Richard Henry Lee Elementary School

This school was so much better with the other principal. The teaching staff for the most part (some teachers here are outstanding!) are great & helpful but this year....not so much! Not in my child's grade. They are rude condescending and negative! So disapointed this year. This school was ranked 7 out of 10 & now it's ranked 6 out of 10 & it shows in the school. My child has attended this school for a few years and this is the WORST year ever! AACPS needs to step in & really review how this school is being opperated and review some these teachers. What a shame!
--Submitted by a parent

I see that several parents had wonderful reviews about the way the principal and teachers handled even the most challenging students. I wish I could write something just as positive. Back then whenever I came to the school I noticed how genuine Principal Wagner was about her care of each and every child. My son has been pretty lucky to have some very patient teachers who have taken the time to find out the special needs he has. Unfortunately there are other teachers at the school that feel very comfortable in loosing self control and scarring the heck out of kids they don t appreciate by hollering at them in the hallway at the top of their lungs. My son was the recipient of such teacher outburst; in fact he and his friend both came home crying and scared. The issue was resolved because the wonderful school counselor stepped in to help. She has also been a great help in trying to figure out how to help my son in his special needs and academic difficulties. In all of this neither the principal or vice principal has bothered to assist I any way. The teacher, who had her outburst at my child, just kept on her daily routine without any kind of reprimand.
--Submitted by a parent

My son struggled and had outbursts in school daily. He was sent to the office constantly, and hated going to school. Mrs. Wagner, the principle at the time never gave up on him. She understood that there had to be underlying issues. She had him tested for learning disabilities, and offered him the help he needed. With her willingness to be understanding, and her undying devotion to her students, my son is now an honor roll student, and loves going to school. He also improved from a preschool reading level to a 2nd grade level in one year. He will be in 4th grade this year, and with the help of the teachers at this school he can only get better. Thank you Richard Henry Lee!!
--Submitted by a parent

I think RH Lee is a pretty good school. I wish they would provide more detailed information about their curriculum. The news letter sometimes has outdated info by the time it is sent home with the students. I wish it were easier to network with parents but there's no directory. My son is new to the area and I've had a hard time meeting the parents of the kids in his grade level. I also wish that the teacher's were easier to contact and had more flexible meeting schedules.
--Submitted by a parent

My girls came from th PG county school system and the difference between the two counities were huge. At RHL I love the fact that they asked in the begining of the year what are your childs strenghts and weaknesses. And they actually focus on them and help your child become a better student. My daughter is an honor roll students since she has been at RHL and getting better everyday
--Submitted by a parent

I think the teachers are great, but however the office staff can be very rude. I don't like the way RH Lee is set up. I think that open classrooms can cause children to not be able to focus and learn the right way. The children hear other lessons being taught by other teachers which is very distracting.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are wonderful, but the school lacks the funding, parent involvement & attention necessary to be a good school. After 1 year in the school I began looking for a better school district. I can't say enough good things about the individual teachers, but I was disappointed in the principal.
--Submitted by a parent

I was very happy with my sons kindergardern teacher she was very attentive to his academic needs.She gave feedback when needed and offered her guidence without being asked. Overall the school is great and the principle and office staff are very approachable.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has grown tremendously in his reading capability. Ms Cogswell really shows diligence and a genuine effort to provide individualized attention in the classroom. Her feedback is always on point and thorough. However, I feel that my 4th grader could have had a better experience and more attention paid academic difficulties as they came up.Addressing the problem sooner rather than later is key. The 4th grade only took 1 field trip and it seems that more time and resources was dedicated to the 5th grade and certain groups.
--Submitted by a parent

My child started at this school during 1st grade and I have been thrilled. Ms. Radford is a wonderful teacher. I wish they utilized the schools website more.
--Submitted by a parent