St Marys Elementary School

600 VEIRS MILL RD

Rockville, MD 20852

28 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 02, 2023

Wonderful School Teaching respect and a Christian behavior
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2023

I currently have two children at St. Mary’s School- one in 2nd grade and one in kindergarten. They are new to the school this year (my older child previously attended MCPS) and I could not be happier with my decision to enroll my children at St. Mary’s. Their teachers are wonderful. They are clearly talented and dedicated educators and I have been so impressed with my children’s academic growth. But even more importantly, thanks to St. Mary’s small class size, their teachers have had the opportunity to really get to know my children, and they are thriving because of that. The other thing that I truly love about St. Mary’s is the sense of community at the school. School leadership makes a very obvious effort to cultivate this sense of community by making programs like the Kindness Club, Big Buddies, and Mustang TV a part of everyday life at school. On top of that, the school also hosts numerous activities outside of school hours. Events like their Midsummer Block Party, Back-to-School Picnic, Trunk-or-Treating, art show, Christmas show, and St. Nicholas Festival have not only allowed my children to build strong friendships with their classmates outside of school but have also given me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with other parents. My family and I are very happy with our decision to enroll at St. Mary’s and I whole-heartedly recommend it to others.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2022

St. Mary's has been a wonderful, warm and happy place for my children. My kids range in age from preschool to junior high and I have been very impressed with the teachers and the quality of education. The class sizes are small and the teachers and support staff have been incredibly loving and supportive. I have a neurodivergent child and the teachers and administration have been responsive and supportive. I have found the community to be inclusive, friendly and diverse. Teachers seem to really know and care for the kids and have been swift to assist with concerns over social or academic issues. When I noticed that my junior high aged child was starting to take school less seriously, the principal was willing to personally address the situation, which was particularly helpful. Homework can be lighter or heavier depending on the teacher, but I have found that the teachers are very responsive to parental feedback and, most being parents themselves, never want it to become a burden.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2022

Good school if your child does not have learning disabilities. My children were ridiculed and berated for their inabilities to perform. They were both “put down” in art class by the same teacher. Teacher/student bullying is real at Saint Mary’s and they call it discipline. I do not “buy into the Saint Mary’s way”. The facility is too punitive and condemning to children. Spare the rod and save the child. Holy Bible
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2020

This is tough. There were many aspects of the school that were wonderful at first but as we became more involved we began to see more of the deficiencies that really pointed to a lack of effective leadership and we began to regret our choice by not realizing that this wasn't a good fit earlier than we did. If you are considering this school (or any private school for that matter) ask about its long term strategic plan, enrollment, financial stability and their plan for Fall 2020 especially as it relates to distance learning.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2019

excellent- admin will meet and work with parent who have concerns and are open to parental input- students are very close and kind to one another
Submitted by other on February 22, 2019

Not a good school . Good location but not a good school . Principal has a lot of degrees but no professionalism
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

This second year for my daughter in this school and she goes to second grade. I am satisfied with her behavior as well as educational growth day to day. Teachers challenge the students to get the best out from each one of them, overall I love the school.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2015

As a long- time parishioner at St. Mary’s church in Rockville, I was very excited to send our eldest child to St. Mary’s school in the fall of 2015. The school has exceeded all of our expectations in just a few short months. What we love about St. Mary’s, in no particular order:1. Parent involvement – Parents are encouraged to be an active part of the school community and made to feel valued. Parents are expected to volunteer, participate, and partner with the teachers. As a result, there is a sense of camaraderie among the parents, as well as with the teachers.2. Sense of community – Both the school staff and parents feel a sense of responsibility for all of the students, and everyone has a common goal of making the children feel safe and cared for while holding students to a high standard, academically and behaviorally. There are many fun and educational school-wide activities that bring the student body together in the evenings and on the weekends. In addition, the school supports the community at large through fundraising, donations, and volunteering.3. Teachers – The teachers at St. Mary’s are clearly dedicated, motivated individuals who really want to make a difference in the lives of children. You often see the teachers at school after hours, participating in school events, and they seem to get great joy from being a part of St. Mary’s. Students don’t just come to school to learn to read and write. Their personalities and moral development are nurtured by the teachers, and children learn to be respectful, confident, empathetic, and caring. The student body is culturally diverse.4. Academics – Children are challenged appropriately; teachers are able to meet the children at their level and help them progress to the next. There is a variety of specials throughout the week, such as music, art, PE, technology, Spanish, and guidance. The school utilizes technology where appropriate to reinforce the classrooms lessons at home. There is a variety of after school clubs and sports, as well as field trips.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2015

We have been so pleased with this school and the education that our son is receiving here. He transferred in from public school last year, and the teachers have been amazing with helping him in the transition. I truly feel that the staff here cares about our children and the education that they receive. What a wonderful community St. Mary's is, and I am so glad that we have the chance to be a part of it. My daughter will start school here next fall.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2014

