Bell's Crossing Elementary School

Bells Crossing is a great school. We have been blessed with excellent teachers year after year. The support staff is wonderful. The school is no longer over capacity which has just make it all the better. I can really tell a difference this year in the quality of education with our new Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been part of the BC community for 6 years, 2 kids going through so far. It has been a wonderful school. The teachers that my children have had have been great. Very caring about the children and their education. The opportunities such as Challenge and hands on activity is great as well. Although quiet time at lunch is a little strict... Besides that, A++. Couldn't imagine any school being better.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of this school is over rated on this site. I have found they are all about winning awards and not about a quality and appropriate education for my children. I end up teaching my children what they should be learning in the classroom!! If there is a video to show that addresses a particular subject then the video will be shown. The teachers, with the exception of a few, just gothrough the motions without taking the time to make sure the lesson is taught and clearly understood. Third grade is an especially difficult year but the teachers don't try to make it easier. Out of all the 3rd grade teachers there, I can count 2 that really do their job. The new principle has yet to make himself respected in my book. He overloads with messages to parents with a phone call every Sunday, which I have learned to let the answering machine pick up then promptly delete as it get the info in a message from school via email and also all the info on Edmondo! OVERLOAD!!!! Come on Bells!! What is happening to this schoo????
—Submitted by a parent

Bell's Crossing is a terrific school. This is my 5th year there, with two children attending. They have both had great teachers who have been caring, attentive, helpful, and of course, educational. My children have blossomed under their tutelage. There is a nice variety of activities - both in the classrooms and as clubs, and there is a great number of parents who are very involved. We have been very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school STINKS! We moved to Sc. about a year ago and lived in a different district & our son had to go to a different school which we all loved. Then we had a chance to move to their district which everyone boasted about this school. He is in 4th grade & has a HORRIBLE TEACHER! He is basically being picked on & bullied by his own teacher. She picks on him about EVERYTHING. She wants to hold him accountable for his actions & behavior, but doesnt hold herself to the same. He went from being a straight A & B student to getting C's. He practically cries everyday before I drop him off & is now having anxiety problems as well. We spoke with the asst. principle & the principle & they said they'd look into it and take care of it, but they haven't. If you care anything at all about your children, DO NOT send them to this school!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from out of state and wondered about the school. In no time we knew we moved to the right area! There is not one complaint about anything. Our child loves going to school each day. The staff really knows how to interact with the children and provide wonderful structure for the students. Plenty of activities for the kids. I have gotten to know many of the teachers now and you can tell they really enjoy working at Bell's. I give it a A+!
—Submitted by a parent

Not only is BC simply the best school in the area, it is one of the best schools in the State of South Carolina. It recently, along with numerous other awards, received the State's highest honor: Palmetto's Finest. This achievement does not come easily and requires an intensive undertaking of analyzing the school, teachers, test cores, environment, activities, and so fourth.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers sending text messages???... ever think that they might be checking their email in the morning car line to get a jump start on their day or using their phone to keep up with the constant emails coming to them throughout the day? Students are encouraged to conduct class and share their thoughts and ideas because their opinion is valued just as much as everyone else. My child loves the thought of being able to 'teach' or share her ideas and not just 'sitting and getting' information all day. Bell's Crossing is a WONDERFUL school that is always providing hands on activities and encouraging children to work at his or her level. By differentiating curriculum, my child is always provided work at his or her level. The teachers work nonstop all day long and stay very late in the afternoons to get the neccessary materials prepared for the next day.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading some of the submitted reviews I wonder if these people actually spend any time IN the school. I spend many hours at this school and some of the things I see are alarming . Teachers sending/reading text messages in class and in the morning car line, Students conducting class, including tests, while the teacher is out of the classroom, Teachers speaking very rudely to students, Students being left to supervise themselves for way to much of the day......just to name a few. It does look good on paper though................. Homeschool is looking pretty good!!
—Submitted by a parent

BC is a superb school which creates a learning environment that works well for my young child.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel blessed to have found such a wonderful school. It was an adjustment to get used to the large school sizes in SC, but Bell's staff make the school seem so much smaller.
—Submitted by a parent

So far, we are really enjoying the school year. Great teacher, great principle, great parents, and great students.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a wonderful experience with Bell's Crossing. I have a child that just finished 5th grade this past year and am so pleased to have my youngest entering 1st grade at Bell's Crossing! Mrs. Barlow, the principal is outstanding! Knows most of the kids by name in a school with over 1000 children. The challenge program is amazing--Sandy Young goes above and beyond her call of duty for the sake of these children. The parental involvement is absolutely top-notch which always helps a school excell!
—Submitted by a parent

If you are moving to the area and looking for the best elementary school, this is it. Bell's Crossing fosters a learning environment that includes play and academics with a top-notch teaching staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My grand-daughter goes to Bells Crossing and loves it. So far she has had good teachers. The only thing that bothers me is her mom is bad to sleep over and the teachers say things to her instead of her mother. There is not a thing that child can do with her mother. Believe me we have tried.

My child has been attending this school for 2 years now (going on our 3rd). My child loves going to school and loves the teachers! The only concerns I have are: Not challenging my child enough. While she may be 'meeting' standards, what is being done to challenge her. Also the PTA is very 'cliquish' and pretned to want everyone involved. But, in truth if you are not one of the 'chosen ones' no one really cares if you are there, as long as they can count you as a member on paper. I love the principal, she has an open door policy and will address any issue with you. Without her, I could see this school going down a very dark road!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished the 5th grade at Bell's where she attended all 6 years of elementary school. We absolutely loved it! The faculty is outstanding and the parent involvement can't be beat. The school was awarded the Palmetto's Finest Award for 2009. This means they are the best in elementary school in the state! Hard to beat that...
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. Needs more liberal arts and technology influences.
—Submitted by a parent

My family bought our house as a direct result of all the wonderful things going on at Bell's. It is true that the school is overcrowded but that is because people are attracted to the area because of how wonderful the schools here are- especially Bell's. Mrs. Barlow, the principal, is one of the best I have come in contact with. She is very attuned to the student's needs. Many times principals act like they are untouchable or that you are bothering them but you will see Mrs. Barlow in the car line directing traffic most mornings. The staff is great. They communicate more that any other staff. Emails are always ansered within a few hours. Parents are welcome anytime in the classroom and encouraged to be involved. The playground doesn't have grass but the PTA spent $10,000 on this issue this year.
—Submitted by a parent

Overcrow[d]ing is an issue at Bells Crossing due to the growth in the area... but that is why a new elementary school has been built very close by and is scheduled to take a load off of Bell's Crossing.