Anyone with children at Rolling Terrace ES

[Anonymous]

We are considering buying a home in Takoma Park and just discovered that the school assignment is for Rolling Terrace. The Great Schools rating for this school is a 2. The at-a-glance information indicates a high number of FARMs and ESOL (terms I've only recently learned myself), which bother me less than overall low ratings on the test scores (I had a free lunch in elementary school). Also, in my research I've learned it is no longer a Title I school and so lost the extra funding that goes with that status. Therefore, class sizes have increased.

I would love to hear from parents who have children who attend (or attended) Rolling Terrace, either in the Spanish Immersion program or the regular side. What have been your experiences? I'm interested in hearing the positives and negatives. Do the numbers accurately reflect the level of learning at the school?

I'm also concerned about the significant difference in the stats at Rolling Terrace ES compared to Takoma Park ES/Sligo Creek ES. It seems like a huge divide in access for children on either side of the dividing line, which is ironic for a place like Takoma Park which prides itself on inclusiveness. I am hoping someone can tell me it's not as bad as it seems. Takoma Park is not a big town; I'd like to think that children from both schools interact outside of school, but fear it might be more divided than I thought.

[Anonymous]

We spent a lot of money and effort moving from TP two years ago when we looked closer at the school. There are lots of great homes in that area that feed to the other schools and I would look there. It is as bad as it seems. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Okay. Thanks for the response. Better to figure this out now, I suppose. We'll keep lookin'.

[Anonymous]

We've been very pleased with Rolling Terrace. DS has had wonderful teachers so far. Yes, it's a public school facing a number of challenges, but the teachers and administrators handle the challenges well. Try to visit the school for yourself and talk to other parents. It's true that the class sizes are getting larger, especially since the school lost its Title 1 status. This may affect in-coming families a bit more than it affects families whose kids have already been at the school for a few years. The school has an active and vibrant PTA. Many parents volunteer for the numerous activities at the school. The teachers are well trained and highly motivated to teach the kids. And the Spanish Immersion program is a big plus. If you're in the boundary of the school, your child would automatically be eligible for the immersion program. Talk to parents and visit the school before you cross it off your list.

[Anonymous]

I appreciate your response. I'm not sure how to find parents with children at the school which is why I am posting here. Is it really reasonable to ask a school for a walk through/visit? I feel like that would be a lot to ask.

Anonymous wrote:We've been very pleased with Rolling Terrace. DS has had wonderful teachers so far. Yes, it's a public school facing a number of challenges, but the teachers and administrators handle the challenges well. Try to visit the school for yourself and talk to other parents. It's true that the class sizes are getting larger, especially since the school lost its Title 1 status. This may affect in-coming families a bit more than it affects families whose kids have already been at the school for a few years. The school has an active and vibrant PTA. Many parents volunteer for the numerous activities at the school. The teachers are well trained and highly motivated to teach the kids. And the Spanish Immersion program is a big plus. If you're in the boundary of the school, your child would automatically be eligible for the immersion program. Talk to parents and visit the school before you cross it off your list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate your response. I'm not sure how to find parents with children at the school which is why I am posting here. Is it really reasonable to ask a school for a walk through/visit? I feel like that would be a lot to ask.

Anonymous wrote:We've been very pleased with Rolling Terrace. DS has had wonderful teachers so far. Yes, it's a public school facing a number of challenges, but the teachers and administrators handle the challenges well. Try to visit the school for yourself and talk to other parents. It's true that the class sizes are getting larger, especially since the school lost its Title 1 status. This may affect in-coming families a bit more than it affects families whose kids have already been at the school for a few years. The school has an active and vibrant PTA. Many parents volunteer for the numerous activities at the school. The teachers are well trained and highly motivated to teach the kids. And the Spanish Immersion program is a big plus. If you're in the boundary of the school, your child would automatically be eligible for the immersion program. Talk to parents and visit the school before you cross it off your list.

PP here. I think the school would open to your requesting a visit. It's definitely worth a try and would give you a first-hand look at the school. Maybe a few other parents will post and provide some additional feedback.

[Anonymous]

I second the suggestion to visit. I know families there that have been happy with the immersion program. And my DD tutored there two summers ago and I was impressed by the faculty and by the general vibe of the students. It seemed like a happy place.

[Anonymous]

I believe Open House is on Columbus Day - Monday, Oct. 10 (kids are in school that day). I would double-check with the school to make sure that's the day they're having it. That's when parents and parents from the neighborhood are definitely welcome to attend.

[Anonymous]

I have kids in Rolling Terrace and love it. We actually are zoned for Takoma Park ES, also a great school, but were lucky to get into the Spanish immersion program through the lottery. The school did lose Title I funding this year because the county didn't have enough money to fill the needs, and so it had to choose. There still are great needs there, and if you volunteer in the classroom you'll find it very rewarding. As for the number of ESOL kids, there are a lot of immigrant families and the messages of inclusion are strong. PTA meetings, for example, are conducted together in English and Spanish. All literature goes home in two languages. As another poster said, it is a happy, welcoming place with a good vibe. And yes, please come visit.