James Island Elementary School

Awesome school...it is a shame that the previous principals gave the school a bad reputation. However, the new principal, Mrs. Deborah Davis-Fickling is wonderful. She is involved, professional, courteous and truly cares about the childrem, parents, faculty and staff. I am proud and lucky that my children attend JIES!!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a newer school. It has a lot to offer. We looked forward to our daughter's entry. However after 3 years we are moving to switch. The school has had 3 principals in 3 years. All three were poor. At least last year severe behavior issues were removed. This year the bad behaviors are way worse and nothing is being done about them. The teachers are blamed so the students never get the help they need. The outdoor classroom is great but the teachers need classes that don't have violent children. The teachers love the school but seem stressed out in all grades. The guidance and others are overwhelmed by these crazy students that the Principals have never placed or gotten help for. We are switching to a school where these students are removed before it gets this bad. This should be an awesome school. It just needs an awesome Principal. The District needs to bring in a proven elementary school principal. For now we are going to Stiles Point assigned area to live and withdrawing our child.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at JI Elementary for a total of six years, and my daugther for two years (both since Kindergarten). They have both had wonderful teachers, and we have been very pleased with their concern for our kids' education. My son has ADD, and we have had an excellent response from the administration, counselors, and the 4th/5th grade team. The outdoor classroom is also an excellent asset of this school. In the past, I don't believe the administration has encouraged much use for it in the curriculum, but the current principal is making it a priority to develop a curriculum (with the help of the CofC education department, DNR, etc.) that includes the outdoor classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

K parent. Pulling my child next year. Looks like this new Principal can't keep severe behavior kids out of my sons class! Great teachers, great building, awesome outdoor classroom, horrible Principal.
--Submitted by a parent

A gem on James Island. Racially diverse...great teachers. Students are well prepared for magnet middle schools like School of the Arts. Outdoor classroom is a treasure.
--Submitted by a parent

My 3 children have been at this school for the past four years. I've had great experiences with the teachers, they seem to go above and beyond with their work, giving challenging assignments, reaching out to parents, and connecting with their students. Although I was not always a fan of the principal, this year there is new leadership and in every interaction I've had with her she is professional, considerate and student focused. The school has an excellent atmosphere, bully prevention program and the students are rewarded for having good behavior. The counselor is available to work with students in need and is always receptive to solving problems or addressing concerns. I think one of the greatest strengths of the school is the diverse background of the student body - the students learn a realistic view of the world and their differences are appreciated. My only gripe is that the same parents seem to be the ones who volunteer and it would be great to have everyone help out. JI Elementary is the best kept secret in the area - don't be fooled by test scores from other schools - they have great teachers and I think the school is a great environment for my kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last 2 posts. This should have been a great school....they have great teachers and a great facility....and that is where the great parts stop. The previous principal of 6 years was horrible and...just when you thought it could turn around......the new 'interm' principal is even worse....google her name to find out more. As noted in another post, not a very kid friendly school--and that comes straight from the top down. A very pathetic environment for the elementary age. One of my worst regrets is that I did not take my child out of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the previous post. The faculty does not seem very 'kid friendly'. The facility is top notch. The outdoor classroom is great but I never see any students there. My overall impression is the school is primarily concerned with behavior rather than with learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers dont care about the students and expect the students to sit quietly every moment of every day. They have no idea how to employ positive reitterations
--Submitted by a parent

James Island Elementary is a wonderful educational institution. The teachers are among the best. My son is a first grader and I am pleased with how much they care about each student. Overall the school is just exceptional.
--Submitted by Takeya Ramsey, a parent