Okatie Elementary School

53 Cherry Point Road

School District

Beaufort County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
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 June 08, 2024

My children love this school. We are relocating to another area ands leaving this school is one of the hardest things we have had to do. I’ve had two children attend this school in grades 2-4 and then grades PK-K. Teachers have built relationships with both my children, not only teaching academics, but life skills. One child has allergies so requires special care around food and we also had developmental concerns at one point. The team for the review process was excellent, fair and informed. The principal has a background in Special Education and it made all the difference in deciding the path for my child. The school holds community events that students are excited to attend, but even classes like media and the STEM lab are magical at this school due to the efforts of amazing teachers. I would recommend this school to anyone wanting a welcoming and safe place for children.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2023

The principal of this school, Tracy Lanese, discriminates. She is a horrible administrator. SC is ranked 42nd in public education and Okatie Elementary does not rank well at all among other SC public elementary schools. I would highly recommend avoiding this school and school district at all costs. In fact, we are moving back to NC as soon as possible just to rid ourselves of this nightmare. The Office for Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. has already been in contact with me after I submitted an 11 page formal complaint with a request for early mediation. Too much to share here, but please try your best to avoid this school entirely.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2018

I moved my kids from Pritchardville Elementary to Okatie through the choice program. I am so glad I did! They are thriving at Okatie, the staff are truly caring and really get to know your kids. The parent involvement is so much more at Okatie than at Pritchardville and it makes a huge difference. We love the principle Jamie Pickney. She runs a tight ship, but you can certainly tell she is caring and the students respect her. She leads through a great example. They have a ton of extra's for the kids; music, art, theatre, Young Astronauts, and clubs after school as well. From the principle to the librarian, all staff is approachable. You can tell when people like their jobs and their environment......it shows.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2015

This is an excellent school and by far, the best school in the area! We are so extremely pleased with the level of education my son is receiving. There are so many family events and clubs and the school really makes sure the parents are involved in every step of the way! I'm so glad we made the decision to put our son in this school.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2014

OES is a terrific school. The teachers go above and beyond to give the students the best education possible. I have found the principal and vice principal to be friendly, kind, and fair. It is a blessing to have my children at OES. Go OWLS!!!!!
Submitted by other on October 30, 2014

Okatie Elementary is simply fantastic. They offer so much for the students. This school has art, drama, band, chorus, and science lab. There are also so many clubs and activities that children can get involved with and enjoy while they are learning. The teachers and staff are all so professional and the atmosphere at this school is so warm and welcoming.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2014

this school is not what it seems to be. Lots of favoritism and judgement is passed to parents of a students that have english as a second language. Principal is very hard to talk to and is always judgmental. If a child is behind parent is asked to remove the child to another school so the scores would not fall under... hmmmm its a luck of the draw getting teacher. Some of the teachers are frantic neurotic...
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

This is one of the best schools I have ever seen. They have a great environment for our children to learn in. The principal and the assistant principal are two of the most caring individuals in the industry. The teaching staff and assistants are wonderful.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Jaime is the BEST Principal and school leader in Beaufort County! The pride this school has from leadership to, teachers, to students and parents EARNED THE BLUE RIBBON NATIONAL RECOGNITION!! just two days ago for exemplary education of ALL students. This school is an American Model School and its WELL deserved! Thank you Okatie! My children have been extremely blessed to be a part of this community. WHOOT WHOOT Okatie Owls EARNED their WINGS!!!
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2011

My daughter just finished kindergarten and will be attending first grade next week. This school is the best in Beaufort County. Teachers team teach, and work in small groups so the kids can work at their highest levels and not be held back. The science program is awesome! My daughter loved working the garden. And we have the best art, music, and drama programs!!! Test scores are high because the teachers care and they take the time to work with all the kids individually. This is a science and technology based curriculum. We chose our house to make sure we would be at this school! Go OKATIE Owls!
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2009

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