We are new to this school and are amazed at the sense of community and quality of education. My daughter in middle school is being prepared for high school with block scheduling and organizational classes. My younger son is happy with the teachers, schedule and creative way the curriculum is administered. The teachers truly try to engage the children no matter what their learning style is. I was very sad to read the review from the graduate posted here. If anything, my children are more empowered in the few short months they have been at St. Mary's
Submitted by other on September 09, 2014

I went here and hated this school. All it does is prepare you to be scared in life. If you value your children's future, DO NOT send them here.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2014

I am a parent with 3 children at St. Mary's and we have had a wonderful experience. I am a working single mom and I have found St. Mary's teachers, parents, students, and community wonderful! I feel like everyone has welcomed and accepted me and my children with open arms. The kids get a good solid education. the specials ie. music, art, Spanish, and technology seem outstanding. I am extremely pleased with the caring environment that St. Mary's offers. I have never heard any parent say anything but high compliments for the school! I appreciate that Father Gallagher and Principal Eisel are available to greet the kids outside every day. There is a wonderful sense of community. All the teachers and staff seem very involved with all the kids. I am a very involved parent with much higher standards than almost anyone I know and my children have attended other schools but I have been extremely pleased at St. Mary's. I also think the building and facilities are extremely good compared to the other Catholic and small private schools I toured, many of which had much higher tuition. I would highly recommend to my friends, family, and others!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2014

St. Mary's is a wonderful school with great teachers and excellent administrators. We have two children in the school who are growing academically and spiritually. The church leadership is involved and all the parents create a vibrant community. There is a reason why this is a blue-ribbon school.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2014

As a long time St. Mary's parent, I have been pleased with the overall experience. St. Mary's is a welcoming, supportive community. The school has afforded my children opportunities that have helped them develop into kind, happy, intelligent, confident people with strong Christian values. My high schooler was well prepared to take on an honors curriculum in high school. St. Mary's follows the same ADW curriculum that other area Catholic schools follow, and has qualified, dedicated teachers at all levels who take an interest in each child's success. In addition to the core academics, St. Mary's offers superior art and music education and numerous extra curricular activities. Best of all, my children are happy to go to school each day.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2014

This school is a true gift for my kids and I know they will talk great things about St. Mary's when they grow up and move on to their lives! My kids love this school. They feel loved by their teachers and are beginning to nourish friendships with their classmates. There is a lot of focus on passing on faith values through service and different classroom projects. You don't get this on a regular school. Academically, I feel that my kids are attaining a sense of independence or ownership with everything they learn and do, and I must attribute that to their teachers. The school hours are so convenient and I always feel that my children are well protected and taken care of every day when I drop them off at 7:30am until I pick them up after 3 P.M. For us working parents, this is very convenient. I love seeing that priest, Fr. Gallagher?, and the principal, Mrs. Eisel, greeting and welcoming my kids at the door EVERY DAY. It's just amazing. The school is also open to parents volunteering in many activities but also they don't force you like in other schools. There is a good spirit here, I think.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2013

We had our 5 year old son in St. Mary's pre-K and have had problems with his teacher, who's name I will leave out of the review. The new principal we also found unprofessional on many levels, she missed 2 meetings with us and never showed, only to call us 3 weeks later. Overall, for the money we could find a better schools with more caring teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2013

Both my children have attended/graduated from St. Mary's in Rockville, Md. The experience was exceptional. The teacher's take a very active interest in the success of their students, they stay in close contact with the parents, and are willing to help in any way needed. It's not just a school it's like an extension of family. The community of parents and students also very tight.The success of each student is of great concern to the faculty as well as the parents. I do not regret sending my children to this school and I recommend St. Mary's to any parent who is looking for a school with a great academic curriculm as well as a safe and loving environment for their child/children. Our moto is "Christ is the reason for our school" need I say more.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2013

My kids go to school at St Mary's. They are very happy and although we had a few bumps along the way, it was all for the best. No school or child for that matter is perfect! What helps is the open communication, the respect and committment shown by the teachers and the principal. I love the fact that the school has increased it's after school activities - Art, Dance, Drama, Chess, Scouts, Robotics, Newspaper and Yearbook Clubs and now Scratch as well as the seasonal sports during the year. My kids love meeting their friends after school, and we as parents get to socialize and catch up. It's a great community.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2013

My daughter has attended St. Mary's School for 7 years. She has always been adequately challenged and offered enrichment when she has mastered the grade level requirements. She has been taught great study skills and has been taught a good work ethic. She has had very good relationships with all of her teachers. The faculty and staff are warm and welcoming, always willing to communicate about my child's progress. Having had the experience of sending children to public school, I appreciate that the teachers at St. Mary's are here because they love the children and teaching the word of God. There is a very strong catholic identity within the school. The school goes to weekly mass, quarterly benediction and rosary. I like knowing my child is safe and feels safe at St. Mary's. Parents are always welcome but are asked to comply with all child protection policies. The parent community is very involved in parish activities for the children and is supportive to the other families. I feel the St. Mary's community is like extended family.