Anonymous wrote:What is your take on LES now? We have an incoming kindergartener and am curious what current families think

This is my honest review based on our experience and conversations with other parents. There are SOME truly dedicated teachers at LES who care deeply about their students. However, the school environment doesn’t always feel welcoming, which may explain why PTA involvement is low and many families tend to stay on the sidelines. Teacher experiences vary, and communication can be a challenge some teachers don’t respond to emails, which makes it difficult for parents to stay informed or feel involved.

In my opinion, students deserve better overall. A school really depends on strong, supportive leadership and when that leadership from the principal isn’t effective, it affects the entire school community.

That said, your child will be fine and if lucky enough to be placed with a great teacher, it can make a big difference. My advice: don’t be afraid to speak up if there’s a problem, and always be a parent who advocates and shows up for your child.

Anonymous wrote:What is your take on LES now? We have an incoming kindergartener and am curious what current families think

demographic composition of families near LES hasn't changed over the years. no apartments near it, no low incoming housing around it. all the new homes are 1mil+ range homes. my guess is that it hasn't changed at all (but MCPS itself has).

I wouldn't have an issue sending my child to GMS, GHS (she's a high map scores) except for the fact that the resources are not there in terms of after school activities, PTA funding, events, plays. It is a huge difference and while my child is not big on after school activities and events, I want the option to be available if they want.

Anonymous wrote:I'm part of the GHS cluster, and while my DD didn't go to Laytonsville, I had a friend whose DD went to Laytonsville and the school is amazing. Since this school is part of the GHS cluster I would say that while Laytonsville is nice, GMS is a bit of a lackluster compared to the elementary schools (it's middle school honestly, so whatever).

Gaithersburg High however gets a lot of hate and bad rep in DCUM and honestly with the experiences my DD had, she actually liked GHS. Sure, GHS is definitely one of the weaker high schools in MCPS, but there's definitely some improvement I've seen going on in the school. It has a great music program there if your child is interested in music in the future and there are some programs that aren't offered that much compared to it's neighboring schools. I would say that there's very little extracurriculars and events for students, so the social life is a bit lacking.

What is your take on LES now? We have an incoming kindergartener and am curious what current families think

Anonymous wrote:Question isn’t about LES OP. It’s what comes after that. Our three kids went to LES but took magnet path for MS and HS. Our plan was if they couldn’t get in to magnets, we were willing to send private. GMS might work, GHS no way for us. Think about your options after LES. LES is a beautiful school. We loved it.

It was.

OP made their decision long ago. The thread is 7 years old.