Old Donation Center

An amazing experience. At this school they incorporate current events into class lessons. Alos they know what information is boring, and they reconize that. they try to make it fun. Like today, were were studying proper nouns and my teacher told us that she knew it was a boring topic, but she made all of our grammer problems into jokes! A great school and wonderfull support.

I am about done with my college career and looking back on my past, I have to give credit to ODC. I was a student there from the time they first opened as a full-time school when I was in 3rd grade until 5th grade. The rigor, challenge, and interesting nature of ODC led me to middle school at Kemps Landing Magnet School, then AP classes in high school, and finally to a full academic scholarship at ODU. Of course, I cannot attribute all of my academic success to my elementary days, but if I had to choose a point from which my success started, I would have to choose my time at ODC where I had the most memorable, supportive, and proud teachers and administrators. I can remember having to be bribed by my mother to agree to go to ODC full-time, but I am so grateful she did!

I am a parent of two children at ODC and absolutely love the school. My children are thriving at ODC and we feel very lucky that they have had the opportunity to attend such a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been fortunate to be enrolled in ODC since second grade. The teacher's, administration and everyone at ODC are awesome.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had 2 children here and we absolutely love this school and highly recommend it to anyone! the teachers are wonderful and they understand gifted kids! Don't let a long bus ride deter you - it is so worth it.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. The teachers are very welcoming of parent involvement. The PTA is just superb and incorporate so many chance for the children to enrich themselves throughout the year in terms of assemblies, QUEST days, science labs, etc. I couldn't be happier with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Plaza Middle School's International Baccalaureate Program is AWESOME! The teachers and students throughout the school are really nice.
--Submitted by a student

ODC is a Great school that challenges students to go above and beyond the basic level of learning. I have a son who just finished the 2nd grade and he loves the school. That's what it is all about!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been enrolled in the visual art program for 4 years now and will start her 5th 09/08. She loves it there! She has expanded her art talent so much I am in awe of her! She is looking forward to applying for Salem High Schools Art Acad. I know her teachers will help her reach her goal! She loves her teachers and what they have taught her. She will be sad to leave next year!
--Submitted by a parent

One of the better schools in the Virginia Beach district. However, I believe the public school system has a long way to go in correctly identifying gifted students. The two tests that are administered (Naglieri and Otis-Lennon) are group tests which leave out students who may be highly distractable and need one on one attention. Or, they may leave out students who are creative thinkers in the highly gifted or profoundly gifted range who need their answers interpreted by a tester. Please read article at: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/on_testing.htm I've spoken to a couple of parents who were disappointed in this school and ended up taking their children out. The gifted label on the door, it seems, has made both students and teachers complacent. My child's teacher is on autopilot. There is little communication other than the progress reports and report cards. We need to tailor their curriculum so our nation can be competitive.
--Submitted by a parent