Strawberry Knoll Elementary School

My two daughters attend SKES and love it! I have had nothing but good experiences there. Principal Kaplan is great and willing to help and take care of issues promptly. Had a small problem with bullying and spoke to principal and all was taken care of the same day. The problem did not repeat!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended "the Knoll" for three years now. Love Principal Kaplan, office staff and the teachers. The school is diverse which in the case of this school has really been wonderful. Most parents are deeply involved and genuinely care about their children's education. This really adds to the learning environment there too. Kidsco before and aftercare in the multipurpose room also a big value add for working moms and dads.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children that attended SKES. We were VERY happy with the experience and the education our children received. We were involved parents and I always think that is a key to success. The administration knew us, the office knew us, and we had consistent open communication with their teachers. Principal Kaplan has been leading the school since our first year and we couldn't ask for more from a principal. He has tremendous passion and enthusiasm for his school and his school children. The school is very diverse and I think that is a good thing since the last time I walked outside, so is the real world. SKES feeds into Gaithersburg Middle and Gaithersburg High. We have have been very happy at both GMS and GHS as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who attend Strawberry knolls Elem. I think that it is a good school with the exception of the theft problem. I believe that the school needs and should implement a system that works in regards to retrieving students' stolen /lost items. I think that it is important for the children and parents to feel secure in the fact that if their child left an article of clothing/item it will be where they left it or go to an area where it has been secured and retrieve it. I am saddened to report, that each time my children lost an item at the school we have been unable to locate it even with the assistance of staff. It has been very discouraging and frustrating. School year 2010-2011
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children go to SKES and I have been very happy with their experiences. The school does a great job meeting the needs of all the children. The staff did a wonderful job offering advanced course work for my son. The diversity is a plus! I was a bit concerned about test scores before my children entered the school, but all have done exceptional on standardized tests. It is a loving and caring community. I highly recommend the school. I have had no issues within the 9 years I have children there with theft or major behavioral issues.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attend Strawberry Knolls since Kinder and now they are currently in 2nd grade. I only have two concerns that I feel need to be addressed at the school. My first concern centers around the inconsistency between the same primary grade levels i.e. 1st grade the informal testing of children in Teacher A class verses Teacher B class and the methods of teaching all academic subjects. The aforementioned examples are not limited to the above. The list is very long. No grade level meetings implemented 2010-2011 school (lower grades). Secondly, I am concerned about the children's missing items. Time and time again my children have been left in the cold during the winter months because while playing on the playground their jackets have been stolen from them. The school took no responsibility and nor did the district (superintendent). I was baffled by the lack of concern for my children articles and broken lost and found system.
—Submitted by a parent

I too was concerned about the diversity of the school, but my daughter loves it here! Mr. Kaplan is wonderful and very accessible with any questions or concerns that parents may have. The teachers are also amazing!!!! This is a very good school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful. We moved to this area last year. At first we have some concerns over the school, since this area is rated relatively lower compared to the nearby cities, such as Rockville, Germantown or even some other areas in Gaithersburg. But after my daughter started in this school, we were more and more impressed by the quality of staff. Almost every morning the principal Mr. Kaplan will be out to greet children. The teachers respond to our enquiries very fast. The school also does its best to meet the specific needs of students. My daughter loves her teachers and the school.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a wonderful school. My two daughters are in 1st and 2nd grade and we have had nothing but a positive experience. The teachers and staff really seem to care about their students. I love the fact that there are only 15 to 17 students per teacher. I have been very impressed with the ciriculum, my girls are learning a lot!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very good school! The principal is one of the best I've known. Yes, there is a lot of diversity and at times it can be challenging. My son spent two years there and had two great teachers. The PEP and Autism staff are also just as awesome as the Reg. Ed. staff. Get involved and you'll see the Noble Knight spirit!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Highly diverse with a caring staff, the class size is kept reasonable and the discipline structure here is very fair. Parent involvement is probably average. The music program seemed a bit lacking to me, with one half hour session offered one time a week during recess. Overall this school is great, clean, well staffed, and well cared for. I have had 3 children attend Strawberry Knoll.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a Kindergartener so this experience is rather new to me. I have so enjoyed the environment at Strawberry Knoll. The school really focuses on getting the parent involved as much as possible. I love the newsletter that goes home with helpful hints on helping your child achieve success in school. There is a great deal of communication between the staff and the parent and the child its almost like family. The curricculum is challenging and the class environment promotes learning and development in every way. The fundraising events and volunteer opportunities are inviting as well. I recommend this school highly!
—Submitted by a parent