Benjamin Banneker Elementary School

I agree with the unwelcome and uninformed comment. My son started a special Pre-K program for kids with developmental delays. I've been impressed by the teachers who have come out as part of the state's Infant and Toddler Program, but taking him to the school was a completely different experience. We waited with about a dozen other families in the small front office for about half an hour before a teacher came to take our son back to his class. He's one of only four in a class that has a teacher and an assistance, so this seemed excessive. We had no information on the teacher, the school policies or what to expect when we arrived the first day. And the secretary is less than friendly or helpful. I'm hoping it gets better once the school year really gets underway because I really like the teachers. But we are definitely looking into other options for our son's pre-school.
--Submitted by a parent

Being new to the school, I think there is a huge lack of communication with the parents, from the principal to the teachers. When you send your child to school for the first time I think parents need to be very informed. There are no newsletters sent home and there is nothing sent to the community. I have lived in other communities before my child attended school and I knew more about those schools than I do BB. I do not like that anyone can walk into the Annex, where K is this year, without the office seeing them. It is a trailer setup that backs to the woods. I think this is a big safety issue since K has to go outside for everything other than classroom learning. My child is doing well, learning and likes the teacher but I feel unwelcome and uninformed.
--Submitted by a parent

When I went to register my child in the middle of the school year, the principal of the school was in the office and she came up to me shook my hand and my child's, explained who she was and said if we had any problems at all to come and see her. My son thought it was 'awesome' coming from a more urban area school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started Banneker in November of 2007. We moved from P.G. County and he absolutely loves it there! The staff are wonderful and care very much about the students. I couldn't have asked for a smoother transition for my son.
--Submitted by a parent

My son did pre-K there due to special needs, and I had the opportunity to volunteer for MANY different teachers in almost all grades--fantastic staff--so caring! Awesome school! We've moved--miss it!
--Submitted by a parent

This has been the best school for all 3 of my children.
--Submitted by a parent

This year there is a new principal and I am really excited about the year so far. We were considering putting our kids in private school but decided to give it another chance with a new principal and I am glad we did!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers truly care about the education of their students. The parents are extremely helpful in classroom and school activities. The principal is open to suggestions. It is a great place to learn. I would recommend this school/teachers to my closest friends.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have worked for the school system for 19 years and was very nervous about my children entering school. I have been very impressed with the level of dedication of the teachers/staff at Banneker. A tremendous amount of time is spent planning for individual student needs and the teachers are very knowledgeable about accelerating student learning. A great school.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former parent of a Banneker student, I must say, Banneker is simply the best. The teachers are caring and knowledgeable. The math program involves a great deal of critical thinking. The teachers go above and beyond the ordinary to make reading and learning fun. I was very pleased with the teachers, leadership and environment of Banneker Elementary.
--Submitted by a parent