Fort Dorchester Elementary School

Fort Dorchester Elementary School is AMAZING!!! We are military and chose where to live based on the score this school received and I am so very glad we did. We couldn't have asked for a better school. Awesome teachers, staff and volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school! Anyone who doesn't think so will never be happy anywhere. Teachers have all been very organized. Great family activities. Many opportunities for parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

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

I also think this is a wonderful school. We moved from Long Island, NY and have found this school to be great. Teachers are wonderful and so is the rest of the staff. Carol Farris is always smiling and making it a wonderful environment for children and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't disagree more with the previous reveiewer. FDES has been the exact opposite for me. Teachers have been involved and loving and caring. I was on a first name basis with every one of my child's teachers and had a great relationship with them. The office staff is ready to help and open and warm. Carol Farris is always available even if I just pop my head in to say 'Hello!' I hate we moved away from FDES but I am confident our new school, Oakbrook Elementary, will be a great school as well. District 2 is the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school. They have both been in at least 3 other schools, due to military movement. So far, this is the worst school they have ever attended. Maybe it is good according to South Carolina's standards, but as far as my standards, it is not a school that I would willing send my children to. There isn't much of a parent teacher relationship. I base this on not just one teacher, but at least five teachers. When you enter the office area, be prepared to receive a we-are-better-than-you welcome. The principal has never been available to meet with me or answer any of my questions. If I had known when we moved here about this school and any other public schools in this area, I would have placed my children in private schools. The teachers act as if they hate their jobs. Good luck!!
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred to SC from PA in Oct. of 2006 and we have been very impressed with FDES. We were intially concerned about the large size of the school, but the school has an impressive staff and Principal (Ms. Farris) that gives the school a small school feeling. Both of our daughters enjoy the environment and my wife and I are impressed with the quality of the teachers/staff. They go the extra mile to show the students they care about them. We highly recommend FDES.
—Submitted by a parent

After transferring here from VA we've had nothing but trouble. My daughter is very behind in her reading compared to back home. Her DRA puts her at a level that she cannot possibly be at, therefore I feel it is inaccurate. For some reason this school district has to push learning down kids throats by skipping important steps needed to become successful readers. It's too much too fast for a child. Being we were not 'born here' and able to start her in Kindergarten with this intense learning I feel this district does not help those of us from other parts of the country. Unless your child has been born here or is considered a gifted I would not recommend district 2. There teachings are far too accelerated and your child will be left to drown here. No school funded tutoring and their 'help' they offer in school is useless.
—Submitted by a parent

I am writing to commend the teachings of Ms. Sabb. We just can't say enough wonderful things about her, she goes above and beyond to help her students as well as inform and help the parents. She has made our transition from CT to SC so much easier. She truly loves to teach and it shows in the excitement and positive energy she brings to her classroom. She is a teacher we will remember forever!!
—Submitted by a parent

We went Fort Dorchester last year during 2nd grade. I can't begin to tell you how much we loved the school. Ms. Sabb was the best teacher I've seen in years and I do work at the schools. We will miss all the girls up front in the office who were also wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

FDES does offer GATE classes in the 5th grade for the advanced students. Next year the school should not be overcrowded due to two new schools opening.
—Submitted by Paula, a parent