with the homework while not feeling like they are overburdened with too much information. Also, the 20 minute reading everyday is very effective and encouraging.

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Support staff helps work with kids that may be falling behind in certain skills. Halls are always filled with tables of children receiving specialized teaching.

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

Several incentive programs to encourage these traits. My children thrive on being recognized for their efforts.

Posted: March 5, 2017

Teachers have energy, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in seeing students succeed.

Posted: March 5, 2017

Posted: March 5, 2017

I currently have children in K & 1st. The class sizes are amazing - k-2 can not have more than 18 kids in a class, which is ideal for kids just entering grad school. From my experience, the teachers are amazing - they go above and beyond for the kids and take personal interest in their well-being. The administration is equally stellar. Mrs. Williams is no-nonsense with the kids best interest at heart. Ms. Ricca (new in 2016-17) is always friendly, approachable and my kids really enjoy her. PTA is heavily involved - constantly seeking to raise funds for school improvements; creating new opportunities for afterschool enrichment (some classes are free and are taught by volunteer teachers and parents). The school has also brought in Mad Science, TIny Chefs, Music programs, etc to enrich the kids. I am a strong advocate of Fields Road Elementary School

Posted: February 24, 2017

The teachers, support staff and PTA are wonderful at Fields Road. Class sizes are small and the students get a lot of attention from and interaction with the teachers. The community is very supportive of the school and we have a lot of dedicated and caring parents involved in the PTA and other school activities which creates a welcoming environment. I can't say enough good things about FRES; it is our hidden gem in Gaithersburg!

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Ms. Williams and her staff have done so many great things for FRES over the last 2 years. The administration is now more involved with the children than ever before and in touch with what's going on in the classroom and on the field.

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2017

Our kids have had wonderful teachers every year at Fields Road. I have been impressed with the amazing sense of community and responsiveness from the administration over the years.

Posted: January 19, 2017

I have had two children at FRES and both have had wonderful experiences! The teachers are warm, loving and very in tune to each individual student and their academic and emotional needs.

The PTA is very active and helps create a strong community feel!

Posted: December 12, 2016

I have had two children at this school and they both have had positive experiences. The staff has been supportive through a variety of typical issues that arise with kids and the teachers have been amazing.

Posted: December 10, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2016

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Posted: December 10, 2016

My son is in his 5th year at FRES, and we have been so impressed with every teacher he has had!! We feel that most of the teachers and staff go out of their way to give the education and emotional support our kids need. Overall, a very welcoming and competent environment for kids!

Posted: December 10, 2016

I am a long time parent at Fields Road with one child still currently at this school. Up until two years ago I would have given this school 5 stars, but the change of principal has very negatively impacted this school. Many of the teachers are good or even excellent and very clearly care about their students, but the administration has gone downhill. As a parent I receive almost no communication from the school making it hard to keep track of simple things such as picture day much less more important events such as parent information nights. The past administration used to send a weekly very brief newsletter detailing upcoming events. The new administration sends something perhaps once a month, which is not enough. The former principal used to interact frequently with students and parents through simple things such as helping out front during arrival and dismissal on a daily basis. She also was front and center at the majority of school and PTA events making sure everyone kept a respectful tone. The new Principal is rarely visible and school events have devolved into more chaotic and less respectful affairs. There also seems be very little quality control or oversight of substitute teachers. Some of the substitutes are very good but others are very rude or even insulting to the children and despite repeated parental complaints they continue to work with the students. The playground time is rife with bullying ranging from simple insults to very nasty name calling and physical assault. The solution to this problem too often is taking away items for the kids to play with outdoors and making recess less fun and so perpetuating the cycle of bullying since there is less for the kids to do. The kids need more supervision and more activities to keep them busy. The front office itself is unwelcoming. It is very hard to gain access to the school to pick your child up for a doctor's appointment or other reason. Often you can spend up to five minutes just waiting to get buzzed into the building and then rather than feeling welcomed you feel as if you are an unwanted interruption. I very much hope that the new administration improves and brings back what used to be the welcoming, communicative and warm tone of this school.

Posted: December 10, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2016

Principal Williams is a tireless advocate for her students. We're fortunate to have her!

Posted: December 10, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2016

Enough homework to ensure students get good study habits -- but not too much that we never see them after dinner.

Posted: December 10, 2016

When looking for a house in the greater Washington region, for the right school, we specifically targeted this Gaithersburg neighborhood to attend FRES. And we are incredibly pleased with the decision.

