Locust Grove Elementary School

The Teachers and Administration do care but are hamstrung by a community mired in anti-establishment feelings. The Schools are under funded and cannot cater to the students outside of the norm. Neither of my children are properly handled on both sides of the spectrum, one slower, one highly gifted. I'd send the children to private school if I could. When mistakes are made by Administration, the Bureaucracy grinds to a halt. You either need to walk in there screaming or, nothing gets done. Even being active in the school doesn't mean things can get fixed. Yes the Principle know everyone in the school but, until Orange County decides Schools are a priority, this entire system will be well below average.
--Submitted by a parent

Individuality not encouraged. Academics not stressed. Discipline against rowdy, disruptive children not strong enough. 50% of the staff is up to par. Okay school, but if you can do better...do so. My child was in the gifted program and did not learn much. We are moving partly because of the school. It is somewhat 'hillbillyish.' Dress code is flip flops for many teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I really enjoyed meeting and working with Ms. Collins who to my understanding is a new teacher of the 4th grade class. She presents herself as a dedicated, caring, understanding individual committed to providing my daughter a quality education.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with the school. (Thanks to the great staff of teachers and administrators.) We need more teachers like Ms. Fitzgerald and Ms. Furst!
--Submitted by a parent

We had been sending our daughter to a private school. LGES has surpassed our expectations. The prinicple takes time to know each & every student personally. We have four children & three are enrolled. Everyday our children are excited about going to school and impress us with their knowledge of what they are taking in at LGES. The teachers are caring & concerned. The parents are a vital importance to being involled in the school. This is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

My wife and I have been pleased with the overall course of study. Our children enjoy going to LGES and have had some great teachers like Ms. Buckless and Mrs. Bodendorf. However, we are extremely dissapointed with the school board and the school administrators They seem to be on another planet when it comes to locating and enticing quality candidates for our schools and they seem to be out of touch with transportation and overall wages (except there own) to attract and keep quality employees. All of us need to speak up and be heard, they are responsible for our childrens education. Thanks to the great staff at LGES...
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with this school
--Submitted by a parent

My autistic son attends this school in an inclusion classroom. He began in Early Education at the age of three. Every year, we see a dedication unsurpassed by any I have experienced in ensuring that my son receives every possible resource available within the confines of the budget (at the mercy of state and federal governments). The principal is caring, knowledgable, approachable and available. I see an emphasis on skills but taught in a way that applies those skills to everyday life over a multitude of subjects. Students are exposed to art, music and technology on a weekly basis. Staff members encourage students in postive ways to build pride and confidence. My son has achieved milestones we thought would take years to reach, if ever. Needless to say, we are extremely happy we moved to Orange County and that our son attends this fine school!
--Submitted by Cheryl N., a parent

The school staff are generally very grounded. It is a great example of a rural school done well with caring staff and great leadership by Rebecca Stone who listens to your concerns and is action oriented. I have had two children attend, one with ADD and one of which is currently enrolled. I suggest you interview every individual teacher as you may find the occasional slacker but they do not last. I know that public schools do a lot with a little. My only complaint is lodged at Orange County and Virginia which has gutted funding for the arts. One Art teacher is shared by numerous schools and the music programs in general have taken a knock out punch by the SOL focus programs. This is short sited and unacceptable. This is a great school.
--Submitted by Paul K., a parent

Both my brothers attened this shcool and now my son is in kindergarden. He has a great teacher and has settled in very well, and looks forward to the school day. Locust Grove is a wonderful school, because of the teachers, and especially the students!
--Submitted by Amy Sheffield, a parent