Orangethorpe Elementary School

1400 South Brookhurst Road

School District

Fullerton Elementary
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for Fullerton Elementary 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 December 14, 2022

Overall, Orangethorpe Elementary is a great school. I love this school for it's diversity. I feel like the overall numbers/ratings are severely outdated and inaccurate. From teachers to staff, the adults at this school care about each child. I would say that the school works closely with the school district to address the ever changing learning needs of each student. After the pandemic, there is no longer one mold that fits all students. With the assistance of Intervention teachers, the "classroom" teachers are able to focus on a curriculum that is inclusive for all levels. I am a mom of the Multiage Program here at Orangethorpe. This is not an extra curricular program but rather a program that's within the school that allows students to work at their own pace on individualized curriculums. This successful program and hidden gem has been running strong for over 50 years. The primary classroom encompasses 4 grade levels (K-3) with three classrooms all made into one giant classroom! When you tour the classroom, you'll notice there are only 3 desks in the class, group tables, lap desks, belly boards, a calm corner, and a giant couch! The "Upper Multiage" classroom bridges the gap between a "play" driven atmosphere to getting them ready for junior high. Upper Multiage encourages these independent 4th through 6th graders to love school through the art of learning! The whole program thrives on hands-on learning and a collaborative environment which teaches students to be inclusive of one another despite the difference in age or academic ability. Many field trips are taken allowing for cultural enrichment. I'm very involved with the program but also with the school. Earlier this year, the school debuted the long awaited "Sherwood Forest" which is an outdoor learning space complete with a mini stage and amphitheater, outdoor tables, and tons of grass. Also available are the LABS at Orangethorpe. Theres the Science Lab, Robotics Lab, and Creative Lab all sitting next to a newly remodeled library with updated books! The school partners with the All the Arts Foundation to provide Art, Dance, Theatre, and Music to the students. Each classroom is equipped with state of the art Smart TVs and iPads for each student. Being on a "major" street, the school and district have done a wonderful job of securing the campus and making the kids, staff, and parents feel safe. Overall, I'd recommend Orangethorpe Elementary (HANDS DOWN)! Come tour the campus and the Multiage class
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2022

My boys attend Orangethorpe Elementary and are in the Multiage Program. I highly recommend this school and especially the multiage program. Not only do my boys thrive in the classroom (my youngest is in kindergarten and my oldest is in 3rd), they get to go at their own pace, bond with kids their own age and different ages including their siblings, and get to experience education in a whole new way that I wish I had as a kid! The environment of the multiage classroom is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. They’re very inclusive and so loving and understanding of each child’s needs to make their education experience the best for them individually.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2022

This review is for the Multiage Program at Orangethorpe. I can’t speak about the rest of the school, but the MA program has been great for my family. I love that I can be in the classroom whenever I like. It’s great to see what your kid is up to, and get to know the people who she spends her days with. But more than that, I appreciate that this is a program that meets the needs of kids where they are at. It is not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all education. Kids from ages 5-9 are all working at different levels in different subjects, and that’s ok! No one is made to feel bad about learning a little slower, or made to feel superior for learning a little faster. Kids aren’t expected to sit at a desk for six hours a day; they can sit on the carpet, at a desk, on a couch, or at a multi-student table, depending on the needs of the child and the type of work they’re doing. There is lots of hands-on learning, learning through play, and social interaction. In addition, this program is homework-free, which is important to me and my family.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2022

Both of my daughters went through their multiage creative learning program and it was honestly such a blessing. Great, caring teachers that have a fun non stressful learning environment. Field trips every month and a family oriented group of parents. It’s more than a classroom, it’s a family. I also love the new outdoor class room made for the students.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2022

Orangethorpe Elementary is a hidden gem of a school. We are part of the Multiage Program (K-3rd) and it is truly a unique and amazing part of this wonderful school. Parents are involved and kids learn at their pace. All the teachers we've experienced are great. The Multiage teachers are especially fantastic. The program works only because of the teachers and schools commitment to it. It is a fun and engaging classroom. We walked in to the classroom and immediately knew we wanted our children to attend. I wish I could have attended! We come from out of district just to go to this school, oh and we drive 30 minutes each way. Check it out, it is that special!
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2022

Orangethorpe Elementary is a fantastic school with caring staff and teachers, wonderful facilities such as a "Sherwood Forest" dedicated to outdoor learning and a robotics lab, and great socio-emotional support for my kids. We are part of the unique Orangethorpe Multiage Program on campus, and my kids have thrived! When I found the Orangethorpe Multiage Program I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. The Multiage's individualized curriculum has let my kids work grade levels ahead even since Kindergarten. They come to me after school so excited about a "hard" math problem they solved or that they used a new "juicy" word in their writing. Their learning has never had to slow down. Their curious minds are always fed with hands-on learning and monthly field trips. One of my kids has always wanted to be an engineer and he got to develop all those skills with an amazing roller coaster project. He learned to cooperate with his team, trouble shoot and struggle through failures, and help other kids with their projects too. At the end, we had a field trip to Knott's Berry Farm and we stayed from opening to close because we have so much fun with the other Multiage families. Another kid is a talented artist and loves that art is always in the classroom, but most especially when they get to draw nature from the class garden and on field trips to the Arboretum. The classroom itself is beautiful and inspiring. It is covered with artwork, writing, and giant math problems that kids work on over days. The primary class is huge and filled with a library of books, all of which any child of any grade can read. It is always warm and friendly with smiling kids and parents. The teachers know exactly what my kids need academically and support them emotionally with understanding, patience, and kind words. So grateful to have found the Orangethorpe Multiage Program!
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2020

