Garrett Heights Elementary School

2800 Ailsa Avenue

School District

Baltimore City Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Baltimore City Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 10, 2023

It pains me to write this review, not because of anything having to do with the school, but because sites like this perpetuate the dangerous idea of treating public goods like consumer products. But such is the world we live in. So here goes: This is our fifth year at Garrett Heights, and our kids are thriving. The school has a very engaged and caring principal who knows each and every kid in the school. All of our kids' teachers have been warm and supportive. The school isn't perfect--no school is--but the only challenges we've encountered are due to a lack of resources. Put simply, if more families zoned for Garrett Heights sent their children to the school, it would receive more funding and be able to offer more robust programming. Nonetheless, the administration and staff are creative and willing to collaborate with families, and that has made our experience at the school very rewarding.Please, if you're considering whether to attend this school or any school, speak to a parent of a child currently enrolled there. Visit the school. Don't rely on word of mouth. And don't rely on online reviews (even this one!).
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2023

I’ll start by saying that I don’t believe in rating schools like other businesses because they are a public good. That said, we have had a positive experience at Garrett Heights during the past four years and currently have two children enrolled at the school. The school has an incredibly dedicated principal and there are many hard-working educators at the school who care deeply about the children. Like any public school in the city, it has its challenges and greater investment from the community (not just monetarily) would go a long way towards helping all students succeed there. If you’re reading this review, you’re probably zoned for the school and considering whether to go there. I’d encourage you to reach out to the Friends of GHEMS, meet some parents, and visit the school rather than rely on word-of-mouth from people who may not have first-hand experience.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2023

My family loves GHEMS, and we are so glad we made the move from a charter school this year. The principal is very engaged and responsive, and we have an excellent community coordinator. We need more parent involvement, but there are some engaged parents and the school admin is supportive of them.
Submitted by student on October 26, 2022

This school is not that bad we can go on Field trips and the lunch food is free it’s good too and on fridays we get pizza and we go to school dances some field trips are free
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2018

This is my child's second year at GHEMS, and we've been very happy so far. They are transitioning to a Montessori curriculum, and are currently all Montessori from PK4-1st grade. As each grade progresses, the school will grow the Montessori program. Last year, we had a concern about learning differences and we had a great meeting with the IEP professionals at the school- timely, thorough, and we left very satisfied with the outcome. Additionally, my child has had a great experience getting to explore learning on his own, and is reading above grade level (I believe most of his class was last year). Lastly, I know that by being a part of a public, city funded, growing school I am both helping to support other students and families, and that my son will grow up understanding and valuing education and the differences that make us all resilient and strong.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2017

Children are out of control. There is only one Montessori class. The rest of the classes are traditional overcrowded classrooms. Over 30 students in first and second grade classes with one teacher. Children can't learn because of the constant interruptions from unruly children with little to no home training. If anyone thinks this school is a great school they're either lying or have no clue how a school should function.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2017

Public Montessori school, PTA and Community is breaking down the walls to build up the school. I'm impressed on how involved the staff is in creating the best learning environment around. Love it!
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2017

Adminstration is willing to work with parents and community organizations to improve the school! It is also the only non-charter Montessori school in the city.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2015

This school is great. I believe it's under rated. My daughter is excited about education. My daughter is on a higher reading level than her classmates but the teachers allow her to be pulled out and join a third grade reading class. She has become independent with homework also. Any problem I've had was quickly addressed. Plus the school has before and after care which is great since I'm a teacher also. My one complaint would be the ground maintenance in the winter. It was a dangerous icy mess this past winter.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2015

This is a terrible school. There are Bullies in every class, and during lunch! My child has been bullied by the same child since last year, the school is aware but does nothing to correct the problem. The middle school children are out of control and roaming the hallways at all times, there is no respect for any of the adults working there. One of the second grade teachers made the statement "If you can say it, you can read it. If you can read it, you can spell it". My second grader cannot spell, or read the work excitement without help, but he can spell Lazy!
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2014

This is my son first year in pre k and he loves it. I love it also he doesn't never want to miss a day, he cry when he has to miss a day. He reading and everything.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2014

As a teacher I hate to talk about the school system but this school is HORRIBLE. . My son last 2 months of 6th grade his teachers was always absent. He never received homework. . Every time I visit the students were running around, eating food or cussing out each other. Most teachers didn't do anything. They need to revamp the entire school. . Maybe it's the lack of resources but something has to change
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2014

The principal is never in the building, gossips and undermines staff. She has no clue what goes on in the building. The building is filthy, she never leaves her office, and is always on the defensive.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2013

any parent that calls a school that has a great school rating of 2 out of 10 needs to start doing their homework. if you think this school is soo good for your child, you need to read the rating and test scores.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2013

The school has a very low level. The teachers are not good. In December fired a teacher and put kindergarten kids in to first grade and of the first graders did learned nothing. There is bullying, and children seem very wild. No organization whatsoever. that the school has a two rating. I have to take my son and put him in private. As I did with my daughter. I'm disgusted with this school. The level of that school is bad and these children do not learn anything
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

This is a nice school. Wonderful and bright children and caring teachers. This school is on the rise!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

GARRETT HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL HELPED MY DAUGHTER REGAIN HER LOVE FOR SCHOOL AND LEARNING-SHE HAD BEEN THROUGH 2 OTHER SCHOOLS AND HER TEACHER AT GARRETT MRS. ENASARIO REALLY BELIEVED IN HER WHICH HELPED HER BELIEVE IN HERSELF -SHE SACRIFICED SATURDAYS FOR HER AND WAS JUST THE BEST THE WHOLE STAFF AT GARRETT ARE AWESOME EVEN DOWN TO THE VOLUNTEERS MRS. BOWDEN WHO IS MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER'S TEACHER IS SO PATIENT AND MY DAUGHTER READS SO WELL NOW--I LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR AT THIS SCHOOL BECAUSE GARRETT HEIGHTS ROCKS
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

Im getting my kid out of there ! the kids are very agressive ! i cant trust leaving my kid there anymore ! I think Hamilton school is worst? Im paying private. I 3 grader beat up a little PK?? DISGUSTING ! PARENTS ARE RUDE DRIVING LIKE CRAZY. USING BAD LANGUAGE ! I DONT WANT MY KID TO BE A WILD CHILD !!
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2013

I love this school! IOne day while picking up my grandchild early, I took the opportunity to walk around the school building(s). As a retired administrator I quickly recognized the care and attention that the staff at Grarrett Heights puts into educating it's students! I heard more than one teacher giving praise to students and all classrooms were filled with students that were actively engaged in learning. This is a wonderful community school!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2013

This school has definitely gone downhill since I attended (class of 2000) . My daughter is in Kindergarten this year and although most of the teachers who have been there for years are great, it is the environment. There really are not a lot of resources for the students and not a lot of activities in terms of focusing on arts, sciences, or math. There is also the issue of not working with the more advanced students or the students that are not up with the rest of the students. They teach them at the same time and pace, which holds the more advanced students back and leaves the ones that need more assistance to catch up quickly. That also goes for students with behavioral problems, instead of separating them from the rest of the students, they hold the class back. I personally do not feel that mixing the elementary students with the middle school students is a good idea, especially when there are issues with profanity around the little ones and bad behavior. I really don't feel like the principal is as up to par as the ones in the past. I am trying to get my child in a charter school next year. This school is better than a lot of city schools, but it is still going downhill.