Felton Lab School

This school has really good teachers, but the children are TERRIBLE. They are not receptive to new students. Many fo the students are bullies and have tunnel vision. Many of the students curse and use sexually explicit terms. The administration, teachers and parents are all in a cliche where nothing happens to the children who break rules because they have to keep the school open and one hand washes another. The adults aree either is in a social group together or attend the same church. If you want your child bullied and you wanna explain sexually explicit term to your young, innocent child take them to Felton. The positives definitely do not outweigh the minuses in the elementary school. . I regret taking my children there. It is not the Felton of the 80s or 90s
--Submitted by a parent

Well, Dr. Leaphart does not return calls from people who want to help out. Not even calls from parents. I know parents who are pulling their hair out because she never gets back to them. Dr. Leaphart's voice mail box is always full. Otherwise, she is doing a wonderful job. I wonder who supervises her. I would love to have a chat with that person.
--Submitted by a parent

This school stands out for me because of the small class sizes and the more personalized experience that students receive. However, I have observed several teachers that were below standard and did not appear to know how to deal with children, behaviorally, or teach them academically. I would say that teachers need more training in their content areas. They have increased their student activities although. I believe they need to do more for upper level students (i.e., a football team). I have nothing bad to say about the principal other than she did not return any of my phone calls during the year. I am not sure about her leadership skills. A good place for students that need smaller class sizes.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a granddaghter at Felton. The learning enviroment is excellent for learning.and the students are well behaved . The principal Dr. Lepart has very good and high expectations for the students and the teachers. I am always greeted very professionally ,the school is always clean . This school has a long standing reputation for producing excellent students,

Continued commitment to excellence

Decreased state funding, and leadership turn-over, has seriously affected programs and teacher morale. There is considerable parent involvement but it too lacks enthusiam. Most teachers seem to enjoy what they do but are concerned only about test results. Felton does well at the primary level but has seen declines at the upper middle school level. We are pleased with our son's grasp of the basic skills but feel he has missed out on being exposed to world view. Felton reflects the need to have a serious analysis of public education in rural America yet is the best of a bad lot. If one must be in Orangeburg, Felton is probably where your elementary aged child should attend.
--Submitted by a parent

fls needs a new principal that knows how to keep things organized.
--Submitted by a parent

Our school has started to loose its stamina under the leadership of Dr. Lancaster. Teachers are give there all but the morales is so low that it seems to be affecting the children and the outcome of their work. We ask parents do not want to be involved because our children complain that the director does not listen to them and she never have time for their complaints rather its about academics or sports, or extracurricular activity.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been going to felton for several years now and this year we have a new principal. Her name is dr.Lancaster. Whenever we try and ask her something she says she has a meeting to go to or she can't talk right now. I think she has no time for us at all. Dr.Mac was our best principal ever. He gave us his all and we will never forget him.
--Submitted by Aquarius Monkey, a student

Felton Lab is a school that encourages their students to work harder. There are some changes that need to be completed but, overall it is an excellent school. I have been going to Felton since kindergarten and it has really changed over the past year. This past year we have had girls and boys basketball teams, band, chorus, step team, and cheerleading. They are all great. The parents at Felton are really envolved with the school. The academic program, PACT Academy, really did help our students on the PACT. We also had the National Junior Honor Society which was for students who excelled in all academic areas. Our motto is Excellence Without Excuse. -7th grade honor student
--Submitted by a student