The Multiage classroom here is amazing and really unique. It's a k-3 classroom with excellent teachers and parent/grandparent volunteers. Kids get to learn at their own pace and there's special projects and no homework. It's been a wonderful start to my child's education.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2019

Veey unhappy with this school its obvious why it would be rated so low. Children are at school so many hours and get sent home with loads of homework as if the teachera prefer for us to be the ones teaching our childre. When it is theyre job
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2019

Orangethorpe has been a wonderful environment for my daughter to grow and thrive. She loves her school and all her friends so much!
Submitted by student on October 02, 2017

This school is terrible! I attended this school from kindergarten to 6th and I have never enjoyed my experience there. The kids swear and date to look cool, mostly starting that attitude at 4th grade. At school I was known as the lonely weirdo who stood up for other bullied kid's. I have very terrible memories from attending that school, and am very relieved to have finally gone to middle school. I really hope that school changed has changed....
Submitted by other on September 27, 2017

Everyone is really nice. The ladies in the office are helpful and the teachers truly care about the students.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2017

Dealing with this school was an absolute nightmare! They constantly changed my son's schedule so he never could adjust, get into routine, or follow curriculum. Due to his class groups/schedule being changed weekly he was constantly missing valuable information. They do not address bullying issues. If I sent my son to school the same way he was sent home daily (bruised,Scratched, bitten, ripped & stretched clothing, hungry, writing across his back (several times a month) with lice(3 different times) the state would be at my house.... but it's ok for the school to send your child home this way. The faculty did not even treat my son nor even acknowledge him as aperson. It's sad they call themselves educators.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2017

When I was in the office, I heard the principal laughing about bulling her staff. How can that be good for kids? The teachers are also asked to tattle tale on each other and she makes fun of kids. I hate going in to the office. The multi-age parents are treated very differently that us regular parents.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

The sense of community is felt in the multi-age program. This program offers real life skills for children. The teachers are very approachable and caring towards their students. Parents take an active role in their children's education. My son is flourishing that's what counts and has embraced the love of learning.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2014

The Multi age class is amazing. A great alternative to homeschooling. Parents are so involved the student to adult ratio is 1 to 5 every day! Children direct their own learning. Art, Science, PE, Social Stdies, Class pets, monthly field trips, technology and intractive math games all in an individualized format. There is nothing else like it. THE MULTI AGE PROGRAM ROCKS!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2014

My children are in the multi-age program. It is AMAZING!!! We have wonderful teachers who truly care about my kids education. Our classroom is more than teachers and students. The parents are involved. I volunteer in the classroom 3 hours a week, per child. It sounds like a lot, it is not. I have a pulse on my child's education. I know exactly what they are doing in class. I know the parents. I know there friends. We are a village. It is so hard to find a great community of parents like this. We have passion, not just for my children to be the best, but for each others kids to succeed too. It is amazing and such a well kept secret. We recently got a new principal, we got a facelift, and the new ORCA way. It is amazing to see this school flourish. Hopefully people will look beyond the low scores and see this school for what it truly is, a diamond in the rough.
Submitted by other on August 30, 2014

I love this school and I love the multiage program. It has helped me become a better learner.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2014

My son has gone here for three years. It is a great school. He is in the multi-age program, and I could not be happier. I love the 'it takes a village' approach. And I know everyone in our village is dedicated! I would be more comfortable if we did not have the homeless camping out in the park all day. There has never been any problems, but it is a huge distraction.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2014

My son and daughter attend Orangethorpe. It is a good school. The area is not great but the ladies in the front office are helpful, Mrs. Alonzo and Ms. Ogawa are great, Mrs. Waters is awesome and the Principal Doctor Hale really cares about the kids. I appreciate the Friday assemblies because I learn about everything that is happening at Orangethorpe. Ms Gabriella and Ms Pat manage the busy office and still make everyone that comes in the office feel welcomed. Orangethorpe is a great school with a lot of technology.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014

Both my kids go to this school. There are fantastic teachers at this school and the class rooms are well kept. Most classrooms include and ipad or Macbook for each student to use. School is diverse, but not anything that would make me feel like I have to look over my shoulder for fear of being attacked. There is a small park attached to the school where homeless from time to time hang out. Perhaps this is something the city needs to address since most of them seem to come from Anaheim which is a block away. The school is clean and really happy to see parents involved with school programs overall. Traffic in the morning and afternoon can be an issue in dropping of and picking up kids, but what school doesn't have this problem? Even schools in Irvine or other more affluent neighborhoods have this issue.