Bethel Elementary School

My family and I moved to the Greenville area this year, and I was relieved to find that Bethel Elementary was rated pretty highly. The school that my child attended previously was an outstanding school, so I had high standards for Bethel. Bethel has been nothing short of a parents worst nightmare since day one. I was given the "run around" when trying to enroll my child. The teacher that was assigned to my child has no business teaching. She spends more time nit picking and focusing on coloring technique than actually teaching valuable skills (2nd grade). Also, when we contacted administration with our concerns, we were told they would address the teacher with our concerns and get back to us, but never did. I feel this school is not concerned at all with the concerns of parents, and I am highly disappointed in everything we have experienced so far.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have both attended Bethel and I can say that we have had a wonderful experience. The teachers are excellent and use different strategies to accomodate different learning styles. They incoropate fun innovative approaches to teaching. The admininstration is available and truly cares for the sucess of each student. They understand that while standarized tests are important they are not the only standard that measures a students success. Bethel is a place where children can feel safe and secure and receive a great foundation for lifelong learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Bethel is a big school and that impacts the quality of education children receive there. It values products more then learning process and earning good testing results appears to be their primary goal. When a school projects are graded more on neatness then creativity then this school cares more on satisfying certain format then fostering creative thinking necessary for our children's success in the 21st century..
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to the neighborhood we did just to be zoned for Bethel. It is a wonderful school with excellent teachers. They are supportive and caring. The administration runs a tight ship and does not put up with bullying or other negative behaviors. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Bethel Elementary has been nothing short of a nightmare! I urge you, if you care about your childs education at all please stay as far away from the doors of Bethel Elementary as possible!!!! I have never seen such arrogance in a school's administration and faculty!! They have a 'WE CAN DO NO WRONG' attitude, and have absolutely no interest in parents feedback. Their only concern is test scores and they are willing to sacrifice their students educations to achieve them. The title 'National School of Excellence' is an absolute joke! A title this school certainly does not deserve. This school should be on posters across the nation as the number one reason to homeschool your children!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Bethel and I am very happy with how both of my children are doing. They have a love for learning that I completely credit to the wonderful teachers they have had while at this school. Not only do the teachers stress the academics, they also stress a love of learning. I am also very impressed with the choices Bethel offers from multi age classrooms to team teaching. Bethel teachers also do a wonderful job incorporating lots of technology into their lessons. Bethel really is a great place to send your child for a strong foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Bethel and they are both very happy. I have found elementary school to be a wonderful experience for both my children. The teaching staff is exceptional and the academics are varied and challenging. I credit Bethel's teachers and staff for making my children LOVE school. The PTA is very supportive and offers many opportunities for parents to get involved. Bethel is a wonderful place to be!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into the Simpsonville area in 2003 and have had a child at Bethel every year since. I cannot begin to express my thankfulness for the staff at Bethel. Each teacher my children have had have given so much and prepared them for the upcoming year. The administration cares so much about every aspect of the school and works so hard to make Bethel the best it can be. All employees take pride in making Bethel a warm, safe, clean, welcoming and positive environment for the kids and parents. I have always felt welcomed to be a part of my children's classrooms and other areas of the school. Volunteerism is very strong at Bethel and all parents are encouraged to take part. I have loved our years at Bethel and will be sad when they are over. Take a tour of Bethel and see for yourself!
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children at Bethel. Two of mine are in their final year having been there since Kindergarten. The teachers are wonderful. I am always impressed on how they seem to teach to the 'whole child'. Bethel has so many wonderful programs and opportunities for the kids. I appreciate that there are ways for both working and non-working parents to be involved. I have watched my children gain much more than just book knowledge. I am so glad that when we moved here we made sure we were zoned for Bethel.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Bethel and have been nothing but pleased. Our experience has been positive without exception. The administration, teachers, and staff have a heart for their students, wanting to help them reach their utmost potential. The school is warm and welcoming. We have never had issues with bullying or cliques. Overall parent involvement with PTA and volunteering is amazing. Anyone who feels the 'school needs a lot of improvements' should get in there and get involved. The more involved you are, the more you see how blessed your children are to be educated there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs a lot of improvements.
—Submitted by a parent

