Orchard Avenue Elementary School

My 2 daughters go to this school and I am seeing all the improvements they have made and it has made a huge difference! My kids are excited to go to school, the teachers have been very communicative, respectful, and my kids are flourishing! There has been many updates to staff and support staff, social emotional learning strategies, there is much added support for kids with special needs and learning disabilities now than there ever was before, and they are even in the middle of planning a huge playground remodel to ensure inclusivity, safety, and overall physical and mental health of the student body. I would highly recommend this school!

If I could give zero stars, I would. Did you know that they have 3 padded rooms for children at this school: elementary, middle, and high school? IEPs are not followed. Documentation is not kept well. This school treats children like inmates, proving the school-to-prison pipeline. The school district does not have children's well-being as a priority. The staff is abusive both verbally and physically. There are no accommodations put in for children with diagnosed disabilities such as autism and ADHD. They ignore these diagnoses to implement their own absurd beliefs. Blaming children for their inadequacy. The support system for children at this school is subpar, and they prefer to force the parent into a situation where they claim this is the best option without revealing that there are better options. I believe this school should be shut down, and a thorough investigation should occur upon the staff.

Our daughter attended from 1st grade to 8th grade. Iowa test scores are constantly 2-3 grades above the average. Very pleased with the Christian values and message taught to the students. Smaller class sizes allow for more personalized lesson plans. Parent involvement is encouraged and the teachers are readily accessible. No concerns of woke agendas being taught to children.

All of the kids that go here think they’re so amazing it’s insane! The teachers hold their hands way too much and they don’t get to experience life at all. It is really very quite sad to think that they don’t even realize how false they’re perfect little bubble they live in is. What will happen to them when the real world pops it? If I could put zero stars I would.