Burning Tree Elementary School

7900 Beech Tree Road

Bethesda, MD 20817

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
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 June 11, 2024

This review is mostly regarding the special education program at this school (the Learning Center). The program is drastically understaffed and has inappropriately placed students leading to diverted teacher and para educator focus which leaves tbe students who have a more appropriate profile for a learning center classroom woefully left behind and under educated. The school administration has no special education background or focus and seem to be intentionally neglecting the program, which was once great. Safety concerns include many un reported serious falls, passerbys being able to come up to the fence outside the K and 1st playground and talk to children, low supervision because of understaffing and rampant non compliance with IEPs. Parent/teacher communication is poor and the learning center coordinator, principal and vice principal also makes no effort. While our experience is learning center specific, there has been a lot of turnover in teachers and admin at this school overall which has led to decline in all areas.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2017

Great school! We transferred here from another Bethesda school which we thought was very good. But seeing the difference between two amazed me. Wonderful teachers, great leadership and great parents involvement.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2014

Terrific school! Great teachers, good education, all-round child development, diverse...Keep it up Burning Tree Elementary School!
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2014

I do not understand with the previous reviewer. I have been a parent at Burning Tree for five years and have two children passing through the system. Their teachers have been consistently exceptional. Their work is challenging and stimulating. Yes, there are tests to deal with, but that's an issue with the Board of Education and will be the case at any public school. Arts and Music at this school are also thriving. We'd love more sports but sadly that's not in the curriculum. Parental involvement and the PTA are extraordinary at Burning Tree. I can't imagine a more supportive community. We know several families who have left their private schools and opted instead for Burning Tree and are very happy with their decision.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2013

This school disappoints on so many levels. The staff is either "getting ready to retire any day," to quote one or very young and inexperienced. The level of bullying is outrageous and scary. For some reason the administration believes harm only comes from physical bullying, not the psychological games some of the kids play at the expense of other children. As a parent volunteer at recess, I leave each day so sad at what I see. There is also a surprising amount of fraternizing of "moms" with teachers. I'm not against friendly relationships, but being BFFs with your child's teacher is strange and suspect. I look forward to moving to Pyle.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2013

This school disappoints on so many levels. If you want your child to memorize for test scores and not learn you will love it here though.
Submitted by other on August 21, 2012

gr8 school i went to it and the teachers are gr8 and the best part is that the 5th graders of 2012 got 2 correct the washington post!!!
Submitted by other on April 18, 2011

This school has become much worse with the new principle but the teacher are amazing and try to really get to know the students. So i still think this school is a good choice for parents