Somerset Elementary School in Chevy Chase

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program data from Maryland State Department of Education, and using 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program End-Of-Course data from Maryland State Department of Education.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student Growth - Elementary Level data from Maryland State Department of Education, and using 2025 Student Growth - Middle Level data from Maryland State Department of Education.

Posted: July 10, 2026

this is a review for the minority parents and parents for neurodivergent children. This is not the school. Your child will feel extremely left out. Class sizes are huge compared to other nearby neighborhood schools. The county itself is not doing a good job of providing support for this school. There are almost zero (if not zero) black/latino staff members that our children can relate to. Parents create private group chats with only a few of the children from the classes and leave out other parents and kids from meet ups/gatherings. I never knew anything that was going on in the school. My child never got invited to any parties/meet ups. I reached out to other parents and was constantly ignored. community is very clique-y.

Look elsewhere.

Posted: July 10, 2026

Posted: November 19, 2025

Somerset Elementary school is a diverse, culturally rich, international community, with excellent leadership and staff, and with a very engaged parent community as well. Everyone is welcomed and treated with respect. The school nourishes its international character and celebrates diverse cultures. It also provides academic excellence and individualized approach to students' learning. In our experience so far, it is clear that Somerset sets the children ready for success in further education. Most of the teachers and staff that we encountered would go above and beyond to get the best outcome for their students. We could not be more grateful for being part of Somerset ES community.

Posted: November 19, 2025

Posted: September 9, 2025

Its a wonderful environment with small class sizes and very caring staff.

Posted: September 9, 2025

Posted: August 29, 2025

Somerset is a fantastic school and a real hidden gem in the Montgomery County school system. Ignore the absoutely insane Great Schools rating, I have no idea why they give Somerset a 1/10 for student progress. Every kid we know is learning and performing at a high level.

As mentioned in other reviews, the principal is amazing and very involved. We haven't had a bad or even mediocre teacher, and can speak from experience as we have a kid who has gone from k-5 there now. The parents/PTA are also involved and supportive. Class sizes are small, extracurricular opportunities are everywhere, and the 4th and 5th grade programs provide the best transition to middle school that we've ever heard of.

Somerset is a wonderful school that our kids have just loved.

Posted: August 29, 2025

Posted: August 13, 2025

This is a great school. This our second year and our kids love it.

Posted: August 13, 2025

Posted: June 5, 2025

Somerset is an amazing school. Beginning in 2023, Somerset had a complete overhaul to include a new administration and the school boundaries changed, significantly decreasing the school population. I have two children, one neurotypical and one neurodiverse. For both kids, staff do an incredible job of engaging with them and meeting them where they are at. Of course we've had hiccups along the way but the Principal and Vice Principal are solution driven and take a holistic approach to challenges.

Pre-2023 was quite bad: absent administration and terrible special education related services. The Somerset that exists today is night and day to what it was.

Posted: June 5, 2025

Posted: May 19, 2025

This is a truly fantastic school. We have been so lucky to have our son grow up in this community and with these children. He has flourished as a student and has excellent test results. We couldnt have asked for better.

Posted: May 19, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Our two children are thriving at this wonderful school! This is our family's third year at this school, and truly, each year seems better than the last. The teachers are fabulous- extremely committed, caring and experienced. The curriculum is strong and further enriched by engaging field trips and speakers. The school community is extremely supportive and generous- all feel welcome and safe here. Somerset Elementary also has a very strong PTA, composed of dedicated parents who work collaboratively to support teachers, families and the school administration. Perhaps most importantly, Somerset Elementary's school administration is outstanding; we are incredibly lucky to have Principal Wiebe at the helm. He is the definition of a true leader, balancing both stability and growth with vision and standards of excellence. I could not more highly recommend this school.

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 19, 2025

Our children are so happy at Somerset. They are excited to go to school everyday, adore their teachers and have created strong friendships. The small school atmosphere lends itself to a close community led by a very involved PTA and foundation and an excellent administration. Our children have made significant gains academically, socially and emotionally thanks to Somerset's warm and caring atmosphere.

Posted: February 19, 2025

Posted: February 14, 2025

Somerset is a true gem. So lucky to be part of this community

Posted: February 14, 2025

Posted: January 17, 2025

Somerset feels like a small community school. You have the opportunity to be involved, know the staff, and have the opportunity to engage in many meaningful events. The school itself has been responsive and the PTA is active and open. Our children look forward to attending, which is rare. The teachers seem to genuinely care.

