Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson Elementary/Middle School

Fair warning to any teacher in the BCPS system: Do not join this school. The principal is the most unprofessional I have known in this system after several years. While the tax payers paid for much of his Phd education, he has failed his own staff and his students time and time again. Not only does he not grasp the inner workings of the school system, but also much of life. Pity I feel for him more than anything else. Nevertheless, do not join this school if you can avoid it at all.
—Submitted by a teacher

Unfortunately, the principal has no interest in the growth of the students or the teachers. Experiencing the chaos, lack of structure in addition to inconsistent non existing protocol, that does not support the teacher nor encourage the students. These kids are being set-up for failure. Those few parents who view this is as a positive, please view the entire picture.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is a disgrace to the educational system. The principal is unsupportive, uncooperative, and disrespectful. He knows few children's names, and is clearly only there for his own agenda. The teachers are excellent and are there for the kids, however, the principal puts discipline on the backburner, resulting in shear chaos. The principal has a wonderful chance to make a strong impact on those children by being a male role model, however, he has really turned the school into a place where learning is not valued. CGW will be a better place when he moves on.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a former educator at this school and parent. This is my second time relocating and enrolling my children at Dr. Carter G. Woodson. I feel that Mr. Harris has done a wonderful job since he's been assigned to this school. He is always available and willing to listen and try new ideas. He's open to different approaches from parents and community partners'. As a overseer of children in different schools across Maryland ( Baltimore county, Montgomery, Harford And Prince George's) I would like to clear the air, by saying this is in the top 6 schools that I would recommend. You and your child(ren) are treated fairly and not prejudged like any many of the counties and your child is not passed through because of your poverty level or race. This school could use some improvements, but overall it's a good school. It would be beneficial if some of the parents' would visit the school or volunteer throughout the year. I work full time, but I still manage to support my children by participating in school activities. The neighborhood surrounding the school is really wonderful. It's quiet, clean and peaceful.
—Submitted by a parent

Im a parent at Dr.Carter G woodson And I Strongly opssed of what the person below me says mr.Harris had donea remarkable Job for these students Today towson universty has came a video taped such young students it brings me happiness bu this and very please if anyone has to blame for the fighting and misshalfs inthis school dont blame the teachers of the principal I Say blame the parents thats raising th
—Submitted by a parent

i feel that when mr. harris had taken over it has been a monstrocity as far as the learning of the student. but as a parent i feel fustrated that my child comes home beaten up because of the bullying that happen s there. i think that mr.harris or somebody should do something about that.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child currently enrolled at this school and one that went on to grad a few years ago. I am a PTA member and I try to participate as offten as I can, latley I haven't been to active. My child as had some very fine teachers over the years and for some reason alot of them left the school. Parent please stop blaming everything on the Principal and take time out to become active in your childs education. Parent participation is very low at this school and some of the administration has become lazy and complacent. Me and Mr. Harris has not always agreed on some issues, however we had always kept thing professional and have the understnding that it's in the best intrest of the child that matters. These are our children and it's up to us to to determine their future not Mr. Harris.
—Submitted by a parent

Your school is a reflection of its leadership. There is no leadership, so therefore, the school is in chaos. When good leadership comes to Dr. G, then the school will prosper.
—Submitted by a teacher

I disagree with the comments posted in reference to Mr. Harris. During his tenure here at Dr. Carter G. Woodson Elementary Middle School Pre-K - 8th, his students are his first concern - their wellfare and certainly their education. He has been a good leader and is a very dedicated principal who have helped the children discover their potential through education and other experiences. I have had the opportunity to talk to students who left the school and are doing well, thanks to a dedicated and caring Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the other comments posted previously. The Principal, Mr. Patrick F. Harris, exhibits poor leadership qualities at best. He doesn't have the support of the staff, parents, or students because he offers no support. Mr. Harris is not to blame for all of the schools problems, but he does exacerbate them. The out of control cafeteria mentioned in a previous post showcases the lack of discipline in the entire building. Despite all of the talk from Mr. Harris, he does not enforce a school wide discipline program. I have been employed with Baltimore City Public Schools for 12 years and he is the worst principal I have ever encountered. Unfortunately, under the current leadership, Woodson is not a school where teachers and students are able to reach their potential.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is in need of serious leadership. It is totally lacking support from both parents and the school system. Funding is necessary to ensure the safety of both children and teachers. The lunch room is a scary place to be, it totally lacks supervision. Everyone yells in this school from students to teachers. North Avenue has to wake up and help out our community. Hire the staff needed to run these schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst school in the history of public schools that I have been affiliated with. I mean I'll start with the lack of control and leadership of the administration and end with the disrespectful teachers. This school year the head principal was the assistant principal last year and just like last year he is no good for the school or children because he doesn't work with parents or students. He makes the environment slightly hostile and unruly. The fact that this man is around the children on a daily basis explains the attitudes and behavioral problems that are throughout this school. If your child has a problem they better not go to him for help because he just makes the situation worst. The parents aren't the problem it's the ignorant administration.
—Submitted by Frustrated With Administration, a parent

If ever ther was a school in need of restructering this is it. Although I am not a parent of the school. I am related to an employee. The school has very few resources for the parents, children, and none for the teachers. The school is out of control and the administration is out of touch as it relates to effective teaching. Needless to say that most of parents need help. I end by saying that Balto city school's system needs understands that until there are more resources for these messed up parents we are going to keep having messed up kids
—Submitted by a former student