Deer Crossing Elementary School

I wrote a review back in January that I was completely happy and satisfied with the school and services. Well, due to some continuing circumstances that are hard to get resolved, I am changing my opinion. Administration is getting harder to deal with and when they make a mistake with your child they do not apologize instead it is swept under the rug and there seems to be a lack of respect extended to the parents :( very unfortunate as this started out a great journey. There needs to be an "attitude adjustment". Look how the reviews started out years ago very positive...and now these recent two years not so good. I am keeping my eyes and ears open hoping to get a little more respect in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school our daughter is thriving! The K team is amazing and the rest of the staff is open, friendly, and know what they are doing! The PTA is great and hosts many original events for our family. We are do lucky to have made the decison to live near this great school. Kudos to the staff and thank you for your work!
—Submitted by a parent

Much room for improvement. D.C. public schools could teach this location a thing or two. This would explain home schooling's rise in Frederick county to be the highest per capita in the state of Maryland.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not a place to send your child. The literally "teach the test" rather than educating the children. The leadership is lacking at this institution. If you want to put your child's imagination to sleep you have come to the right place. Frederick county has charter schools and many other options available now and in the future. I would think most anyone could do better than the staff at the school this past year. No effort put into the children. This year it was all complaining about budget cuts and no educating. The budget per student at this school is $11,800 in state, local and federal spending. It is more than private schools which do a far better job. I don't know where the money goes although they did install a high end "jail type" security system this year and the school board has a fancy new headquarters. It might be that the teachers make more than the parents they work for. It might be the $100,000 a year principal's salary.
—Submitted by a parent

Our teacher this year allowed my child to fall behind and forced all the classwork that was not completed on us. School did not take our concerns seriously. Deer Crossing is a lot like the MVA when it comes to customer service.
—Submitted by a parent

School run by hostile front office staff. School currently writing and submitting their own reviews to offset honest reviews by parents. If you want to fight with red tape and government intrusion into your life, by all means enroll with this school. Otherwise investigate pretty much all others near by as a much better alternative
—Submitted by a parent

I find the administration and especially the principal to be very open and easy to reach. She is very skilled at problem solving and does things by the book and as required by law. Its unfortunate that some circumstances would have been dealt with the same no matter what school some parent's child would have attended. Principals are bounded by law and policies set forth by the state and the board. Principals are not paid to deal with hostile parents who attempt to bully answers and force phone calls with them. Keep up the great work principal!!!!!

I am still at Deer Crossing and I have to say eventhough there has been a change in administration, I still find this school amazing. The new principal is always there to listen to your praise and concerns. I would highly recommend sending my students here and I was once a teacher myself.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a welcoming and inviting place where students are challenged to learn every day. The students have many extra curricular activities to choose from including band, performing arts, academic contests, art and creative writing competitions, environmental science projects like composting and tree planting, and mentoring of younger children. The teachers are open to trying new ideas and work very well with the community to involve community members who are interested in making this school excellent. Both of my children have had outstanding teachers through the first two years of school.
—Submitted by a parent

My family's experience with DCES has been very positive. The teachers are solid and the administration is very dependable and consistent. Academically, the school is mildly challenging for those capable of higher levels of learning, and they have lots of intervention in place for those who need additional support. The only real drawback is that there a LOT of teachers and aides at this school who also have children enrolled. It makes for a 'fish bowl' existence within the community. Otherwise, a very good experience for us.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a very community feel and offers an excellent curriculum. Even though we are on a county curriculum I find compared too other FCPS elementary schools we have more exciting projects and unique ways to present the material to enhance critical thinking. The teachers are wonderful and so are the principals. The arts are promoted through regular music and art classes with enthusiastic teachers. Parents are always welcomed and wanted and you feel part of your child's experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say I have been very happy with the staff members! I have volunteered with all of the classes and teachers my 3 sons have had, and I can't think of a single negative thing to speak of. The boys have had good experiences within the classes. The classes were challenging for my overachiever and helpful for my child that struggled through sometimes. The PTA has a great reputation and lots of parents involved. The school itself and it's grounds are very well kept by the janitorial staff. I am very happy to have my childeren attending this elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended DCES from K - 5th grade and she flourished under the guidance of wonderful teachers. I believe my child has been well prepared for the Middle School years. My child was able to participate in concert band which heighted her musically appreciation.
—Submitted by a parent

I echo the previous review - we've so enjoyed watching our children progress through DCES! To disagree with the other reviewer, however, 2nd grade has always willingly used my volunteer talents!
—Submitted by a parent

Want to request a certain teacher because you are worried about who your child might get? Not at Deer Crossing!! Fabulous educators K-5 dedicated to the education of Deer Crossing students. A safe, clean, positive learning environment with exceptional 'special' instructors--Art, Music- PE all above average! The Deer Crossing librarian has to be the best in the system! So creative! An active PTA system with a good amount of parent participation. Most teachers VERY receptive to parental involvement (with the exception of 2nd grade) A new principal for Fall of 2004- which I believe can only continue to make Deer Crossing the most sought after Elementary school in the Linganore area.
—Submitted by a parent