Orange Hunt Elementary School

Cardinal Forest Elementary has dramatically improved in the four years I have been associated with and have kids attending this school!! The addition of the Advanced Academic Program (AAP) has been huge in retaining talented young students instead to going to Keene Mill Elementary for the AAP magnet program there. The results are visible in the school’s significantly improved test scores and ratings by both GreatSchools and Niche, and moreover in the feeling and vibe within the school. The teachers know they are being successful, they are being recognized for it, and it permeates throughout the entire student body. CFES has become a sought-after elementary school, and for very justified reasons. Look at the results! And visit the school to see and feel for yourself!

We moved into this school this year and have a 2nd and kindergartener. So far, I haven’t been impressed. First, the school is huge, over 750 students, so this is not a neighborhood community-feel elementary school. My youngest son had a concert at the school for Thanksgiving and as we were leaving he said goodbye to the music teacher. She responded, “bye.” I could tell that she had no idea what my son’s name was, and that does not make me feel good as a parent. Secondly, the speech teacher, special ed teacher and a few others tried to bully me into putting my son on a speech IEP. I have nothing against IEPs, when necessary. But they brought up a speech concern and immediately told me the only option was to put him on an IEP. It was very clear to me that they wanted their government funding for number of IEPs in the school. That was all they cared about. I stood strong and wouldn’t sign off on it, but what a shame that everything is about money even at an elementary school. Third, the principal— who even is this lady? I barely see her, and the one time I did see her, it was about 30 minutes before dismissal and she was standing in the hall by the front door with her purse in her hand like she was getting ready to leave. Before the students were even dismissed! The school communication is awful, we never really know what’s going on, and some teachers relay a lot more information than others. It’s disorganized. Finally, the school does not seem like a welcoming place. The kids are not allowed to bring in anything for their birthdays— no treats, no little goody bags… so to make my child feel special I have to throw a large, expensive birthday party. Whenever we have a meeting at the school (just a few times) we ring the doorbell and the office staff asks who we are and what we want. When we respond with “we have a conference with so-and-so” we get questioned again — “well what time is your meeting/conference?” It’s like they don’t really want parents there. Same goes for field trips or class parties, they allow 2-3 parents to sign up and then don’t allow anyone else to come. Because I didn’t sign up to volunteer for my son’s holiday party in the first 5 minutes of it being released, I am not allowed to be there. Difficult to explain to my 5-year-old. I will say that my each of my son’s teachers seem pretty good, but overall, the school and community has been a huge disappointment. I would not recommend to others.

We moved here last year and this was my child's first year starting school. It was a bumpy transition in the beginning since they are on the Autism Spectrum. But I had many staff members help my child find their way to a relatively solid routine so they could focus on learning. The IEP process was a long journey, but it also provided me time to meet with the staff assisting my child in a regular basis. There weren't any turnovers throughout the entire school year, which made it consistent. So far, we are happy with the school and staff. And look forward to next school year.

Daughter attends there. Never had a problem with any type of learning issues. Teachers and staff are friendly and polite, with weekly updates from the teachers. PTA is very involved in the "going on's". Learning environment is inviting. School is also an AAP school for which I have no negative rules. Girls Scout troop meets at the school.

Mark Bibbee is the issue. Being that he is the principal it has a trickle down effect. Staff are lazy and rude. When you bring it to Mr Bibbees attention he says he will do something about it but does nothing. You can see him regularly flirting with staff members and moms. Bullying is an issue. My son has another kid hold a pencil to his eye in the lunch room. Mr Bibbee did nothing because the student was a staff members child. My son had to hide from the kid for the rest of the school year. I do not recommend this school while Mr Bibbee is the principal

Love this school and would recommend to others for their kids.

Sangster is an excellent school. Strong focus on academics and emotional well-being of the student. Parents are very engaged and supportive. The faculty is amazing and provides differential academic attention. Homework is reasonable and enrichment activities are plenty. The Covid protocols have been strong.