Posted: January 17, 2025

Somerset Elementary has come a long way from when my son started in first grade pre-COVID. We have a new principal and it is a much smaller school population wise due to the district re-zoning.
My younger son is now in third grade and I can say every year his teachers are excellent- engaging, intelligent thoughtful and are always available. They spend time with my son on enrichment activities and subjects. His specials (media, art, music, PE) have creative projects that hes proud to talk about and share.
The principal is accessible and engaging. The PTA has spent a considerable amount of time and resources to create community events- from a parent speaker series to student assemblies and of course fun outside events like movie night, international festival and a circle of giving dance. The Somerset Foundation offers scholarships for after school enrichment, provides resources for capital improvements (a new playground) and a fun end of year Luau where everyone gets a t-shirt!
The community is welcoming, friendly and warm. Its a special place!

Posted: January 17, 2025

Posted: June 10, 2021

This school has a lot of flaws. The principle hardly said anything to the parents about upcoming events regarding covid. The communication between the staff and parents is very inconsistent, the good teachers can help your child complete the work. On the otherhand the bad teachers will go to radio silence. If you dont contribute largley to the chool you will be shut down. Bullying is rampant through the school and nothing is being done about it. Overall, I had a very negative experience with this school.

Posted: June 10, 2021

Posted: December 9, 2020

After reading the Negative reviews from 2015 until now, it is shocking how they are still True and we are almost in 2021, except now the issues of racism, discrimination, poor teaching, and bullying at this school, are now worse and glaringly apparent with zoom classes. Like past parents stated, if you are nonwhite, or do not contribute tremendously to the school, you and your child are ignored. The administration completely ignores concerns raised by multiple parents. Teachers are allowed to speak to students in condescending and disrespectful tones but demand unrealistic behavior from children. International parents concerns are dismissed. School violates mcps policies by retaliating against students who are not comfortable with being recorded on zoom. We will look for a better school.

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: June 9, 2020

There are some amazing teachers at Somerset. And there is a culture where the teachers work very hard and care about all the students. The 5th grade team of teachers is especially good. Really outstanding!

Posted: October 25, 2019

Systematically bully "problem" families out of the school. This includes almost all of the minority families at one time or another. I'm white and even I could see it.

Posted: October 25, 2019

I was shocked to see the reviews talking about the racism and bullying at this school, not because it isn't true (it is) but because usually no one wants to admit it.

Posted: August 28, 2019

horrible, a lot of unstated discrimination by race; politics is very high here

Posted: August 28, 2019

a lot of homework is some time consuming and kids don't learn much; some are even hard for grown-ups with high education to work out because of inaccurate data. Teachers even did not check out if homework can be solved before giving out. I usually asked my son if your teacher can do it, most of the time they ignored those hw

Posted: August 28, 2019

lack of communication with parents about programs, homework, and kid's behavior on weekly basis, not talking about daily communication like in other schools.

Posted: August 28, 2019

when a school does not strike a fair treatment for all students, of course those things does not exist here.

Posted: August 28, 2019

only cares about rich kids and plays a lot of politics with rich family vs. poor. if you can donate a lot of money or on PTA, your kids will be placed with good teachers years after years. The bad apples will fall on poor family kids. No exception! every single year I saw all kids whose parents are rich or on PTA are always placed with best teachers in this school.

Posted: August 28, 2019

Posted: September 26, 2018

Terrible. We left for a nearby Montgomery county school and life is tremendously better.

Posted: September 26, 2018

Foundation donors are coddled, their children can do no wrong. If you are not rich and white you will be bullied and picked on, classmates will stand by and watch, teachers will refuse to intervene. Tone from the top is that the only bullying problem is those that complain about it.

Posted: September 26, 2018

They turn a blind eye to bullying and dont follow county policies or procedures. If you complain you are treated as the problem. If you donate generously to the Somerset Foundation your child will be extremely favored and have a 'get out if jail free' card. We changed schools and are gobsmacked by the improvement in our child.

Posted: September 26, 2018

Bullying is tolerated. Victims are blamed. Perpetrators are shielded. Ifnyoubread mcpsd policies you see that Somerset checks all the "do not do this" boxes. Could not be any less effective.

Posted: July 20, 2017

Why too much homework but I guess that is a disease in most American schools.

Posted: July 20, 2017

Very mixed experience, most teachers are great and other frankly horrible. The school never informed us about the different math programs so our daughter ended up in a way to simple math program and it was impossible to have them to move her to the more advanced math. The music teacher is very disliked by most students, was even chocked to hear what students told when I asked them. Even our daughter in 4th grade whom used to love music told it is the worst class in school and that is so sad.

Posted: July 4, 2016

If you are African American and middle class or below, and your child is male, you may may not be accepted at this school. They a very snobby. The rich are brudded over. The African Americans are trouble makers. Also, the Ms. Morris, the principle is rude. She's not a good listener and if your not in absolute agreement with her, she will cut you off in the middle of your sentences and dismiss you. My son excelled academically but felt isolated and alone for 2 years. He had one good friend but he never got invited to any play dates. The school has a NAACP. Now I understand why. My son was isolated on several incidents were the white boys who were ruff playing didn't get in trouble and he did.

