Key Elementary School

Key School can be a great school for children that do not have learning differences and that fit into "the box". There are some fabulous and very committed teachers here. If your child has moderate learning differences, like both of ours do, it was our expericence that Key School was not equipped to meet their needs. The IEP process was ineffective and did not provide our children with the necessary resources they needed to succeed. When the IEP was written, it is weak and lacking substance. Confidence and self esteem took a huge hit with both of our children. It was challenging to get them back on track and even more difficult to reingnite their love of learning and of school. If your child has learning differences and you choose to place your child at Key School, my advice is to hire a special education consultant who can guide and direct the IEP process with you to make sure that your child is getting as much support as possible.
--Submitted by a parent

This school did not live up to its expectations. This school is completely run by the parents. The principal is very committed to parent involvement but gives the parents whatever they want without being objective to the current situation. This school (parents) is not very welcoming to new parents and has a hard time integrating different cultures into their school community. I am a very involved parent within the classroom and the PTO. The students can be very rude and mean to their peers and the teachers picks their consequences based on the relationship they have with the child and their parent. If you are looking for an objective school were the best interest of your child is a priority then the Key school may not be for you. On a positive note the curriculum seems to be a lacking substance but my child is learning, which makes me happy. I truly like the daily structure of the classes to keep the students in engaged and interested in learning. All in all I just wish the leadership at the school would spend more time protecting the students and less time trying to be best friends with the parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school - the principal is incredibly committed and open to parent involvement. Teachers are amazing.
--Submitted by a parent

Key School is a phenomenal school for children in the pre-k to 5th grade age. The school nurtures love of learning. The friendships and parent's involvement are one of the strongest I have seen. Their before/after school foreign language program is great. Key school was designated a Blue Ribbon School in 2008 - and is by far one of the top private/public schools in DC.
--Submitted by a parent

Key School is an outstanding Blue Ribbon school with high-quality teachers, good student-teacher ratio (20-1), impeccable facilities, and a positive and enriching learning environment. Sometimes characterized as overambitious (partnership with overseas schools, etc...) but also the reason why it is the best DC Public School and private or public school in the area. It was the only school in the Metropolitan Area (public or private) to receive the U.S. Education Departments Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in 2008, which is a testament to its dedication to teaching and learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The classes are large and the teachers seem overworked. Very slow paced for the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, we have really enjoyed Key. The quality of the teachers is relatively high, but varies from average and overly wedded to the curriculum to incredibly creative, enthusiastic and very experienced in challenging a broad range of kids. PTA and Parent commitment is top-notch. The school needs a gifted program and more access to team sports as PE does not include team sports. The kids get art, music and drama through Fillmore and teachers tend to be very dedicated. Because the Fillmore building is being renovated, the teachers come to Key which means less access to necessary resources (e.g., computers for digital arts class). Key classes tend to have 24 or more students in older grades with only one teacher. Good diversity of student body. Excellent science teacher, but she is leaving. Principal has can-do in spirit, but sometime says yes when he shouldn't as he can't follow through as needed.
--Submitted by a parent

Key is a great school if you put it in the context of DC schools. It is one of the top 2 public schools and it is comparable to DC best private schools. It has the best facility in DC. However, the teachers could be more challenging and more demanding if Key wants to find itself among the best schools in the country. Some teachers are very solid and very good, but some are average. Too much attrition among teachers recently. More attention should be paid to solid fundamentals in kids education and there should be more extra-curricular activities. But all in all, I think Key is your best choice among DC public schools and one of the best overall in DC.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent to a current Key student and I feel that Key is without a doubt one of the top 3 best public schools in DC. Their facility, staff, administration, and academic rigor is comparable to any private school with a lot less of the pomp and circumstance. I would rather have my tax dollars put to good use helping lead the trail for all DC schools to come to Key's standards and save my $25k a year for college. It is worth getting a house (albeit expensive) in this area because if you put your kid in from prek to 5th you will save $175,000 in private school tuition. The staff care and know your kids name and the academics are above the standards. The PTA suppliments the budget with teachers aids and before and after care. It is a great place you want your kids to.
--Submitted by a parent

Key is now over crowded especially the kindergartens. each have 27 kids to one teacher and one aid.
--Submitted by a parent