Excellence Christian School

9010 Frank Tippett Road

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

43 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 05, 2024

My son has been a student of ECS since 2018. I am very pleased with the quality education that my son is receiving. He loves the small class size, his teachers and all of the personnel at ECS. I love the close knit family feel at ECS. I thank God for ECS.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2023

Despite the previous reviews, Excellence has truly been a gem and is an amazing school. The faculty and administration love the students and actually care about their development and education. My student has been excelling and is learning things that wow me at every turn! Her teacher is mild mannered and my student loves her. The class sizes are small which makes me feel even more comfortable that she is receiving intimate learning. The PTO has been revived and I am excited for all of the wonderful things we are about to help the school with! So I would advise parents to go and tour the school and form your own opinion, I can assure won’t be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2023

My experience thus far has warranted a post after less than two months at Excellence.We found Excellence right in our neighborhood!! This school year has been a breath of fresh air. I must admit the negative comments from the past year nearly turned me away. I decided to meet with the enrollment staff anyway, to check the box. I met with Tamika who walked me through the whole process, when we first met they didn't yet have a principal. The way she engaged with my son asking him what he likes and getting his feedback on what is offered at the school was amazing. I am so thankful we didn't write them off based on the reviews! From day one my son loved it. He gets in the car with a smile on his face and every day he tells me his day was great! I'm like really every day is great son? and with a smile on his face, he confirms yes Mom. The first month of being at Excellence, he gave the morning announcements, this made him feel like he had a job and he was a part of something! Every morning he woke up to make sure he got to school on time to do this task. His teacher is great! She is new to the school as well. Her approach to teaching keeps the students engaged and she even gives them (4th, and 5th graders) opportunities to stretch and get the wiggles out. They go outdoors for more than just recess. They go into nature for science! Shout out to Mrs. Barnes she makes learning fun! one test my son didn't do so well on, she messaged me and let me know what he needed to practice on for the make-up test, which he Aced. The music teacher is top-notch, the kids would stay in music all day if they could. He brought out my son's love for the keyboard. He's had one since he was 4 years old (he's 10). It was sitting there collecting dust. All it took was for Mr. Davis to tell him he had a talent for it and now he is practicing all the time and he is pretty good. With the small class sizes, the teachers can see the children and get to know them.I toured 4 other schools further out. Excellence is the only school that includes breakfast and lunch in the tuition. That wasn't why I decided to apply, but it sure was a great bonus. They even get snacks! The menu is like going to a restaurant, and there is always a vegetarian option.I consider Excellence a hidden gem.Curriculum-wise, there is a STEM program, led by a NASA employee! There are weekly spelling words and all other subjects. Art and spanish is included in the classroom. There is also PE.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2023

I’m with happy with the education my daughter is receiving at Excellence Christian School. The school communication is amazing.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2023

If Excellence was a gem in the past, this is farther from the truth today. Its unfortunate that the leadership presented themselves to be true leaders in the past, because they have certainly shown who they really are today. as Maya Angelou said, "When people show you who they are, believe them." This was shown not only to the parents, but the staff, and students as well. My daughter came home in tears after witnessing how the staff and principal were treated. She was fearful to attend school afterwards. For over a month, teachers were not present and there was no learning occurring. Not to mention the mass exodus of all of the middle school team except for one teacher as well as most of the elementary staff. This will be the third principal in 3 years. I know what a good Christian school is and Excellence is not it. If you want your child to go to a school where they will be with people who are not genuine and putting up a front, then this is the school for your child.
Submitted by other on July 13, 2023

As a former student of Excellence Christian school and knowing the leadership of over 20 years. The newly attached accusations on the leadership and the school could not be farther from the truth. This schools foundation has taught me how to be a person of morals, standard and integrity. As well as having the confidence in thought leadership within the classroom. From the time the school opened to its present, I have friends who went to ECS and now their children go and they love it. Excellence name is not just a randomly chosen name but for the expectation in its standard of every staff member and child that attends. To the ECS family and future families trust that the leaderships vision and mission has not waved its precedence in the last 22 it’s been standing.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2023

