Oakland Elementary School

Time and time again I walk out of this school infuriated with the behavior of the teachers and staff. There are a few exceptions, but there is no respect for the children by most of the teachers. I have heard name calling from teachers to students and every time I volunteer I feel terrible for the kids. The principal will listen to your problems, but do nothing about it.. Nothing will change because nobody there wants to change. The kids are raised to disrespect people since the teachers show them by their example. If you can afford private schools do it!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attenended this school for three years. The first two were a very good experience. The third was not. It seemed like we were home schooling him. They put much pressure on the parents for the students success. The parents really have to step up at home if the student falls behind. We are lucky. My wife and I have time to help him. Some other families may not have the rescources. I hope that my son gets more out of the school next year. We will have to consider private school if he doesn't. My wife and I are not school teachers. Maybe it was just a bad year. Like I said, the first two were good.
--Submitted by a parent

Great experience for my child! Outstanding staff and curriculum. Definitely 2 thumbs up!
--Submitted by a parent

Oakland is a great school. I am very happy to have my children attend such a warm and inviting place. The administrators, teachers and staff are truly concerned about the students. I love how the administrators greet and get the students out of the cars in the mornings.
--Submitted by a parent

My child went here for pre k for special needs children for just 6 weeks. They acted like they didn't have time to treat her properly so I put my daughter in a private school until we can move. I say run away from this school. I don't think I would even leave my dog there, let alone my child!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very satisfied with the school as a whole. I had heard a lot of things about Oakland through friends and the other reviews online. Most comments were negative. I was nervous at first, but I sent my daughter to school anyway, she started Kindergarten. I am vert pleased with my childs, teacher. I had a problem with another child harassing my child. I told the teacher and she was on top of the problem, and got it resolved very quickly. For a whole the school has been a wonderful experience, and I totally feel secure with my child attending there as long as she can. They are a safe, friendly environment and I recommend highly to people to send their children to Oakland.
--Submitted by a parent

I was not satisfied with how the principal responded to the issues that I had with my son's teacher concerning his progress. The principal totally disregarded anything that I had to say about the issues, constantly took up for the teacher, and ignored my requests to 'look' into the issues. The teacher was not really open to parental visitations during the school day which I feel is very important. It was like it truly bothered her that you actually came to the school and interrupted her lesson.
--Submitted by a parent

I read the reviews here before my son started at OPS and was afraid to send him, fortunately I did and found that this is the best school I've ever seen. It's a poor school in a poor area and they still are better than the expensive private and public schools in the area. The teachers are there because they care, not for money or the 'name' of the school. 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'. Go OPS!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at OPS for Pre K and now K and has had a very rewarding experience. There are faults in the school as in any school. I stay very involved in my son's schooling and feel that I am making an impact on not only his learning but that of the other students. There are staff members whom I do not like because of the way they treat the children. My solution: I wrote a very formal letter to the principle and also the local district office about my observations. I have heard back from both with their response and the actions that were taken. I think OPS can be a great school....if you let it!
--Submitted by a parent

I have taught at Oakland for the past 5 years as a 1st grade teacher, and I know first-hand that we are definately not in it for the money. All educators have to have a love of students and teaching in order to stay in the profession. Parents, the quality of your child's educational experience does not only depend upon the teacher, or the school. You are your child's first and best teacher. Get involved and stay involved! Also, keep in mind that private schools do not have required standards for what your child will learn, or qualifications of their teachers. They are not always the better choice.
--Submitted by a teacher