Seven Locks Elementary School

Posted: March 22, 2026

We had been seriously considering private school options for our daughter, but choosing Seven Locks Elementary School has turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made.

What truly stands out about SLES is its holistic approach to education. The school does not just focus on academics. It nurtures the whole child. From strong classroom instruction to enrichment opportunities, social-emotional learning, and a supportive environment, everything feels thoughtfully designed to help students grow with confidence and curiosity.

Our daughter genuinely loves going to school each day. She comes home happy, engaged, and excited to share what she has learned. That joy and enthusiasm speak volumes about the teachers and the school culture. They clearly care deeply about their students and create a welcoming, inclusive community.

We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of SLES and would highly recommend it to any family looking for a well-rounded, nurturing, and high-quality educational experience.

Posted: March 22, 2026

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Posted: July 7, 2025

The dedicated teachers and staff at Seven Locks Elementary (SLES) are the heart and soul of the school. Their commitment to nurturing and educating each student is evident in their personalized approach to teaching. They go above and beyond to ensure that every child feels valued and supported, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

The school's curriculum is both comprehensive and innovative, offering a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities that cater to the diverse interests of the students. From arts and sports to science and technology, there is something for everyone to explore and excel in. This holistic approach to education helps in developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the future.

SLES also places a strong emphasis on community and parental involvement. Regular events, workshops, and meetings provide opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child's education and contribute to the school's growth. This collaborative spirit creates a strong sense of belonging and partnership among students, parents, and staff.

In conclusion, SLES is not just a place of learning; it is a nurturing community that inspires and empowers its students to reach their full potential. I am truly grateful for the positive impact it has on our son and the exceptional education he is receiving.

Posted: July 7, 2025

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Posted: June 10, 2021

With this incredibly bizarre year, my daughter thrived in SLES. I cannot say enough good things about her teacher Ms Madeline Laux. We hit a jackpot with just how loving she was towards all the children and got them to learn all that they had do with limited facetime. We are so blessed to be a part of the SLES family. I don't think words will ever match up to the amount of respect I have for anybody working there. From the bottom of my heart.. THANK YOU

Posted: June 10, 2021

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Posted: July 14, 2020

BEST TEACHERS EVER! Each year we did not think our daughter could have an equally or more remarkable teacher - and we were pleasantly surprised! K-5th... love SLES!

Posted: July 14, 2020

SLES has a diverse student body, and the students demonstrate respect always. In our 6 years at SLES I was never aware of any issues. SLES supports a collaborative, compassionate & kind culture, while insisting on excellence in learning.

Posted: July 14, 2020

New Principal, 1st time as Principal. Only time will tell...

Posted: July 14, 2020

Posted: July 14, 2020

Posted: July 14, 2020

A+++++++++++. Our family is incredibly fortunate to have found SLES. I credit the teachers and staff for helping to mold my amazingly wonderful daughter and preparing her for her MS experience!

Posted: July 14, 2020

The teachers prepare the students for their homework and make it fun! Homework never overwhelmed my daughter!

Posted: June 28, 2016

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Posted: June 28, 2016

Rough time in 2nd grade (poor luck of the draw with teacher assignment), but excellent experience in 3rd. Tammi Hawes is a hardworking, strong educator who supports appropriate differentiation. We like the new principal. He is very present, runs a tight ship, and does not kowtow to parents (appropriately so). Wonderful PTA and enrichment activities, nice parents. Small neighborhood feel and not overcrowded like so many other nearby schools.

Posted: March 11, 2016

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Posted: March 11, 2016

Most of the teachers are good. We had a bad 2nd grade experience but the teacher was supposed to be good but not a good match for my daughter who has some learning differences. She didn't want to be bothered.Not impressed with services for kids who learn differently-had to hire outside counsel to get much action but that could partly be the county. Third grade teacher, Michael LeFlore, is excellent. Do what ever you have to do to get him!

Principal Carl Bencal was fabulous but moved to a school in Clarksville. New principal is ineffective and disengaged. Shows no emotion and little concern for student well being and progress, does not act on problems including severe bullying, and is "phoning it in and going through the motions until he can retire!" Would love to see smaller class sizes but, again, this is probably mandated by MCPS.

PTA is very active and most parents are very nice. I work full time and never felt guilted by the stay at home moms. See lots of dads at activities, including ones that happen during the school day. Since most of the families are doing ok financially the PTA has money to purchase Chromebooks for all of the students, provide additional field trips and playground equipment, and free childcare during back to school night.

One advantage is the school is small so most of the kids know each other, at least by sight.

The after program, Kids Co, is great! this the fourth year my child has been there and loves it. Very organized and lots of sports activities and clubs. Have dance parties open to the entire school.

Mostly a good school, just appalling lack of leadership and concern my new principal, and mediocre fore kids with different needs.

Posted: September 24, 2015

Seven Locks student to teacher ratio is too large. Placing a teacher 's aid in the classroom to support the teachers would make a significant difference. While it is important to address all student skill levels, the kindergarten curriculum does not consider children who may already be reading and whose mathematical skills are above the kindergarten level. I believe that all students deserve to be challenged, cultivated academically and not waste an entire school year. I am starting to see why American schools are rated 17th in the world for education on some reports, because we do not allow our children to reach their full potential.

Posted: May 21, 2015

I rated Seven Locks as average. On the one hand, the academic expectations are high, and progress is steady. From K-5, students are expected to perform. On the other hand, like many schools, Seven Locks can not wiggle out of the "one size fits all" mentality. Learning styles and differences are not addressed. Sure, there is differentiation, but not true differentiation where the teachers can teach to all the learning styles/differences. If your child learns differently, be prepared to make him/her like the others. If you don't, then they pull the child out of class for extra help. Likely, this leads to SPED discussions. At the same time, parents are heavily involved in this school. If you are a working parent, the stay at home moms will make you feel neglectful. In addition, there are great enrichment and after school activities for students.

Posted: May 21, 2015

If not for the parents, students would get the short end of the stick. The teachers are effective, but there could be more of an aggressive approach rather than waiting until there is a problem to address it too late. I suppose this is true at any/all schools.

Posted: May 21, 2015

Posted: May 21, 2015

The outgoing principal, Carl Bencal, did a good job of maintaining order and a culture of fairness with routine practices. However, when loftier issues were discussed, he was not as strong. At the same time, he was very kind, polite, and demanding (i.e. of character and grit) with all the students. This is not the type of school where fights, arguments, and disruption occurred.

Posted: April 8, 2015

Seven Locks is an outstanding elementary school. The principal is fantastic and most of the teachers are excellent. The parent community is diverse and welcoming to anyone who is interested in getting involved. There are a few subpar teachers but overall the school is a great place for kids to learn.

Posted: January 5, 2015

I disagree with an earlier post. My child has learning disabilities and they have not been able to help him in any way. Moreover, the school does not have a friendly climate. They also seem to tolerate bullying and some of the parents are just as bad as the kids. I think this is an okay school, if your child does not have any issues and you don't care about education enrichment.

Posted: September 25, 2013

Great support from teachers with kids with learning challenges. Excelent involvement from PTA. My kids love the after school programs.