Rachel Carson Elementary School

100 Tschiffely Square Road

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

School District

Montgomery County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Montgomery 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 February 06, 2025

This elementary school provides an excellent learning environment with dedicated, tenured teachers who bring experience and stability to the classroom. The school’s management is generally effective, fostering a positive and well-organized atmosphere. The facilities are well-maintained and in good condition, creating a comfortable space for students to learn and grow. Additionally, the school boasts a diverse student body, promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness. Most importantly, I always felt that my children were safe here, thanks to the school’s strong emphasis on security and student well-being. Overall, a great choice for families seeking a supportive and high-quality educational experience.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2024

It's one of the top schools in the county for elementary school kids, in one of the most fun neighborhoods to be a kid in the county, and the teachers it draws in are top notch. What's not to like?My son has thrived in this neighborhood and school, and I'm so glad he's getting this experience.
Submitted by other on February 23, 2021

Hello, I am writing this review as a current middle school student and an alumni of RCES. Overall my experience was meh. Here's why:Homework: 4/5 The teachers always gave us a decent amount of homework, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by it but it's nothing too crazy.Teachers: 4/5 Also pretty decent, some had great personalities some were mean. Still not too badLeadership: 3/5 I don't really know much about this, I don't feel like they put enough effort into this section of school.Character: 5/5 Pretty good this spread the message pretty well and the staff is always reminding you in the hallways. Don't worry it's not that annoyingLearning Differences: 4/5 From what I've seen my school does pretty well and really tries to help students with learning differences. Not enough for 5/5 thoughBullying: 1/5 Defo a problem, I've expirienced bullying in all my years at this school. Taunts becuase of the way I talk, rumors were spread about me, Older kids were picking on me, you name it. School didn't seem to careOverall: Decent school, just watch out for the bullying
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2020

Average experience. Disappointed on the first day of this school two years ago I could not walk my child to his 1st grade classroom even though he was new. Only kindergarten children are allowed to have their parent walk them in the first day. There are over a thousand students flooding in the front door. Never seen my child so scared. His class was nice and the teacher was sweet. But there were 28 in his classroom and he definitely got lost in the shuffle. A number of parents were nice, but there’s also a lot of cliques. My child is white, but there seemed to be racial disparities in the school. Bullying unnoticed. Parents who live in the kentlands/lakelands seemed to get preferential treatment even though the principal truly tried to help with diversity and inclusion. Agree the front desk staff is grumpy.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2019

This school is only good if you’re white. Otherwise bullying at recess and lunch is a HUGE issue and there are parent aides in charge who only look after their own kids. Principal is lazy and doesn’t care.
Submitted by student on October 29, 2018

I rate this school 2 out of 5 because it is dirty and unorganized
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2018

This is the most disorganized school ever. From the PTA, to dismissal. Events are not efficiently communicated. Drop off line at the kiss and ride is a nightmare. Front desk administration always grumpy. Parent "aides" during lunch and recess are a joke - there have been too many bullying instances with no intervention, since the aides are volunteer and are merely there to watch their own child. Special education resources? Good luck with getting in touch with the counselor! It's shocking and disappointing to have a school like this within Montgomery County.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2017

My daughter has an excellent experience at Rachel Carson.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2017

Excellent teachers and responsive staff. The kids receive a solid foundation for middle school.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2015

I personally feel that our Kindergarten Teacher needs an additional training on how to deal with 5-6 year old kids. Kids being treated like adults without much of personal guidance and supervision. Kindergarteners expected to act and deal with situations like grownups. Kids constantly sent to principle for minor misbehavior due to lack of teacher support to control the situation in a class room. Homework poorly constructed, I had to send my child to Kumon school not to be behind! This is our first year and I am not a very happy with this Blue-ribbon school. I hope the next year we will see better structured homework assignments and well trained teacher. Over all school staff is very friendly and supportive!
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2014

RCES is a great school that could use a little tweaking when it comes to their homework assignments. My son was in kindergarten last year and week after painful week we received the same unimaginative homework assignments that were varied ever so slightly to reflect what they were learning in class. It was very boring for my son and I. The staff are friendly and open to parent suggestions. I found afternoon dismissals to be a bit chaotic and disorganized. They have good academic, special education, and therapy resources. My son's kindergarten teacher who was rated quite well by other parents quickly jumped to conclusion that my focus-challenged son would not be much of a success in her classroom, even after explaining that he just needs a little more time to mature. She was wrong. During our last meeting she openly admitted that she had been wrong about my son and she had the test scores to prove it. I feel that RCES more than adequately helped prepare my son for first grade.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

My son started his KG at RCES this school year. This school is great. Staff are so friendly and responsible. We are able to communicate with the teacher and always getting prompt responses. The school neighborhood is great! We have very good interaction with other parents. I really admire the school Principal's leadership. We are so glad to find this school for our son.