Ashburton Elementary School

Posted: August 7, 2026

this one boy kept bullying my daughter and almost broke her back Mrs recce horrible principal she whould always take side with the bully

Posted: August 7, 2026

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Posted: July 27, 2026

This was an extremely disappointing experience for my family. In my experience, the leadership and many of the teachers did not prioritize students' well-being or create a supportive learning environment.

My child never felt safe at this school. Bullying was a constant concern, and despite repeatedly bringing these issues to the school's attention, I did not feel they were taken seriously or addressed effectively. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to watch my child lose confidence and feel anxious about attending school.

As the parent of a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), I was especially disappointed by the school's lack of implementation of the supports and accommodations my child was entitled to receive. I frequently had to advocate for services that should have been provided, and I did not feel the school consistently followed the IEP.

I also found that recommendations from my child's outside providers, who had firsthand knowledge of my child's needs, were often dismissed or given little consideration. Rather than collaborating with the professionals involved in my child's care, the school seemed unwilling to meaningfully consider their input.

Communication was poor, and I often felt dismissed when raising legitimate concerns. Instead of working collaboratively with our family to solve problems, I felt that the school was more focused on defending its decisions than addressing the issues affecting my child's education and well-being.

Overall, our experience was deeply disappointing. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and respected at school, and every family deserves to know that an IEP will be implemented as written. Unfortunately, that was not our experience, and I cannot recommend this school based on what my family went through.

Posted: July 27, 2026

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Posted: June 12, 2026

This has been the most frustrating experience I've had with a school. As a parent, I have repeatedly raised concerns about how my children's needs were being handled and have often felt that my concerns were not taken seriously or addressed appropriately. Communication has been inconsistent, and I have frequently had to follow up multiple times to get answers.
My trust in the school's leadership has been significantly impacted by these experiences. If you're considering this school, I encourage you to ask detailed questions about communication practices, student support services, and how concerns from parents are handled.
Every family's experience may be different, but based on my experience, I would not recommend this school.

Posted: June 12, 2026

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Posted: November 19, 2024

Two issues in this school:
1- Bullying
2- Racism

My 7 year old child was physically attacked by other kids on the school bus EVERYDAY! it went for a while and he went from the happy child to screaming and kicking every day and I used to force him to go on the school bus not knowing what was waiting for him there, by the time he finally said what was going on it was too late he was traumatized and suffered bad anxiety, the school never bothered to protect him, and when I started driving him to school instead of using the bus I brought up that bullying issue with the school there was no investigation and all they told me is that they “tell kids to love each other”!!!! He after that faced more bullying in his classroom but not physical and his school turned into a hell so we decided to break our lease and move away from that area just to get him away from that school, now we’re in another school that is much smaller but they care for their children the principal knows the kids by name and he himself follows on any bullying complaint and at the slightest sign of bullying (no physical bullying there but some verbal) they take it seriously and they bring it to the parents attention before it escalates. Now about the racism, maybe my experience had to do with the fact that I’m an immigrant and have a thick accent, but what happened that proved to me they are in fact racist is that I was assigned for a volunteer opportunity to come to my child’s class who was extremely excited for that, the day before that event there was a STEAM night and I met the teacher/staff who was responsible for that volunteering event, we talked and I introduced myself to her, the next morning (the day of volunteering after I bought all the supplies) I received an email from her saying I cannot attend because I don’t have a proof for Covid vaccination, what she didn’t know is that there was a chain on emails that I received with a list of volunteering parents and their vaccine status and over half were m not vaccinated but welcome to join. So ya this school is BAD! But maybe your mile would vary if you’re not a minority (mainly immigrant) and if the child wasn’t prone to attracting bullies then maybe it’ll work with you, but I’d never gamble using my children because the trauma my son experienced in this school changed him for life, he has social anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD and after a year of homeschooling then this good school he’s in now he’s finally going back to normal.

Posted: November 19, 2024

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Posted: April 26, 2023

Ashburton ES is an all around school. In our experience, teachers are all dedicated, knowledgeable , and are very passionate about their students. School admins are very engaging and helpful. Ashburton has one of the best PTAs in the DMV region with tons of programs throughout the year and which offers amazing volunteering opportunities. Last but not least the school building is recently renovated and its facilities are updated to the best standards. My son loves playing in school playgrounds during recess or to checkout books from vast collection of books in the school media center.

