Bellows Spring Elementary School

8125 Old Stockbridge Drive

School District

Howard County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
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 May 19, 2023

I feel this is one of the worst experiences with Howard County school system. My son went here from 4th to 5th grade and by 5th grade I couldn’t get away fast enough. There are palpable biases present when dealing with the receptionist to the Special Education Teacher for students of color as well as their parents.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2022

My son who has level 2 Autism has thrived since he began at Bellows Spring. We came from Prince Georges County, MD where my son was placed in Special Education Classes throughout the entire day. We all knew that he could have easily been in General Education as he had been reading, knew all of his math facts, and was teaching himself beginner Spanish and Japanese since age 3. However, Prince Georges County did not have the means to provide him with the support he needed which were some visual prompts, checklists, an aide, etc. Bellows took care of all of that for us. He is in General Education with his peers with supports from Special Education. It was truly what he needed. The administration, special education team, and aides, have been absolutely PHENOMENAL! They provide us with daily reports and an abundance of communication. Recently I noticed he needs OT. Before I could say anything to them the special education team stated to me that we believe your son needs an OT evaluation. We are ALWAYS on the same page! They truly care about my son and it shows. I cannot sing this school enough praise! They have all truly been a blessing to our family. :)
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2020

I’ve had children at Bellows for a total of 13 years and feel like it may be the best elementary school in Howard County. My eldest started in kindergarten there and just started college on scholarship this fall. It has strong teachers and a strong administration; both have kept standards high in some challenging circumstances - essentially the school keeps growing at an astounding pace. There was a period around 2013 when the incredible principal retired and the school lost its way for a couple of years. The current (2020) principal has been here about 5 years and has righted the ship. BSES gives kids a strong sense of community and a great academic base from which to thrive.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2019

I rate BSES as an Excellent School.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2018

My daughter came to Bellow Springs in the 4th grade from Baltimore County she has thrived academically. Teachers noticed my daughter was academically advanced and made sure to place her in G/T programs something they didn’t do at her school prior to Bellow Springs. In 5th grade she had very good teachers. My daughter was excited to attend school everyday. It’s a very culturally diverse school. I love this school and I’m sad to see her go. We’re on to the 6th grade and will never forget our experience at Bellow Springs.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2018

Excellent teachers and great programs. My child was well prepared and succeed in middle school. Now in high school just loving his educational experiences.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2017

I love all of the staf in the office. Plus the teacher is wonderful
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2016

My son had an excellent year in kindergarten at BSES. The teachers were supportive and understanding. They were also encouraging and provided guidance in the social and academic development of my son. The PTA is active. The administration is supportive and available. I am very happy with his experience. We look forward to next year.
Submitted by other on June 16, 2016

For most of the 6 years that my child attended Bellows, it was a great experience. However, as expected there were a few teachers that were not only unprofessional but totally out of line. Quite a few times throughout those 6 years, I've needed to call the front office for various things. I will not name names, however- she sits at the first desk as you enter. She is often quick to snap & has the audacity to have an attitude. It's apparent that she has worked in the industry for quite awhile, however perhaps she needs to be in a different field. Lastly, the turnover rate for principals - there were about 3 or 4 in 6 years. Makes one wonder. I gave 4 stars bc it is one of the better public schools in spite of this review. Hope this helps someone!
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2014

We adore this school! Our child has attended for two years now. The teachers are nurturing and attentive. They are responsive to parents and committed to working together for the well being of the children. The school is wonderfully diverse and the surrounding community is cohesive and supportive. The PTA is active. Most importantly, my child is happy and he loves going to school! I am so glad we made the choice to attend Bellows!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2013

My daughter has attended BSES for 3 years. Even when overcrowded, the school was well managed operationally - highly organized. I have attended lunches and been present for arrival/dismissal and am impressed by the how well the logistics of such a big school are handled. All of the teachers we have interacted with have been highly qualified and extremely committed. I appreciated the former principal for making tough decisions and standing by them when they are in the best interest of the students.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

The teachers and staff at this school really care about the students. They work very hard to ensure they work with each child at their level. The administration is organized and effective in taking the right course of action when necessary. The school heavily encourages parent involvement and has many programs or activities throughout the school year to promote this initiative. My child has made great progress this school year. I am very pleased with this academic year.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2013

This school has been stellar since my children arrived there two years ago (even with overcrowding!). Now with redistricting, my kids are moving to another school next year, so Bellows overcrowding issues will mitigated. My children are already sad they are leaving. The teachers keep my children challenged, encourage them to do their Bellows Best, and have been great with communicating with me about my children's progress. The counseling team is great. My son, who sometimes needs an extra push to get things done, has been mentored by the counseling staff on ways to improve his attention to stay on task, and he's improving. My kids have never had any issues with teachers playing favorites or being treated unfairly. My kids have had no issues with bullying (which is much different from their previous school!), and even typical kid arguments and shoving matches are dealt with care and common sense. The library and the computer lab are large for an elementary school, and kids are given ample time to use them. They have just an average level of after school activities, and they tend to be expensive. Parent involvement is slightly above average
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2013

BSES is an average quality school -- overall environment is positive with a lot of extra-curricular activities. Kids seem to have good time. The school is crowded though and there are some teachers that rather be doing something else...
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2013

GREAT SCHOOL!!! We are a military family constantly moving around and are due to move this summer after being here for two years. I have two little boys who get excited about going to school and love their teachers. They are learning sooo much and the teachers are patient and dedicated. I've done my research to our next duty station and I hate that the schools are a downgrade! I almost want to stay here! Great Community, Parent involvement and School. I highly recommend this school and would rate it a 10!