Orange Grove Middle Magnet School

My daughter started Orange Grove last year and has absolutely loved it! She loves dance and has thoroughly enjoyed the wealth of other electives offered by the school. These electives include art, chorus, drama, stage craft, orchestra and band (I may have missed one or two). The school also offers several after school sports programs.I was concerned initially that an arts school would not offer the same academic opportunities as the other science and math magnet schools. I was wrong. She was selected for math league and Orange Grove beat the science and math magnet schools in the area. She has excelled academically with high FCAT scores leading to opportunities to participate in an SAT prep course offered by Duke University and summer classes at USF. In dance, she gets to perform in many recitals, at community events and in competitions. Professional dancers from various styles do guest teaching and she was recently chosen to go to NYC to take classes at the American Ballet Theater. She is absolutely thrilled that she can dance two hours a day and still take honors math and science courses. This school is a dream for her and my son can't wait to attend Orange Grove next year.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is finishing up 6th grade and I'm very happy with this school - it's small enough to where my child receives personal attention from teachers and even administrators, and there are lots of creative outlets and after-school activities. I feel the communication to parents is WAY above average - they use Edline and teachers are always responsive to communication from home. The faculty understand creative kids.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has always been creative so I was thrilled to find Orange Grove for her. While she loves her stagecraft class and after a rough start is happy there, I have to say I'm disappointed. There is poor communication between the school and the parents, there are very few extracurricular opportunities and my daughter is not being challenged academically there. My 5th grader has more homework than my 6th grader does!
--Submitted by a parent

orange grove is such an amzing school. the teachers are great at teaching, and the electives are fantastic. from drama, dance, art, chrous, drumline, orchestra, piano, harp, band, business technology, computer skills, office help, P.E, journalism, and stage craft, the electives are taken so serious. the number of girfted students is incredible. And the advanced classes really are advanced. this school is a privelige to go to. and there are almost no fights or crime. I've gone there for three years, and I've only ever seen one fight, and heard about three. the teachers are devoted, smart, and fun to be with, and they help each and every student. I'd recomend this school to any child.
--Submitted by a student

Orange Grove Middle is a wonderful school with high quality teachers and talented students. Children are given multiple opportunities to learn, shine, and explore their talents!
--Submitted by Nikki Velez, a teacher

Orange Grove changed me in a good way. I attened it for two years and then had to move away. The quality of learning is high. I loved this school and miss it everyday
--Submitted by Tye Harp, a former student

the options of electives at this school are very high. many choices to choose from.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs is horrible, the teachers care but funding is atrocious. Sure, we have music programs available, but it doesn't seem like the administration cares about them. There is hardly any parent involvment.
--Submitted by a student

I have two children at Orange Grove. We are very pleased with the quality of the school and the attention the teachers give our children. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school with outstanding faculty. The school is committed to the performing arts and academics, and the students have the opportunity to explore their creative side. My daughter had 3 periods of fine arts education per day, including chorus drama & instrument. Behavior problems are less than in other middle schools in the area. Principal Arias has done a good job her first year, however it would be nice to see her at more school activities. There is also a lot of fees for various school activities, I wish they could reduce that.
--Submitted by a parent