Glen Haven Elementary School

Posted: February 5, 2026

My boys (K and second grade) love this school. They are eager to share with me what they learn when they get home. Teachers communicate with me regularly and send home optional homework. The PTA is very active and there are extracurricular activities after school and through Kids After Hours.

Posted: February 5, 2026

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Posted: January 10, 2024

My son w/ IEP and 1 on 1 aide is in homeschool program at Glen Haven. He is able to participate with ease thanks to the amazing support he gets from the school. We feel welcomed, a sense of belonging to the school environment. He is improving in math and improved his grades compared to the previous Learning Center he was attending. This says a lot because Learning Center curriculum is easier and more broken down for kiddos like mine.

Posted: January 10, 2024

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Posted: June 7, 2021

I went to this school a few years ago and I had a wonderful experience. Glen Haven really prepared me for middle school and all of my teachers were very supportive and helpful. Compared to the other elementary schools in the area Glen Haven is underrated and deserves more recognition.

Posted: June 7, 2021

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Posted: February 18, 2021

GHES is a gem in the neighborhood. During this pandemic all teachers and staff have proven again and again what an amazing and caring school this is. Teacher have done an incredible job switching to online learning. They care so much and are so creative and just simply excellent. The principal and vice principal have helped and cared for students and families in this difficult time and have given so much support to the GHES community. The counselor is amazing, she won the best of the year award a while back. Whatever problem you or your child might have she is always available and helps. My children have had such an incredible experience at Glen Haven, during th pandemic and before. It is such a nice and diverse community and it feels like a big family. Teachers are always available and responsive and work together with parents to provide the best education for your child and make this a wonderful elementary experience for kids and parents. We love you GHES village!

Posted: February 18, 2021

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Posted: October 4, 2018

I have loved our experience at Glen Haven and highly recommend the school. The educational quality is exceptional. Additionally, the school provides students with both the educational and emotional support they need to succeed.

Posted: October 4, 2018

Current data shows that students don't benefit from homework. Glen Haven follows the research and only gives students home work if they aren't able to complete an assignment in class. As a busy parent, I appreciate that the time I spend with my child at home doesn't involve fighting over home work.

Posted: October 4, 2018

Every teacher I have encountered at Glen Haven has been dedicated to providing our children with the best possible educational experience.

Posted: October 4, 2018

Glen Haven's award-winning PBIS approach to education is ensuring that our children are developing leadership skills as well as becoming good people.

Posted: October 4, 2018

While we recently had a change in leadership, Glen Haven was thriving and will continue to thrive under current leadership.

Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 4, 2018

Posted: October 3, 2018

I am so impressed with the new principal who started this year. She works effectively with the children, staff, and parents, enabling all of us to do our best. She is proactive at identifying needs and communicating changes. I'm also delighted with the new assistant principal she brought in - he is fantastic. They've already gone out of their way to attend school events and to continue the warm and caring atmosphere that makes the school so special. In addition, our school counselor won the MD 2018 counselor of the year award which she absolutely deserved. She is amazing.

Posted: October 3, 2018

My child does not have learning differences, but I know other parents whose children do. With our previous principal, a few families did not feel fully supported. However, my understanding from families I know is that the new principal, who was our principal intern last year, has a very strong approach to working with students with learning differences and their families. I was impressed that when the new principal spoke with parents after she was appointed, one of the first things she discussed was her experience as a parent of a child with learning differences in MCPS, noting that she understands what it's like to be the parent at the table advocating for that child. One of the many reasons our school is fortunate to have her as our principal.

Posted: October 3, 2018

As mentioned above, our counselor was awarded MD counselor of the year in 2018 and that was well deserved. She establishes a high level of trust with the children, which enables her to mediate effectively when bullying and other challenges arise. The positive behavior framework used by the school (called PBIS) as well as the positive relationships that children have with their teachers and the administrators also help. The community circles, which started in the morning last year and are morning and afternoon now, focus on character building and are a place for resolving tensions.

Posted: October 3, 2018

The school has exceeded my expectations. It's a hidden gem within MCPS - though not as much as it once was, the word is getting out about what a strong school it is. As noted above, the administrators and staff are outstanding, and it is wonderfully warm and caring environment. Teachers do a terrific job working with students at all different levels. I've been amazed at how much my child has learned every year and the level of skill she has developed. I've appreciated the accelerated math option in 4th-5th grades as well as the focus on writing and critical thinking along with reading. I also truly value the diversity at our school - children and families from so many different countries, occupations, cultures have added to the educational experience in so many ways (for my daughter and for me). Finally, the families are lovely - unassuming, kind and welcoming. The PTA is active and keeps growing. It's been a delight to get to know and work with other families to support the school. It's been a true community and I will miss it when my child moves on to middle school next year.

Posted: October 3, 2018

Over the past few years the school has phased out homework, following the recent research that shows homework is ineffective for elementary-aged children. It is terrific that my daughter is able to spend time focused on being a child after school rather than doing homework. Our school has been ahead of the curve on this.

Posted: October 3, 2018

With few exceptions, the teachers at the school are outstanding. This is our 6th year at the school and I am continually impressed at their skill and dedication. They go beyond the call of duty, creating a warm environment while also challenging children at all levels.

Posted: October 3, 2018

The school's entire communication and behavior framework is around building positive character and respect for others. This year they've enhanced it even more, bringing in community circles in the classrooms at the beginning and end of the days which address key topics of character as well as disputes or concerns.

Posted: May 17, 2018

The school has a good approach to homework in KG. There is some home work assigned which should not be the case. The school could do more to implement evidence based approach to homework. I do not have experience for any other grades.

Posted: May 17, 2018

It depends upon who you get as the teacher. I am lucky to have a very good teacher for my child but I have heard complains from other parents. May be an effective way to encourage parents to share their concerns and a mechanism to respond could be useful. Due to various reasons, not all parents may be able to find ways to advocate for their kids.

Posted: May 17, 2018

Posted: May 17, 2018

Principal is very good and is receptive to suggestions. I really appreciate her ability to receive critical feedback and address concerns of the parents even if they may be about her or her staff. I think the credit for GHE being a very good school goes to the Principal and her staff. PTA takes pride in increasing their numbers. It would greatly help if they would focus more on their goals and objectives than focus merely on increasing their numbers and celebrating their existence.

Posted: May 17, 2018

Posted: May 17, 2018

There is scope of improvement to develop consistent and effective mechanisms to respond to bullying. Policies exist but implementation and mechanism are lacking. It is left to the parents to persistently advocate to get results.

Posted: May 17, 2018

I have had a positive experience with the school and its leadership. We were very fortunate to have a great teacher for our child.

Posted: May 17, 2018

It has gone above and beyond our expectations in terms of the quality of the teachers and staff, the quality of the academics, the extracurricular opportunities, and the way that behavior is managed. As with most schools in the country, there is definitely a racial achievement gap and a fair amount of segregation between white parents and parents of color - however, the student body is remarkably integrated across the same lines of difference and there is working being done to address this amongst parents as well. Overall, an awesome school!

Posted: May 17, 2018

At least in the younger grades, the school has applied the recent research showing that homework doesn't actually improve academic success and so give minimal homework while encouraging time for reading and to spend as a family.

Posted: May 17, 2018

We have had exceptional experiences with all of the teachers we have worked with at Glen Haven. Better than we could have hoped for.

Posted: May 17, 2018

They focus on a different character trait each week in "class huddle" and focus on the school's four values in a consistent way throughout the kids' experience at school.

Posted: May 17, 2018

We have been disappointed by the approach of the outgoing principal to several discipline issues. However, the incoming principle has shown very promising tendencies on discipline during her time as Principal Intern. The other leadership of the school, especially the counselor and reading/math specialists are really stellar!

Posted: May 17, 2018

We have a child with learning differences and have felt incredibly supported and like our advocacy of our child was not just accepted but encouraged.

Posted: May 17, 2018

I think that the county's bullying protocol, which the school has to use, is quite flawed, but given that, I think that the school, especially the counselor does a very good job in dealing with these complex issues in a timely and effective manner.

Posted: May 17, 2018

Posted: May 17, 2018

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Posted: May 17, 2018

Posted: May 17, 2018

It is a wonderful school! We are having such a great experience. The best teachers, so loving and experienced, amazing school counsellor, wonderful PTA and community! We are so glad we made the decision to have the kids go to the neighbourhood school and not to the immersion or private school. Friends live close by in the neighbourhood. Our kids love and thrive at Glen Haven! Small class sizes are a big plus. Kids get lots of individual attention. They have programs for high achievers and kids who need extra help.

Posted: May 12, 2018

There was a previous principal who thought tons of homework equalled a strong school. Some of the teachers left from that time still have those behaviors. The new principal has been phasing that out. She was promoted this year and her principal intern will take over. Hopefully she can continue to train the old guard of teachers that the old approach was not effective.

Posted: May 12, 2018

The principal of the last 4 years developed strong training methodologies and challenged teachers to switch roles and grades. This has developed a strong teaching core that is well versed in multiple levels of the Montgomery County curriculum. At other schools in the area traditionally seen as "good," they are still teaching old curriculum and in old ways. I have been at multiple of the other "good" schools and had my kids attend there. This school is great and should consider becoming a magnet or center for advanced education based on its strong, talented, well-trained faculty with modern, effective approaches.

Posted: May 12, 2018

Dr. Ennis had mandated that and created numerous incentives and community structure to continue to strengthen and build this capacity in the students who come from a very wide range of backgrounds.

Posted: May 12, 2018

The principal of the last 4 years, Dr. Ennis, could run and turn around any school. Her approach and methodologies are strong, she remains current, she doesn't seek being well-liked over being effective. She is strong and fair, expecting top performance across the community of students, parents, and staff.

Posted: May 12, 2018

Numerous support is provided - foreign language, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities, even emotional disabilities - are accommodated and the staff finds a way to teach grade level material to that student.

Posted: May 12, 2018

In instances where bullying occurred, staff responded, and maintained privacy of both parties where able.

