Ocean Palms Elementary School

The teachers and staff at OPE are among the most exceptional educators that I, as a mother of three, have found after being at 3 other highly ranked elementary schools (in CT, GA, and FL). This school actually cares about the kids, as well as their families, and most importantly education. Its not clear what drives the motivation and dynamics at this school, but the consistency of their passion is reflected in my kids willingness and enthusiasm to learn. Whatever my kids take away from their grammar school years, my one hope is that they are instilled with a true love for learning and I am certain that this is the institution where they will find that love!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Ocean Palms "graduate" and out of all the schools that i have attended Ocean Palms is by far the best! The teachers are outstanding and personally care about each of their students, which is a rarity in most schools today. There is a lot of parent involvement (PTO, etc...) and the students are very nice. Overall an awesome place to send your child.

Ocean Palms is awesome. My son loves the school and so do I. We are so fortunate to live in such a wonderful county that enables us to enjoy such a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten at Ocean Palms, and his teacher, Mary DeSanto, is incredible. She does very well with all the children, and takes pride in watching each child progress. The principal too is a very nice and engaged man who makes it a point to know each student's name. All in all, I am quite pleased that my son is a student at Ocean Palms Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Florida makes it very difficult for schools to excel because the state puts as little as possible into them. Even with the state driven hurdles Ocean Palms faces, it manages to be an excellent school academically and socially. The parents and staff are people who value our children and know that this is our one chance to make them the best they can be. Every year, the PTO makes sure it does whatever it can to update materials for the classrooms. The principal is always visible and lending a hand. Parents volunteer and know they can make a difference.
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred from PVPV to Ocean Palms after a move. I was not sure about the switch because I was so happy with my child's education and growth at PVPV. I love Ocean Palms. One thing that is evident when you walk in the door and meet the staff is that they care about your child and his or her overall happiness and progress. I cannot say I ever felt this at PVPV. PVPV seemed be more driven by test scores and how many books each child could read in a school year. Don't get me wrong, I expect alot out of my child ( who is in the excelerated program ) but I think some of us forget, they are children. They should be enjoying school and after school as well. I really love Ocean Palms and the fact that they allow our kids to be kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Very nurturing teachers and principal, with incredible resources in music, art and science. Very high level of parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Ocean Palms is a wonderful, student-centered school, where the focus truly is on the child. It's a parent friendly school with caring teachers who are available to parents. Mr. Parrish( the principal) knows most of the 800 students by name and can tell you something personal about most of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Principle (Mr. Parish) is loved by parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent

Ocean Palms has the 4 essential ingredients for a great school. A great principal, professional and caring teachers, active parents and terrific students. The reason that I rated the extracurricular activities a 3 is due to the children attending physical education only once a week. Unfortunately, it appears that all public schools have reduced their physical education programs.
—Submitted by a parent

wonderful school, wonderful administration, excellent teaching staff, parent involvement...cannot say enough about how great it is.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great. My daughter loves it! The staff was great at making her feel welcome and I appreciated that they evaluated her personality and put her in a class with students and a teacher who would best suit her personality and way of learning. She jumps out of bed in the morning.
—Submitted by a parent

Ocean Palms is a good school, unfortunately, it must be held hostage to the FCATS like all the other schools in this nation. If Ocean Palms could put as much effort into it's students as it does by law to the FCATS it would be able to be an OUTSTANDING and AMAZING facility of learning. I know that my child is loved and cared for while attending this school and fortunately for me, academia is not a challenge for my child, but, for the students that need a little more, Ocean Palms is, as are all other schools, challenged to meet the needs of these students. I say, let us as parents band together speak out about the inadequacy of these ridiculous tests. Schools need funding, not a mere raising of the standards of education. Put some money into education, not just numbers and tests scores!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has adeuate teachers, curriculum, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent. Organized, friendly, clean. Good kids and atmosphere. No gifted program on premises.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been the absolute best school I have seen. My children love it at OPE and that makes me happy. Every member of the staff has made every possible effort to make my boys welcome and feel right at home. Thier grades are much better and they love to go to school. I didn't think I would ever see a school that is this wonderful. Thank goodness for OPE!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a top quality school in every way! The principal and staff makes it a point to know every child and if possible, the parents too. I have always encountered friendly smiles when I go to the school. The staff and the teachers go out of their way to be as helpful and encouraging as possible. My child has been challenged in academics to the point that he went from being way behind the others in his class to an advanced reader. His teachers were patient and nurturing in his academic growth. I can not believe I do not have to pay extra for this type of school. It's a public school with a private school feel!
—Submitted by a parent