Posted: April 26, 2023

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Posted: May 5, 2021

My 2 sons went Ashburton and older one is in middle school and my younger one moved to a different elementary school. It is sad to watch how the decent school has become horrible school in 3-4 years after new principal.

Mr. Mullenholz might be a good administrator but lacks leadership. If you bring up any issues happened at school, he would either deny them or be instantly hostile to you. And the school has very inadequate policy in bullying. They would take initial intake on bullying issues but never follow up with them.
I know couple of people moved to private schools after bullying issues were never solved.
There is only one full time counselor for 900 kids so you can imagine why issues are overlooked.

Also please look at closely the equity and academic progress scores. Homeworks are barely given and smart students are bored due to lack of challenges.
I also know a lot of families had their kids move to private schools after disappointed with academic level of school.

Mcps also try to abolish accelerated classes in 4th and 5th grades, so it's even worse for students in high level. Also Unfortunately there are quite a lot of hysterical, unhappy teachers and staffs. If you call the office, you would know immediately what I mean. I purchased my house to be in WJ cluster and did not expect Ashburton to be this bad.

The overall school score droppef from 9 to 6 and received bad scores on many areas. Please do research if you are planning to move to be in nice school cluster. Not all schools in Bethesds are good.

Posted: May 5, 2021

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Posted: April 29, 2021

The teachers, in our experience (K-3), have been absolutely outstanding. During the past difficult year of virtual school, the teachers have consistently engaged and motivated our girls to maintain effort and advance accordingly. The administration is awesome. The Principal seems to know every child by name, even through Zoom! Everyone is happy to be returning to in-person classes. The transition has been very easy and successful for those of us choosing that option.

Posted: April 29, 2021

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Posted: April 22, 2021

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Posted: April 22, 2021

Our three children are at or recently graduated from Ashburton Elementary. The school leadership is amazing. With 900 kids, the administration not only knew our children but regularly communicated with us. Two of our kids teachers received coveted County teaching awards- a testament to the hiring of staff. The PTA is very engaged and does a great job with fundraising and planning wonderful events.The school is very diverse- which in Bethesda is a huge plus.

Posted: February 27, 2019

They don't coordinate homework among different classes in the same grade. My daughter never had homework, but her friends in other classes had homework each night. Her teacher didn't seem concerned about actually educating the students, so we finally just got homework assignments from other teachers for my daughter to do on her own.

Posted: February 27, 2019

My daughter's teacher had no right to be in the classroom educating children. She would misspell such simple words that that students would have to correct her. All of her emails and letters home had glaring errors in basic spelling and grammar.

Posted: February 27, 2019

Posted: February 27, 2019

Posted: February 27, 2019

Posted: February 27, 2019

Posted: February 27, 2019

Our experience at this school was so horrible that we moved just to be in a different elementary school. Our daughter was constantly frustrated that her teacher didn't actually teach anything, we were fed up with the school's incompetence and the fact that they hired inept teachers, and it was overall a terrible experience. We wouldn't wish this school on anyone.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

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Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

There are no finer educators in Montgomery County than at Ashburton.
We have 3 children, 2 of them are still at Ashburton & every teacher that they have been fortunate enough to have has been dedicated, caring, devoted, cultivated & wonderful.

Like the previous review, we too started at Ashburton when Mrs. Garran was principal... she was truly incredible to behold.
The students not only loved her, but they definitely feared her... but most of all they respected her, which is why they had such great admiration & esteem for her.

Mr. Mullenholz is 100% dedicated to the kids, that is a fact.
He just needs to find his footing & command Ashburton as effortlessly, yet forcefully as Mrs. Garran.

It's a very fine line to be both beloved and feared - you absolutely have to command respect, not demand it or be their best friend trying to get it.
He's putting in the effort & I have no doubt he'll find his niche.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Absolutely! Despite the premium placed on academics, there is a continuous thread of character education. In part, this stems from the TQ Stars named and recognized each week. These are students who have to gone above and beyond to contribute to the life of the school. This speaks volumes about the core values embodied at Ashburton.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Faculty are very well-trained, many with expertise in special education and UDL to differentiate instruction for all.

