Skyline Elementary School

I now have 2 children in this school. I love everything about the school fromt the classroom sizes to the attention given to each and every student. The Principle Mr. Deniston is a superb person for this job. He takes care and full responsibility of staff and students. The teachers as well as Dr. Deniston welcome the parents on a daily basis to discuss anything concerning your child. I have truly learned myself from the knowledgeable conversations had with Dr. Deniston as well as his staff on various topics concerning the students. This is an AWESOME place of education.
—Submitted by a parent

I only have great things to say about Skyline Elementary. The principal knows every student by name and is very involved. My son is in the Autism program and everyone from the Principal to the cafeteria staff is trained to some degree on how to work with autistic children. My son has attended Skyline for four years now and has made tremendous strides. His teachers and paraprofessionals go above and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous poster. Skyline is a school on the decline and it starts from the top. I recently had a child in that school and had to remove him because of the rampant discord and lack of accountability. My son was harassed regularly and the offender was neither disciplined nor suspended. I don't know if "points" are received for good behavior, but that school is apparently filled with angels. They do not teach what normal elementary schools should teach. They are focused on "teaching to the tests (standardized)" and therefore many of the kids don't even know what the Dewey Decimal System is. The faculty seem to be capable enough, so I lay the blame squarely on the leadership and their focus on looking good instead of being about any substance. Besides that, there are obvious unprofessional relationships that propagate throughout the school that are not even hidden away for appearance sake. To close this school down would be doing everyone a big favor.

From what I have witnessed, and been told by parents, teachers, former, and present students, Skyline E.S. has many problems. I live within the vacinity of the achool, and I have witnessed unruly dismissal, school vandalizm, student fights, on school playground discord, etc. I have spoken to some parents who have students at the school who also have expressed student-student, student- teacher, parent-teacher, and leadership discord. I had two students in Skyline, and have withdrawn them both for a better educational environment. It perhaps was a good school at one time(?) but recently there has been a rapid decline in school safety, student discipline, and overall educational professionalism from teachers as well as leadership.

Skyline is a very unique elementary school with outstanding staff. It takes a great leader to acquire such success. My experience as a teacher with Skyline Elementary had been one of my best experience teaching in a classroom. It is not just being a teacher that warrant this review, it is working with great leadership and such a wonderful and support team of teachers. When I returned to Maryland in 2007 Skyline Elementary was to be my first stop....and it was. I wasn't looking for anything different from what I have known the school reputation to be..I merely was looking to visit what I knew then and what I know now 'A Legacy to be remembered'. I found a dedicated principal and his faculty..an environment that reminds me of my home away from home, warm, conducive to learning and just a good spirit. Mr. Dennison is the best!
—Submitted by a teacher

We had one daughter go through Skyline under a previous principal and we currently have another daughter under Mr Dennison. The difference is quite distinct. There are more activities for the students; More parental involvement; More discipline and order in the classrooms and hallways, and the students' MSA scores are improving each year. Mr Dennison provides many incentives and rewards for learning. The Autism Program at the school is growing and becoming recognized throughout the county. Our daughter truly enjoys her learning and social experience at Skyline Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

Skyline Elementary is the best school I have ever taught at. Mr. Dennison has some of the most professional and well trained faculty I have ever seen. The faculty there all have a sincere love for the children and are always coming up with different strategies to reach the students and encourage them to reach for the stars. I don't think I could have asked for a better boss or a better team of teachers to work with. We are now at the end of the school year I am already looking forward to the many wonderful things that will happen at Skyline in the fall.
—Submitted by a teacher

It is the top of the line in educating our young children. The principal as well as the whole staff create a family loving atmosphere for all of the students. I would rate this school from 0 - 10 at a 12++ because they are so on point about our children learning and they utilize all types of learning tools including keeping the parents involved with their children. I also love the small classroom sitting that make it possible for all students to get one on one attention from their teachers. Again kudos to the Principal and all of his professional staff.
—Submitted by a parent