Orange Grove Elementary School

this is the second time that I have attempted to register my daughter, and quite frankly only to be disappointed AGAIN! The secretary is not pleasant AT ALL! She is rude and does not carry herself well. Principal through this experience MIA!! The principal on several occassions did not make any attempt to assist us even at request especially since we had just moved into the neighborhood! No red carpet, but at least a "welcome to the neighborhood rug!" Trying to talk to the principal, you would think I was trying to talk to the President! Scheduled telephone conference only for her to keep the appointment! Absolutely ridiculous! I have never experienced that at all. The secretary should look more presentable, speak and assist more professionally! Front office is messy and not inviting, not a good first impression. I'm sure it has some great teachers, aides, students, staff, etc.... School District needs to RE-EVALUATE and TRAIN principal and secretary to do thier jobs better. Shame on the principal. We are parents that are educated and fight for what our children deserve.... I hope that other parents don't experience this and our daughter doesn't even attend there!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm proud to say, the PTA is making great strides to improve its membership. Looking forward to a mixed group of people for next years board.
—Submitted by a parent

Orange Grove Elementary is an Excellent School. The school principal, Ms Gasporra, is one of the most caring principals I have ever known. She knows most of the students by name. She is always making sure the kids are safe especially after school when studenst are being picked up. The staff and teachers are remarkable! They work extremely hard to keep our children on target and challenged. The PTA and Dads Club works together to provide extra activities for our school community. They are doing a fantastic job!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Orange Grove since she was in kinder and now in the 4th grade. In the past I have seen so much more parent participation. The teachers are doing their best with the budget crises and I feel it is taking a tole on them and it shows. Parents need to be involved in their childs education and the PTA needs to be accepting of parents opinions and thoughts. I have never seen the PTA so unapproachable as they are now and unwelcoming. Myself and others do not feel welcomed so we do not attend the meetings and do not volunteer because we are treated rudely especially by certain board members. I thought they were here for the students not themselves
—Submitted by a parent

Orange Grove has a very loving environment. The teachers work very hard to provide hands-on experiences for our children. My daughter is in 4th grade and has had a very positive experience with the teachers and the staff at OrangeGrove. The dad's club is doing great things and the PTA works extremely hard to help support the staff and students. They have offered both art and music classes after school for free! During these tough economic times, it is especially important for parents to take an active role in their child's education-we need to work with our children's teachers-it is our job, not the sole responsibility of our teachers, to help make our school great!
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 daughters attended Orange Grove School. The five years that they spent there prepared them for the challenges in middle school and high school. They developed the love of learning and the study habits that are so necessary to maintain honor status. They made many wonderful friends and appreciate the great memories they had at the school. Orange Grove holds a special place in our hearts. My oldest is now a sophomore at a University and my youngest is about to graduate high school. Thank you Orange Grove for a wonderful experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Several of my children have attended Orange Grove School and I have been very pleased with the children's progress and test scores. I feel the school has a very safe and protected environment with caring teachers and principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I think it's the worst school I have ever come across. I have a 3rd grade in that school & I feel that he is not being challenged at all. The homework and school work he brings home are so below his grade level. The principal, receptionist and the teachers are not very helpful at all. You ask a question or anything and it feels like you are bothering them. I sometimes think that the principal is only there to smile and wave at the people, nothing else. Don't expect her to go out of her way to help you. If you disregard this, know at least that their test score really do reflect their incompetence.
—Submitted by a parent

I really like Orange Grove! I am a preschool teacher and have worked at a few other schools locally and am definitely satisfied with this school.They have a lot of reenforcements for their students to keep them on target!
—Submitted by a parent

OrangeGrove School is on its way to being one of the best schools in the area, Our new Principal is listening to parents concerns and ensuring a safe environment for our children. Teachers,staff and volunteer parents training in CPR/first aid,New music program scheduled to start as well as a new Toy Loan program in place. But most of all we have great teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

Orange grove has great students and teachers as proven by a recent honor given to our school for increased test scores. These dedicated teachers are making a difference but unfortunately they are not being recognized and fairly compensated. This school is increasing scores with all these setbacks, imagine what we could do if we have the full support of the school board and the state?
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school ,excellent staff & a great area.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids do attend this school.I have been pretty happy with the school.I feel the last 2 years there has been a great improvement.I do not like the afterschool programs that they have.The downfall, if you're not involved in your childs education and welfare,your child will suffer. If a teacher sees a parent that isn't involved,what does that tell the teacher.What does that say to the student,your child. If you are a working parent,teachers are responsive and will work with you.You,the parent have to be willing to take time and invest in your childs education.School is not what it was like when you were going,I see changes from one year to the next. The state is requiring so much from the teachers, but more so from your child.Parent involvement is so important.PTA is a great to voice your opinions and be involved in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school if you are involved. Classroom size is typical for Los Angeles but the school's small enviorment makes it easy to get in touch with administration. Only a small percentage of parents were involved in this school but the administration and teachers were proactive in getting additional resources for the kids. Afterschool program available at almost no cost. GATE program was not available but accomodations are made for your child if he/she is advanced. Academically this school is suitable, but not if your child has special needs or is desperately behind. No afterschool sports teams. The only thing I did not like about this school is that it feeds into Dexter Middle School, which is not great.
—Submitted by a parent