Boiling Springs Elementary School

Not happy at all with my child's 2nd grade teacher. SHE is the bully and isn't afraid of being told so. She calls herself LOUD AND PROUD (of what, I'm not sure), but, my child was at the top of her class (and still is academically), however, comes home crying from being embarassed at least 3 days per week by her teacher. It's ridiculous, and if I could, I'd homeschool in a heartbeat.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a complete and utter embarrassment to the State of South Carolina. I have had many experiences with other schools and districts and this school is by far-- and I mean BY FAR-- the absolute worst experience I have ever had. It was terrible to send my child there every day and have to feel like they were false-faced and anti-parent. If you have a child with an IEP, think twice about choosing this district. Otherwise, make sure you are a strong advocate. All in all, if you are considering moving to this area, be prepared for what you will get there. I read these bad reviews and I moved my family there anyway, thinking that these might not give a true perspective of the school. They do. This school has totally lived up to the bad reviews and then some. I am moving my family out of here-- it is THAT bad.
—Submitted by a parent

This has to be one of the worst schools I have had the experience of having. I have four kids and the thought of leaving my kids here for these imbeciles is inreal. I am glad that as a parent I realize that a child's true education starts at home. This school is overrated and underfunded. I get more notes for money than my bank! They don't bother to try and help the kids and if they don't get it, oh well. This is nothing more than a place to take your kids to be babysitted. It you expect for them to come back with more knowledge than what you teach them, you will be sorely disappointed. And the only time I was called all year to volunteer was to sit and monitor while the kids tested.
—Submitted by a parent

Pick-up and drop-off are a nightmare. It is nothing to sit in line for 30 minutes to drop your kids off! In the same breath, the administration is very vocal about children being tardy. However, most of the teachers do not arrive until the school starts at 7:30. Also, the children are not allowed in the classrooms until the first bell rings. They have to line up in the hallway and wait . Can anyone say 'Fire Hazzard'? In most schools, the classrooms open at least 30 minutes before school starts, so that the kids can put their stuff away, and possibly get a head start on their morning work. If I don't drop my kids off early, we can't get through the drop-off line fast enough to get them to school on time, but if I do drop them off early, they just sit and wait!
—Submitted by a parent

Unsafe, no parent/teacher communication, underfunded, and overcrowded. The staff and administration is rude.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, I agree with the reviews who are unhappy with BSES. The school is highly overcrowded and understaffed. Any concerns you may have are quickly glossed over and swept under the rug. Teachers are not expected to communicate with parents, and many seem to take offence if you request a conference or express a desire to ask questions. I have never experienced anything like this at previous schools. It is because of this, and many other numerous problems with the school, that we have opted to move out of this area entirely. I hate to pull my kids out of school in the middle of the year, but in this case, I believe it is the best thing to do. This whole experience has been a nightmare.
—Submitted by a parent

I just started sending my son to the 4k program. The Teachers are really nice. I like them a lot. The problem I see is that my child does the same thing every day 'blocks' ther are seven or eight differnt stations in the room but everyday he comes home and says he played in the block station. I think the problem is that there are so many kids in the 4k program that they had to cut the program into 2 3 hour sessions, so there is no time really for them to get too deeply into any activities. So I gave it 3 stars because well there is no reason to give it an up or down. Kinda just a nice place for kids to play. Thankfully my wife was a special education teacher and we teach our child skills at home with worksheets like writing counting,and other skills. Buy a worksheet book at an education supply store and copy the pages and make them do it every day. They learn quickly.
—Submitted by a parent

BSES has got to be one school that by far could stand improve their student criteria by miles. My children have had a couple of good teachers as well as a couple of bad. I do believe however that this school does not mind leaving your child behind if they need to be helped in ANY extra way and they also do not mind shuffling them under the 'Educational Rug' if they can not do MAP testing. This school is more worried about their scoring with the state than the students within their halls as far as being able to comprehend their work. When true help is needed, it isn't there with BSES. Obviously the below reviews do not reflect my same opinion of this school but every child is not considered when it comes to their educational needs. It was too much of a hassle for them to help.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here in January of 2009. It has been such a wonderful experience. The staff is fantastic ... from the office personnel to his first grade teacher. It was such a smooth transition. I can't say enough good about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Are these other reviewers kidding?! My kids attend and this school is the worst I have ever been in. We have moved quite a few times because of my husband's job, so I know what I am talking about. No one seems to care how your child is doing and if it wasn't for the parents working with the children at home the kids would just get lost in the shuffle. Some of the teachers really care, but there don't seem to be enough resources.For example, my kid was not doing his work in class and no one bothered to contact me. I accidentally found out because I went into his classroom after school to get a book he forgot. Only then does the teacher mention this. No note home. Nothing. I'm not even blaming the teacher, I think she was overloaded with children. We are seriously considering moving.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is wonderful. The teachers and faculty are top notch. The administration is wonderful. If you ever have a concern then the principal responds to your concern promptly. The guidance program is great and my children love going to this school!
—Submitted by a parent

BSES is the best, my daughter is in K5, her teacher is an angel here on earth, teachers assistant is like a second mother, academic programs, are pretty advanced, now that K5 almost over, i feel that my child is actually ready for second grade, not just the first, and most important my child loves school.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic quality of BSES is beyond what I've seen. The students are doing things in class that I did when I was 2 years beyond them. The teachers are caring and considerate. They will try to help you help your children however they can. Music and art are available in a wide variety. Parent involvement is all over the place.
—Submitted by Marla Henderson, a parent

THe quality of the academic programs out do any other public school located in the district 2 area. They offer activities that very from music to the beta club. The faculty and staff work one on one with students that need the help. The parents and the teachers know one another on a personal level. The involvement of the parents is superb.
—Submitted by Jon-MIchael Dodd, a parent