Ballenger Creek Elementary School

5250 Kingsbrook Drive

School District

Frederick County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Frederick 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 August 20, 2020

Overall pretty good compared to other schools that the kids attended.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2019

could not be happier with this school.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

Great experience this year. Teachers, counselor and principal seem very involved
Submitted by other on March 10, 2017

The school had a few rocky years in terms of administration but the new principal is really involved with the students and their activities. The teachers have always been available for questions and the support staff are so helpful! I'm not sure what issues other parents have had for low ratings but in 5 years at BCES my child has been happy and eager to learn.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2016

This school is great! The faculty is really nice. I really like the Reading Specialist there. She has helped my daughter raise her reading level. She was always a grade a two behind. She is now on grade grade level and is so proud of herself!!!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2014

The school is horrible for special needs students.They will noy do any accommodating to help any child succeed....The principal is rude mean and just in.general very snotty ....I have to children in this school one disabled and one not...The normal child is treated with respect and is feels okay about the school...The disabled child is really hurt by the treatment he receives and its not by students as onr would expect buy rather by staff...I've tried to hang on because I don't want my son to learn to run away from..his problems...however at this point I feel this school is jeopardizing my sons safety and I'm looking ti move just to get my son out of this school.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2013

There are multiple issues at this school - the administration is only concerned with Title 1 "status" and bragging about the free stale cinnamon rolls they pass off as a healthy breakfast. The curriculum has really dummied down in the past few years too. There have been multiple administrative staff changes including multiple principals in the past few years. Several front office employees quit due to the current principal. My kids are actually saying the teachers are acting way too goofy and silly. I'm incredibly saddened by the disintegration of this school.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

My daughter just started first grade here and we were pretty nervous about a new school. So far she loves it, her teacher is great and we expect only good things to happened. I don't know much about the school but everybody seems to care about children and I like the fact that they are very carefully about their safety and their development. I heard only positive things from other parents
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2013

Ballenger Creek is such a great school, I have a daughter with a long IEP and the staff that cares for her is so wonderful. Not to mention the focus they have on STEM. I love love love this school and am sorry to be leaving it next year when we move.
Submitted by other on April 12, 2013

THIS SCHOOL IS ALSO THE BEST! I NEVER WENT HERE BUT I LOVE AND LIKE IT
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2012

Love this school!! Teachers are wonderful, the administration is terrific as well. They really seem to care about the kids. I would highly recommend moving to this area if you have elementary aged kids. You will not be disappointed!!
Submitted by parent on December 01, 2011

I have had 3 children that have gone to BCES and I think it's a pretty good school. The new administration isn't the nicest but they seem to get the job done. Many of the teachers are really amazing teachers though. They really know how to show a child that they care about them and their academic future. I was very sad to see my son graduate 5th grade and head to middle school because I knew he would no longer get to see the teachers who really turned his school life around for him. Funny enough, his former teachers still check up on him 2 years later in middle school. Some of the teachers can be very strict, but I think it's good for the kids to know their boundaries. Also the guidance counselor is very nice and has a lot of various groups to help any of the kids who might be struggling with something in their home or school life. There is very little bullying and the staff really instills it in the kids that bullying is bad and you will be punished for it. I do wish there was more PTA participation among the parents because when there isn't the students really feel the pinch on fun things like the fall festival or spring carnival.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2011

Perhaps the pre 2008 reviews should be overlooked as the principal and AP have changed since then. I have nothing but good things to say about this school. Teachers want the kids to excel and are willing to put the time into making that happen. Supplemental instruction is available for both struggling students and those who need to be challenged above the average curriculum. Administration is accessable and responsive to request for clarifications, meetings and evaluations. Many parents are part of the PTA and strive to make events fun and family friendly. I am happy to call BCES our school and my kids are thriving there.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2011

Let me preface what I am about to say with this...I do not give out 5 stars - ever. With that said I have had no issues with BCES. I have found my child's time at this school to be an overall positive experience. With the exception of a few duds in teacher assignment, academically I feel my child is thriving. There has been individual attention when necessary and I have always felt that they care about my child as an individual not just as part of the crowd. We will both miss this school when our time is at an end here but feel that other children will most definitely benefit from the quality education we have experienced.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2011

I have no idea why several posters are stating that there is a lack of communication as I have children who have been attending BCES for the past 10 years total...I LOVE the school, the community involvement, several EXTEMELY dedicated and wonderful teachers and pretty much everything about the school. Since we are porhibited from posting names here, I will just say that there are NUMEROUS teachers who have been there in excess of 10 years (so much for the "high turnover" allegation) and they are simply wonderful!