Running Brook Elementary School

5215 West Running Brook Road

School District

Howard County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:8
Type

public

School Map for Howard 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 September 03, 2024

My son attends this school and has been for 3 years now. Not only is he bullied by his peers, after I reported the bullying the Principal dismissed it as bullying. Even though it's been ongoing for 3 whole years. They'll look into it, observe the behavior, investigate it, and do their best within their legal ability and then dismiss it. My son is still facing the bullies to this day. The wellness room AKA NURSE is a joke. The nurse isn't allowed to give the kids medicine for a headache or migraine. My son had a migraine, went to the wellness room (NURSE) and was sent back to class. They told him it's not that serious. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? MY SON WAS IN TEARS AND IN PAIN. I WAS NOT CALLED ONCE!! Don't get me started on the teachers that YELL and SCREAM at the kids.EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS SCHOOL.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

Running Brook Elementary is an amazing school. I have been very impressed with what I've seen. My daughter is greeted by name each morning before even getting to her classroom by at least 2 or more adults. The teachers and staff truly care, and want the best for each child. We have been very happy with the education she has received, as well as the school community!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2023

We have had a phenomenal experience so far at Running Brook. The teachers and staff do such a great job of meeting every child where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. Each child there benefits from the expertise, love, and care of such a wonderful group of professionals. My child truly loves going to school each day.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2022

RBES is great! Get involved in the PTA and you will see how much they care. Would highly recommend. My son’s kindergarten teacher this year was beyond amazing!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2022

It was the best decision to transfer my son out of this terrible school! He loves school but hated Running Brook (he’s only 5). He cried every time we would pass the school and when we drop him off. It was truly traumatic for him and us as parents. The staff will try to do what they want with your child and would rather deal with uninvolved parents. They make decisions with no care or desire for parents input or child’s improvement. YOU CANNOT TRUST THEM! They lack professionalism, cultural competence, and empathy. This is speaking specifically to the 2020-2021 RECC and K program.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2020

Excellent, the staff and friendly and they are very concerned about my child’s education
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2019

Just a fantastic school. Both of my children have excelled. The staff is outstanding. The former principal Troy Todd was named Howard County Educator of the year for 2017. The staff has about the lowest turnover of any school in the county. There is a great deal of diversity, not just socio-economically, but educationally. The school manages this beautifully, fostering a fertile environment for both accelerated and remedial students. I'm involved in the county travel lacrosse program, so I interact constantly with the children and parents at the most affluent schools in the county. None of those children are exposed to an educational and cultural environment as enriching as RBES and it shows. Most of the negative reviews seem fairly unhinged. Some people weren't born to be happy. None of their complaints seem even remotely tethered to the reality I've seen in that building for the past seven years.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2017

Excellent, school has amazing staff! Awesome environment
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2017

Wonderful school. I have two kids that attended running brook with very different learning abilities. The school have served them well. Lots of parent involved activities. Principle Todd is awesome. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is because the front desk is not welcoming and they always act like you are a bother to them. They hardly ever smile or seem happy to help. All in all, I'm grateful this is the elementary school in my area. Sad to be leaving the area.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2014

Excellent & supportive staff. 4th Grade and 5th Grade Teaching Teams worked with me to help my son acclimate from a vastly different school system. By the 5th Grade, he had moved up to the Howard County GT Program and Honor Roll. He also achieved several Perfect Attendance Awards. Running Brook ES - Where a kid can learn and love being an excellent kid!! PS. My son's test scores were in the highest range for Maryland School Assessments all years. Now in the 6th Grade @ WLMS, he is tackling five GT Classes, including Research. As an involved parent, I KNOW the results of a good education. My oldest is in her first year at Columbia Univ., NYC. Proof is in the pudding!! RESPECTFUL - RESPONSIBLE - READY!!
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

Running Brook is a good school with a diverse body of students. My daughter loves going to school everyday and she loves here teachers. The teachers and staff treat students and parents with respect.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

My daughter have been going to Running Brook since kindergarten and now she is in 5th grade. The teachers and staff are great. My daughter has positive experiences in this school.
Submitted by other on April 30, 2014

I'm a student here tell me is running Brook good or fake. I've seen good and bad reviews I need to know
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

