Oak Grove Primary School

I must say that I was impressed by the school tour, which was planned and staged, obiviously. Once, my child started school it was a different story. Kindergarten Year should have been so promising. Instead, It was met with grumpy staff, teachers that facebook and gossip too much, & not welcoming at all once your child is in the door. And when I approach a teacher with a concern, it was never taken serious. Often, these two teachers would boldly talk about you closely enough for you to hear. I really thought school was about academics. I guess not. I have never seen so many fake people in my life. I really feel sad for the minority children there. They are not treated as favorites and all the black teachers are asst. teachers. Really think there should be more caring and diverse teachers involved.
--Submitted by a parent

OG primary has a few excellent teachers, however overall the teachers seem to be less than enthusiastic about their jobs. It's so sad. Even the office staff seems to be grumpy. I cried the first month of Kindergarten because I wanted my child to ENJOY school and every day all I ever heard about was what RULES she learned. The days are so rushed in order to get all of the curriculum in that the children sometimes don't even have time to complete their work before they are herded to the next station. I'm sure the rushed days are due to an extreme over population issue. WAY too many kids in each tiny classroom. THere's no room to breathe let alone do any activities or even allow them to stand and move during any classroom song time. It's pretty much an awful school. But like I said before, there are a few wonderful teachers. I'm glad to know my child will not be attending there any longer.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest son went there and my youngest son is in Kindergarten there now. Love the school and love, love, love the teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

The school staff is very nice. I think the teachers are very good. My biggest issue with the school is the student teacher ratio. My child has 24 students in her class. I don't feel that the students get the personal attention and causes them to fall behind. Concerned Parent
--Submitted by a parent

We move frequently and came to Hattiesburg 2 years ago. My son has attended Kindergarten and 1st grade and I have been very happy. Since my children have not been to any other schools, I can't really compare, however, I do know the teacher/student ratio is MUCH better than almost all of my friends around the country. Here, each class gets a teacher and an assistant, and still only has 21 - 25 kids. Teachers we've had have been good, but security is lax. Don't like their new highly restrictive dress code that they call a 'uniform' though. Idea last year was presented as a uniform, but is not at all. Will make life complicated for parents and kids!
--Submitted by a parent

Best school and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a sub teacher this past year with all the Oak Grove Schools and I have never seen any discrimination of students. I hate when someone comments about this every time something is going on. Students are treated as equal and I must say it was a pleasure to sub for them...I got first hand of how hard they work for such pathetic pay! If the only error one finds is not having a certain race or creed at one showing...geeze why not praise the great job the teacher did more and less on your idea of fairness! Thanks teachers...enjoy your time off!
--Submitted by a teacher

I have one child currently attending OGLE ,as a black parent I've notice a difference in this school . My son's first grade teacher was not a good teacher .His second grade teacher has been great . I'm very observant and notice certain things that is not right, that goes on there. Case and point when they did the official opening of the OGLE new school in January 2008,there was no students of color invited to stand out there with the principal and staff. Why you must ask the school.I don't wont special favor for my child just fairness. And yes my child is an 'A' student and does very well but fair is fair and wrong is wrong.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two children in this school and can say nothing but positive things about it. The quality of education is exceptional and the teachers and staff are creative and caring. As a stay at home mom, I spend a great deal of time at the school and have never encountered anything negative. In this world where all you read about public schools is bad, I am proud to be a part of a school that shows the system still works.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child in ogle, but I have two others that have been through the lower elementary and let me say that I was very pleased with the school. The teachers that my boys have had has been awesome. They know their stuff and they are very creative in ways for the kids to learn. The teachers are friendly, intelligent, and cares about the welfare of the children. I have found them very easy to talk to about any problems that arises. I am satisfied as a parent with teacher qualities, principal leadership, and how they encourage parents to participate in everything. One of my major concerns is the safety issue. I personally don't think that there is enough security. There is easy access to the school. I would like to see that issue addressed in the near future, due to prior small incidences. Overall, the school is excellent!
--Submitted by JANNIE SMITH, a parent