Posted: March 11, 2018

This hasn't been an issue for our kids, but we know that the administration has been highly proactive in setting a positive environment of mutual respect.

Posted: March 11, 2018

For our three kids, we found that the teacher's frame homework as it ought to be--skill-building in the early grades K-2 and increasingly more ambitious and longer-term projects in the upper grades.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Let's start with amazing teachers like Ms. Segovia. There is a good reason why she was recently named the outstanding elementary school teacher of the year among from more than 3000 elementary teachers. With superb rapport and immediate communication with parents, she motivates each and every student to do their best work and strive for the highest academic achievement.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Outstanding! Our oldest began at Ashburton in 2012 under Principal Garran. His teachers were amazing, and now he was very well-prepared for the demands of middle school at North Bethesda. Now we have two more at Ashburton, and each is thriving, thanks to incredible teachers and a PTSA that never stops. I can't believe how strong the PTSA is. It's like a giving machine--so many volunteers giving time and money!!

Posted: November 19, 2017

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Posted: November 19, 2017

I've been impressed with the faculty and staff at Ashburton, and the enrichment opportunities they provide the kids.

Posted: November 14, 2017

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Posted: November 14, 2017

Great leadership and teachers. 7 year old son excelling in this environment.

Posted: August 16, 2017

Posted: August 16, 2017

Posted: August 16, 2017

Posted: August 16, 2017

Strong PTA and inspired school administration leadership.

Posted: August 16, 2017

Posted: August 16, 2017

Posted: August 16, 2017

Excellent! Good teachers, excellent administration, and strong PTA.

Posted: June 6, 2016

This school has been exceptional, the PTA is incredibly active and the teachers are very interactive. My concern is the class-size, which is high, and the student population as a whole.

Posted: May 23, 2016

I am so happy to see that our son Emre is growing up as a happy kid with high self esteem and confidence. Thanks to Ashburton ES, its staff and especially Ms. Griffith for giving him the passion for science, art, and for their part as a role model. I am proud to see that in his second year at Ashburton, Emre keeps improving himself with dedication and transforming into an individual who is aware of universal values, moral & ethic virtues.

Posted: May 23, 2016

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Posted: May 23, 2016

Posted: November 20, 2015

Posted: November 20, 2015

Posted: November 20, 2015

Posted: November 20, 2015

An outstanding school with impressive diversity, high academic standards and the most active PTA. The learning environment is stimulating with highly qualified teachers and new principal, Mr. Mullenholz who follows Ms. Garran showing great leadership and exceptional touch in working with children.

Posted: October 11, 2014

I have heard good things about the school and considering it for our son - he's currently in a Montessori program for kindergarten.

Posted: August 20, 2014

This is the best school I know my little 4 years old boy is autistic and they help me a lot to get through all of the stress I was because I did not know how to treat him they help him a lot and they help me as well teachers are the best I have to say I'm so lucky to had my boy there for two years he was just for PEP but he learned a lot. Thank you very much mrs. Annette and Shana you will always be in our hearts. The Flores family.

Posted: October 31, 2013

Mt grandchildren began at Ashburton in Fall of 2013. They had attended an excellent school in Seattle, Washington, before. Ashburton has been comparable so far. I like the academic emphasis, the discipline, the teacher nurturance, the PTA vitality, the type of school trips, and the extra-curricular opportunities (e.g. chess & tennis) .

Posted: May 23, 2012

We have two children at Ashburton. We have been very happy with all of the teachers the children have had. The principal is terrific! She is very good at running the school in an efficient, productive manner and yet is very personable with the children and parents. Parent are always welcome in the school and in the classrooms. I am impressed by the number of parents who are heavily involved with the school. There is also an incredible array of after-school programs. My children have taken art, cooking, chess, tennis, science and drama classes after-school! The classrooms all have promethean boards, which the teachers use to make lessons more interactive. All in all, Ashburton is a great place for young learners!