Mary G. Porter Traditional

Posted: February 13, 2025

As a student who has recently graduated from Mary G. Porter Traditional School, the most advice I can give to any parent looking for schools to enroll their child in, all I have to say is DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT enroll your child into this school unless you want your child coming to be in an environment full of teachers who are full of themselves, ignorant or just flat out careless about your child's education, and some being all of the above or even worse. The admin is truly something; they will bring out the image that they care about you, but really they don't bring any action to that. Counselors, don't trust them and never will. Someone who I knew has a sibling who had gone through a horrible experience last year, which contained him being not only slapped but also KICKED by another student. Admin was advised of the issue, of course, by the student's parents, and what did they do? They in fact did something that I would say is worse than nothing. Not only did they not help the poor student who was violated by another and ignored the issue but gave both of them a refer-all. Before you say, that's something. No, it's not; it's completely ignorant behavior from their side. Instead of looking through the situation to see who was in the wrong and who wasn't, they just decided to give them both a refer-all. If your child was in this issue, you wouldn't want them to be punished for something they didn't do, right? The students here have a different story. Some of course as pure sweethearts, but the rest.....THOSE students who make it difficult for other students to just learn or do anything are the same students who the teachers and administrators don't give proper punishments to. In fact, I've seen, with my own two eyes, kids talking horrible to other students and getting away with it simply because the staff is just ignorant. Please don't ever even look at Porter; the sight of the school gives me PTSD from all the mental battles I fought while being there. I guarantee you that there will be tons of students who will say how much they despise Porter. At the end of the day, yes, there are very nice teachers here, but I wouldn't want to risk my experience and gamble my time with teachers who don't care and teachers who do. But of course I had to take the risk, and I practically died 9000000000000 times at Porter, each time giving me a stomach-curdling punch. Do not go to Mary G. Porter Traditional School. Thank you for reading this, and have a good day.

Posted: February 13, 2025

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Posted: June 6, 2024

Porter is as amazing as I heard it to be. The Principal, Assistant Principal, School Counselors, and teaching staff have all been supportive, communicative, and engaging. This was my students first year at the school, and I look forward to the next several years here.

Posted: June 6, 2024

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Posted: April 29, 2024

As a student at Porter, I have realized that the admin does nothing to people who are getting bullied. Instead, to keep their reputation high, they ignore students who are in need. Punishing the students who are the victims harder. Not only do they promote no place for hate but, in reality are the opposite of that. The teachers don’t even step in if someone is getting bullied but, they rather ignore it. Which is why many students believe they are not safe from bullying at porter traditional school. I urge you all not to send your children here if you value your children.

Posted: April 29, 2024

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Posted: February 16, 2022

The following review is based on my honest opinion, belief, and personal experience.

I have four children and all four have attended Porter. Unfortunately, the previous principal retired a couple of years ago and I do not care for the current principal whatsoever. In my opinion, I do not feel she effectively deals with bullying, I do not feel she supports adequate instruction and assistance, especially for kids with IEPs. In my opinion, she is not an effective leader, and does not adequately demonstrate integrity, compassion, or respect toward certain parents and students.

I am keeping my kids in Porter for now because the school does have several incredible teachers, but there are also several teachers who don't even do the bare minimum with regards to instruction. I will be transferring my kids to Potomac Shores once they are in middle school.

Porter was once an incredible school. If enough people complain against the principal and problematic teachers, hopefully there will be change and the school can become great again. It is very sad to see staff fail to assist kids in learning and fail to treat kids with respect, but it's even worse to see a principal fail to hold staff to minimum education standards.

Posted: February 16, 2022

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Posted: December 1, 2021

Great school in PWC the teachers are very responsive full of courage .

Posted: December 1, 2021

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Posted: June 1, 2020

We are always up to date with the upcoming tests, prep work is sent out regularly.

Posted: June 1, 2020

Kids love their teachers. They learn a lot. The environment is motivational.

Posted: June 1, 2020

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Posted: June 1, 2020

Overall a great experience. Kids like this school and the teachers.

Posted: May 4, 2020

Seems appropriate for each age level. A simple review at home, mainly to ensure students understand and parents know what's being covered in the classroom.

Posted: May 4, 2020

We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Mrs. Marcell & Ms. Potter!

