Fort Dorchester Elementary School

My son has attended FDES for 4 years. I can't say enough good things about this school. The teachers truly care about the kids and go the extra mile to help them learn. The office staff is friendly and helpful. It is obvious that parents in this school support it and their kids. It is a positive learning environment with teachers able to work with kids at multiple levels.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended K with Mrs. Trevino and Mrs. Thomas and I can not say enough about how absolutely INCREDIBLE they are! After our experience with them it will be difficult for any other teacher to live up to them. We loved Ft. Dorchester and feel our daughter had an amazing educational base to build on. Now we live in WA state and compared to Ft. Dorchester, her education does not even come close. I wish they used the programs here that they use in Dorchester II to teach reading and spelling. We moved to Dorchester II district specifically for their schools and looking back now we know why! They ARE the best.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started Kindergarten at this school in 2010. I have nothing but great things to say. You would never know that the school was so large wen you walk in the front door. Always personalized attention for the kids and parents. He was in KB and his teachers were out of this world. His teacher came to my sons Tball game and to watch how she works with the kids would bring tears to my eyes. I am excited for him to continue his elementary schooling there. We are a military family, so when moving here, finding the right school was our top priority. We found it!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is good for SC standards, but if you have moved from a state where they put education first, this school will disappoint you. We moved from WA state where my child was challenged and excelled in his classes. His teachers were involved with each and every student and would actually show up to soccer, baseball, football games, etc.... At this school they can barely tell you if your child is filling out their agendas properly. I have talked to my child's teacher several times and she just seems overwhelmed with discipline and other issues to really put forth the effort in teaching the children. I'm really disappointed in this school because it came highly recommended when we moved here.
--Submitted by a parent

We have lived in four states. I have to admit that FDES is a pretty well organized school. Very strict. Principal always greeted us with a smile. Teachers have been wonderful. K5 teachers are all awesome. Carpool line is the most organized that I have seen! I was scared to move to SC because of the # of kids that do not graduate. I feel the FDES will completely prepare them for the next level of schooling. I hope the Middle school will do the same.
--Submitted by a parent

A warning for prospective parents. This schools is like a military prison. Kids are not allowed to talk in hallways, not even a hi without getting sent to the back of the line. Kids are not allowed to talk during lunch except the last 5 minutes. How many adults are not allowed to talk during their lunch break? This school is very religious. All lesson plans are christian based the last 2 weeks of December leading up to break. Also a new principal started and no one was ever told about it. Ths kids don't even know who the principle is.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children in FDES and we love it!! The teachers are wonderful and very enthusiastic! We moved from MI and the difference in the level of education is amazing! My second grader actually has to work for his grades now and it is challenging him in ways our old school never did! He loves it here. Wonderful school, very helpful staff and just a great environment!
--Submitted by a parent

I think this is a great school! The principal is wonderful, but retired this summer. I like how the school is clean and the staff is friendly. I agree with the way my son was taught. His kindergarden teacher was not so great, she has classroom control issues and was not pleased with how she handles mainly the boys in the class. However my son did learn a lot from her, and from what I heard all the other K teachers are great. I'm looking forward to a new teacher next year, I hear the 1'st grade teachers are excellent!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids in FDES. This is the second year they have attended. All of them love the school and are doing great.
--Submitted by a parent

I heard this was a good school before but now that my child goes to this school I do not think this is a good school. The courses are not challenging enough and the teachers and principal do not properly handle the problems of bad behavior or bullying. The school is also to large and my childs teacher used profanity before.
--Submitted by a parent