Catonsville Elementary School

I have two kids attending this school nd we've been involved parents there for a few years now. This is a wonderful school. The teachers have all been very nice and helpful. The other parents we've met at the school have been great and with so many people living so close to the school, there's a real sense of community. The PTA is very active, offering different activities for the students multiple times a month. The school can be very accomodating of any special needs kids have. Do not be thrown off by the GreatSchools Rating - this is a terrific place for kids!
—Submitted by a parent

As a school Administrator I am dismayed to learn a child was denied access to a school nurse by two teachers on 3/4/2013. The child got off the school bus and was too ill to walk home and had to be carried by her father. This child is still ill and would not have gotten so ill if a call home by the nurse had resulted in the child being picked up early.
—Submitted by a parent

My youngest just graduated from Catonsville and I must say that I am going to miss being a part of the CES family. Between all of our children we spent about 8 years at the school and had an opportunity to witness the many changes it has endured. CES has traditionally been a VERY tightly knitted community (meaning the relationships between families, staff, and administration) and I have noticed a decrease in that area over the years. However, overall, this school is top notch and I would pit it against ANY of the private schools in the area. I hope that CES chooses to continue with its fine tradition of providing an excellent, pleasant, and safe educational environment for the children, parents, teachers and staff. The choice to continue in excellence must be an INTENTIONAL one for all involved. We thank you for the wonderful experience that you gave our children and we wish you well! You are one of the jewels of Baltimore County.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current teacher at this school and I couldn't think of a better place to work. The teachers are 100% committed to the education of each student. While some teachers feel that stronger support is needed from administration, I personally feel that the administration team works very hard to meet the needs of all staff members, families, students, and community stakeholders. The school has a very involved PTA and offers a variety of activities throughout the year for fundraising, fun, and educational support. Come join us ... you'll love it here!
—Submitted by a teacher

In our 3 years at this school, I've noticed a decrease in extra involvement from the teachers. Not that they are expected to spend their personal time on CES, but it used to be that they came to everything. I wonder if the inner workings of the school (too much emphasis on MSA and test scores from administration) are starting to take a toll on the teacher's personal resources. Are they too fed up with how their school day goes that they don't want anything to do with the school after hours? There doesn't seem to be much collaboration between the school/teachers and PTA--activities are EITHER the school or PTA...whatever happened to the whole school community? I think that comes from the top down...
—Submitted by a parent

We are so impressed with this school. Our children came from private school before we moved to this area. Catonsville Elementary teachers and staff are so dedicated to the students. One of our children has some learning disabilities and the care and attention our child has received has our daughter thriving in school. Parental involvement is high and teachers and administration are very communicative and helpful. Kudos to this small school for making a safe and nurturing environment for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters just completed the 5th grade at CES and I have to say that we are really going to miss it. The staff is nurturing and kind and is truly committed to making sure that the needs of each student is met. Kudos to all of the teachers that made our 2 years at CES very memorable.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been so impressed with the teachers that my daughter has had. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure that the children are not only learning a lot but having fun too! My son can't wait to start kindergarten next year because he sees how much fun school can be! They enjoy math and literature night and all the fun extra activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son entering 3rd grade this year, and can only hope it will be just as wonderful as the past three years have been. The teachers are great to work with, and my son has only exceeded in all of his subjects. The parent involvement is very strong, which I think attributes alot to the school. This year we are starting out with a new principal, and asst. principal. I am a little nervous about it. I just hope they have the same hopes and concerns as our past principal. She was fantastic! I'll let you know how it works out for the 2007-2008 school year.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the world's best kept secret! We transferred here from Philly in Jan.'06 and our children(a 5th grader & kindergartener) both felt at 'home' from day one! They love it at CES! From the administration to the faculty & staff...we are so pleased to find so many helpful and friendly people, who truly do care for each student as individuals. PTA involvement is amazing! This is an overall excellent school! We are truly blessed & grateful!
—Submitted by a parent

My son did not have a good experience Catonsville Elementary & I wasnot satisfied with the teaching or homework habits.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Catonsville Elementary. We absolutly loved it. The teachers were wonderful and he loved his classes. There was a nurturing environment throughout his time there, and I think that is due to the wonderful adminstration.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very warm friendly school. Has an emphasis on music with an additional instrument teacher. It has good all round teaching. Each grade is generally split into 3 classes for math, reading, science at different levels with a Gifted & Talented (fast track) program. Very active PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome schools. Parent involvement is very high. General and advanced education programs for Baltimore County are excellent. Discipline at CES is strict, which is a good thing.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school. One of them is overseen by an IEP group. The quality of the teachers, the attention each student recieves and the high level of respect each student gets makes this far and away the ONLY school I would send my kids to in the area. The high test scores show how hard they work to have each child reach their highest potential.
—Submitted by a parent