Posted: October 5, 2015

quantity of homework is fine but quality could be better -- involve more creative thinking

Posted: October 5, 2015

Pros:

Camp Summerset, led by Somerset teachers. Wonderful neighborhood camp that is everything a camp should be.

Wonders, the on-site after care, is super convenient, affordable and very well managed (though the newer counselors are not quite as friendly, warm, and caring as those they replaced). Wonderful place for children to play, be creative, and socialize in a caring, supportive environment. Complemented by a wide array of third party after school programs; children can attend Mad Science and then go to Wonders until 6:30pm pick up.

Active PTA offers many socializing opportunities.
The school building is lovely and classrooms are well-equipped. The library is well-stocked.

Cons:
Far too much time on boring worksheets. Not much is done to encourage creativity. Somerset doesn't do the National PTA Reflections program like other MCPS schools.

The teacher quality is inconsistent. We had one fabulous teacher who cared about the students, conveyed that she actually liked them, and got our child excited about learning. She has since retired. The art teacher and the PE teacher were excellent. We also had a third grade teacher who was very good. We had a kindergarten teacher who often seemed to have no clear lesson plan and typically took days to respond to emails. She seemed to have her attention focused on something else besides teaching. Lastly, we had one teacher who clearly favored girls over boys; she even made fun of a boy's lack of imagination during a lesson observed by parents during open house. Fortunately, her snub appeared to go over the child's head. She also showed questionable judgment regarding food allergies and engaged in behaviors that made the kids with allergies feel excluded.

The principal is very pretty, friendly, and upbeat. She brings a positive energy to the school and is relatively easy to meet with in person. She listens and is empathetic, but did not exhibit follow up actions that we were aware of, so we cannot comment on her efficacy.

If you have an active child with respiratory issues (e.g., asthma), the dust bowl of a playing field may be a concern. Parents have tried for over a decade to install artificial turf because natural grass simply won't thrive with the amount of use that the small field gets, but nothing has been done. See Google maps in satellite mode.

Posted: June 1, 2015

We were concerned about the appropriateness of this school and therefore sent an educational consultant to observe. She felt that while the school presented a pleasant environment and the classrooms were managed well, there was an inappropriate amount of desk work. Her words were that by the time these kids reach 5th grade there will be no sign of creativity or personality left. She ultimately felt that it wouldn't be a good fit for our child. Unfortunately we found ourselves in the position of having to send our child there for a brief time. Sadly -- the children our child stayed in contact with have become surly and flat. I thought the parental influence would outweigh that but the school environment reigns supreme. Grateful we didn't remain. I have found the parents of the children who are from other countries to be highly critical of the school while the property owners can't stop singing it's praises, though some have complained about the learning to test mentality and the gossipy principal. There are many beautiful neighborhoods in this city. Buying in this neighborhood for the elementary school seems a bit naive. MCPS has the same curriculum throughout.

Posted: July 29, 2013

I have been a parent at this school for 10 years. It's a great school and all of the teachers and specialists have always been superb (despite the old principal who was awful but since she left in 2011 the school has been on the right track with the current principal) ... There are lots of wonderful school activities throughout the year (my children especially adore the P.E. and art teacher, field day, and the daily outdoor recess/line-up). I wish that the school system would have specials (art, P.E. and music) more than once a week: two areas of improvement could be 1- the friendliness of the office staff, and 2- the lunch and recess aides- my children and their friends have consistently expressed concern that some just don't seem to care about some of the playground stuff -so rather than taking the time to get to the bottom of an issue they end up punishing the whole group rather than the few culprits who end up ruining it for the majority - perhaps they are just not as well-equipped as the teachers are to deal with children... like I said teachers are great and my three children have/are receiving a great education. We are very happy there ...

Posted: June 20, 2013

The principal is political and cold. His office is very cold for people need to transfer in from other districts.

Posted: January 10, 2013

Incredible school! The teachers are beyond compare! I couldn't be happier with my child attending this school. Furthermore, Somerset Elementary School hosts a great summer camp -- Camp Summerset! Everyone should check it out - my children have been going there for the past 3 years!!

Posted: January 10, 2013

Exceptional school. The new principal is awesome. The PTA is very active and there are a lot of family events organized by/at the school (doughnuts with dads, reading night, ice- skating, dance party, musical production,...). The level is excellent with lots of opportunities for students to learn more and thrive. We love it!