I personally believe that Excellence had great potential. However, the level of humility required to accomplish this, I believe is lost on its founders. Last year, the Principal left after allegedly a petition was signed demanding her to step down. She ultimately resigned in the summer after serving for only a few years. This year a new Principal arrived and was fired abruptly in April. The last week of April a few families were notified via email that the school was cutting middle school for the 2023-2024 school year. Word spread and ultimately a group of parents went to the school to get clarity and speak with the Pastors since the majority weren't notified. While we were in the gym, the New Principal was fired in the lobby. (We witnessed this first-hand). Students were crying, teachers were crying, and many of them are not returning this school year. How can a school function without a Principal and how can teachers adequately do their job in an emotionally toxic environment? Teachers complained of lack of resources, lack of communication, and lack of consistency with getting paid and their money being correct. Last year, middle school also lost their math, social studies, language arts, and gym teacher, this should have been a sign. After parents voiced their concern in the gym that day, we were then told that middle school would be reinstated for the 2023-2024 school year. But, after witnessing all that happened, how can we return? There has been no accountability, no consideration of the children impacted, and a lack of adequate learning. The children were devastated by what happened. I especially feel for the 7th grade class who will not get to finish middle school together. Some of which are children who have been at ECS since Kindergarten and are now leaving because of the dishonesty and chaos. The children if no one else- deserved better.
Submitted by other on June 26, 2023

My children have aged out of ECS.They both attended from grades K-5 - 8th.Both went on to a public school science and technology program.Both have been able to maintain a GPA greater than 3.9Both are very successful.My son has maintained awesome friendships he established since K-5 - the type to take you into professional relationships.After my youngest was graduated, the school was challenged by covid and later major changes in leadership! All great organizations go through change and are thrust into Tuckman's Theory of Team Building, Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Highly Performing.When the Dr. Ericka Lee, principal left, the school and then many of the PTO founding parent's graduated, the school went from Highly Performing back to the Storming stage. This is normal. Think about it the success of the school is like a 3-leg stool - Students, Faculty/Staff, Parents. Two of the legs were replaced.The founding pastors Mangrum tried to keep the school running independently, still Tuckman's theory ruled.It my understanding now that the school's founders are returning to the founding principles of the school - Educating Our Future, Faith, Community.Part of the education is not only book learning, but value of self and self-in community representing Jesus, family, and ECS. I love to see how my son's peers are leaders, pants up, proper diction, advocates for themselves because they know how to have a constructive conversation with the leaders in their lives that can and will impact their futures.I could write more.Please support this pearl of Prince George's County and even Maryland. It is right in our neighborhood! It is not successful by just "paying your tuition". The previous parents worked with the other two legs to build a community. Let's not focus on the Storming period the school has gone through recently. Storming is normal. Ignore the confusion, the father-of-lies causes. I am not saying that your personal offenses were not real or hurtful. I am encouraging overcoming with biblical principles.We are in the family of Faith in Jesus. Find out more about the founding vision of Excellence Christian School, pray James 1:5, and do what you can to rebuild the highly effective school together. I and the parents from the classes 2008 - 2020 understand the struggles and opposition the true enemy presents. We are now reaping the benefits because we did not faint. Will you join the rebuild of ECS?Agape
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2023

My son has attended Excellence for 4 years and we have had a great learning experience. I can see the difference in his growth year after year. Every company has their season but I will not abandon a good thing for 2 months of disruption. My son has flourished and he will return in the Fall.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2023

ECS is one of the best schools in Prince George's County. My experience with ECS was nothing but great. Both of my children went and graduated from ECS. ECS prepared them for High School and they are both college graduates. I would highly recommed this school to anyone looking for a school to attend.
Submitted by student on June 17, 2023

i was a student at this school through the 2021-2022 and the 2022-2023 school year. And how the school is closing is very saddening and disappointing. Last year I had a fine experience. but after secrets were revealed and the truth came to pass i was appalled. The truth behind the teachers pay, how staff was treated, the lies towards the parents. And the fact that is was all happening behind closed doors. I will not be attending this school next year. which is very disappointing because my class and I were very excited to finally be graduating together. But due to the selfish actions of the “pastors” and owners of the school. that can no longer happen. I wish the best for the rest of the ecs students. Because i know this was hard on everyone.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2023

It’s been disappointing to see how ECS has fallen apart across the last few years. This year has been by far the worst. There’s confusion, lack of communication and dishonesty among the Board and Pastors which in turn creates an awful environment for the students. They have suffered this most throughout this turmoil. The Principal was abruptly fired with a few weeks left until the end of the school year, PTO disbanded without explanation, a culture of secrecy where parents and teachers are not welcome to ask questions. Most parents are removing their children after this year. I would highly recommend looking elsewhere for your child.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2023

