O'Rourke Elementary School

It's a shame to say that this school is average, but in this country it would be unfair not to. The teachers are sweet and kind but unfortunately aren't really worried about anything except getting those standardized tests up to par. If your child is gifted and isn't in the third grade yet (unable to receive pull out services from PACE) then you can forget about getting anything extra out of the classroom. My child is three years above his grade level in math alone and hasn't received ONE sheet of extra work just to help keep him busy. The school tested his IQ, came back highly gifted, still nothing was offered to him to help him actually LEARN something. Apparently attendance is the only requirement by law these days. I can count on one hand the things that he's learned since he's been here. And the sad thing is that this is typical in Alabama and I know that. I sure wish one of those sweet and kind teachers could make an effort to break the cycle though and put some effort into teaching the children that aren't fitting into the mould the school system has carved out for them. They aren't all the same - just wish mine could have instruction and learning too.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! Love the Book parade! One of my kids is now a 6th grader at Phillips Preparatory School and is well prepared to handle the challenges. My two other kids are straight A's as well. Their standardized tests come back above exceed standards. My fourth grader is a great reader and is reading 6th to 7th grade level books. My 2nd grader is reading at 5th grade level. Both their math skills are also exceed standards at the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT). PACE and SECME is something that my kids love to do. There is also great support in music. One of my kids qualified to go to Tuscaloosa Alabama for the All State Orchestra Festival for 3 consecutive years - his instrument is violin. The principal is very supportive and work well with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra.
—Submitted by a parent

What an amazing school! When we move to a new state, our first concern was all about the best education for our sons. O'Rourke has succeeded our expectations. They help students along, and challenge other students to go beyond their expectations. They have a lot of great programs for the kids ... one being SECME. Also, they provide you with daily feedback on your child's work study and behavior. If you are the type of parent that wants to volunteer you are given that opportunity. I would highly recommend this school against any elementary school out there ... specially thank you to Ms. Davis 1st grade for pushing my son's potential to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has excellent teachers and is really good for ESL students. Our sons learned to communicate really well and our overall experience with the school has been really good.
—Submitted by a parent

O'Rourke is a wonderful place! The school environment is very clean and inviting. There are beautiful murals when you first enter the hallways from the foyer. My daughter has made some awesome friends, had outstanding teachers, and gets straight As. The principal is very available and greets the students each morning. The parent involvement is superb. So, if you really want to get involved there are many opportunities for you to do so. Most of all, the diversity of the student body is great for our daughter. We are very pleased with O'Rourke!!!
—Submitted by a parent

As a military parent, my children have been enrolled in four different elementary schools over the last several years. I have to say that my experience with O'Rourke over five years was an extremely positive one. The change in leadership at the school a few years ago was one of the best things that could have happened and the quality of teachers my children had, from kindergarten all the way through 5th grade, was excellent. We have since moved on to some of the highest ranked schools in the country in Massachusetts. My children are tops in their classes. One high school teacher told me she was pleasantly surprised at my child's work since he had, "... come from non-New England schools." Don't you love it when that happens??
—Submitted by a parent

this school was good years ago with a different principal. it is run like a military school, I am so glad we moved to a new county.
—Submitted by a parent

O'rourke is a very good school if you are part of the in crowd or click. My child has not had problems with peers, but problems with the teachers who pick and choose. More time needs to spent on teaching the curr. instead of your friends child or the happens at church. last, please allow parents who are not in the click to have more involvement instead of pushing them away or treating them unfairly.
—Submitted by a parent

O'Rourke is a very good school. The principal is absolutely amazing. This is my child's second year at O'Rourke and she loves it. The staff and teachers are wonderful. We only wish we had found this school sooner.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a good school compared to others in the district but still leaves a lot to be desired. My son is a high achieving honor student and felt as if his potential is not being tapped by the administration or his teacher. He finishes his work the helps the other kids and gets in trouble. I requested a class change because I don't care for his teacher and was told absolutely not. Now neither one of us is happy and are gladly leaving this school after this year. They do offer a lot of educational activities but not much as far as physical activities and as a parent of a young boy that is very important to me.
—Submitted by a parent

One of my Children attended this school from K-5th. The other K-3. Then we moved to GA and the old one on was so far behind we held him back, the younger is strungling. Both were on the Honor Roll Was Gives. Are you so far behind you think your a head?
—Submitted by a parent

This will be our 3rd year at O'Rourke & we LOVE it. I have been Room Parent for 3 years now & I absolutely love being involved in my children's education. The P.T.O. is wonderful & the new principal is FABULOUS! This is a great school with great teachers who love teaching. I highly recommend this school. We'll be here until our youngest, who is 4, finishes 5th grade. :) Outstanding school!
—Submitted by Kerrie, a parent

My child attended O'Rourke for three years and we both loved every minute of it. I would recommend this school to parents who want an excellent educational program with an emphasis on Math and Science.
—Submitted by a parent

Beware of the PTA moms,they think they are hollier than thou and also think they run the school. The office staff is highly in competent and lose everything. The teachers are wonderfull.But i do not know if i will put my 3 rd in this school.There are way too many changes every year. 2006 -07: There is a new principal,we will see!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with my child's experience at O'Rourke. There is a high level of parent involvement in this school. I would like to see more music and art in the academic program. My child is a high acheiving student and has been able to attend enrichment classes to help her further her education. I have found the teachers and staff very pleasant to interact with and have had no problems with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

O'Rourke Elementary is a wonderful school. The children at O'Rourke are high achievers. The reading curriculum that is implemented into the classroom is excellent. The teachers really care and truely teach. The principal goes above and beyond the call of duty! Art is available during one semester and music the next semester! O'Rourke has a SECME club, Juggling Club, & Sewning Club! The level of parent involvement is high! PTA welcomes you with open hands! The school has structure and guidelines in a daily schedule, you see this allows the teacher to teach without interuptions. I LOVE O'Rourke!
—Submitted by C L, a parent

I will not put my 3rd child in this school.6 year ago, when my first child entered kindergarten,it was wondeful,but the office staff is very abrupt,and do not put much care in their work.The teachers are wonderful for the most part.but the principal is forcing them to change grades,a 1st grade teacher becomes a 5th grade teacher,and 3 rd grade teacher becomes a 1st grade and so on.in those cases ,the teachers lack experiences in their new grades and the children are the one suffering.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at O'Rourke since kindergarten. I'm now in 5th grade and have noticed the teachers do not take care of bullies the right way. I have been bullied since first grade and it had not been taken care until last year. The principal does not offer any understanding in certain situations and some teachers are too strict. This school does not discipline children well at all.
—Submitted by Elizabeth M, a student

The teachers and aides insure a good and positive atmosphere for the children. Parental involvement is 'very' high and there are several extracurricular activities for the kids. There is an after school program and three different ways to pick up your child. The Bus Line and carpool lines move smoothly both morning and afternoon. I'm an active O'Rourke Mother of two. I highly recommend this school and it's district of schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter is in her 2nd year at O'Rourke. We love this school. She has had great both years that were very encouraging and nurturing to my child. They both kept in frequent communication with me and were always available.I know she is getting a quality education. I also love the reading program;She has been able to stay at an advanced reading level and has not become bored.I do agree that the adminstrative staff has much room for improvement. I do not like the morning announcement. It has a very negative ending,wich is the same every day. Overall, We love O'Rourke!
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent