Roland Park K-8 School

My child is in 6th grade and just finished taking the Math FCAT. There was material on the test that my child's class has not even covered while 6th grade students at neighboring middle schools covered that material weeks ago. I know because I asked both students (6th grade) and parents (of 6th graders) from 2 other middles schools. RP's solution to not covering this critical material (diameter, radius, circumference, area of a circle and pi) was to hand them a reference sheet to use during the test. How is a reference sheet supposed to help them with material they have never even talked about, let alone been taught? They should have notified parents in advance so students could learn it at home or learn it on KhanAcademy.com (the math teacher refers students to Khan Academy more than she teaches anyway). This was a dealbreaker for us. I didn't choose RP over our "A" rated local middle school so my child could NOT learn key material that they will be tested on and that will be used for placement next year. I am angry and beyond disappointed at the school and the teacher's irresponsibility in this situation.
—Submitted by a parent

We changed schools last year, from an A school to the newly established Magnet school at RP. With any change, first year was to be expected; this second year has been great. The Administration and Teachers really care about the kids and their education. The AGP provides a challenging, yet engaging curriculum. My son has really shown a love for school. I would recommend Roland Park.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child in kindergarten and am very pleased with all the teachers and administrators and other staff members with whom we come into contact everyday. Communication between the school and parents is good, and the IB curriculum is teaching the kids not just the basics, but how to be inquisitive thinkers, which is education at a whole new level. We are also extremely pleased that the school provides so many extras (and even to the smallest kids!) that other schools have cut - PE, Spanish, violin, music, art. Parental involvement and enthusiasm seems high, too. This is clearly a school on the rise.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved our two elementary kids to Roland Park after the school went magnet/IB. We couldn't be happier. The teachers and principal are stars. This school is on the rapid rise. The discipline and integrity being instilled in the students is clearly evident after a 2 minute stroll through the school. I know a lot of people who have switched to RP, and many more who plan to make the move. Why are there still reviews here from the time before the Roland switched to IB? It's an entirely different school -- on every level -- only the building is the same.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved two children from an "A" rated school across town to attend this school when it switched to IB last year. It was not a small or easy decision. Are we pleased with our decision ? Absolutely!! The level of commitment and caring displayed by The teachers, principal, and parents is outstanding. Besides teaching to the IB philosophy, the students are taught mutual respect and self-reliance. Students are taught at a young age how to critically think. They also have strings and a foreign language in addition to core classes (math, science, etc.). The administration and teachers are excellent communicators, and really listen to parental input. This was truly an excellent decision for our family!
—Submitted by a parent

so far i couldn't be more pleased with this school. all of the reviews listed here are from when the school was not a magnet school. this is the second year that is has been ib (international baccalaureate) and what i see from the teachers and principal is amazing. my son is in kindergarten, this is just our first year but i did so much research on this school, and all the school options for us. our neighborhood school is one of the best in the county but i was drawn to the ib curriculum and teaching philosophy. i have not been disappointed. are there still kinks? yes there are but i am not feeling them or concerned by them. the teachers, administrators and principal (new for the 2012/2013 year) are excellent communicators and are really committed to making this school a success. i am so happy i made the choice to apply!
—Submitted by a parent

Also, seems alot of the reviews in favor of the school are before the school went IB this year.
—Submitted by a parent

great school students learn quickly
—Submitted by a parent

Roland Park in my opinion is a very nurturing school. It has helped my child build self-esteem and the teachers, staff and aides are wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Roland Park in my opinion, is the best school in hillsborouh county. The teacher and staff are wonderful. Most importantly they care about the future of each and ever student. What I like most is that they work hard with our children with problems and without problems.
—Submitted by Ciria Gonzalez-Kelly, a parent

I am truly disatisfied with they way they handles problems to their interaction with parents. My daughter is in all advanced classes and they are way over booked. She is bored in class and very rarely has homework. They have planners but the teachers never follow through from beginning to end with them. They lack correspondence with us as parents as well. There are many issues with staffing as well as transportation to school. I am very dissatisfied with our experience at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the best schools ever. My kids never want to leave and always are looking forward to coming back. This school changes them and they learn on there own how to defend themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has been nothing than amazing to my daughter! They saw her abilities and put her where she belonged in advanced classes. The teachers are wonderful and communicate at all angels. The one thing they lack is extra activities for the kids but the academics really makes up for this! I am pleased with the outcome of a very hard move across counties for us, they made a wonderful experience for us and made me feel at ease to know that my daughter was in great hands during her school hours!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Teachers are wonderful and truly love to teach. Parental involvment is ok - good in the lower grades but declines as the kids get older. Staff/Administration is very involved and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are to be commended for their work at this school. It is a K-8 school where music, art, sports & other extracurricular activities are promoted. The location is nice since Jefferson H.S. is on the same grounds. A child need never leave the grounds from Kindergarten through high school. More parent involvement is needed. Only .7% of parents registered with the PTA this year. The PTA is actively seeking out parents & ways to attract them.
—Submitted by a teacher

Not a bad school, but can use some improvements. Westshore Alliance Program is not as cracked up as they'd like to show. There are discipline problems. Can be tough on the younger kids because it is a K-8 school, and there are many big/loud kids. Administration is friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is below average to average. Discipline is inconsistent and many of the faculty and staff do not see eye to eye. Parent involvement is extremely low. There is little to no extacurricular activities of elementary students.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is wonderful. Everyone you have contact with is interested, dedicated and attentive. I have two children here and I would make this choice over and over. My daughter has a teacher who has identified problem areas and the resource teacher and her regular teacher have tirelessly worked to bring her up to speed. My son also have two amazing teachers who have tapped into exactly what he needs. He is above level in many areas and tends to get bored and they channel that and work with him. I love this school.
—Submitted by stephanie, a parent

This school has been a great learning experience for my son. His Teacher Ms. Elaine pushed his class to excel in all academic areas. She is an amazing teacher. The school offers a hands on creative learning environment for students.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Grossman was my son's teacher for K and 1st, and was great. It was the rest of the school that was unacceptable. The children only went outside once or twice a week. The office rules apply only when they chose fit. In the 2 yrs my son attended they went through several prinicpals. Don't bother paying for the before care program.. all the neighborhood kids start hanging around by 7:45.
—Submitted by a parent