Concordia Elementary School

There are pros and cons here as with most schools. PROS: -There are amazing programs in place like the butterfly gardens, the fossil project, and weekly art. -Many fantastic teachers. -High parent involvement. CONS: -Student culture values "being cool" over character and academic performance. -A few teachers (as in any union environment) that aren't that great. Whereas the majority of the teachers we had were amazing, we did have a few not so great teachers. We had one in particular who put kids down in the classroom and forced students to rat out other friends. She is still teaching at the school. We had two kids go through Concordia. Overall the school is great. The primary grades have many excellent teachers. We were not as impressed with the calibur of teachers in the upper grades. We noticed our kids stopped trying academically in the upper grades as a result of classroom and school culture.
--Submitted by a parent

Not only did I go to this school from 2nd to 6th grade (I graduated high school in 1999), my son had the amazing privilege to go here K-1. All the teachers are astounding, including the ones that are *still* there from when I was young. The principle is amazing, he has created a paleontology park with a real prehistoric whale skeleton for the kids to excavate! He has also created an amazing library with fossil models, including a life size triceratops skull! The library was a tiny little closet when I went there compared to what it is now. The office is helpful, personable, and will probably remember your name if you have to go in there more than once. I have since moved to the bay area to attend UC Berkeley and am saddened that there are no public schools as amazing as Concordia.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter used to go in this school, it s the best school ever, great teachers, great staff, and an exellent principal
--Submitted by a parent

Concordia is a gem of a school. Visit anytime during school hours and you will observe happy kids, busy parents (volunteering) and friendly staff. In these days with high stakes testing, it is a pleasure to find a school that maintains a confident yet relaxed atmosphere. Notice how new portables were added this year. The school is drawing transfers from others schools in SC and neighboring cities. The principal is a primary driver. He is genial, approachable and everywhere. The staff is top notch. The teachers vary from average to exceptional. (Now if only the average would pay attention to the exceptional.) The kids come from all walks of life. I am impressed at how well they play together. I see little aggression on the playground. The art teacher is fantastic. The Japanese classes are a big plus. I could go on and on. My kids love Concordia!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Concordia from first through fifth grade. She just entered middle school and was very well prepared. She earned straight A,s for her first report card. Each year at Concordia she had great teachers who challenged her to do her best work and taught her the basics that she needed to be successful. I love the teaching staff and the principal. They are highly motivated and continue to provide what I think is the best elementary school in the district. The school is not too big which offers a nice atmosphere for all students. My daughter also thrived in the music program and had the cultural experience of learning Japanese and the customs they practice. My older two daughters attended another elementary school in the district and I think by far Concordia soared compared to the other school. Good Job to the Staff!
--Submitted by Jill Kummer, a parent

Two of my children have attended Concordia and they both have grown academically and enjoy school. the principal is very involved and seems to know the children by name,which I consider a sign that he isn't just sitting in his office, but involved with the teachers and students. It is obvious the teachers are very cohesive and work together. The school has a lot of parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has gone to this school for 4 years. It really pushes for high academic scores; math, reading, sciences, language etc. The down side is they get very little art, music, P.E., etc. They also do not offer much for accelerated learning. The principal is great and knows all the children very well, probably by name. They have a few wonderful teachers and alot of really burnt out teachers, that don't really seem enthusiastic. This has an impact on how much your child is going to enjoy school.
--Submitted by a parent

National Blue Ribbon School, wonderful Japanese Language program, learn more about this school at http://www.capousd.org/cdes/index.htm
--Submitted by a parent

Concordia ia wonderful school!