Barack Obama Elementary School

12700 Brooke Lane

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

School District

Prince George's County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Prince George's 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 December 22, 2024

The staff at BOES is amazing! My son is autistic and attends classes in the mainstream classroom with some areas of Special Education and has in house Speech Therapy. Everyone from the office staff on up have been communicative, engaging and supportive.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2023

I love BOES so much! Everyone from the principal to the teachers have been so supportive with my daughter from pre-k up through 5th grade. They all listen and care for the kids as if they were there kids. Dr. Ashworth is very supportive and I am going to miss her so much. I am very sad that this school does not have 6th grade. Overall just know BOES is a great elementary school and you will be supported.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2023

The teachers motivate children and engage them in the teaching and learning process. Teachers need more classroom support for students with learning difficulties. The use of technology, critical thinking skills, and class participation are used to help students master knowledge and skills.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2023

My son has been going here since 1st grade and it gets worse every year. He only had good teachers the 2nd and 3rd grade. His 1st grade teacher was unenthusiastic and the 4th grade teachers don’t want to be bothered. The principal is good but she can’t do and be every where. The kids are brutal and I’ve had too many incidents that have involved my child either being bullied or intimidated (even by a male teacher who constantly yells at them). I wouldn’t send my child here and I’m pulling him out to go to private. I hope he can get in because he wasn’t really taught anything this year. Oh and communication is horrible!!!
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2022

BOES is an outstanding elementary school and I am completely blown away by this excessively low rating. As a military family, who has experience a variety of educational systems around the globe, BOES standards exceeds those of most educational institutions. Dr. Ashworth is compassionate yet professional and leads with lots of integrity. The kids are challenged and protected...and this is all I ask of any educational institution, but BOES goes beyond that with also encouraging their Scholars to be leaders and contributors to society. We look forward to returning to this school upon our next PCS.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2020

I was skeptical coming from an area where you just went to the nearest public school and they were all rated a 7 or higher. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by BOES. My son has attended BOES for K and 1st grades and both of his teachers were awesome. Both the principal and vice principal know each student and most of the parents by name. They are always helpful and cheerful and willing to stop and have a discussion almost anytime. I'm not sure why the school would be rated so low but I would give our families experience a solid 8-9 and I am a very particular Mom. My only issue would be the lunch ladies. I've had a couple of incidents where they were not very kind to my 5 now 6-year-old but after speaking with the principal she not only heard my concerns but implemented a solution that not only helped my child but the entire school.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2017

I would love to work at this school. I really feel like my children have received and are receiving the best education there with qualified teachers who give it their all.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2016

As a new parent who moved to PG County the 2015-2016 school year with a kindergartner, we had an amazing experience at BOES. I do believe the classes are over crowded, but I believe that has a lot to do with the communities developing more quickly that anticipated when this school was built. I think the kindergarten teachers need assistants in the classrooms, that really is my only complaint. The school is very responsive, from the school principal down to the janitor. I look forward to my child's second year at BOES.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2014

My daughter attended this school from the time it opened until 6th grade. This school is a great learning environment but still has room for improvement towards the staff and how they deal with the children. My daughter often complained about the lack of enthusiasm the teachers gave her towards learning and i also observed it myself. The staff definitely has some work to do but is good in every other way,
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2014

My daughter attended this school during 2013-2014. I think that this school has some good qualities but has a lot of room for improvement. They experienced a large enrollment for kindergarten so one of the classes did not have a teacher for the first 2/3 months. The principal Pearl Harmon (who isn't coming back) seemed unenthused about being there and really didn't want to deal with parents. The staff (teachers and leadership) seemed to be more reactive versus being proactive when dealing with student issues. They are getting a new principal (2014-15 school year) so it can go either way under new leadership. I hope it gets better and not worse.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

Parents need to be more mindful of leaving reviews when they are angry. These reviews are looked at by people moving in the area, and one incident does not dictate how the school operates. My sons have been going to this school since they opened. I admit, there have been some growing pains, however having two kids, I have seen how the curriculum has gained rigors between grade levels. Also, out of four teachers, my youngest son only had one that was questionable. He had three dedicated and outstanding teachers, and for them alone, I feel like time needs to be taken in doing these reviews. No organization is perfect, however I hope with the upcoming change in keadership, I am able to give the school five stars next year!
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2014

I have to admit I was skeptical about sending my child here but I am so glad I did. He is currently a sixth grade student where the are 4, yes 4 MALE teachers. The structure and consistentcy these teachers show make me proud as a parent! Technology is used, homework is assigned daily and the teachers are very responsive. I love the administration. My only issue is the testing! These kids are tested TOO MUCH which is a state issue not a school one. If you are looking for great teachers, a quality education, and a school with plenty of resources send your child there. The parents that complain are the ones who do not even live in the area and are not part of the PTA. Pay them no mind!
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2014

This school is horrible! The secretary is rude, either on the phone or in person. There are a small handful of teachers who actual care. The school counselor is not on her job, with regards to answer and following up on parents concerns. Every parent that I talk to has had a negative experience with this school. My child has attended the school for the past 2 years and they only good thing about the school is the PTA.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2013

I will admit that the vice principal at Barack Obama Elementary should be the principal. Pearl Harmon herself can care less about the students and more on school ratings to make herself look better. My child has been attending this school since it has first opened and I haven't had anything but complaints. Trust me when I say I am not the only parent either. If your child needs additional help regarding school work this is not the place for them. Only the students who do not require as much help get the attentions deserved, not the ones who really need it. I moved just so my child would not have to attend this school anymore. Now with the new school, which is still in PG County, no complaints.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2013

My daughter began Kindergarten at Barack Obama Elementary School in August, 2013 and she loves it! I'm very impressed with the program and resources offered to the students. The students receives homework daily and have special projects to complete. In addition to reading and math, they are introduced to subjects such as social studies, music, media, health & science. The teachers are caring & supportive in promoting the development of the children. The Principal and Asst. Principal are hands on. Parent involvement is always encouraged. I'm very happy with the school.
Submitted by other on August 21, 2013

It's day 3 of the 2013-2014 school year and my nephew who started kindergarten has been placed on the wrong afternoon bus TWICE! Day 1 the wrong aftercare bus. Day 3 they put him on the bus to go home alone in a new neighborhood. No guardian no nothing! Thank God the neighbors & builder took care of him until his parents could be contacted. I mean he had 5x7 name tag & written instructions as to where he was to go after school. Very disappointed in PG County & Barack Obama Elementary school.