Elk Plain School of Choice

Both of my kids attended this school and I really appreciate the effort of the school to get the parents involved in their kids' education and activities. The reading program they have after winter break is a great program for the kids that offers incentive to read 1000 minutes. It really helps their reading levels improve drastically over the course of the 10 week challenge. The science and art program are top of the line.
--Submitted by a parent

I taught at Elk Plain for 7 years. I would still be there if we had not moved out of state. The teachers and principal at Elk Plain are very professional. I found them to be very open to different teaching strategies. Teachers receive specialized training to infuse the arts into academics. Most teachers work hard to explore different teaching techniques to meet all students needs. As one parent review suggested, a child will do well at Elk Plain if the parent is committed to volunteer work. However, a child will do well at any school if the parent is committed to the academic success of their child. Elk Plain offers an atmosphere where children can explore talents and abilities that extend beyond the academic realm.
--Submitted by a teacher

I love this school because they have dance and drama and music and every year each grade does a about 45 minute play with dancing and acting and singing and I love it!!!!
--Submitted by a student

I think EPSOC has slowly gone down in rating. Parents are involved, but I feel that upper grade teachers don't have any heart in the teaching they do. They do the same thing every year just different students. Nothing has change in 6th grade for many years. My oldest has graduated from high school and my other kids still bring home the exact same homework and has to do the exact same essays she did when she was in 6th grade at EPSOC. Lets get a little creative. Different students need to learn different things not the same year in and year out.
--Submitted by a parent

I wouldn't put my kids in any other Bethel public school. Elk Plain SOC is amazing. The principle is very involved and knows everyone. The parents are all involved - required parent hours helps there - and the teachers are all very motivated to teach. My son adores his teacher and loves his specialist classes. The only complaint I have about the school is the fact that the kids ride transfer buses and often transfer at the middle and high schools. This can be overwhelming for a little one.
--Submitted by Catherine, a parent

Our son-22yo, daughter-18yo, and daughter-14yo all went through Elk Plain School of Choice from the time it first opened. We all worked together-parents, staff and children to make EPSOC the best school and helped my children be the successful students that they are today. The oldest is getting his master's in teaching, the middle is pre-med and the 3rd in her freshman year of high school. We moved away 7 years ago but we have fond memories of the 'family' we had there. The teaching staff was phenomenal and truly cared about each and every child. The displays and productions put on were well orchestrated, again with the teacher's and parents working together from costuming, makeup, scenery, etc. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank-you all for everything. God bless you all!
--Submitted by a parent

Overall did not like the way were treated.
--Submitted by TJ Lobdell, a parent

Very dedicated teachers and staff. Love to teach.
--Submitted by a parent

EPSOC is a great school however the class sizes are on the large side, say 30 to 1. The specialist offered are enjoyed by the students. I enjoyed the 1st grade set up, there are three teachers and they team teach. The rules are the same in each class and the students have each of the teachers the same amout of time each day. It is a great set up. This year we have a new Principal and Wow! He is great. The kids respond so well to him. He spends time in the class rooms each week, he is an involved Principal and easily accessible by parents. EPSOC is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to be involved in their childs education. EPSOC has the right idea, parents and teachers working together.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a great choice! There is an application and lottery system, but the benefits stay with the children for a long time! This school has 45 min specialist time and in additon to music (where they start learning piano in first grade), they also have dance, drama, and science. Most teachers team teach their clasess which means the studnets see the other teachers of that grade for specific subjects allowing the teachers to be more specialized.
--Submitted by a parent