The school leadership goes out of its way to include parents (PTA) and community leaders in the success of the students. They're doing it right.

Posted: December 10, 2016

I have had two children go through Fields Road Elementary. The teachers and staff are dedicated and caring. The PTA is active an insures thatvthe kids and staff are supported. Our family has had overall great experiences at FRES.

Posted: June 11, 2016

Posted: June 11, 2016

Posted: June 11, 2016

Posted: June 11, 2016

I feel that Fields Road is an underappreciated school. The teachers at our school are wonderful: attentive to students, going the extra mile when necessary and are ready to listen if there is an issue. The para-educators are focused and also are there to help our students succeed. As a parent at this school from 1st grade and up, I have had the opportunity to work with many of the staff and have always had a positive experience with all of my childrens teachers.

However, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the review from May 19th. I have had the opportunity as a parent to work with the Media staff. I have shelved books and worked at the Book Fairs every year my children have been at FRES. I was surprised by the comments made. I am wondering if the parent ever spoke with the Media staff about this issue? The staff are approachable and are willing to work with parents. I have been there when parents have come in and the staff have listened and been attentive and have worked with these parents to make their childerns experience positive. I can also attest to the condition of the library books from a shelving perspective. Yes, some of the books are worn, and put together with tape and glue, but the students can't wait to have these popular books back on the shelves. In talking with the staff, the budget is not what a parent might think it is. Fines are collected and books are purchased from these fines so that students have the materials that they need and want. A lot of the books are purchased at the Book fairs. I have also been there during checkout and the policy is that if you have a late book, you cannot check out. While I cannot put myself in this parents shoes, I just felt that I needed to give my perspective.

Posted: May 19, 2016

My child's classroom experience has been great, and we adore the staff. Yes, my child got bullied and pinched by a classmate in Kindergarten, but learning how to deal with difficult people is an important skill to have. My child got through it and has had a positive experience at FRES since.

I rate my experience at FRES 1 star because there are NO quality control practices in place in the media center for the library books. Be forewarned that the media center staff do not take tattered books out of circulation (by design perhaps to increase library funds?). They will allow your child to borrow a book that looks like it went through a tree shredder. If your child was the last one to touch a book that was already in horrible condition and the pages fall off the binding when she returns it, then she will be suspended from borrowing more books, a letter will be sent home, your child will have a miserable rest of the day, and you will have to pay for the original value of the book.

Don't get me wrong; if my child were one to destroy and desecrate library books, then I welcome the fines. It's only fair. However, my kids respect books and are avid readers. Yet we were fined and my child humiliated because media center staff have dismissed any responsibility to check the condition of the books upon return. As added bonuses, the fine came out of our school fundraising budget, so FRES missed out on some funds from us that year, and my child skipped some fundraising social events.

My lesson from all of this is to look over the condition of the books the day my child brings them home and immediately return them to the media center if the condition is questionable/ not acceptable. My wish is for the media center to establish improved fundraising strategies and have a better quality control system in place.

Posted: May 19, 2016

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Posted: May 19, 2016

Posted: October 29, 2014

Fields Road is a hidden gem of a school! great mix up Kids The kids and Parent are amazing! The teachers are excellent and really nurture the students offering extra help where needed and with para-educators there to help as well. It is a warm and nurturing environment with a really active PTA

Posted: May 18, 2014

My childeren have gone to this school for a long time and guess what they loved it ! I think that the rating should really go upI am very happy that my kids go to this school

Posted: September 15, 2012

I had my kids in Fields Road since Pre-K, at first things were great but over time I noticed little things that I didnt pay much attention to, and didn't think much of it. Then the phone calls starting coming about behaviors my kids were displaying. To my surprise, these behaviors were not consistent at home with what I was being called about. It seemed like , there was always more to the story than what I was being told. My kids were being overlooked and not heard, disrespected many times by their own staff. (Might I add that my kids are mixed Latino and African American.) Whenever we addressed any situation that didn't sit well with us, it seemed like the staff along with the head administrative personnell needed time to get their story straight before meeting us. When we had questions about the way certain things were handled, they were quick to throw my kids under the bus. Overall the last few yrs at Fields Road was a headache to me and my kids. They no longer looked forward to going to school and I didn't blame them.

Posted: September 13, 2012

Only after moving to other place do I realize that Fields Rd ES is an excellent school for education. The principal is great. The teachers are great and helpful to challenge every student. If I could, I'd be willing to transfer my sons back. I really miss this school. Thank you, Fields Rd.