Dufief Elementary School

Principal is really checked out. We generally don't have very much direct interaction with the principals of the schools our children attend, but in this case we actively avoid school management. It's a shame, really, and could probably be corrected with more dynamic leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Super school! The teachers are caring and challenging. They take their time to return calls or meet with the parents. The principal and new vice principal are very visible and willing to speak with parents. My child has recieved a great education thus far.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is EXCELLENT. The teachers really challenge the students, the activities are great and unique and the parents in the community are very involved. We are happy with the school and the community (Westleigh). I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School, Great Staff! I've sent two of my children to DuFief and I'm thrilled with the quality of education they have received. The teachers my kids have had are truly excellent. I am grateful for their passion and enthusiasm. The PTA and parent involvement is high - leading to a community feeling that I am proud to be a part of. Overall, I couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in the school and we have been very happy with the teachers that they have had. The PTA is incredibly active and supportive of the school. Our biggest complaint has been the amount of homework they receive, but it has all ways been a reinforcement of what they are learning and I have never felt it was being used to teach.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great if you get the good teachers. The principal doesn't listen to parents' complaints. So the worst teachers stay at Dufief for many years.
—Submitted by a parent

It has great teachers and the PTA is amazing.
—Submitted by a student

This is considered one of the top elementary schools in upscale Montgomery County, MD. Teaching is rather mediocre. Hoewever, parents are very supportive and success driven. Students are given a relativeely large amount of homework. They learn mostly from the homework, largely through the help of parents. As a results, test scores are consistently high.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is clearly resting on its laurels. The principal smiles a lot, but she offers few solutions to childrens' problems. The atmosphere is one of discipline, control and test scores instead of helping children learn to love learning and love school. At least half of the teachers at the school are outstanding. They use kinesthetic activities to teach concepts, they clearly care about the students and they are receptive to parents. Unfortunately, the other half are not committed to their work. They say demeaning things to the children such as, 'You are on another planet.' and in front of the child's peers, 'I cannot believe you forgot your homework again. This is a new record for incompetence!' The most troubling part of this school is that the inferior teachers are not taught new techniques or counseled regarding the damaging effects their policies have on the children placed in their care.
—Submitted by a parent