White Oak Elementary School

I completely agree with the post from 3/8/12. As a military family we've had kids in 4 different elementary schools in 3 different states (CA, VA, & NC). We've loved all our schools even though some were not rated highly at all. Sadly, this is by far the worst one we've experienced. After all the research and everyone telling us that this is "the best school in the area", it makes me wonder what other schools they compare it to. We are very disappointed. My child was actually discouraged to read above grade level. Communication from the teachers and the school is horrible... how about a newsletter once in a while? How about answering my email after a full week? Academics seem to be aimed very low and only focused on testing. Yes, high test scores make a school look appealing and they sure fooled me, but I will be happy to move on again.
--Submitted by a parent

Like a lot of people, we did tons of research before moving to this area from out of state and specifically lived here so our daughter could attend this school. The truth is, it IS one of the best in the area, but that does not mean it is a great school, it only means that most other schools in the Camp Lejeune/Cherry Point area are abysmal. Our experience has been that in first grade, the test is taught, particularly math and reading, with the irony being that my daughter just finished James and the Giant Peach here at home and brought Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss home in her bag book. It is still true that potentially high-achieving students are not challenged at all. We have found the school atmosphere to be warm and caring and her teacher is a wonderful lady, but there is absolutely no depth in instruction at ALL. There is very little science and apparently no history being taught at all. We will probably be homeschooling next year because there are no viable private school options out here and would have lived on base if we had known this is all we could expect from what was supposed to be an amazing school. Disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

I researched schools districts/individual schools thoroughly before moving here from out of state. Unfortunately scores are only one aspect of quality. I was horrified to find my 5th grade daughter who is academically very strong, struggling so much with a male teacher. She had male teachers before but this one in particular gave her the "creeps." He frequently singled her out on the play ground, classroom, or hall and made her feel very uncomfortatble. He would eat lunch at her desk and leave his trash on her desk to clear when she returned from the cafeteria. My daughter who loved school suddenly began to cry everyday and would make herself sick with dread of returning to school. I met with the principal and explained what was happening and requested my daughter be moved to another class before something did occur. I was met with nothing but resistance from the principal and superintendant. Nine weeks later she was moved after much emotional trauma, the teacher was fired a few yrs later, principal retired and Superintendent passed away. Sadly I believe this district is more interested in saving face than protecting children.
--Submitted by a parent

It is incredibly organized, prepared, caring.....this school just has it together. It is also a great academic atmosphere. I love it!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in third grade and we could not be more pleased with the caliber of this school and the parent and teacher involvement. There is a very active PTO that goes over and above for the school. While I agree that more should be done for the high achieving students, I blame the School board, the county commissioners and the local government for not providing more by way of $ for such programs. I also blame 'no child left behind' for the emphasis that must be placed on EOG testing. This is a great school in a great community run by caring professionals. Great job White Oak!
--Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled by this school's rating--they use math and reading programs that dumb down the high achievers. They spend all their time and resources getting the really poor students up to barely grade level at the expense of students who are high potential/high achievers. Those students abilities are not recognized and are not encouraged. They must fall in line with the lower ability students and when they get bored and act out, the high achievers are punished. There is no program or help for students with high potential and if you express concern as a parent, you get frozen out. No one will talk to you. This has been our experience last year and this year. If you have a high potential child find a private school or home school.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely love this school! We moved here from out-of-state a few years back and I was nervous for my then second-grader to start at a new school. As soon as let his teacher know my feelings and expressed concern about my son's shyness, she immediately made efforts to match my son up with some friends. Now that he has completed 5th grade and is moving on to middle school, these two boys are still friends. Every concern I have ever had has been addressed with professionalism and compassion. Both of my children enjoy attending school here.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I moved to North Carolina just as our children were of age to enter school. Our first experience with a public school district was so horrible that, after TONS of research, we chose Carteret County. We were so pleased with the staff and families AND BUILDINGS that we sold our properties in the other school district, left our friends and family members and invested several hundred-thousands of dollars into a home in Cape Carteret, all so our children could be in a school district that offers every opportunity for their futures. The staff, the children and the families at White Oak, Broad Creek and Croatan are the reason for it's success. If you are unsatisfied with the school you may, like we did, make a change and move your child. I agree wholeheartedly with the comment posted June 10, 2008. Go Carteret County Schools!
--Submitted by a parent

This school focuses on field trips and fun events bringing the kids and families together. However, they do not have options for children with with disabilities but that are of high intellect, like ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome. His teacher, not understanding his ADHD, medications, side effects and symptoms, was unable to educate him and acted very unprofessional toward me. The school building were very old and dull colored. They appear to be doing some kind of construction on the site. If you have a child that does not need special services, this school might work out well for you and your child. But if you have a bright child with an IEP, services are limited.
--Submitted by a parent