Leaphart Elementary School

My daughter attends Leaphart; she transferred from a private school where there were approximately 25 kids in her class. She is in a class of 14, I feel truly blessed because she needed the extra attention. She has an excellent teacher who is patient and kind and very open to communication. The entire staff is great. Sometimes all of the "outside" activites (Family night, Engineering night, Bi-lo night...) can be overwhelming for an "Old Mommy" like me, but as long as my daughter is happy, we will continue to support Leaphart!
—Submitted by a parent

I don't understand what all the fuss is about the open classroom. I went to Leaphart in the mid eighties and loved my experience there. I am now am a parent of 3 and 2 of my children attend Leaphart (K and 1) and they are doing an excellent job. The kids who aren't doing well are apparently lacking focus. The parents should address this issue on their own. Maybe the open classroom just isn't right for children who are unable to concentrate on the task at hand.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with our child's experience at Leaphart. While the 'open classroom' experience provides a challenge for both teacher and student, the teachers seem to work hard to make the environment work for the kids. The school is getting ready to undergo a major expansion and renovation beginning in Summer 09 and the the Open Classrooms will soon be a thing of the past. The school is also being designated as a Math and Science Magnet School beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. A good, diverse school for all kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't wait until my son leaves Leaphart, he's been there 6 years (K-5). Academically the school is lacking. The open classrooms were a mistake from the beginning. This school teaches primarily for standardized tests. Take your children to another school!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of children who have attended Leaphart, I must say that it has been a challenging experience.We continue to try to stay in the public setting, but are disappointed with our children's experiences in this 'open classroom' school. The teachers are trying, but are in a difficult environment. No one in the District seems to want to admit the challenges before us. They are evident at Leaphart, and manifest themselves by the time the children reach Irmo Middle. Sorry to disagree with another parent, but the school environment leaves much to be desired. Parent surveys (info located at SC State Dept of Ed website) indicate some dissatisfaction with school/home interaction.This is only growing.Music and art is great there, sports do not exist. Academics are struggling.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Leaphart for 3 years. She first entered in Kingergarten. We were considering sending her to a private school, but our neighbors assured us that Leaphart would measure up and exceed the private school education. The experience was so great for my daughter after 2 years, that I convinced my cousin to take her daughter out of private school and send her to Leaphart. Her daughter has enjoyed this year and she is looking forward to her next two years at Leaphart. The teachers and faculty are very nice and care for each student. I enjoy being a part of Leaphart.
—Submitted by CAB, a parent

The individual who posted the initial review on this board has obviously never had a child who attended Leaphart. I have been a Leaphart parent for 8 years now with my third child just starting kindergarten. Leaphart continuously receives state and national recognition for its achievements in elementary education. The teachers and staff are second to none and you can rest assured that your child will receive a top-notch education from Leaphart.
—Submitted by a parent