I use to rave how good Excellence was from leadership to the faculty and staff to the parents engagement with the school. It was a wonderful environment to be in unfortunately it has crashed and burned. The last three years you could start seeing the cracks. The turnover in teachers was the start during COVID. The “ECS” board decided to step in 2020 to take control over the school. The ECS board consist of the pastor and his wife of the church’s school, Cornerstone Peaceful Baptist Church, and other members of their church. No members of the board are from the school and this is where the issues start. The ECS board has the last say of anything dealing with ECS. Not the principal. The principal has to run any ideas by the board. ECS has had 2 principals since 2019 and our last principal was just fired by the ECS board on Monday in front of parents. She was only principal for 9 months. No one really no as to why she was fired but leave it the pastor they just didn’t see “eye to eye” and it’s all her fault as to the school having issues. He couldn’t work with her. That same day he fired the principal, he was going around firing teachers because they stood up for her. Yelling at them and getting in their face. This is not how a pastor should act. Students crying after hearing what has happened, it pure chaos this past Monday. Just like parents reviews below, ECS board did not communicate to the parents of the low re-enrollment and that they were thinking about having to close middle school next school year. Please do not send your child here unless it’s your last result. I feel sorry for the parents of any 7th graders who only had one more year. I feel sorry for the teachers who spoke up and voiced what has been really going on inside the school with the pastor. The verbal abuse they endured is crazy. I pray that they are able to leave the school and work in a better environment.Lastly, this school is not listed as a “faith based organization” like it is mentioned on this site via their accreditation.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2023

Apparently the school used to be a “good school” which is why we decided to give it a try, but the lack of respect from the church leadership, unanswered questions/concerns about missing funds, the disregard of paying stakeholders (parents, caregivers, etc.), closing the middle school without proper notification, the list goes on… if you are looking for an educational space for your child…sad to say…. hard to type….this is NOT THE PLACE… bless the teachers who gave it their all at ECS.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2023

Don’t even think about coming to ECS!!!! School in steep downward decline. Pastor and Governing Board fired Principal in 4th quarter based on inaccurate information, which also led to a rash and flighty decision to close the Middle School next yr without informing ALL its parent community. Both Pastors dont appreciate questions from parents or staff in fact they deem it disrespectful. Parent community had to show up in unisom to demand explanation for the principal termination and rationale about closing middle school. Within 2 business days of closing middle school next year they re-open it and enrollment…based on parents informing them that they routinely enroll late. Why not poll parents before making such a dramatic decision? Why can’t the staff speak about their experiences this year? Why is there such a turnover of teachers in core subjects? Why are church members on the school payroll? Why are there repeat errors on employee payroll? Why was the PTO disbanded when they did so well the year before? What happened to the PTO funds raised ? With school so young in age, why has there been 4 principals? Why aren’t church and school funds separate? Just a messy organization. Teacher turnover in Math has students that were advance now behind.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2021

Attending Excellence is by far the best decision we've made for our children. They are learning, thriving, and growing spiritually. Principal and teachers are amazing. Class sizes have remained small which benefits each child. Classes are no where near over crowded. Teachers know the level of each child and will push your child to their highest potential. My children are doing great academically because in addition to having great teachers, as parents, we're doing our part to review and reiterate the teachers instructions. That is key. Excellence has taking on virtual learning like pros and it evident that the children are excelling. I've heard Pre school children already reading on 1st grade level. 8th grade students being accepted into the best high schools in this area. Highly recommend this school for those looking for top notch, quality education, with teachers who are EXPERIENCED and who actually care.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2020

I wrote a review back in 2016 raving about how good this school was. Fast forward to 2020, it is a COMPLETELY different story. This has been the WORST school year ever at ECS. Where should I begin...academically this year has been the worst. My son who is usually an A/B student, now has C’s and D’s on his progress report due to lack of teaching and, “missing” assignments that were actually lost by the teacher. Unclear homework assignments that causes a lot of confusion and stress for both parents and the students has been very common this year. I literally feel like I am homeschooling my child because he is no longer being taught the material adequately like in the previous years. Several other students have the same issues. There is also a new principal who started this school year. She is nothing like the old principal, Dr. Lee. Parents concerns are not taken seriously or even really addressed. Although she likes to portray herself as caring and being there for the parents, That could not be further from the truth. When teachers/staff are in the wrong and it is brought to the principals attention, she always takes the teachers’ side and makes the parents feel like they and their children are the issue. Classroom sizes have increased and are no longer “small” in my opinion, even though small classroom sizes is still advertised on their website. Parents are paying a lot of money to send their kids to this school for a better education and better leadership. The new music teacher teaches her class like the students are college music majors and grades them very strictly. Communication has also declined greatly. If you are looking to send your child to a good private school with quality teachers, good leadership and good communication, ECS is no longer the place where these things exist.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2016

Excellence Christian School is a great school. I love the safe Christian environment as well as caring teachers and administrators. The curriculum is challenging and prepares the children for the next grade level.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2016

The family atmosphere and Christian culture makes it outstanding. The teachers are wise and genuinely concerned about each student.
Submitted by other on May 21, 2016

My children adjusted well to the transition into Excellence Christian School. The teachers and staff are so inviting. My children made friends easily and have no problems with bullying. The teachers are accessible via text and email. We made a good decision enrolling into ECS.