The Banner School

217 Dill Avenue

Frederick, MD 21701

12 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 13, 2024

I am deeply disappointed with Banner School’s handling of our situation. Despite providing official military orders well in advance, the school had the audacity to charge us a $600 fee to disenroll my child before the school year even started. This is an outrageous and insensitive policy that shows a complete disregard for the sacrifices military families make. Charging a fee under these circumstances is both unethical and disrespectful. I urge other military families to consider this before enrolling their children here. This school clearly prioritizes profit over people.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2024

With the recent move to a new location, I've only seen positive changes for this school as a whole. My daughter (age 5) loves learning, has made friends easily and gets involved with afterschool clubs and activities. The school has confident and knowledgeable teachers, administrators who are dedicated to the mission of educating each student, and the classrooms are spacious and built for 21st century learning. I am so excited for my daughter to continue her journey all the way through 8th grade and be more than prepared for high school and beyond.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2023

The school is moving to a worse location and not communicating with parents. Administration for the past two years has stepped down and staff retention is not good. If the employees are running then something is obviously going on and no one will communicate. Too many unanswered questions and too many red flags.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2023

The Banner School has been amazing for our family. One of the school's standout features is its small class sizes, which provide an intimate and supportive learning environment for students.In addition to the small class sizes, the school prides itself on its strong parent and community involvement. The school values the input and support of parents and community members, and this partnership helps to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that is tailored to their individual needs.I feel safe and confident when my son is at school. All of the teachers and staff know each other and support one another. The students are so kind and welcoming. They participate in many projects and community activities that promote leadership and creativity. Overall, The Banner School is an exceptional educational institution that offers a personalized and supportive learning experience for students. With small class sizes, strong parent and community involvement, and a safe and secure environment, this school is an excellent choice for families looking for a wonderful place to educate their children.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2023

I wish I could give Banner a higher rating but unfortunately they have not been able to deliver on their promises. The board of trustees is really doing harm to the school; They need to initiate follow through and have a long term strategic plan for the school. There is no true head of school and no consistent curriculum. Because the school lacks leadership from an academic standpoint no one is piloting the plane and the teachers are left to sort out things on their own. Autonomy for teachers is fantastic but you cannot leave first year or new teachers to come up with their own curriculum for the year and also no way to ensure that learning goals are being met. Banner has the potential to be a great school I just don’t see how it is going to get there.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2021

We love the school! Our daughter has found her love to learn again after two years of public school. She is happy again!
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2020

Dedicated teachers, small class sizes, a happy family environment
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2020

We love this school. We did pre-K through 5th at another local private school, but Banner offers a level of maturity in its middle school plan that doesn't have a peer. The program promotes a love of learning and I see students thriving within their peer groups and in their academic challenges.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2019

The Banner School has a rich academic program, which includes early STEM and Spanish integration. Our 2nd and 7th graders transferred to Banner after attending school overseas for four years. My husband and I researched several schools in the surrounding area and, after the school tour and meeting with the school leaders and teachers, the clear choice for us and the kids was “The Banner School”. The ease of transition has certainly made a positive impact on our kids and they are flourishing both academically and socially.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2018

I have put my three children through this school and they are all thriving academically (two still here and one at her current high school). I feel the low student to teacher ratio allows each child more individual attention and they respond by striving to do better.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2018

The Banner School provides a community oriented environment that promotes achievement, curiosity, self confidence, and inclusion. Among its strengths are its dedicated faculty, small student to teacher ratio, and the diversity the community. For a small school, it offers a full range of educational opportunities. It’s Capstone Program, which requires 8th graders to thoroughly research and to action on a topic of their choice, is indicative of Banner’s commitment to experiential learning and development of civic awareness.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2017

I believe Banner is the best Frederick has to offer. We toured a few other schools and tried out St Johns but my daughter felt the most at home at Banner. We have had general success with the school over the past 4 years but as with anything, there is always room for improvement. I believe they are trying, hiring a reading specialist and changing to a principal that is more aware learning disabilities has been a positive step. I will also say, I am not sure why the school is rated as being 90% white - maybe an old statistic. My daughter's class only has 5 white children (including her) and 7 children from other ethnic backgrounds. There are also other countries that have "white" skin that have a different cultural background. You will also find this distinction at Banner. They celebrate cultural diversity and love to learn about other traditions.
Submitted by other on November 09, 2013

The Banner School is a co-educational, independent school composed of a preschool (3- and 4-year-olds), primary school (K-4th), and a middle school for grades 5-8. Its mission is to provide an academically challenging curriculum in a secure environment, to motivate students to achieve to the best of their abilities, and, in so doing, to stimulate a lifelong love of learning. The Banner School promotes a strong school-family partnership, individual self-worth, and respect for others and strives to graduate responsible individuals who will contribute to society. Reflecting the diversity in today s society and our student body, Banner provides an education with a global perspective through the study of various cultures, societies, and peoples of the world.