Ashburton Elementary School

6314 Lone Oak Drive

Bethesda, MD 20817

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery County 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 November 19, 2024

Two issues in this school:1- Bullying2- RacismMy 7 year old child was physically attacked by other kids on the school bus EVERYDAY! it went for a while and he went from the happy child to screaming and kicking every day and I used to force him to go on the school bus not knowing what was waiting for him there, by the time he finally said what was going on it was too late he was traumatized and suffered bad anxiety, the school never bothered to protect him, and when I started driving him to school instead of using the bus I brought up that bullying issue with the school there was no investigation and all they told me is that they “tell kids to love each other”!!!! He after that faced more bullying in his classroom but not physical and his school turned into a hell so we decided to break our lease and move away from that area just to get him away from that school, now we’re in another school that is much smaller but they care for their children the principal knows the kids by name and he himself follows on any bullying complaint and at the slightest sign of bullying (no physical bullying there but some verbal) they take it seriously and they bring it to the parents attention before it escalates. Now about the racism, maybe my experience had to do with the fact that I’m an immigrant and have a thick accent, but what happened that proved to me they are in fact racist is that I was assigned for a volunteer opportunity to come to my child’s class who was extremely excited for that, the day before that event there was a STEAM night and I met the teacher/staff who was responsible for that volunteering event, we talked and I introduced myself to her, the next morning (the day of volunteering after I bought all the supplies) I received an email from her saying I cannot attend because I don’t have a proof for Covid vaccination, what she didn’t know is that there was a chain on emails that I received with a list of volunteering parents and their vaccine status and over half were m not vaccinated but welcome to join. So ya this school is BAD! But maybe your mile would vary if you’re not a minority (mainly immigrant) and if the child wasn’t prone to attracting bullies then maybe it’ll work with you, but I’d never gamble using my children because the trauma my son experienced in this school changed him for life, he has social anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD and after a year of homeschooling then this good school he’s in now he’s finally going back to normal.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2023

Ashburton ES is an all around school. In our experience, teachers are all dedicated, knowledgeable , and are very passionate about their students. School admins are very engaging and helpful. Ashburton has one of the best PTAs in the DMV region with tons of programs throughout the year and which offers amazing volunteering opportunities. Last but not least the school building is recently renovated and its facilities are updated to the best standards. My son loves playing in school playgrounds during recess or to checkout books from vast collection of books in the school media center.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2021

My 2 sons went Ashburton and older one is in middle school and my younger one moved to a different elementary school. It is sad to watch how the decent school has become horrible school in 3-4 years after new principal.Mr. Mullenholz might be a good administrator but lacks leadership. If you bring up any issues happened at school, he would either deny them or be instantly hostile to you. And the school has very inadequate policy in bullying. They would take initial intake on bullying issues but never follow up with them. I know couple of people moved to private schools after bullying issues were never solved. There is only one full time counselor for 900 kids so you can imagine why issues are overlooked.Also please look at closely the equity and academic progress scores. Homeworks are barely given and smart students are bored due to lack of challenges. I also know a lot of families had their kids move to private schools after disappointed with academic level of school. Mcps also try to abolish accelerated classes in 4th and 5th grades, so it's even worse for students in high level. Also Unfortunately there are quite a lot of hysterical, unhappy teachers and staffs. If you call the office, you would know immediately what I mean. I purchased my house to be in WJ cluster and did not expect Ashburton to be this bad. The overall school score droppef from 9 to 6 and received bad scores on many areas. Please do research if you are planning to move to be in nice school cluster. Not all schools in Bethesds are good.
Submitted by other on April 29, 2021

The teachers, in our experience (K-3), have been absolutely outstanding. During the past difficult year of virtual school, the teachers have consistently engaged and motivated our girls to maintain effort and advance accordingly. The administration is awesome. The Principal seems to know every child by name, even through Zoom! Everyone is happy to be returning to in-person classes. The transition has been very easy and successful for those of us choosing that option.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2021

