St. Raphael School 1513 Dunster Road, Potomac, MD 20854

"Our prayers were answered when we discovered St. Raphael School. It’s not just a school, but a welcoming community of families and educators working together in the best interest of all students. The teachers and staff clearly find joy in what they do and bring their best to these students every day! The principal, Mrs. Dwyer, is a true leader – talented, experienced, devoted, warm, and always has time for you. The physical environment is beautiful and clean; the school has a science lab, media center, and technology everywhere which can be pretty rare for a Catholic school! We especially love that our children receive an individualized education through differentiated learning and small-group instruction. Plus they get a lot of time to be physical and play outside! It was amazing to witness how the school adapted when COVID first hit and was able to balance the needs of students and families with safety. As a result, the students and SRS community continue to thrive! We couldn’t have asked for more from a school during these challenging times."

"Our son is currently enrolled in the nursery school at St Raphael and he absolutely loves it! He is so excited to get there and he spends the hours after school talking about his teachers, classmates and all the fun activities they did that day. We really love that St Raphael puts an emphasis on allowing kids to be kids. There is outdoor play every day, they celebrate each other’s differences and it is so apparent how loved all these kids are by the teachers and staff. My husband and I have been blown away by the staff there and all of their willingness to pitch in wherever and whenever needed. St Raphael has been FANTASTIC during this trying time for many families. They have gone above and beyond with all their measures to make the school a safe place, abiding by CDC guidelines and keeping parents up to date on any and all happenings. At carpool drop off/pick up (new to St Raphael since COVID) things move along like a well oiled machine thanks to everyone that pitches in to help, even the Principal and front desk staff are out there taking temperatures and helping! Above all else, we feel SO confident and comfortable sending our son there (and soon our daughter). We never give his safety or happiness a second thought when he is there, which is a huge parenting win!! St Raphael is a true gem, with an amazing and down to earth community. We feel very lucky and proud to be a part of it!"

"After watching the last of my children graduate from St. Raphael Nursery School into “The Big School” (which is a funny nickname considering the small classes and small group focus of the school!), we’ve settled in comfortably at SRS and are very grateful for the terrific education and personalized attention that our children are getting. When distance learning started at SRS in March of 2020, we were thrilled to see that the learning never stopped and that the kids felt supported during such a crazy time. Many thanks, SRS!"

"The best part about St. Raphael's is the community both you and your child with feel immediately, which eases the transition to the first time "of to school." Both of our boys would excitedly ask everyday "Is today a school day?" As a parent, there is little else you could ask for in a school."

"St. Raphael School is such a special place. Outstanding teachers, gorgeous facility, a phenomenal principal (Teri Dwyer). In math and reading, the students learn in small groups, which allows them to really soar. No child can "slip through the cracks" because every single one is known by the staff. The best part about St. Raphael School is the environment: It is incredibly warm — not only do kids make friends for life, but the parents do, too."