Oliver Elementary School

This school is pushing so hard to be the top sch in Clayton Co. that they are over working the kids & their parents. My kindergartner has so much homework on a daily bases that takes her a few hours to complete. No my child is not slow, in fact she is very bright &one of few to be selected for accelerated testing. Her after school has complained about the amount homework she has which cause them to spend a substantial amount of time with her alone; they state she has more hmwrk than some 1st & 2nd graders.more hmwrk is not going to make my child smarter. She is already feeling burnt out. The 3 hrs I have with my child everyday b4 bedtime is mostly spent on hmwrk & projects. Speaking of projects, my kindergartner HAS to complete a science project for the science fair which includes a proposal, a research paper & a project on a poster board! Yes, 5&6yo who are just learning to read & write sentences have to RESEARCH info. & write a page including a hypothesis & cites. I was told this is mandatory. They did not give my 6yo a project, but they gave me a project to do! After Bible study on Wed I dare not make her stay up past her bt to complete hrs of wrk something needs to be done.
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred my child from Riverdale Elementary to E.W. Oliver after he completed Pre-K. The move has made all the difference. While he was at Riverdale Elementary he started to revert; whereas since starting Oliver, he has surpassed his classmates on all levels! The teachers there are the best I've seen in the county. Having worked as a substitute in every elementary school in Clayton County, I can see the difference. When there are great teachers who promote an environment for success, children will do just that, succeed. It may take a while to adjust to the new principal, but I think parents and staff have decided to work with her instead of against her. Even the Campus Kids program is exceptional at Oliver. They try to keep the kids stimulated and plan fun things to do after homework is done. A lot of after care programs simply provide homework assistance, if that, then nothing afterwards. So, if you're looking for a great public school for your kids, I definately recommend E.W. Oliver.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great but the front office however is another story. The Administrative Assistant is totally unprofessional and unorganized. The front office alone makes me want to transfer my child. The teachers and they way that they teach are great. I took my child from a private school and put her in E.W. Oliver and I cant tell the difference. However, the PTA seems to be a popularity club. The parents seem to be in clicks. Also, your kids will probably not get chosen for any activities unless you are involved in these parent PTA clicks.
--Submitted by a parent

Dr. Boykin was the best thing to have happened to Oliver. He knew every single student by name and knew what their academic levels were. The AP Program was a good program...hate that they did away with it and Dr. Boykin. My son was in kindergarten and first grade at Oliver and it started him on the right path. Homework helps to keep a child focused. There is plenty of time to play after homework.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the best elementary school I've ever been to. They do so much to help students learn.This place is truly amazing. They are teaching all kids how to be stock brokers. I've been going to Oliver since Kindergarten and because of them, I'm in all advanced classes at my school.
--Submitted by a student

This school is awesome! I'm a student here. this school has made me a better person!
--Submitted by a student

I am very pleased with Oliver so far. We are new to this school & this school district & I had heard that the schools in Clayton County are terrible. Well Oliver is truely the diamond in the rough! The principle is outstanding & the teachers are very nurturing & loving. My daughter is in 3rd grade and excelling in math for the first time. My daughter enjoys this school & seldom mentions her old school anymore.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school it challenges my son to think outside the box. I think it's great
--Submitted by a parent

Given the fact that the county we are currently in already falls below average compared to the other counties, I believe that requiring our children to be disciplined, even in the lunch room is preparing them to be disciplined when they leave elementary school. I have three children at E.W. Oliver and am extremely pleased with their progress. As far as wanting them to have time to be kids, don't they get enough of that already? I commend Dr. Boykins for having the courage to elevate our thinking. I encourage parents to go to other schools (ex. Spring Hill Elementary in Fayette County); you will notice the level of excellence there. Finally about AP, I have a daughter in the program and am looking forward to my son and other daughter to be in it as well. Too much homework? Come on, Life's tough. Let's get them ready.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a son that attends Oliver. He started there as a kindergartner now he is in the 4th grade. I have mixed emotions about Oliver. The school is great far as safety and academic. The teachers are also wonderful. They keep you up to date when it comes to you child (ren). I also believe that a kid should be a kid. I disagree very strongly about no talking at lunch. Well, when will they be able to talk! Need more PE. After school program is terrible. The kids are in the lunch room with their heads down. Once again, no talking. The principal focus more on the AP students and their goals. How ever my son is not in AP he is great in math. We decided not let him participate in that program. Too much homework already. No time to be a kid.
--Submitted by a parent