Sunset Elementary School

8572 Fort Smallwood Road

School District

Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 January 10, 2025

The principal couldn't careless about the safety of students they are more concerned with doing nothing and being lazy!
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2024

If I could give 0 stars, I would. My son was transferred from highpoint elementary to Sunset elementary due to redistricting. Not only was uprooted from the school he had just gotten acclimated to, he also lost some of his friends from kindergarten. The first few weeks of school were a hot mess. Students were not dismissed in a timely manner and none of the teachers or principle had a solid plan. I have seen a random man running around the school while children are waiting to go in. No security in sight. First graders have no homework or chromebooks. I feel like my child is losing knowledge. I have ordered my own books just to keep him on track. The teachers and cross guards are not welcoming or friendly. From what my sons teacher described, most of the teachers in the school are teaching grades they've never taught before. They seem incompetent in their roles. Not to mention the school looks run down and dirty. Major renovations need to be made. My son was racially bullied by another student. I contacted the teacher and she responded with a nonchalant demeanor. I really want to take my son out, but he has made lots of friends and doesn't want to leave.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2017

I love this school but the principle is not friendly and unapproachable. This is giving Sunset a bad reputation. Many parents and teachers would like to see her gone
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2016

My rating was average (higher than I would've liked) because of the teaching staff. Many families are looking at pulling their children out of the school because of the Principal. Parents are angered that they are not welcome in the building, children are being bullied, and the Principal is raising her own funds- which isn't transparent. Some parents have begun contacting the Board of Education but more are worried about retaliation toward their children so they are afraid to speak up. Even though the PTA Board Members are constantly giving of their own time, every attempt they make at trying to conduct fundraisers, hold family events, etc... is being stopped and in some way controlled by the Principal. It's so very sad. Hopes were high when a new AP was appointed this year but it seems like she's afraid of the Principal so she doesn't speak up either. Scuttlebutt is that families are hanging on to the fact that the Principal has been here a long time; hopefully she'll be (re)moved.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2016

Unfortunately this school gets a lower rating because of it's unwelcoming and anti-parent involvement Principal. The teachers are amazing but are leaving in large numbers due to an inability to work with the "dictator" Principal. I'm looking to transfer my student out of this school, or place in private school, due to this conflict.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2014

Both my girls have gone to Sunset! I love the school and the staff there! Teachers are easy to talk to and respond to my emails quickly if I have a question concerning my child. This is my youngest last year there and it upsets me to know she is leaving such a great school. There are so many clubs kids can join and so many family fun nights for family fun. The PTA is a fantastic group of volunteers to help raise money for technology such as IPads the children get to use and smart boards in almost all the classrooms. Great school!
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014

As a parent, I have been very pleased with this school. It is in the process of becoming an International Baccalaureate PYP school! The staff is very friendly and I have always received prompt responses to any inquiry I have made. My son's teacher is wonderful and effective evidenced by the tremendous growth I have seen in my son since the beginning of the year. I am also a high school teacher and very involved in my son's education. I love that my son comes home excited to tell me all about his school day.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2013

As a parent, I am extremely happy with Sunset. The teachers go out of their way to support my children's education. The technology in the school is excellent. My children talk about using Smartboards and iPads. The cultural arts teachers are also top notch. There are many clubs offered after school including the Drama Club. The music teacher's productions are fabulous every year! The principal cares for the kids and does a great job of ensuring quality education. Overall, an outstanding school that stands out among other schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2013

I have never saw a school that needed and wanted so much money! Every week theres a different fundraiser coming home. If not they want bake goods and different goodies for the teachers. There should be more activities for the children. And every child should have the chance to participate in these activities. Phone calls are not promptly returned. You have to keep calling to get a response. The secretaries are not friendly at all. And the principal acts iike she scared to open her mouth. Definitely not feeling this school at all!!!
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2013

Great School! great teachers! my daughter K-3 so sad to be leaving the teacher and art ,music programs are great!
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

We had to switch schools in the middle of the year, and we were very nervous about it. Okay, I was nervous about it :) But the principle and all the office staff were very helpful and kind, and did a great job of easing my mind. We got to have a meeting with my daughter's new teacher just before she started. Her teacher is very motivated and all the students love her (the teacher). I think the school does a good job of finding the middle ground so that all the students are engaged, but I would like to see some options for students with more advanced skills, who need more of a challenge. I would definitely recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2009

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Submitted by parent on November 30, 2007

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