Fort Smallwood Elementary School

1720 Poplar Ridge Road

School District

Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Anne Arundel 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 March 08, 2022

Great school. Caring teachers. All 3 of my kids go here and they love it. My 1 so has an IEP and has been getting some grey extra learning on the side.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2021

My son currently attends the ECI program and I have noticed a change in my son and it’s not a good one he’s afraid of things he wasn’t before. The commutation is absolutely horrible my son is non verbal so he can’t tell me what’s happening however I know something is wrong I would not recommend a child with autism to attend this school they are not prepared to handle a child with a disability
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2021

Even though the start of the pandemic was a bit chaotic, we thought the school did a good job trying to get kids supplies and what they needed to continue with online instruction. The specials teachers (STEM, Media, etc) are all fantastic! The school also has an involved PTA that wants to see children supported. We're happy to our kids go to Fort Smallwood.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2021

Our son started the pre k during the pandemic. Online with 4 years old is tough and these teachers did a amazing job keeping them focus and learning. My son struggled but the teacher kept with him as we did too and he really improved. I'm so pleased with the teaching techniques. Thank you teachers and staff for a amazing year. We can't wait till kindergarten
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2020

We didn’t have a great experience with our lo in kindergarten at the fort. She was held back in subjects due to other children not being able to advance. Her teacher was often absent even after the unbelievable amount of days the school is closed for “professional development”. Once all schools were closed, the teacher and the school didn’t even try to help our lo stay connected and in the class-they asked us to go pick up paperwork for school at meal drop sites after saying it’s not safe for them to stay open. Happy that we moved to be in a better school for our lo.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2020

After having our second child, my wife and I chose to move to Pasadena from the greater Washington DC region because of the area's family oriented reputation. We could not be more thrilled with that decision and with Fort Smallwood Elementary. We met with Principle Sembly shortly after our oldest child was accepted to the Severn school, to decide whether it would make more sense to enroll her in public or private school. Having attended both a public and private schools myself while growing up, I wanted to keep all options on the table. Upon meeting Principal Sembly, the choice to enroll our oldest at Fort Smallwood was an easy one. His dedication to student academics, along with his passion for educating them was obvious. As a mixed-race couple, we asked him difficult questions about race and the student population, which he answered both frankly and thoughtfully. Moreover, the vision that he discussed with regard to academics and EGATE programs are promises that he has kept and fulfilled. Additionally, we cannot say enough about the teachers and staff at the school. All of the primary and enrichment teachers (e.g. gym, art, etc.) are amazing. It's clear that they truly care about the students and the relationships that our oldest has developed with them is something that we are thankful for.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2019

Our twins have attended this school for the last three years. Year over year we have watched them grow in not only their academics, but also in the friendships they have made with the other students in the community, as well as strong connections with their teachers, assistants, and even their bus drivers. The school is tucked away off of the main road in a wooded neighborhood, and I am comforted knowing they are safe as the school policy enforces strict ID requirements for anyone coming in the building. Throughout the year there are lots of different events that engage parents and families to be a part of the school, such as the Race for Education, Father/Daughter Dance, Muffins with Mom, as well as several holiday parties. I feel that my kids are getting a quality education with access to the latest technology and learning standards. They are safe, happy, and look forward to going to school each day. Highly recommend this school and it’s faculty!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2017

If your child has a disability, this is not the school you want your child to attend. Teachers and administrators are ill-equipped to work with special needs students. Even the special education teacher is poorly equipped and applies incorrect approaches for my child's specific disability. Also, I registered and paid to be part of the PTA yet, it's already mid-November and I have never heard from them.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2017

This is a great school, both for the education provided and the family-like atmosphere promoted!
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2017

Great parent and teacher communication and participation at this school.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2014

We have been at this school for 3 years and both of my children have excelled. I feel like they are safe as the school is tucked away in the woods and off of the main roads.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

This is my daughters 2nd full year and she is in the 4th grade. I have been very pleased with the school. They make me feel safe by always making sure to have everyone identify themselves prior to entering the building. They plan fun events and everyone I have come into contact with has been very personable and I LOVE the principal!