Orangethorpe Elementary School

The multiage program is a wonderful environment for my children to learn and grow. The teachers go above and beyond! We love them.In addition to teaching reading,writing and math they made it possible for students to paint daily,hold the snakes, have share days, classroom jobs, a student generated newsletter and arts & crafts.The traditional events of the multiage classroom-the blockhouse, family message journals, October readings, parent interest, Halloween party and butter making are still alive. They have taken time to thoroughly assessed each childs level. In writing they have showed the kids how to brainstorm ideas, the 5 W's and remind them that stories have a begining, middle and an end. In the afternoons they do science and literacy centers. Lessons incorporate multisensory learning like, taste tests (5 senses), weather forecasts (seasons and weather), singing and crafts. The whole child is developed as children also discuss & practice the schools personal standards. Citizenship is evident daily as classmates learn to help and care for each other. Accountability and responsibility come into effect daily as they gently learn the privilidges or consequences of their choices.
—Submitted by a parent

Orangethorpe School is great environment for children! I have three children that are in K with Ms Sanchez, 2nd with Ms Rowatt and 4th with Ogawa/Alonzo. The teachers do a great job of preparing my kids with the tools they need to be successful. The Principal Doctor Segovia -Hale is very hands on, in classrooms all the time, at lunch benches and tying kids shoes at recess. She has really raised the bar and has high expectations. There are a few teachers at this school that need to retire! The office staff is welcoming. I like the Friday assemblies because students are recognized for academic achievement and positive citizenship. Orangethorpe's location is not in the best neighborhood but you need to look beyond the exterior. My kids love their teachers and their Principal. My kids have their own laptop the school gave them to use at school. My Kindergartener has an iPad & she loves it. I highly recommend Orangethorpe your child will learn a lot! ORANGETHORPE iS GREAT! ORANGETHORPE GETS AN A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been enrolled in this school since kindergarten and since day one it has not been a pleasant one. First off the office workers are rude and unpleasant. The office workers talk to parents like they are children and just belittle them. Sometimes they don't even bother to acknowledge a parent walked in. The principal Dr. Segovia-Hale and asst. principal Ms. Michel are another story. Never in my life have I felt like a horrible person. My son has some learning disabilies and they won't even listen to what I have to say they just blame and point the finger. Some teachers I'm really fond of and I believe have helped both of my kids succeed and they are Mrs. Crockett, Mrs. Rowatt, Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Paz. I don't know if they are all still there since I heard a handleful of teachers up and left because of the disorganization of the school and the principals behavior. Every year I try to transfer my kids out of there and every year I am denied because of overcrowding. I hope one day that my children will leave this school and be placed in a better organized one. Look for other schools before you even consider putting your kids in this school
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was enrolled here in the 6th grade only and loved the school. Mrs Hollenbeck is an amazing teacher. My son has been there since kindergarten and now in the fourth grade. We have had some hit and miss with his teachers. He excelled in 1st and 2nd. Mrs Lein and Rowatt always had the kids best interest. My son has some learning disabilities and not all his teachers have been able to handle him like they did. He is not loud and abnoxious quite the contrary. He is very shy and emotional. I do feel that some teachers need extra training in that department. Their resource staff Mrs Parra is amazing! One of the biggest downfalls is their office staff, they are not pleasant to deal with. Overall I am happy with the school. The resource staff there is what keeps us here!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been in the Multiage program at Orangethorpe and it's been amazing. It is like a "school within a school" which may touch off issues in the greater school community, but if I could do it all over again I would. Orangethorpe in general is not the ideal school I'd send my child to, but this program within it is worth every ounce of effort to be part of it. I highly recommend parents look at this as an alternative. Without an emphasis on testing and drilling, my child has a lifelong love of learning and scores in the top percentiles of standardized tests. Take away the test focus and let children learn and they'll amaze you with their brilliance.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend Orangethorpe Elementary. I believe the teachers really care about our children. They have 1:1 laptops that keep my kids interested in learning. The teachers support kids to do their best. This year we have a new Principal Dr. Segovia-Hale, she is what we have needed. She loves our kids, you see her on plyaground and at lunch benches. We have assemblies every Friday and parents are invited to attend. My son had lunch with the Principal, he was so excited! My kids are already talking about attending COLLEGE! Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

Both my daughters attended this school. At first, I was a little aprehensive due to the fact the school's appearance is nasty. However, after the their first year, my girls absolutely loved this school. At least the teachers that taught my daughters were caring, competent, communicated to me very well, and they showed genuin interest with my girl's success. I think a lot has to do with parent involvement. If parents fail to be involved, they will reap the consequences--this school gave me every opportunity to stay involved. In terms of safety: this school is too open for anyone to walk on property and have direct access to the children before and after school and during recess; the parking lot is poorly designed; and, the front office staff has lackadaisical attitudes as if I'm not important engough for them to get out of their seat and talk face to face.
—Submitted by a parent

My son transferred to Orangethorpe from another Fullerton school and from day one I have not been happy. It is hard to get information. Even though my son's class was a job share he had a lot of subs though out the year which made learning difficult. We just got the STAR scores and his scores went way down. I would explore the other schools in the Fullerton disrtict before making a choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Orangethorpe is the worst school in the history of schools! If I could rate a 0, I would. The staff is, not only uncooperative, but they are highly incompetent as well. The school has some good teachers, but this does not make up for all other short comings, which there is too many to list. If you are able, send your children elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

A serious lack of communication to parents from administration. Very little PTA presence. A transient school. Very few if any Field trips. Very bad access to school grounds and dropping and picking up of students unsafe.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with good leadership. There are two multi-age parent paticipation programs at this school which feature a more developmental and child centered curriculum and focus. Every year the school has an all arts program where the classrooms work with a specialist music teacher, drama teacher, art teacher, and dance teacher. Each series lasts for six weeks. There is a school choir and a school band. Every year there is a wonderful Academic Olympics contest where upper grade students can compete in different areas such as dramatic reading, math, etc. Parent involvement is especially important at Orangethorpe.
—Submitted by a parent

When my son first stated kindergarten here, it was truly a great school. However as the years passed and the principal retired, things haven't been the same. The new principal and assistant principal, neither one is ever available when you have a situation that must be addressed. Furthermore, many of the fundraising fun activities have just disappeared. This year my son will graduate from 6th grade, however I still have one more child here. I hope things get better for the remaining students. I think the principal and her assistant should consider being more friendly and attentive to the parents concerns as well as the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very honored to have my daughter inrolled in at Orangethorpe Elementary School. I myself attended Orangethorpe from K-6. This past year alone my daughter has excelled in her reading with the help of after school tutoring and summer school. I have no worrys when it comes to my daughter's education at Orangethorpe.
—Submitted by Darby Chaney, a parent