The Young School

I have been extremely please with the quality of education my children have recieved at the young school. There was a time a couple of years ago, when there was very high turnover, but the school was always very good at communicating the changes with the parents. They also try very hard to get teachers that will commit to one (prek) or two (infant care) years. I have had two children go through the young school (one current, one graduated ) and they have been well above average in their prepartion for elementary school. The staff is very responsive and have worked with us to develop a team (parents and teachers in cooperation) strategy when dealing with issues (my older child was a biter). The teachers are very enthusiasitic and show genuine care and appreciation for the children and their education. My older son actually asks to go back and visits with his old teachers and they consistenly ask about him. I would recommend the young school to any family and I think that as long as you engage them and bring any issues to their attention, they quickly work with you to come to a solution that is in the best interest of the child.
--Submitted by a parent

There has been a marked improvement in The Young School over the last year and a half. I would have agreed with previous reviewers about staff turnover and quality in June 2010. Since then, there has been a real emphasis on retaining quality teachers and I couldn't be more pleased. The front office staff has been receptive to feedback and the teachers are the best. They truly care about the kids and nurture their minds as well as their personalities. I have two children enrolled: one in the infant program and one in a pre-K cottage and am incredibly happy with both.
--Submitted by a parent

My child also attends the Young and regrettably I must concur with review dated June 09, 2010. I will add that ownership and administrative staff are unreceptive and adversarial when issues arise and are brought to their attention. If you are looking for something exceptional, or even above average for that matter, it is no longer to be found at the Young School.
--Submitted by a parent

For what you pay for your child to attend, the teacher turnover is way too high. Young children need consistency, and they are too young to truly express how they feel when a teacher they have become attached to is no longer there. My child has been a student here since February 2008. His class this year has had three different teachers in less than 1 academic year. The quality of teachers has definitely declined, along with the genuine care and concern for the children. Parents have and continue to remove their children from the school, and teachers are continuing to leave. We are looking for other options as well. There are still a handful of quality teachers there, but that is not enough. You will find people on both sides of the spectrum as far as feelings about the school. Judge for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

For over two decades, The Young School has prepared young people for the future through an innovative preschool education program that gives each child the opportunity to assume responsibility, experience leadership and make a difference. The school pioneered the Cottage learning environment which begins at infant and extends through Kindergarten. Children become part of a nurturing community where they are active participants and learners. The Schools philosophy is influenced by the internationally acclaimed Reggio Emilia and Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) approaches to early childhood education. Request a school tour today and discover the difference the Young School approach to learning can make in the future of your child.
--Submitted by a parent

My two sons (age 10 months and 2) have attended the school in Gambrills since they were 8 weeks old. We have had some pretty standard 'issues' come up, but overall, I would recommend this school. My 2 year old loves going there! The learning is age appropriate; they are not too hard on the kids, but they do 'teach' them, even as infants. Aside from a good staff, there is a strong network of involved parents. I love the teachers that my sons have right now, although some have only been okay. I think the school overall could improve on teacher morale and benefits. I am happy that my children attend this school and would recommend it to my friends.
--Submitted by Danielle Mahoney, a parent

My child has attended the Young School for two years now. He is currently enrolled in first-grade. I have been very pleased with the education that my son is receiving. The unity and professionalism of the first grade teachers has been paramount to my child's success. Never before, has my son seemed so confident and motivated to learn. I believe this is due to the ability of the teachers to make learning fun.
--Submitted by a parent

I cannot recommend the Young School, based on my recent experience moving my child to the school for first grade. The curriculum is rigid, there is pressure on students and teachers to adhere to an aggressive curriculum, with little regard for individual learning needs. Graded homework nearly every night has been an unnecessary and counterproductive added pressure for our family.
--Submitted by a parent

A full-day Kindergarten program, versus the half day in our county school. Despite the cost, which leads a parent to expect more, there is an impressive curriculum. Great diversity of subjects taught by experienced teachers. Homework given most nights. Expectations are a bit high for Kindergarten behavior. Our son needed a bit more assistance and encouragement with that. Parent involvement is good. Busy calendar of events. Leadership is capable, with some room for improvement. Discipline is a tad over-reactive. Communication was good but occasionally delayed. Excellent technology integration (e-mail, website, etc). Very good after-school activity choices. Overall, a good alternative academic choice for most families.
--Submitted by a parent

I found that the school does have some strong teachers and others were not as good. The Principal is the weak link of the school. The Principal is not helpful or supportive when a problem comes up. I found that my son was ahead in First grade compared to the public schools. He was doing 2nd grade math, reading, and writing when he finished K. We moved him to an elite private school and he was ahead of the other children in many ways. The school does not handle different learners well and requires alot of parent conferences with teachers. The after school activities is the best that I have seen provided at a private elementary school. The school could be very strong with the right leadership and a better writing program.
--Submitted by a parent