Orchard Gardens K-8 School

Both of our children have attended the Hurley School starting eleven years ago when Ms. Soto became Principal.We found that Ms. Soto, the teachers and the staff that Ms. Soto and the hiring committee have found and developed are very dedicated, hard-working and caring. Ms Soto is always looking for ways to improve learning and the school experience. She encourages and enables professional development of the teachers and has formed partnerships with teaching programs so that all classes in the lower grades have at least two and often three teachers per classroom: A full teacher, an assistant and a student teacher. I have always found her open to ideas and feel that she realizes how valuable parent participation is for the school.Ms. Zrike, whose title is "Teacher Leader" but should be a combination of "Curriculum development leader", "Dean of Students" and "the person who can help with almost anything", is fantastic. She works with teachers to develop the curriculum, with kids that are struggling or kids that need more of a challenge and seems to know the right person to ask if something is not within her expertise.We have found that most Hurley teachers work to innovate in the classroom and work with parents to get things done. Teachers and parents have raised funds by writing grants and hosting fund-raisers. Together, we have created a library (the school did not have one when my daughter started K2), renovated the Gym, purchased thousands of books and created a playing field from a parking lot.Ms. Varney, our full-time (ex-college) librarian and library resource instructor isa wonderful person and a fantastic resource for the kids.The school library was benefitted from a Target make-over / update thanks to the grant application that she wrote. It now features even more new books and computer resources that she teaches the kids how to use.Other programs include increased reading support and a partnership that has brought in a part-time school psychologist. There are many more academic support and enrichment programs. I just can't name them all. From my experience, most of the teachers pay attention to the kid's emotional well-being as well as to making sure that they are challenged at their own level. Many kids Hurley students are eligible to attend Advanced Work and Boston exam schools.A great small school.

I was not happy when my son was assigned to this school since we live over 7 miles away and it takes him 45 minutes on the school bus. But we have realized that we WON the lottery! His teachers have been amazing. While he was on Ms.Hiatt's class she emailed constantly not matter what, I would receive a reply within 24 hours but usually the same day. The communication was amazing! I wish they expanded until 8th grade, its worth the trip!!

I was told this was a great school, it may have been many years ago, but for the past 5 years all I have done is gone to this school and tried to get one child help, same child, same issues, asking for help guidance suggestions and ultimatley its oh well its the child's job to figure it out because they feel they have done all they can, well if you feel you have done all you can and it hasnt helped this child one bit, how about lets get this child the help he needs and deserves with out the politics

My granddaughter has only been going there since September but I am so impressed with this school. There is a low student/teacher ratio, it is racially diverse, the teachers are well educated and promote an environment of healthy living and learning. Most important to me....they are king, available and my granddaughter loves the school and the chickens!

This school definitely has excellent teachers and staff. They are I would agree extremely motivated and energetic which contributes to that necessary love of learning that many of the children do have. While the teachers are great I dually feel that their science department is nil. The emphasis as stated is on religion and necessary aspects of programs like science have been truly neglected. Also the arts and foreign language departments are non-existant. Overall, again GREAT teachers and for many that makes up for the lack of some of the programs that I may feel are much needed.