Bellows Spring Elementary School

GREAT SCHOOL!!! We are a military family constantly moving around and are due to move this summer after being here for two years. I have two little boys who get excited about going to school and love their teachers. They are learning sooo much and the teachers are patient and dedicated. I've done my research to our next duty station and I hate that the schools are a downgrade! I almost want to stay here! Great Community, Parent involvement and School. I highly recommend this school and would rate it a 10!
—Submitted by a parent

I really love this school and I do volunteer and visited at lunch time. I found it was organized however, my only complaint was that my daughter who is a kindergartener needed help opening something and it was difficult to get the helper's attention. My solution was to make everything as easy as possible for her and that has generally solved the problem. I think the core curriculum is a little confusing, but I feel as if my 5 year old is being challenged enough. My 8 year old who is in the 3rd grade has an excellent teacher. I think all of the teachers work very hard and are very competent . As parents, we are the primary ones responsible for our child's education. The school has all of the tools to help the children succeed. We have to do our part. I rate this school a 10, it is competitive and addresses all students needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I totally disagree with "Average is More Like it". I absolutely love this school, the staff and the program as a whole. Our son is in the 5th grade and has attended Bellows since Kindergarten. We have stayed in this school district for so many reasons and so thankful that we have stayed here. Our sons math teacher is awesome and caring and stays in touch with any challenges or accomplishments he has had. The communication is wonderful and the communication has to be both ways. As a parent, if you are concerned about something, just ask the teacher
—Submitted by a parent

Average is more like it. The playground/play equipment is almost non-existant. The principal is hostile. They have unwaivering policies. Lunch is like a circus and the kids really don't know what is expected of them. The teachers are not very skilled, although they have a good time together. If your child has any issues, even minor - you are on your own. There are too many kids here and if your is unlucky - they will have a disjointed schedule and a classroom that is sparsely supplied.
—Submitted by a parent

Bellows Spring elementary is a great school, with an excellent principal and exceptional teachers and support staff. My daughter went to this school for 3 years, and she had great teachers every year. We had to move out of the area, however we (and especially our daughter) still miss this school. I rate this school as a 10.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 grandchildren that attend Bellows Springs and love to visit for their programs and events. From the moment you walk in the door, the atmosphere lets you know that this is a nurturing place where children are valued. I love the student body's diversity and the way it is embraced and appreciated. Music and art are such a valued part of the curriculum, and I love to see the artwork on display in the hallways. What a great place to grow and learn.

I have 4 children at Bellows, including one with special needs. Bellows is a diverse and inclusive school. Wonderful administration and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

This is outstanding school. Teachers , Principal and office staff are great and extremely helpful. I have 2 kids attending this elementary school and I would say Academic standards are one of the best in Howard county. Superb PTA. I have never seen so much activities in any other school. I will give 5 stars to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and staff. So much enthusiasm, mixed with top-notch teaching curriculum. Great programs such as Watch DOGS, International Night, Field Day, Green Day, Abrakadoodle art, and more.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great and the community is very supportive. During my daughters short but pleasant time at BSES the teachers have been such a delight to be around and interact. It seems as though BSES got all of the teachers that are genuinely interested in the profession. The Keep up the great work BSES staff and teachers!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely happy with my daughter's performance at BSES. Her progress for the past 2 months in her 1st grade has been amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

Bellows Spring is the best! The teachers take a true interest in each and every student. They use a team approach to find the best way to allow for every child to succeed. The communication between home and school is great. I can not say enough about Bellows!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Staff is dedicated and communication between home and school is great. It is too bad they don't qualify for a breakfast program.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! Teachers are great! Administration is great! The school is a bit too big, but overall, this school is a the best of the best.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started at BSES this year and I have been very disappointed with the school overall. My son's teacher is really nice and gives my son appropriate discipline as well as respect. However, I do not see the overall involvement that his prior school showed. My son has behavioral problems and the administration doesn't seem to know what to do and they don't get very involved, or so it seems. I am surprised that breakfast isn't offered, the school doesn't call if children don't show up for school, and none of the staff seem to be able to spell my son's name correctly even though his name is simple and he's been in the school for almost 3 quarters now. I'm glad we are changing schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My children and I really love this school so much. Everybody in the school is just like a family. Mrs. Heinz is the best ESOL teacher who I've ever known. PTA is wide open to every parents and very friendly. The school has strict discipline; at the same time, it is very tolerable to multiculture. Every staff members are setting a great example for the future school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a 5 star school. My husband and I are very fortunate that our children can attend this school. Every staff member truely is there to help promote the students education in a positive way.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the 4th grade and we really enjoy the overall vibe of the school. We came from a smaller school and that was nice in the sense that everyone knew each other, but the teachers and staff at Bellows are very courteous and polite. I do wish they offered breakfast though. Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

We refuse to move because we feel our kids are in the best elementary school in Howard County. Parents are very involved, the teachers are very attentive and the Principal Ms. Klamerus is phenomenal! It doesn't get any better than this!
—Submitted by Bryce's Mom, a parent

They had a rough first year as a new school, but my son as been there for 3 years now and they really have their act together. The staff is committed to education and my son is excelling. Obviously they are doing a great job or my son wouldn't be doing so well (he scored high on MSA scores in comparison to Maryland and the county overall, as did this school). We're happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent