Orr Elementary School

2200 Minnesota Avenue Southeast

Washington, DC 20020

School District

District Of Columbia Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for District Of Columbia Public Schools

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 other on August 08, 2015

they care for your kid my kid has been going here for 5 years and he love it
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2014

I love Orr. The teachers and support staff really care about the children's "over all" education. My daughter has attend Orr for the last 5 yrs and she loves I exspecialy the after school and art programs. My youngest daughter now attends Orr pre-k. They made the transition easy for her. I love the teachers and staff except the new principal. I have never met her she's not inclusive to the school. My main conerns are not only do she believe that we're not worth her time but she wants to cut out all the art, music and other programs. This not what our children need. We at Orr don't want her there. She is detrimental to our children's education and future.
Submitted by other on April 18, 2014

Orr ES is a welcoming place with concerned, helpful teachers, administrators and parents. All of them look out for each other and try to meet the needs of each individual student.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

Orr is a good school. The staff seems to be on one accord. The students seem happy. As a parent I am happy with my children's overall educational experience.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2013

Continued from the previous post: As for the homework, my 5 year old gets so much that I hardly have enough time to help him with all of it. Mrs. Obama recently visited the school because it is a model for the healthy eating program (not sure of what it's called.) Yes, I agree that the kids need to get across the street safely: They need another crossing guard for the middle of the street to help the kids across and the current corner crossing guard has made mention of this to me so they are working on that). I also agree that the classrooms should have doors but I also don't really see it as a real barrier to education because the teachers do actually care and teach the kids. Many parents love this school (I know because I inquired from parents of kids who attend before I chose the school and while my son has been attending, I talk to other parents there). And my son absolutely loves going to Orr!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2013

I completely disagree with the reviewer who stated that "Orr is a disgrace to the public school system." My son is in his second year at Orr and he loves going to school everyday. The teachers regularly communicate with the parents and he gets a lot of homework! I see staff members close to the entrance all the time that make sure the kids are safe and doing what they are supposed to do. The staff members I always see are: Mr. Ray (who's outside a lot also during arrival and departure times), Ms. Patton, Ms. Hinkle, the security guard (usually Ms. Wilson), Ms. Thomas, Ms. Turner, Ms. LaFortune, and some others whose names I don't know. Also, the parent involvement is very high. I see a lot of the same parents all of the time who know each other and are involved, regularly volunteering. My son and I both like Orr. The only reason I don't give it 4 stars is that I think the kids could learn more of a variety of subjects like foreign language, science and history. They are looking to make improvements, however they are working from a DCPS budget.
Submitted by teacher on September 07, 2013

Great changes are taking course as we speak. New leadership and support is very strong at this school. I'm looking forward to watch this school progress and grow. Go, "Orr Jaguars". Iron Sharpens Iron
Submitted by teacher on August 12, 2013

Orr Elementary School is a diamond in the rough. The teachers are great! The staff provides a caring and welcoming environment for students. We go the extra mile for building the character of our future leaders.
Submitted by other on December 10, 2012

This school has sooo much potential. From what I hear of people my age and older this USED to be a great school. The leadership is certainly poor. While many of the teachers and paraprofessionals do care, I have worked there, and Ms. Edwards is a bully type leader that gives very little direction and genuine kindness to students. I've seen their rap video "school is awesome" an I'm proud of the kids that did it, but the Principal puts on a show for others. She's collecting a paycheck and does not put in the work to truly improve the school. I know several other people that work there and have kids that attend. So I know what I'm talking about. Better leadership would equal a better Orr, period.
Submitted by teacher on June 23, 2012

Orr has potential but it is failing. The leadership is poor, it is frustrating teaching in an open classroom setting and there are few consequences for students poor behavior. The bathrooms are unclean and students in the neighborhood loiter around the school in the evenings. Teachers are not supported!
Submitted by teacher on June 19, 2012

As a former DCPS volunteer, that now has a position at Orr, I can honestly say that this is a great school. There are numerous activities for the. Students and a full time parent center to support the parents. They offer great extra curricular activities that foster learning such as GeoPlunge, a geography competion. The music department offers both vocal and instrumental training. The students can be a part of the chess club, scrabble team, cheer leading , track and basketball. Orr encourages a family environment , where the parents can be an integral part of their child's education. Come check Orr out,you will pleasantly surprised.
Submitted by teacher on June 16, 2012

Orr is truly AWESOME! At Orr, each student has a mentor; classes are student centered with participatory learning; parent-teacher communication is regular, and teachers and staff build community, confidence and relationships amongst students. Orr offers families before care, after school programs, our very own in-house Orr Boys & Girls Club, French, chess, soccer, tennis, basketball, to include, an in-house farmers market that serves our families and the surrounding community. Most important, Orr is a safe environment with the most passionate, and experienced staff --- very helpful, knowledgeable and able to answer whatever questions you might have.
Submitted by teacher on June 07, 2010

Orr Elementary is a great place for learners small and tall. Teachers engage in high quality job embedded professional development which extends to enhanced and intentional classroom instruction. The parents at Orr are becoming more and more involved in the daily operations of the school.
Submitted by teacher on September 30, 2009

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Submitted by parent on March 26, 2004

I am not pleased with this school at all. This school appears to pride itself on the 'open classroom model'. All this theory consist of are approx. 3 classrooms put together with no walls to make one big room. In this room are approx 60-70 children and 3 teachers. The children are placed in to groups in this large room. No walls separate them, nothing. Orr is a disgrace to the public school system. Students do not get regular homework. I do not blame the teachers completely. They are doing the best with what they have. I blame DC because they allow this to happen. When it is time to dismiss, you are lucky if you see 3-4 staff people outside to ensure these children make it across the street safely.