Glenellen Elementary School

825 Needmore Road

School District

Montgomery County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery County School District

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 26, 2024

My son went here for one year, Kindergarten. We realized very quickly that Glenellen was not a good fit for us. My son was forgot about, hated school and felt “board” during the day. I expressed these concerns with the teacher and her response was belittling to my child. I quickly removed him from the school that was walking distance from our house and now drive him across town. This is a school where you will have to stay on top of what is going on with the teacher and class very regularly.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2023

My kids went here for a year and a half, a kindergartner and the end of 3rd grade through 4th grade. The kids here are disrespectful and there is a huge lack of opportunity for parents to be involved in the school. My two kids who love school fought with me to go each day. Another issue is teachers don’t deal with disruptive students appropriately. So much distraction in the class leads to the students who want to be there not getting a good education- inclusion clearly isn’t working in all classes. So glad we left this district.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2023

This seems like a great school, assuming your child is perfect. They do not handle struggling children, children with learning disabilities, or additional challenges well at all. They'd rather suspend them or lock them in a room every day. After three years there was one teacher that really communicated and worked with my child. They also think it's acceptable to withhold recess for months, lie to parents, and withhold information from parents. My child was put into ISS twice without me being informed and they continue to share as little as possible and then shame the parents.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2022

Glenellen is a great school. My kids have thrived there!
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2021

Three kiddos went here. Two of which went K-5. We love this school. The teachers are great. Did we have issues? Yes, every school is going to have issues. However when we did have issues the principal and vice principal took the time to listen to our concerns.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2019

We're a military family and will be moving in two years or so. This is our third elementary school and BY FAR the best. I have had family comment that their children in other schools/states are not learning nearly the amount or at the level as my 4th and 1st graders. We're proud to send our kids to Glenellen and will be very sad when we have to move. Go Tortoises!
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2015

My son has really blossomed in the short time he's been in kindergarten at this year. His teacher is great with the kids and I'm amazed at how much he's learned in class and how much he is enjoying it. I loved the fall picnic we had today and that his class is going on their first field trip next week. The principle and all other staff that I've met are very welcoming and seem competent. So far I have no complaints.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2014

My daughter has been going to this school since she was in kindergarten. She is now going into fifth grade. She is a special needs student. When she was in kindergarten her Centerstone therapist decided to let her walk back to class by herself and she walked out of the door and onto the playground. Not one person knew she left until a stranger brought her back into the building. Nobody called me when it happened and I found out through a note in her study buddy. The principal got mad at me when she found out that I got ahold of the superintendant of the school district and didnt go to her first. I didn't have any problems from her first grade through her third grade years. During her fourth grade year they called me several times to come get her because she was suspended and a few times to calm her down. She also split her head open and nobody knew how she did it. As you can see I had a couple major problems and a few minor problems. The teachers she had communicated with me constantly and were very nice. I never had problems with the office staff.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2014

I do not have any complaints about this school. My child's teacher does a great job at communicating with parents. My child also looks forward to going to school and is progressing. I feel well informed about what is going on within the school, the district, and the learning center.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2013

I am very surprised by the comments about this school and more so about the principal. All four of my kids go and have gone to this school for the past five years. Three of my kids were special needs. The faculty and staff have always been wonderful to work with and very accommodating. There has always been open communication and eagerness to work to together to do what is best for the kids. Cindy Adams alone has always been front and center if we ever needed anything. She has never ceased to amaze me at how well she knows the kids. During the IEP's she is always telling me instances where she observed my kids doing something. I can't think of a single teacher or therapist that I would replace. They have ALL always made me feel like and shown that my kids education and development are very important. My oldest started out at Sango and we moved to Glenellen's district. I was a little bummed at first but Glenellen has just blown me away. I am just having a hard time believing some of the things that have been said. Also, the parents are very involved. Just try finding a parking spot on Family picnic day or for some event. I just love that!
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2013

Very disappointed in this school for a variety of reasons. When requesting assistance teachers are not hesitant to share class size as a reason for not performing much needed instruction or follow up.. My child has regressed significantly since being enrolled here.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2013

Very Clean, Great enviroment. Excellent teachers and Staff. My son just graduated from 5th grade and for the last 2 years he's been in Glenellen I had no complains at all; he mature a lot. Great communication with the 4th and 5th grade teachers they were always willing to help him. 5 stars for Glenellen. Go Tortoises!
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2012

This school could benefit from more positive leadership. The principal is rude to parents, students and teachers. I have personally seen her talk down to her staff. I have seen this school from the inside and have seen her staff brought down because of her leadership tones. Instead of helping teachers reach full potential it's almost as if she bullies them. The students are definately affected because the teachers are not at their best, worried of when the next shoe will drop. I have seen it first hand and have also seen this as a parent of three students at this school. I also do not believe that the special needs students in this school are treated with the same diginity as the model student. Every child is equal, and I do not feel that is the case in this school. Do not get me wrong, there are and have been wonderful teachers at Glenellen, but most do not stay long because of current leadership.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2012

The principal is a dictator, yielding no autonomy to her teachers or the parents. My daughter's teacher was a great teacher and a great young woman, but it was obvious that the weight of this principal crushed her spirit and resolve. This school will not move toward greatness until she is replaced.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2010

I am not at all impressed by this school. My kids have only attended for one year and already they've regressed. My 4th grader is bringing assignments home that were assigned to her in the 2nd at a public school in a different state! And my 2nd grader is not being challenged at all. Children exhibit different learning abilities and teachers should differentiate teaching so that they may enhance learning for "ALL" students. So whether a child is gifted, exceptional, or typical, it is the teacher's duty to implement teaching strategies to meet their unique needs. Then again, I'm sure the administrators have a lot to do with it as well. Unfortunately, this school fosters standards that are extremely low. No child should have to move for these reasons. This school just has to acknowledge that they need a mechanism in place for great improvement and do it!