The top reported proficiency rate is 56% in English language arts. The lowest is 23% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Strawberry Knoll Elementary
Strawberry Knoll Elementary, a regular public school in Gaithersburg serving prekindergarten through fifth grade, sits within Montgomery County Public Schools, one of Maryland’s largest and most prominent districts. Gaithersburg itself is a substantial city with a mix of residential neighborhoods and major biotech and technology corridors, anchored by employers like AstraZeneca, NIST, and Leidos. The city’s Olde Towne district offers a historic center, while much of the city’s growth has been shaped by planned communities and corporate campuses. Housing values in the area are high, rents have been rising, and the overall cost of living is a meaningful factor for any family considering this part of Montgomery County.
The school enrolls a sizable student body for an elementary school. From the available data, the student population is notably diverse, with a large share of students who are Hispanic, followed by Black students, a smaller proportion of White students, and a smaller share of Asian students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, an indicator that many families face economic pressures. Enrollment skews toward the early grades, with prekindergarten having a large cohort, while kindergarten through fifth grade are more evenly sized. Data on special populations such as special education and English learner status was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those services.
On state assessments, the picture is mixed. In math, the share of students scoring proficient or above was notably low in third grade and fourth grade, and even lower in fifth grade. In English language arts, third graders showed a stronger result, with a majority testing at the proficient level. Fourth and fifth grade ELA results were reported as ranges, falling in the mid-range, suggesting performance was less defined. In fifth grade science, the share of students meeting the proficiency bar was low. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency appears to be below the district average, though grade-level variability is present. Because only one year of assessment data was reported, it is not possible to see whether these results represent a trend or a single year’s snapshot.
The district MCPS has recently adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum, Benchmark Advance and HMH Into Reading, which will affect how reading is taught at Strawberry Knoll. The district’s budget has grown, and it continues to conduct boundary studies that could eventually affect attendance areas, though no changes specific to this school were reported.
For a parent considering Strawberry Knoll Elementary, the primary factors are clear. The school serves a diverse, economically varied community in a high-cost area. Academic performance is uneven, with English language arts in third grade a relative bright spot, while math and science results are lower. The school does not offer programs like a magnet or charter designation; it is a regular neighborhood elementary school. A parent who values a diverse student body and is comfortable with the academic challenges the proficiency numbers raise will want to learn more about how the school supports students who are not yet at the proficient mark, particularly in math and science. The lack of information on special education and English learner services is a gap worth clarifying.
See more original research from School Decision →