Green Acres School

My son graduated from Green Acres (8th grade) last year. Green Acres left him extremely well-prepared for high school. More importantly, he is an engaged and passionate learner who is knowledgeable and articulate about current events, politics, history, ethics, educational policy, and a range of other subjects. Now that he is in a more traditional learning environment (public high school), he is realizing what a gift 3 years of Green Acres was....the opportunity to explore and discuss and experiment was just fantastic for him. He is also realizing how rare and special it was to have teachers and peers who are like family. Green Acres really fosters meaningful connections with people. My only complaint about the school (other than its price) is the lack of economic diversity. The vast majority of students are very wealthy and that gave him a somewhat warped idea of what is "normal" in terms of life experience and possessions. I am glad he is back in public school so he has a true understanding that "everyone" does not have their own laptop and "everyone" does not travel regularly to Europe!
--Submitted by a parent

I do not recommend this school. My very outgoing and happy son was bullied in middle school and Green Acres did not know how to handle it and did not believe him or his parents. They did not know how to handle it or stop it. My son moved to another private school and is so very happy to be in a school which is warm and inclusive, but also has rules and standards of conduct which the student body adheres to and respects. My son has never been happier. Unfortunately, there is no discipline at Green Acres and the children are not actively engaged in learning. At least five other children left my son's grade for the same reasons. I regret having to share this, but I wish someone had told me before I enrolled my son. My son is thriving and overjoyed in his new school. Thank you for listening.
--Submitted by a parent

Here we are 10 years later....we have a child that went from PreK through 8th grade at Green Acres. He is so well adjusted, loves to learn, respectful of adults and his peers, ready to question, discuss and engage and overall so ready for High School and its own challenges. Thanks a million Green Acres. You are a class act!
--Submitted by a parent

This is the best progressive independent school in the area. WIth a true commitment to the principles of John Dewey in its educational philosophy and to the infusion of the most recent child development and educational research, it is an amazing place for children to thrive. It has a beautiful campus (outdoor education is utilized as often as possible), amazing teachers that the school does a terrific job of supporting through staff development and other opportunities, small class sizes, a focus on social/emotional development as well as strong academics, and a commitment to diversity and social justice.
--Submitted by a parent

The community that has created such a wonderful nurturing environment in which children can become their best selves.
--Submitted by a parent

Green Acres is an amazing school and has a great hands on program, it is great because you learn visually as well as from a textbook and Green Acres is a wonderful experience and is one of the best schools in Maryland
--Submitted by a student

I have a daughter who has been at Green Acres for 6+ years, and a son starting his 2nd year. Green Acres, in my mind, truly is the leader in progressive education in the Washington metropolitan region. Without focus on testing, homework and grades, children learn 'hands on' and through experience. Within a structure of strong academics, children grow to love learning. The emphasis on the outdoors, physical education, and the arts is wonderful. I wish I had grown up loving school this much! This year, the school has a new Head, Neal Brown. Neal has progressive education in his heart, and is perfect for the school. No doubt, the school will grow even more under his leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

Our first year at GAS, pre-school, was a very rich, supportive experience. Kindergarten though, fell short for preparing many of the kids for 1st grade academically. First grade was a year of academic progress solely because of the quality of one of the teachers(who has since left GAS). Second grade was very mediocre with respect to academics, and there were a number of children who experienced bullying by others. GAS staff were unable to stop the bullying. This was not in keeping w/GAS written mission & spoken philosophy. I offer for contrast, the local public elem. school, which provided a supportive environment for success academically and a safe haven for growth psychologically.
--Submitted by a parent

Green Acres School has been an amazing experience for my children. They want to go to school and participate at this oasis of learning. Could anyone of us 30-40 somethings remember going to school and loving it? The academics build on a strong foundation (core subjects) throughout the grades and specials (science, art, PE) while engaging students minds in problem solving, decision making, leadership, and the ability to work with others in a dynamic environment. Thanks to wonderful teachers and a challenging curriculum, I feel that Green Acres children are ready for 'life long' learning!
--Submitted by Ded Warsaw, a parent

Green Acres is a gem. The class sizes are small so individualized attention provided. Teachers are dedicated, involved, approachable, and enjoy teaching. The setting bucolic.. Facilities are state-of-the-art--new art rooms, gym, science labs. Kids love to learn and are taught to think independently...not focused on learning just enough to pass a test. Multiple learning approaches used to reinforce concepts. Music, art, movement, sciences are strong. Sports is noncompetitive. If you have a serious jock, you would have to supplement with after-school activities. Parents can be involved as much as they want to be. Strong parental leadership.
--Submitted by a parent