Wateree Elementary School

Wateree is a great school. We are a miliary family with two kids, we have been through several elementary schools and this has been the best. The atmosphere of the school is happy and laid back but the kids are very well behaved. The new principal is doing a really good job of moving the school foward. The entire staff really seems to care about the kids...from the teachers on down. The teachers are doing more with less due to the budget cutbacks. The PTO of the 2010-2011 school year seem open minded to trying new things to make the school better for everybody...Bingo night was a huge success. We moved to Kershaw County only because of the schools and we have no regrets. Other elementary schools in the county may have a better rating currently but things are changing at Wateree for the better and I doubt you could find another school with the same atmoshere for learning and making it fun as this...my kids actually love school now and that's the best thing about Wateree.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Wateree Elem. 2008/2009 for First grade and was a first time student at this school. I found the faculty to be wonderful even though they were going through a transition period w/out an acting principal after 'Winter break'. Things still ran like a well oiled machine and the kids seemed to be doing just fine. My daughter had Ms.Turbyfill for 1st grade and she was wonderful!! She really instilled the importance of READING...and my daughter who wasn't much of a reader now loves to read!!!! My only complaint is that I wish they would introduce foreign languages & musicical instrumments to the younger children in K-3rd. Overall a wonderful school .
--Submitted by a parent

We have just completed our first year at Wateree, bringing our daughter back in 1st grade, after completing the Primary program at Montessori School of Camden. All my fears of her being bored, leaving her friends and coming back into a conventional classroom were unnecessary. She has excelled academically, and socially beyond our wildest dreams. I have never experienced so much friendliness and family focus from a real 'community' school. From the open door policy of the principal, who met with each of the 2 years prior to us deiciding upon returning to public school, to our outstanding teacher who utilized everyone willing to volunteer in the class in any possible, including relatives just visiting from out of town, this is what a school should be all about. Don't let the ratings fool you about Lugoff vs. Wateree Elementary; Wateree is the hidden jewel!
--Submitted by Lyn Church, a parent

My children have been to Wateree Elementary seperately. My daughter attended 5K twice and then had to go to another school for 1st grade. the atmosphere of the other school ( which is in same district) was nothing compared to Wateree. My daughter was 9 weeks ahead. She got bored, so we moved back to the Wateree zoning area. My son started 5K in the other school. We had a very rough year just learning at the end that he has Tourette's, OCD, Bi-polar, and ADHD. When we brought him to Wateree he knew nothing that most 5yrs old should have after having a year already. We kept him back and within the first 9 weeks he was where he needed to be with the other students. I have been so pleased with this school. The teachers are very understanding and very helpful. I love the staff.
--Submitted by april niles, a parent

Being brand new to the 'school' atmosphere, I can only respond on my son's kindergarten experience. While he had a rough start, the teacher kept in constant contact with me and set-up a program to help him improve on his behaviors. While I am not yet familiar with the politics and competitiveness in the higher grades, I can say I am well satisfied with Wateree Elementary at this point. I think teachers/administrators have a very difficult job and we as parents sometimes have unrealistic expectations that they should meet all our child's needs. While it would be nice if they could, parents need to be very involved with their children if they want their child to succeed. It takes a village to raise a child they say... I think this is very true in today's world. I don't know if I can mention the teacher's name, but she and her assistant can do no wrong in my eyes. Also, we have a new principal this year and from what I see and hear, is doing a great job as well. Thank you for giving my child a successful first year!