Bluffton Elementary School

160 H. E. McCracken Circle

School District

Beaufort County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Beaufort County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 22, 2024

I've had multiple children in this school. Between the admin and teacher staff, support staff (PTO) and extra curriculars program staff, this school has been exemplary.I've seen growth with my own children and others that reflects a proper balance between education, preparation, motivation and self awareness and discipline for the children.They have a welcoming culture of inclusion and shouldn't be looked over if you are looking for a place for your child to grow and excel.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2020

I have three children each with different level of needs and this school bends over backwards for them. It is amazing that a school has a want to do more for those that need it and go above and beyond for those already at the level required. If I ever move, hopefully the schools they go to are half as good.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2016

I've had such a thoroughly great relationship with this school. The principal is very nice and incredibly involved. The teachers only get better and better. The atmosphere is conducive to happy kids and good learning. My son has advanced quite a bit in the time he has been here. They pay great attention to the kids and they make sure that each and every student is placed with care in the classroom that best suits their strengths and needs. The teachers are readily accessible and will always keep parents in the loop. I can never say enough good things about BLES.
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2015

GREAT school with a GREAT staff. The Principal oversees two schools (the elementary and the ECC). I think she does a GREAT job with both.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2014

Overall I am pleased with the school. My daughters' teachers are a easy to work with, she loves the school, she is regularly challenged enough to remain interested unlike at the ECC. The facility is clean and secure, the faculty is pleasant.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2014

Very Rude Staff. Over Aggressive Principal. I want to volunteer so badly but I don't want to deal with the bullies and I don't mean the students. Looking for other options for my children.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2014

We are new to the school and I have been disappointed from the day we started. There is no communication between staff and parents. When questions are asked I get snotty replays from the people in the office. As another commented stated I have no clue if there is actually a principal. I've never been able to talk to him or her, when we enrolled it was never an option to meet him or her which was very odd to me. We are a military family and have traveled all over the country and not once have we not been introduced to the school principal. I feel like I have no idea what is going on with my child and her academics. Her grades have fallen from all A's to B's and she herself has said she feels like the teachers do not care about the students. We are in the process of getting her into a new school asap! Very Very disappointed.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

What a disappointment!! If there is really a principal no one would know!! After 6 weeks of school I sat with a group of parents and kids new to school this year to find not one has ever seen, much less met, her. But more appalling is that students who have been there for 2 years chimed in that they didn't know who she was or what she looked like. Her lack of involvement, participation, support, and leadership is blatantly obvious and has clearly resulted in parents following suit. There is no PRIDE - no leadership or involvement, parents don't get involved, kids don't care and have no pride. Not only is this discouraging for parents and students, but how disheartening for a great faculty and administration. Again, what a disappointment. No visible leadership - going nowhere.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2012

Sad and depressing. The turnover that occured with the principle is the worst thing that happened to the school. Also I did not like the ESOL teacher, Mrs. Ferguson. She didn't appear to know how the program worked. I have been involved with this in other states, and she lacks a Supreme knowledge, of this program.
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2011

I have had my kids in the elementary school/ early childhood center for the past 5 years. I love the teachers and contrary to the people who don't like the principle I feel she is very involved. Your child's education is not only dependent on good teachers and a good principle but a parents ability to help their children and to know your own child abilities and to communicate. I have 3 kids in school there and have never had any of the negative experiences that were mentioned.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2011

We moved from Ohio to Bluffton and could not br more happy or impressed with the schools programs and communication with parents. We were in a top school in Ohio and feel that this program with the gifted program is wonderful and offers more than our top rated Ohi schools.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2011

Principal? What principal? She loves the element of power, but doesn't care to get involved with the children. She distances herself from parents and teachers and truly lives by the code of "in it for the money." What kind of role model is this for our young, impressionable children?
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2011

My child has attended Bluffton Elementary since kindergarten. I have been very impressed with the teachers and principal until this year. The previous principal was outstanding. It appears that the current principal has decided to punish all 5 th graders for the actions of others. Her crack down approach have teachers overracting and are excessive with their punishments. My child is in the GT program and her enthusiams has deminshed. I think the principal and teachers need to realize they are dealing with children not military cadets.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2011

There are outstanding teachers in this school; however, the leadership from the principal is poor. The principal has failed to create an environment that promotes enthusiasm and desire to learn. Her method of ruling with an iron fist does not work and she has lost respect from her parents and students! With new administrators this school has potential to be 5 stars!