Pecan Park Elementary School

The school has the potential to be a good school. Unfortunately, they allow horrible teachers like Mrs. Giametta to teach our young children. Sad that so many good teachers needs and people like her are allowed to remain on staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Mere words cannot express how wonderful Pecan Park is. The teachers, staff, principal and vice principal are all very caring, nurturing and common sense people. The best of the best people. I regret that this is my child's last year there. They were there every step of the way for my child who had special needs, we worked through everything together and he finished 4th grade with flying colors, all due to the school's efforts. If it were not for Ms. Illich and his teachers, he would have been lost along the way in any other school, but instead he excelled and met his goals. Truly a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Ocean Springs from New Orleans and we were suspicious that we could actually put our children in public school. The O.S. School district and Pecan Park in particular have greatly exceeded our expectations and even our hopes. The principal, Ms. Illich, provides wonderful leadership and is respected by teachers and parents alike. The quality of education is unparalleled even from private and Catholic schools. There is technology in the classroom and in the "specials" programs such as music. The teachers are nurturing and caring while providing the discipline needed to get the job done. I'm proud to be a Pecan Park parent
—Submitted by a parent

Pecan Park is an exceptional school. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the teachers are highly qualified and very caring. I strongly agree that this school should rank in the top percentile for great schools!
—Submitted by a parent

Pecan Park has a specialness that we have not experienced at other schools. The staff is friendly and parents are always welcome! My children have often said how much they love their school and their teachers. I have had great experiences while volunteering in their classrooms. The education is top-notch and comparable to the top schools in the country, in my opnion. Do not hesitate in the least to trust your child's education to Pecan Park and the Ocean Springs school district! They are in good hands!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves it. The teachers are great! It is a small elementary school where there is a 'family' atmosphere. I moved to Ocean Springs to get my daughter in this school district and I am not disappointed. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was falling behind in school, until we moved here now she makes A's and B's. The teacher's are first rate and go out of the way to help the students. I am proud to say my daughter is a student a Pecan Park........
—Submitted by a parent

The teaching staff is outstanding. They make learning fun and instill the desire for more knowledge. They encourage parent participation and that of grandparents as well.

All around great school! Great teachers, staff, programs and education.
—Submitted by a parent

At first I was upset about having to transfer my son from Magnolia Park to Pecan Park because it was further away. But I see such a difference! Pecan's atmoshere is a comfortable and caring one. The teacher's are incredible! Especially Ms. Peresich! My son is very fortunate to have her as a homeroom teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough good things about our experience at Pecan Park experience! The staff is highly trained, exceptional in motivating students to do their best and still provides a very caring environment for the child (and the parent). Reading is emphasized, and the library makes a big impact on the school. The arts are promoted and provide the child opportunities to let their other talents shine. I highly recommend attending Pecan Park if you can!
—Submitted by a parent

Pecan Park Elementary is an excellent school and I would recommend it to anyone! The teachers are very competent and caring. The administration is top-notch. I have nothing but good things to say about Pecan Park! My children love to go to school and have many opportunities to learn in academic, as well as non-academic areas. There are many caring parents and it is a great community.
—Submitted by a teacher

School is well run and presents appropriate extra curricular opportunties.
—Submitted by a parent

I concur with the other comments on this board. My child has gone to Pecan Park from kindergarden through second grade. Everything said about Mrs. Illich is all true! She is a kind and caring professional who goes way beyond the call of duty. The first grade teacher team of Mrs. Wade and Mrs. Perisich is also to be commended. They are so wonderful to be around, all the kids love going to their classes! Pecan Park is fantastic from the crossing guard to the school nurse!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have excelled at Pecan Park. I trust Ms. Illich to make the right decisions for my children. Although we no longer live in the Pecan Park district, I fought to keep my kids there and with the schools help -- they have been allowed to stay. Teachers and Ms. Illich are responsive day or night. Absolutely great learning environment. Office personnel could smile more.
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible learning atmosphere. I personally visited all of the schools in my local area. I was extremely impressed with Pecan Park - particularly the pricipal, Mrs. Illich. This woman is an absolute leader! Not just a manager...a true leader. As we walked the halls, her pride in her school, her teachers and especially her students was readily visible. Art and projects from all of the students covered the walls. Everyone we saw was smiling and the children were well mannered. One of the most impressive things was that with an enrollment of over 700, every child that spoke to Mrs. Illich (and they all wanted to) was acknowledged with a smile, a positive comment and was addressed by their name! Mrs. Illich knew the name of every child she spoke to - amazing. The resource/computer center was amazing, the reading programs top notch, the music and arts program impressive.
—Submitted by a parent

Pecan Park is a wonderful school. It is like a big family and the children think of Mrs. Illich as their second mother. They respond likewise from a level of love and respect and they behave because they want to model the staff and please them. The teachers my children have been able to have, have exceeded my expectations. My children love school and I love being involved in the process. The school always welcomes and encourages parent involvement. I feel comfortable that if I had any concern that it would be immediately addressed. Thank you to all of the staff for making this such a wonderful environment for my children to get their first learning experiences. My only wish is that the children had more extra curriculum activites such as the chess team, more opportunity in the hand bells, or plays to participate.
—Submitted by a parent

As a person new to the area, I found Pecan Park to be exactly what we needed! The first grade teacher, Mrs. Rigby is kind to her students and treats them with respect. The curriculum is challenging and fosters growth. The office staff is professional but not friendly. The teachers appear to be friendly and seem to enjoy their jobs. The principal shows compassion and immediately addressed an unpleasant incident concerning race relations.
—Submitted by a parent