Orchard Park Elementary School

Our son has been at OPES for 3 years and we are constantly surprised at the academic progress he has made. The teachers are good at communicating with us, although some better than others. The Principal and Assistant Principal both are very friendly and courteous and take the children's well being, safety and learning environment to heart. Talking in the cafeteria is allowed (green light) but when they start getting loud they get a yellow light. If they get too loud, the red light comes on and everyone has to get quiet and after a couple minutes the green light is back on again. As to the line to pick up the children, yes, cars are along the street. But this is a neighborhood and the people that live there move there because it is close to the school so that their children can just walk there. I am sure that if there was an emergency, people would give them plenty of room and there are other streets they can route the traffic through if needed. If the schools here are harder than where you came from originally, maybe you should look at the quality of the education there. We are very happy at OPES as it is constantly one of the best, if not THE best, school district in SC!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started kindergarten after we moved to Fort Mill last year. We are so pleased with OPES!! Her teacher was great, communicated well, and gave my child a very positive experience in her first year of school! I feel very fortunate that my child attends OPES!
--Submitted by a parent

My family and I moved from Ohio last year. My daughter was enrolled in the 3rd grade at Orchard Park. My daughter was a straight A student back in Ohio but as soon as we transferred her to Orchard she started to get very bad grades. I couldn't understand it. I asked her 3rd grade teacher if there was any thing I could do at home or even at the school to help her improve her grades. The teacher was NEVER helpful! I was very disappointed with her(teacher) because I thought teachers were suppose to be helpful and also when I had googled Orchard Park I saw theat it was a very good school. Needless to say I hated the teacher for the whole year.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers, lots of parent/community involvement and interest in what happens at the school, and effort is given to broadening the reach of the school throughout the community with specific committees, e.g. recycling committee.
--Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed with this school because the academic expectations are unrealistic. The curriculum is not age appropriate and concepts are presented to the children before they really can possibly comprehend the meaning or have real value. For example, the 5th grade when to JA Biztown and learned how a town works. Sounds, like a nice idea, but they had to learn how to write a check and update a check register. They had to fill out an application, and do interviews. Our tax dollars was spent to pay for this activity and since none of this information can be applied immediately because they are too young. It is a waste.
--Submitted by a parent

Great leadership, safety and activities. Many teachers live in adjoined community, Baxter Village< and take pride in the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Great Teachers. my teachers were Kelly Ussery and Rachal Fura
--Submitted by a parent

Incredible parent involvement and the decisions of faculty and staff are why this school has so rightly earned its high rating. I am confident that my child is receiving a solid and well-rounded education at Orchard Park Elementary School these past 3 years. Send them to OPES with at least that solid foundation in behavior, discipline, respect, and work ethic and this school delivers. The staff and faculty always respond to my emails in a timely manner. Teachers provide honest feedback and are receptive to my curriculum questions. Some reviews have been critical to the disciplined environment. I disagree with that but, then again my child doesn t have discipline issues. But I will say it provides one of the most crucial elements to education a safe learning environment. The faculty and staff respect and sincerely care for the students and I see that being reciprocated by the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a proud parent of 2 OPES Eagles! I volunteer three days per week, so I spend quite a bit of time walking the halls and observing the children. I have yet to meet a teacher or admin. staff member who I didn't like. All have been warm and welcoming, and willing to give me their time to talk over issues I find important, such as safety and academics. Orchard park puts children first. My kids are safe and well taught. I have lived in 5 states and my children have attended 7 elementary schools. OPES rises above them all. I'm proud to be a parent and volunteer at Orchard Park.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids at OPES and I am very happy with the school. Classes are small, the curriculum is broad and challenging, and the teachers are top-notch. My children have flourished academically at OPES. As many have pointed out, the administration is lacking, but it's more than made up for in teacher quality and core education that the kids receive. There are few discipline problems and the learning environment is wonderful. My kids are all very happy at OPES.
--Submitted by a parent