Longfellow Elementary School

Generally the staff is good - half the teachers appear to be very good while the others are average. Most teachers make an honest effort towards teaching. Hoever, there is this one math teacher that I was not too impressed with. This teacher appeared to go through the motions and did not seem to be too interested in developing good math skills in students. Overall the students are not challenged. For eg. homework is often not given or when it is given it is too easy. The reason given to me was that the teachers did not want to dishearten the students. I also happened to attend a Longfellow music program held at the Centenniel HS auditorium. The behavior of some kids (I'm not sure if they were connected to Longfellow) at the back of the auditorium in the audience was deplorable. It took a parent in one of the seats in front of me to sternly confront the kids by telling them that what they were doing was not funny before the kids stopped. In my opinion, with a few corrections and improvements this school would be a 5 star.
--Submitted by a parent

In recent years (approximately over the last 3), LES has lost an essential component of its success. That component is the quality of some of its educators. Understanding that every organization encompasses a microcosm of society, educators should represent the best in our society. The overall aspiration for academic success and dedication, as was evident in previous years, has been replaced with a culture of complacency and apathy. Over time, I am confident that the current principle will recognize these deficiencies and take action to help LES return to its fundamental objectives and thus reclaim its success.
--Submitted by a parent

You can't go wrong at Longfellow. The teachers truly look out for each child and help them to succeed at their own pace. The teachers really know the students and expect greatness from all. Everyone at Longfellow is like another parent to my own children. It is nice to know so many people look out for my children. As a educator in Howard County, my children are getting a great education at Longfellow and I wouldn't want them anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Longfellow is a great school. It has gone through some changes and there are going to be challenges. Overall things are running smoothly and the staff could not be any better. It could be me trying to get used to a new administration, but something is not totally insync yet. I would like the atmosphere in the office to relax a little more. I think the principal, being new this year, needs to smile more and appreciate the parents that come into help and not pounce on us and ask what we are doing. That is my only complaint. I am sure she will losen up as the year goes on. This is our second year and we love it.
--Submitted by a parent

I looked at several private schools before enrolling my children at Longfellow and found I liked Longfellow better. We have been very happy with our choice. The administration is very responsive, the staff experienced and for the most part, always willing to go above and beyond. The staff and PTA both offer fun evening activities that my family enjoys and my children have a real pride in their school. I think that the staff has high educational expectations for the students and works hard to help them meet those goals.
--Submitted by a parent

My older daughter attended Longfellow Elementary all the way from Kindergarten through 5th grade and is now in 7th grade. My son is currently in 3rd grade. My husband and I both went to public schools in the Northeast and went to private colleges and went onto earn higher degrees. We love Longfellow for its small class sizes, attention to parent and student concerns, and amazingly dedicated teaching staff, and its diversity. Some parents might be concerned about how Longfellow's test scores compare with other Howard County Elementary Schools but its very important to look at what's going on besides test scores. I recommend that anyone with questions about Longfellow visit the school, meet with the principals, and see the school in action.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My daughter started in this school in Kindergarten and was later transferred to another school because we moved. The other school that she went to didn't compare to Longfellow and she was light years ahead of her class in reading and math. I would recommend this school to any parent. The teachers communicated very well with the parents, the social programs were always fun, and the staff was always friendly. This school really gave my daughter a great foundation for learning and I wish that she could go back!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The teachers and principal are very good, and the school has a large amount of funding for resources for the children. This is maybe the best elementary school in the area.
--Submitted by a former student

I am very happy with this school. Both my girls love going to school everyday. I think it has a lot to do with the teachers and how they make learning fun. As far as safety, my oldest daughter was in K-AM during 9/11 and the school made sure that she was picked up by the daycare and called me to tell me where she was and what time she was getting there. Mr. Chillemi and Mrs. Diggs always has a smile every morning (even in the cold weather) for the parents and the children. I am very pleased with Longfellow and I am sure I am speaking for all the parents.
--Submitted by Monique Frederic, a parent

I am very happy with the teachers at this school, the dedication, professionalism, and education provided by the teaching staff is commendable. The teaching staff is excellent.
--Submitted by Julie Woods, a parent