Our three children are at or recently graduated from Ashburton Elementary. The school leadership is amazing. With 900 kids, the administration not only knew our children but regularly communicated with us. Two of our kids teachers received coveted County teaching awards- a testament to the hiring of staff. The PTA is very engaged and does a great job with fundraising and planning wonderful events.The school is very diverse- which in Bethesda is a huge plus.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2019

Our experience at this school was so horrible that we moved just to be in a different elementary school. Our daughter was constantly frustrated that her teacher didn't actually teach anything, we were fed up with the school's incompetence and the fact that they hired inept teachers, and it was overall a terrible experience. We wouldn't wish this school on anyone.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2018

There are no finer educators in Montgomery County than at Ashburton.We have 3 children, 2 of them are still at Ashburton & every teacher that they have been fortunate enough to have has been dedicated, caring, devoted, cultivated & wonderful.Like the previous review, we too started at Ashburton when Mrs. Garran was principal... she was truly incredible to behold.The students not only loved her, but they definitely feared her... but most of all they respected her, which is why they had such great admiration & esteem for her.Mr. Mullenholz is 100% dedicated to the kids, that is a fact.He just needs to find his footing & command Ashburton as effortlessly, yet forcefully as Mrs. Garran. It's a very fine line to be both beloved and feared - you absolutely have to command respect, not demand it or be their best friend trying to get it. He's putting in the effort & I have no doubt he'll find his niche.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2018

Outstanding! Our oldest began at Ashburton in 2012 under Principal Garran. His teachers were amazing, and now he was very well-prepared for the demands of middle school at North Bethesda. Now we have two more at Ashburton, and each is thriving, thanks to incredible teachers and a PTSA that never stops. I can't believe how strong the PTSA is. It's like a giving machine--so many volunteers giving time and money!!
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2017

I've been impressed with the faculty and staff at Ashburton, and the enrichment opportunities they provide the kids.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2017

Great leadership and teachers. 7 year old son excelling in this environment.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2017

Excellent! Good teachers, excellent administration, and strong PTA.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2016

This school has been exceptional, the PTA is incredibly active and the teachers are very interactive. My concern is the class-size, which is high, and the student population as a whole.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

I am so happy to see that our son Emre is growing up as a happy kid with high self esteem and confidence. Thanks to Ashburton ES, its staff and especially Ms. Griffith for giving him the passion for science, art, and for their part as a role model. I am proud to see that in his second year at Ashburton, Emre keeps improving himself with dedication and transforming into an individual who is aware of universal values, moral & ethic virtues.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2015

An outstanding school with impressive diversity, high academic standards and the most active PTA. The learning environment is stimulating with highly qualified teachers and new principal, Mr. Mullenholz who follows Ms. Garran showing great leadership and exceptional touch in working with children.
Submitted by other on October 12, 2014

I have heard good things about the school and considering it for our son - he's currently in a Montessori program for kindergarten.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2014

This is the best school I know my little 4 years old boy is autistic and they help me a lot to get through all of the stress I was because I did not know how to treat him they help him a lot and they help me as well teachers are the best I have to say I'm so lucky to had my boy there for two years he was just for PEP but he learned a lot. Thank you very much mrs. Annette and Shana you will always be in our hearts. The Flores family.
Submitted by other on November 01, 2013

Mt grandchildren began at Ashburton in Fall of 2013. They had attended an excellent school in Seattle, Washington, before. Ashburton has been comparable so far. I like the academic emphasis, the discipline, the teacher nurturance, the PTA vitality, the type of school trips, and the extra-curricular opportunities (e.g. chess & tennis) .
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2012

We have two children at Ashburton. We have been very happy with all of the teachers the children have had. The principal is terrific! She is very good at running the school in an efficient, productive manner and yet is very personable with the children and parents. Parent are always welcome in the school and in the classrooms. I am impressed by the number of parents who are heavily involved with the school. There is also an incredible array of after-school programs. My children have taken art, cooking, chess, tennis, science and drama classes after-school! The classrooms all have promethean boards, which the teachers use to make lessons more interactive. All in all, Ashburton is a great place for young learners!