Seven Locks Elementary School

9500 Seven Locks Road

Bethesda, MD 20817

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 10, 2021

With this incredibly bizarre year, my daughter thrived in SLES. I cannot say enough good things about her teacher Ms Madeline Laux. We hit a jackpot with just how loving she was towards all the children and got them to learn all that they had do with limited facetime. We are so blessed to be a part of the SLES family. I don't think words will ever match up to the amount of respect I have for anybody working there. From the bottom of my heart.. THANK YOU
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2020

A+++++++++++. Our family is incredibly fortunate to have found SLES. I credit the teachers and staff for helping to mold my amazingly wonderful daughter and preparing her for her MS experience!
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2016

Rough time in 2nd grade (poor luck of the draw with teacher assignment), but excellent experience in 3rd. Tammi Hawes is a hardworking, strong educator who supports appropriate differentiation. We like the new principal. He is very present, runs a tight ship, and does not kowtow to parents (appropriately so). Wonderful PTA and enrichment activities, nice parents. Small neighborhood feel and not overcrowded like so many other nearby schools.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2016

Most of the teachers are good. We had a bad 2nd grade experience but the teacher was supposed to be good but not a good match for my daughter who has some learning differences. She didn't want to be bothered.Not impressed with services for kids who learn differently-had to hire outside counsel to get much action but that could partly be the county. Third grade teacher, Michael LeFlore, is excellent. Do what ever you have to do to get him! Principal Carl Bencal was fabulous but moved to a school in Clarksville. New principal is ineffective and disengaged. Shows no emotion and little concern for student well being and progress, does not act on problems including severe bullying, and is "phoning it in and going through the motions until he can retire!" Would love to see smaller class sizes but, again, this is probably mandated by MCPS. PTA is very active and most parents are very nice. I work full time and never felt guilted by the stay at home moms. See lots of dads at activities, including ones that happen during the school day. Since most of the families are doing ok financially the PTA has money to purchase Chromebooks for all of the students, provide additional field trips and playground equipment, and free childcare during back to school night. One advantage is the school is small so most of the kids know each other, at least by sight.The after program, Kids Co, is great! this the fourth year my child has been there and loves it. Very organized and lots of sports activities and clubs. Have dance parties open to the entire school.Mostly a good school, just appalling lack of leadership and concern my new principal, and mediocre fore kids with different needs.
Submitted by other on September 24, 2015

Seven Locks student to teacher ratio is too large. Placing a teacher 's aid in the classroom to support the teachers would make a significant difference. While it is important to address all student skill levels, the kindergarten curriculum does not consider children who may already be reading and whose mathematical skills are above the kindergarten level. I believe that all students deserve to be challenged, cultivated academically and not waste an entire school year. I am starting to see why American schools are rated 17th in the world for education on some reports, because we do not allow our children to reach their full potential.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2015

I rated Seven Locks as average. On the one hand, the academic expectations are high, and progress is steady. From K-5, students are expected to perform. On the other hand, like many schools, Seven Locks can not wiggle out of the "one size fits all" mentality. Learning styles and differences are not addressed. Sure, there is differentiation, but not true differentiation where the teachers can teach to all the learning styles/differences. If your child learns differently, be prepared to make him/her like the others. If you don't, then they pull the child out of class for extra help. Likely, this leads to SPED discussions. At the same time, parents are heavily involved in this school. If you are a working parent, the stay at home moms will make you feel neglectful. In addition, there are great enrichment and after school activities for students.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2015

Seven Locks is an outstanding elementary school. The principal is fantastic and most of the teachers are excellent. The parent community is diverse and welcoming to anyone who is interested in getting involved. There are a few subpar teachers but overall the school is a great place for kids to learn.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2015

I disagree with an earlier post. My child has learning disabilities and they have not been able to help him in any way. Moreover, the school does not have a friendly climate. They also seem to tolerate bullying and some of the parents are just as bad as the kids. I think this is an okay school, if your child does not have any issues and you don't care about education enrichment.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Great support from teachers with kids with learning challenges. Excelent involvement from PTA. My kids love the after school programs.