Ballenger Creek Elementary School

Ballenger Creek is such a great school, I have a daughter with a long IEP and the staff that cares for her is so wonderful. Not to mention the focus they have on STEM. I love love love this school and am sorry to be leaving it next year when we move.
—Submitted by a parent

THIS SCHOOL IS ALSO THE BEST! I NEVER WENT HERE BUT I LOVE AND LIKE IT

Love this school!! Teachers are wonderful, the administration is terrific as well. They really seem to care about the kids. I would highly recommend moving to this area if you have elementary aged kids. You will not be disappointed!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children that have gone to BCES and I think it's a pretty good school. The new administration isn't the nicest but they seem to get the job done. Many of the teachers are really amazing teachers though. They really know how to show a child that they care about them and their academic future. I was very sad to see my son graduate 5th grade and head to middle school because I knew he would no longer get to see the teachers who really turned his school life around for him. Funny enough, his former teachers still check up on him 2 years later in middle school. Some of the teachers can be very strict, but I think it's good for the kids to know their boundaries. Also the guidance counselor is very nice and has a lot of various groups to help any of the kids who might be struggling with something in their home or school life. There is very little bullying and the staff really instills it in the kids that bullying is bad and you will be punished for it. I do wish there was more PTA participation among the parents because when there isn't the students really feel the pinch on fun things like the fall festival or spring carnival.
—Submitted by a parent

Perhaps the pre 2008 reviews should be overlooked as the principal and AP have changed since then. I have nothing but good things to say about this school. Teachers want the kids to excel and are willing to put the time into making that happen. Supplemental instruction is available for both struggling students and those who need to be challenged above the average curriculum. Administration is accessable and responsive to request for clarifications, meetings and evaluations. Many parents are part of the PTA and strive to make events fun and family friendly. I am happy to call BCES our school and my kids are thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent

Let me preface what I am about to say with this...I do not give out 5 stars - ever. With that said I have had no issues with BCES. I have found my child's time at this school to be an overall positive experience. With the exception of a few duds in teacher assignment, academically I feel my child is thriving. There has been individual attention when necessary and I have always felt that they care about my child as an individual not just as part of the crowd. We will both miss this school when our time is at an end here but feel that other children will most definitely benefit from the quality education we have experienced.
—Submitted by a parent

I have no idea why several posters are stating that there is a lack of communication as I have children who have been attending BCES for the past 10 years total...I LOVE the school, the community involvement, several EXTEMELY dedicated and wonderful teachers and pretty much everything about the school. Since we are porhibited from posting names here, I will just say that there are NUMEROUS teachers who have been there in excess of 10 years (so much for the "high turnover" allegation) and they are simply wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

There is a lack of leadership and teamwork amongst the teachers.Teachers are not giving support to students.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a lack of leadership and teamwork amongst the teachers. Individually they are all strong educators, but there lacks a cohesiveness that holds BCES from being great. There seems to be a lack of organization, clear expectations, and accountability.
—Submitted by a parent

Communication is lacking severely at BCES! Unfortunately the teachers and administrators who do care are overpowered by those who can't seem to manage their way out of a paper bag. Frederick county has a problem at this school and the mere fact that this school as had to change administration in two years again and the rampant turnover in teaching staff should tell parents there is a problem. We are leaving Frederick County this summer, we cannot afford private school and we simply feel that even staying in Frederick County isn't enough to correct the issue for our child. If you can avoid BCES, do so. The only positive, the PTA is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and quality of instruction have been great! Teachers seem to be really in tune with the needs of the child. My issue has been with communication - as a new parent to the school I felt very in the dark about certain things - and there is some support staff that aren't as sensitive to the needs of the young child as they should be. I also feel administration will try to placate you if you have an issue instead of listening. But the education has been very good.
—Submitted by a parent

My son (now 12) went to BCES from K thru 3rd grade. Most aspects of the school are great, and most families in my neighborhood are very pleased. I was concerned about the lack of personal interest in my child and his issues. Since he was not a troublemaker, it was not important to the teachers that he wasn't meeting his full potential. He now goes to a smaller Christian school (FCA) and is thriving with more personal attention and a much stronger and demanding curriculum. My younger son joined him 3 years ago. It's a sacrifice, but worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has only completed Kindergarten at BCES but what I've seen thus far from the school has impressed me greatly. I am enthusiastic about him continuing his education at BCES and confident that he will continue to exceed expectations! :)
—Submitted by a parent