Posted: May 4, 2020

They consistently cover more than just academics, but character building concepts as well.

Posted: May 4, 2020

Scores seem to continually improve for students; staff seems helpful and eager to do well.

Posted: May 4, 2020

I do not have experience with this.

Posted: May 4, 2020

We have not had any issues with bullying.

Posted: May 4, 2020

So far, so great! We love CHES.

Posted: June 8, 2016

Excellent school with great faculty and staff! This school is top notch and it shows in the performance of its students. Great school!

Posted: June 8, 2016

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Posted: May 10, 2016

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Posted: May 10, 2016

My daughter is currently attending Porter as a second grader and I have to say the first few months were very challenging coming from our neighborhood school. However, she's excelling beyond leaps and bounds. She loves her school! Her teacher has implemented very creative learning tools that excites the kids!
We are very proud to be at Porter!!

Posted: May 10, 2016

Posted: January 8, 2016

The best school in PW county! My son is happy and excited to get there!

Posted: January 8, 2016

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Posted: September 28, 2015

If you are already zoned for a decent school, think twice about applying for the lottery. The grass is not always greener! I thought the negative reviews were just disgruntled parents whose children were troublemakers, or the parents themselves were just the complaining type. As a military family with several kids, I have experienced many different schools in many different places. I always enjoyed volunteering and being involved, as room parent or planning class parties, stuffing communicators or copying/cutting, etc. I thought Porter would be wonderful because it was always so difficult to get volunteers for various events. Here is a school that requires it! The problem is there is no hands on volunteering. No room parents. No class parties to plan. Field trips are done by lottery because everyone needs their volunteer hours, you're lucky to get picked once, maybe twice a year if you have multiple students. Volunteering consists of sitting at the front doors for hours to let people into the school, or helping at either "day of the arts" or field day once a year. You get half an hour credit for attending PTA meetings. In the years we were at Porter I never once entered a classroom unless it was for meet the teacher day or a conference. My youngest went from loving school and reading 4 grade levels higher than her current grade, to 3 years later being "on grade level". How does that even happen? We transferred back to our base school and my kid has never been happier. Porter's SOL scores are high because the kids are learning math a year ahead of the rest of the state. My child struggled with this and was a C student at Porter, which really affected self-confidence - but now is thriving again in extended classes at the base school. The only way I would recommend applying is if your base school is ranked quite low.

Posted: September 28, 2015

In three years my child had a variety of teaching styles. Teacher 1 was nice and the kids liked her but she was completely ineffective. My child learned nothing in her class. Teacher 2 was a first year teacher who had zero patience for kids. We heard every day about her screaming tirades. She would sit in class and play on her laptop, one day my kid came home and said she watched Game of Thrones all that day. That teacher "didn't believe in homework" but I suspect she just didn't believe in having to assign or grade it. My child dreaded going to school all that year. Teacher 3 was very good, the kids liked and respected her and for the first time at Porter I felt my kid was learning something. Unfortunately for current students, that teacher left after last year (as do all the good ones).

Posted: September 28, 2015

My kids rarely had homework, and when they did it was just "busy work", silly worksheets that had nothing to do with what they were currently studying. This does nothing to help parents know where their kids may need extra assistance at home. Test time is not the time to find out they were struggling with a concept.

Posted: September 28, 2015

My youngest child dealt with having items repeatedly stolen, and with repeated bullying by the same small group year after year. Those students are still at Porter, even after numerous referrals to the principal. They care nothing about students' well being, only test scores and attendance to ensure repeated "School of Excellence" awards.

Posted: July 30, 2015

I agree with most of the posts so far. Don't personally like the principal, but haven't had to deal with her. It's a great environment for children to be in from 1st to 8th grade. The school becomes like an extended family. I am very bothered by the loss of so many very good teachers. I was looking forward to my younger children having some of the teachers my oldest daughter had but they've all left! I like the fact that it's very multicultural and accepting of all students. Need to enhance music, art, specialty programs. My 3rd grader this year had NO homework. I don't agree with that!

Posted: July 30, 2015

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Porter checks off all of the boxes that the state likes to see, but ignores the human relationship aspect that a school needs to thrive. If you want your child to be an excellent test-taker, submit yourself to the painstaking process of applying. If you want your child to be well-rounded and able to cope with the additionally challenges that high school, college, and life bring... you may want to explore other options.

If you are a teacher applying to work at this school, take warning. You will have excellent students to work with, and families that are willing to throw you support, but this is overshadowed by the strain put on you by administration. Between 8-12 teachers have quit every year for the past several years. It's alarming that PWCS has not looked into this issue - very clearly shows how much they put test score value over the well-being and mental health of their employees.

Posted: May 28, 2014

I wish that the lottery system was public to ensure that it is fair. It is very difficult to get into, even for upcoming 1st graders.

Posted: May 22, 2014

This school is good on paper. My children are very good at taking tests, and they are academically successful, but the atmosphere at Porter borders on clinical. I have heard from several staff members that the principal is difficult to work for, and having had our first issues requiring her attention (in 6 years) I find that to be true as a parent as well. Porter checks all of the boxes, but is far from a nurturing environment. The good thing with a single, powerful leader is that they can get results, but the only results that seem to matter are the test score the kids get. The format for this school has amazing potential, but that's where it ends.

Posted: February 17, 2014

I have been affiliated with this school for 6 years now and it has been a great place for my child who started in 1st grade and is currently in 6th grade (middle school). I have a child that's in 3rd grade at this school too and it has been an ongoing success academically and socially. No, school is perfect, but Mary G. Porter comes pretty close to perfection as far as my children academic needs are concerned. I'm confident that the quality of education they are receiving will promote future success in every avenue of their chosen profession. It is a school of choice and I'm grateful they have the opportunity to attend this school.

Posted: November 30, 2013

I love this school my son has been getting all pass advanced on his SOL's ever since he joined this school.

Posted: March 30, 2013

I am very happy that my kids are accepted at porter. I love this school not only my kids. My kids are very advanced and thanks to the great teachers and the wonderful principal whom my kids love an adore. Thank you porter allowing us to be part of your family. We will continue working together to the best of our kids. Excellent school in reading, math, writing, s.studies and science. Looking for the best private and public don't hesitate put your child at porter.

Posted: March 1, 2013

I HATE THIS SCHOOL! The principal is very picky. She has her favorites. My student is going to godwin noe.

Posted: June 13, 2012

I think all parents need to know that 12 of our teachers are leaving this year. Some which have been there since the beginning of porter. I am horrified and shocked and I am considering taking my children out. Something is wrong here.

Posted: May 9, 2012

My daughter attended Porter for her middle school years. She is now in high school and the experiences she had in middle school has prepared her for high school environment. The principal and staff were supportive and helpful giving the extra time and attention to the needs of the students. Many long days and night are put in by the principal and staff. They might not be able to attended all functions but are aware of the students performances and accomplishments and thankful for the great students and families. Having families of their own they give more time to the students of Porter. It is truly a family with everyone caring, and looking out for each other.

Posted: May 8, 2012

Mary G. Porter has not only the best test scores but The Best Principal. My children are cared for and loved. The principal strives to protect the students and has high expectations. She wants all of us to be accountable. She has a tough position and especially with parents that want their own way. It saddens me to read any negative statements about Porter. The success of the school is the proof of the results and over 600 parents wanting their child to go to Porter. My children have been there 8 years and I applaud the staff and thank them especially the principal!

Posted: May 8, 2012

Porter is outstanding! The school really works on making it Bully free! The principal is wonderful and loves my kids. She gives tough love and only wants a climate that promotes success. I am so happy with all the technology. My son is making QR codes.

Posted: April 5, 2012

The teachers are excellent at Porter. The principal does have a strong personality... and a kind heart. I've spoken with the principal about different issues. Eventually, she did listen to me, and implemented changes over the past two years. No matter what school you choose, it is very important to be involved in your school in some way, and to continually speak up with gentleness and respect., then you are more likely to be heard. My children transferred from a private, Christian school. Their biggest challenge was learning a totally different way of doing math. Also, they are not pampered. Socially, my kids have friends from different religions and cultures and countries. Any disobeying of the rules is quickly taken care of with reasonable consequences. The staff also rewards their students for showing Star Qualities. (character qualities like, respect, courtesy, etc...) Parents are required to submit volunteer hours. This is also what makes the school good, because of the different talents and skills that the parents give back to the students and teachers. Overall, it is a good school, because the teachers and the principal genuinely care about the kids.