Somerset Elementary School

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

"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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

Somerset Elementary School one of the best in Maryland. I recommend to all parents.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a great school. My two children attend it and they are very happy. Many cultures, many friends, many activities. Teachers are friendly, parents are very active. Good atmosphere.
--Submitted by inna, a parent