Any insight on Rockview ES in Kensington?

[Anonymous]

Thinking about Rockview v. Oakland Terrace. Looking at houses in both districts, like Rockview house better right now. Any experiences with either? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It's been several years since my child moved on to middle school, but we were OK with Rock View. It's a nice building (but not so much as Oakland Terrace) and now they're making an addition. I'm not sure if that's completetd or not.

We had several teachers we really liked, but there was a high turnover in staff. The PTA was pretty active, and there was a number of involved parents.

The principal we had retired just as we were leaving. She wasn't so great. There was a HUGE emphasis on the MSAs, including pep rallies and an hour glass poster that counted down the days tilll the big test. Also, the school was very big on test scores beyond the MSA. The only recognition kids could get was if they were on the "principal's wall of fame," getting 90 or better on both math and reading schoolwide tests each week. Same kids always on the wall and always getting a special pizza party.

[Anonymous]

PP. Here. I wrote the above and hit send as the boss walked into my office. I meant to say that Rock View is/was overcrowded, but not so much as Oakland Terrace.

[Anonymous]

I seem to recall hearing that there will be school redistricting in the Kensington area, in reaction to overcrowding and a new elementary school that is being built. I think they broke ground on the school already and it's supposed to open in Fall 2012. I don't know more than this, but certainly you could call the schools and see if it would impact you.

ps I know people with kids at both schools who say very good things about them.

[Anonymous]

http://gis.mcpsmd.org/gis/MapGallery/MapGalleryImages/FutureSchools.jpg

No future elementary schools currently slated for the Downcounty Consortium cluster, according to that map.