Posted: May 12, 2018

Absolutely the best elementary school in the area. Having been at the others that parents consider "great" they have no idea what a disservice they are receiving. Our school performs far beyond for example Takoma Park, Rock Creek Forest, Pine Crest etc. in accommodating students, teaching to the individual, and maintaining a bright and colorful engaged community.

Posted: September 25, 2017

Posted: September 25, 2017

I don't think the current rating reflects the most recent state exams. Glen Haven now scores above the county average in all areas and was singled out by the superintendent for improving in all grades tested. The teachers are wonderful!

Posted: September 25, 2017

Posted: September 25, 2017

Posted: September 25, 2017

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Posted: September 25, 2017

Posted: February 24, 2016

Posted: February 24, 2016

Posted: February 24, 2016

Posted: February 24, 2016

Wonderful school with amazing teachers! The class sizes are also smaller than most other elementary schools in the county. The school is very diverse which really creates a rich learning environment. Glen Haven also supports the children of military families that live in the area and work at Walter Reed.

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

Teachers miss class very frecuently. Bullies are shielded, protected from getting any correction and the principal does not care at all about it. The principal will defend her staff even if they are in the wrong and she would not care or offer you a solution at all. I cannot wait for my children to go to a different school.

Posted: September 26, 2015

Posted: September 26, 2015

Posted: September 26, 2015

Posted: June 24, 2015

My child is reading an entire grade level ahead. In first grade, she was learning and understanding very complex concepts. The kids love the teachers and you can tell that the teachers love the kids.

Posted: June 24, 2015

Homework packets are distributed at the beginning and due the next weeks. Kids can work on them at a pace that is most appropriate. In first grade, this may have averaged out to 10 minutes per night + they ask you and your child to read together every day.

Posted: June 24, 2015

Each month, the entire school has lessons that revolve around a particular character trait, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness. They celebrate students who demonstrate those character trait.

Posted: June 24, 2015

Terrific administration, caring and dedicated teachers, a welcoming and diverse community. My child is thriving at Glen Haven.

Posted: May 31, 2015

I absolutely love Glen Haven! The new principal is awesome! The school has an open door policy which I love. I volunteered in my son's classroom often. Parents are able to walk their child into their classroom every morning and talk to the teacher if needed. All of the teachers at Glen Haven seem motivated and really want the students to succeed. My son loves the school and has made some great friends. The PTA is dedicated and working hard to help the school succeed! I highly recommend this school!

Posted: March 30, 2015

The new principal that came in the fall of 2014 has really changed the atmosphere of the school for the better. Parents are welcomed and involved. The teachers are great! My son really enjoys his class and participates fully. There are many fun all school events to attend during the year.

Posted: March 16, 2015

Excellent staff and leadership! Thank you for your heart and sweat for our kids daily. Much appreciated!

Posted: November 9, 2014

This school is fantastic, especially relative to the travesty we moved away from. Great teachers, great PTA, great leadership; it's genuinely confusing to me why (as I write this) the school has a 3/10 rating.

Posted: July 31, 2014

Both of our kids have done very well at GH. The school staff has a good sense of community and works very hard to connect with parents, provide important information and put in extra time to support school programs. Additionally, the staff looks out for our kids, one of whom has a disability, which makes the school feel safe. It's a small neighborhood school (with no busses), low staff turnover, and a really diverse student population. The new principal seems terrific and we are excited to welcome her!

Posted: April 2, 2014

Worst school my children have ever attended. My 4th grader had to change teachers, because her teacher displayed inappropriate behavior toward my daughter. If that was in any other school, she would have lost her job. These people hold back smart children, so that they can get high test scores for more government funds. If you have a choice, find another school.

Posted: September 10, 2012

This school is awesome. The teachers gives each students individual attention. My daughter has special needs and the school has gone above and beyond in coordinating her services. She receives speech therapy and occupational therapy all while attending regular classes. She is not made to feel as though she's separated from the rest. She is treated like any other student and this makes her feel special. I would personally like to thank Ms. Harrison who takes the time to personally ensures that her needs are met and makes sure she's receiving the proper services. This is the best school ever!

Posted: May 15, 2012

This is a great school. The staff and teachers are caring and welcoming. The principle at times seems to like to micro-manage everyone and everything, but the school is big and she runs it very well. We have made life time friends with the staff and some of the teachers and as we move to another school distric, we will miss them dearly. The school is very welcoming to military children and they offer a great support system to the children and the parents.

Posted: January 13, 2012

As a seven year veteran of teaching, I am very pleased with this school. This school is a warm and friendly place where my son has had room to grow. They have taken him from a non reading, non writing preschooler to a first grader who is reading and writing well and is proficient in math. The teachers are caring, and welcoming. We are happy that our son attends this school.

Posted: June 12, 2011

The only word to even come close to describing this school is AMAZING. My son has attend here for 2 years k and now 1st grade. Were military and patients at WRAMC. The staff has been way more then helpful and understanding in not only my childs special needs but others aswell. They dont just teach the children they become their friends and understand them. Aside from that there academic scores are far higher then most schools in the country. This is because the teachers ALWAYS find the time to make sure every student has one on one time and understands the lessons being taughht. They raise the bar high and help the kids soar!