My son did not like attending this school. He is rather quiet and got picked on. We have since switched to Bell's since we have heard such great things about the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Please let everyone know that there is a new administration at Bethel this year and I couldn't be happier. We have already seen a difference in the atmosphere and it is a huge improvement. This is truly a great school, really it always was great but the principal was the pits. Despite previous comments, the principal was the problem. Teachers are top notch! This is going to be a great year!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our eighth consecutive year having children at Bethel. We could not be more pleased with the education our children are receiving and have received there. Bethel has wonderful teachers and provides a top notch academic environment. There are many clubs for students to join and activities in which to participate. There is very strong parental involvement, and a very active PTA. Previous comments have been full of bitterness against the administration--please note that we do have a brand new principal this year...one that is much more open to leaving her office and interacting with the children. This can only make Bethel an even more inviting place to be. The administration, teachers, custodial staff, and the parents are proud of Bethel and strive daily to make it even better. Bethel is truly a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Bethel Elementary is an outstanding school. We have been at Bethel for the past eight years. My children have received an excellent education, have done well on all of the standardized testing, and have enjoyed their experience immensely. My middle-schooler credits her teachers at Bethel for giving her such a great start that she is in all advanced classes. We have a new administration this year at Bethel, so any old comments, (no matter how unfounded I believe they were), do not apply to the current administration. Bethel is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, National PTA School of Excellence for Parent Involvement and a Red Carpet School, just to name a few things. These accomplishments speak for themselves. At Bethel, our new principal encourages our children to concentrate on their 'Straight A's' : Achievement, Attendance, Actions and Attitude. Sounds like a good plan for everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

I am proud to tell people that my children attend or have attended Bethel Elementary. My 6th grader was very well prepared academically for middle school and I am confident that my third grader will also be receiving the quality education needed to succeed in middle school. Not only does Bethel provide a quality education, it is a wonderful environment for our children. We have incredible parent and staff involvement. Teachers are not only there for our kids during the school day, but they are also involved in after school clubs with the students. It is obvious that the teachers and administration deeply care about their students and enjoy teaching. We are very fortunate to be a part of the Bethel Elementary School Family!
—Submitted by a teacher

My 2 children have attended Bethel Elementary for the past 3 years. I have found the school to offer a tremendous atmosphere for learning. The teachers go our of their way to help the variety of children that attend. Bethel depends on parent volunteers and with that it has won numerous awards. Altough many people struggle with the idea of a 'private' education, I believe Bethel's academics rival them. I find the disgrutled parents are usually those who do not get their way when changes cannot be made to specifically accommodate requests for teachers or homework. Bethel offers many extracirricular activities for all ages. These include a recess running club, choir,and science club to name just a few. If you are considering moving to Bethel's enrollment district I urge you to take a school tour and see for yourself. Bethel is special! FYI-We have new administration this year
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with Bethel. I have 2 children who attend this school and they love it. They are both advancing beyond their grade level. The teachers at Bethel foster an enviroment where the children are able to maximize their educational potential. There is an open door policy which allows the parents to be as involved as the would like in the classroom. I have found the teachers and adminstration to be very open to meeting with me and they have done everything possible to make my children's Bethel experience great. I strongly recommend moving into a Bethel neighborhood. You will not be disappointed!
—Submitted by a parent

I could not believe what I was reading concerning Bethel. What bitterness! Bethel is an outstanding school. The students love coming to Bethel. This is evident by the smiling faces that are seen everytime I enter the building. Parents are welcomed with open arms...just look at the volunteer hours. The administration is very supportive of the students and the faculity. PTA is very supportive. My children love Bethel and so do I!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have found Bethel to not be the school I had orginally heard about. For years it's reputation had been excellent. Now with changes to administration etc. there are lots of faults. I find the administration, from principal down to custodial staff, to have an amazing air of arrogance. There are a few teachers who give that title pride. For the most part the teaching staff should be looked upon as spoiled! Where have all the good schools gone?
—Submitted by a parent