Posted: November 26, 2012

I want to give this school a 5 star but I can,t. The teacher who I won,t mention is nothing but structured and a professional at the very least. The principal I don,t really know but I do know she is always walking around with a walkie talkie at the end of the day. She is a young professional. Also she has just started as principal not to long ago. Now the staff hmmm very cold and not up to date on things and don,t care to be. A simple question as to what are the procedures to afterschool care and you will get an answer that is I don,t know call this number. We came out of state and our child was kept out of class for almost a week because of misinformation and they stood by it not trying to fix it. I can go on and on but the staff needs to have a little tlc. If your wrong and you know your wrong just fix it. Our situations could have been answered easily with a phone call or two. Love the school just stay out of the office : )

Posted: August 25, 2011

Great school in a great community. Truly diverse - one in four students is foreign born. The school is the heart of the community with great teachers and very involved parents.

Posted: May 21, 2011

This school has no leadership, as the principal quit mid-year. The new "acting principal" is incapable of controlling the teachers, and the teachers therefore have no oversight and, in some cases, have become downright abusive, since they know they can get away with it. The other parents deserve what they get, as they gang up to squash any hint of dissent. They don't care whether the children receive a decent education, or even decent treatment, as long as the reputation of the school remains intact. These people repeatedly have my reviews removed from this website -- all to support their property values, I'm sure. The bottom line is that this place has no substance. The curriculum is disjointed, inappropriate and bizarre (they demand k's identify and label the "rectangular prism" for example). The teachers have no oversight or discipline, so the children are also undisciplined. Dissenters are attacked, so nothing can ever improve. This place is a mess.

Posted: May 6, 2011

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Somerset Elementary and we have been so impressed with her teacher and the quality of the learning instruction she has received. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher, she's superb, or a more desired first learning experience for our daughter. I can't think of one complaint about the wonderful year we've had at the school. We feel very lucky to be part of the Somerset school community.

Posted: May 5, 2011

This is a fabulous school! We moved to the neighborhood so that we could send our children here and are very happy with our decision. They have received the personalized instruction that they need. The staff is very communicative and are readily available to provide additional guidance on how we can help our children learn new skills. In addition to the excellent instruction, my children are also get the benefit of a very diverse student body.

Posted: April 13, 2011

Love the school. I think the last 4 or so reviews are by the same person. Seems that way. I wonder if they have the correct school? Teachers do not seem fake and appear to be good to the students. I've heard that many parents, like I did, move to this neighborhood just so their child can attend this particular school.

Posted: March 26, 2011

"This place is all about appearances" Absolutely right! The staff is pretentious and cold. Their smiles are wide but fake. No communication between the parents and the teachers. Everything is formal and disorganized. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Posted: March 22, 2011

Do not credit the school for the kids' test scores -- the scores are due to outside tutoring. A school that has its own foundation, that can spend $10k/year on mulch (beyond all the free and donated landscaping services), but that can not spring for $2 easy-reader texts for the kindergarten is not a place that prioritizes teaching. This place is all about appearances.

Posted: December 5, 2010

This school is no better than an other elementary school in Montgomery county, MD. Its reputation is not justified. The high rating in the educational performance of this school is inflated by the extra help that many of the students there obtain by other private means.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	0.5 mi
2	Takoma Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Takoma Park	MD	4.6 mi
3	White Flint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	5.2 mi
4	Forest Knolls	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	5.8 mi
5	Old Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	6.4 mi
6	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	6.6 mi
7	DuMont Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	7 mi
8	Hillandale	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	7.2 mi
9	Falls Church City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	7.3 mi
10	The VIO	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Washington SW	DC	7.3 mi
11	Twenty400	Apartment Complex	Arlington	VA	8.3 mi
12	Shirlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	8.8 mi
13	Iverly	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	9 mi
14	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	9 mi
15	Beverly Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	9.2 mi
16	Reserve at Potomac Yard	Apartment Complex	Alexandria	VA	9.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Silver Spring	Silver Spring	MD	3.9 mi
2	Arlington	Arlington	VA	4.3 mi
3	Georgetown	Washington	DC	4.6 mi
4	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	6.3 mi
5	White Oak	Silver Spring	MD	7.2 mi
6	Capitol Hill	Washington	DC	7.3 mi
7	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	7.8 mi
8	Pentagon City	Arlington	VA	7.9 mi
9	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	8.9 mi

Base	Distance
Walter Reed Medical Center	2.3 mi.
Fort Myer	6.1 mi.
Henderson Hall	7 mi.
Pentagon	7 mi.
Fort McNair	7.9 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	8.1 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	8.2 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	8.4 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	9.4 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	9.6 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	9.8 mi.
Andrews AFB	15.7 mi.
Fort Belvoir	18.1 mi.
NRO Chantilly	20.2 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	20.9 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	26.6 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	32.3 mi.
US Naval Academy	32.6 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	33.4 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	35.5 mi.
Fort Detrick	37.1 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	43.4 mi.

Somerset Elementary School

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

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Somerset Elementary School

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

School Ratings

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