The biggest mistake you could make in a school. DO NOT send your child here. Too many reasons to list. My child attended and I couldn't move faster to end this disgrace! Teachers are good, Principle is horrible. Office staff is unacceptably unprofessional and rude. Parents are involved when they are allowed. But basically are spoken to and treated with such disrespect by administration that it makes it hard to cope.
Submitted by other on April 26, 2014

RBES is a great school. Almost all of the teachers are nice the principal Troy Todd is incredibly nice!! This school is one of the greatest school in Howard county
Submitted by teacher on April 25, 2014

RUNNING BROOK ELEMENTARY- This school is The shame of Howard County. Rude/discriminatory administration/ staff. Coupled with an incompetent principle, Troy Todd who rarely interacts one on one with parents and looks totally clueless at assemblies. Don't believe the "this school is the best" fake reviews... RBES staff has been seen posting them at their work stations.Please review the actual Maryland Board of Education test and performance scores for a reality check..There is plenty of adult bullying and blocking certain parents out if they choose to encourage civility, equality and fairness for all students. Many know its wrong but say nothing. Administration allows break out fights while they are socializing when a child complains Troy Todd will just say.."man up" or "don't be a snitch". The disrespect towards parents is unbelievable. Troy Todd has even hung up on a parent before after being called to the carpet for violating their child's medical privacy. It took 3 yrs of witnessing this before I stopped making excuses for their rude unethical behavior and now I have reported it for redemption. I strongly encourage the Maryland BOE investigate this school.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

I have 2 children that have attend Running Brook since Kindergarten. In my opinion, they couldn't have received a better education. My son just took the Cog/AT test (for GT) and was in the 95 percentile for Math and 96 percentile for Reading. I feel like this is due to the education and support received at RBES. Since 1st grade he has been tracked advanced and gets pulled out for all core classes. The likelihood he would have been tracked and given this extra support at a more competitive school, i.e. Clarksville or Ellicott city is very not likely. My daughter was not originally tracked advanced but working with her teacher and administration she is now in all advanced classes. They are both being taught at a grade level above. My point is, there are many more opportunities at RBES for your child then other schools due to not having as much competition, you just have to be an advocate for your child. RBES is comprised of a diverse population that creates a learning environment more like the real world. YOur child will not only receive a great education but also grow up with the realization that not everyone is just like them.. Did I mention I love the administration?
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2014

If you didn't know that Howard County has a ghetto, move here and you'll find out! Do not believe these post from unverified sources. Some may even be posted by RBES staff. If you are moving to Howard County make sure this is NOT your assigned school. Do your research, such as the Maryland State Government Department of Education 2013 study and you will see that the data does not support that this is a good school -- not in the least bit. If moving to Howard County ONLY CONSIDER PUBLIC SCHOOLS IF YOU PLAN TO RESIDE IN CLARKSVILLE, ELLICOTT CITY, FULTON, MARRIOTSVILLE, ETC. Otherwise be prepare to send your children to private schools which cost $20+ and there are very few quality private schools within a 20-mile radius. Better off moving to Montgomery county and going to private, unless your happen to work in this area. Administration is HORRIBLE and teachers are APATHETIC!!!! Find and read the report for yourself!
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

RUNNING BROOK GETS 100 MILLION STARS!!!!!!!!THEY ARE A REALLY GREAT SCHOIOL THE STAFF AND TEACHERS ARE GREAT THEY CONCERNED LOVING CARING THOUGHTFUL ATTENTIVE THEY ARE THE BEST SO FAR ETC.ETC.ETC. ALL GOOD (lol) YOU DONT HAVE ENOUGH STARS UP THERE FOR RUNNING BROOK!! :)
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2012

I think RBES is a great school!!! I have two children here at very different ends of the spectrum...the school has done a great job in challenging my gifted child, as well as providing extra support for my child who has reading challenges. The staff is always wonderful and easy to reach. They have resolved issues proficiently! To commenter #3-I am a single parent who is very involved in my children's lives and education (and so is my ex-husband for that matter)...I take offense to your labeling of single parents as one of the "tough demographics." Regardless of circumstances, it's at a family or individual level whether one is involved or not...NOT class or group characteristics. Shame on you for (mis)labeling!!