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! read more

Worst school ever. This school prioritizes the multi age program kids a crazy amount. My kid was punched by one of the kids in the program and my kid scratched his arm, my kid got a pink slip and the kid from multi age program got nothing because since hes "in the program they need different accommodations" ?? Which i find mind blowing. This school as well lets the teachers wrongfully yell at students which is backed up by the principals. The vice principal yells at staff and humiliates them. The 6th grade teacher Cardenas yells at her students then demands a apology. She as well never lets parents know of any incidents because she knows she is in the wrong. This is a horrible school mainly because of the staff but also because of the cleanliness the bathrooms are in horrible condition as well as denying feminine trash bins which leaves female students in a awkward position having to throw away pads/tampons in the main trash bins. Office ladies as well talk bad about students in Spanish in the office because the principals aren't bilingual which is extremely unprofessional. This school favoritism is out of hand which is unfair to students. Staff and principals never get in touch with parents when a student incident happens then they blame everything on the student with no explanation when confronted. Please do not send your kids here. read more

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 the teachers and schools are commitment to it. It is a fun and engaging classroom. TAKE A TOUR!! 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! read more

Orangethorpe Elementary School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Fullerton, California

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. read more

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. read more

This school does not protect your child against bullying or racism. My child was bullied for being black the first 3 weeks of school from one child. The principal, assistant principal, and teacher claimed they would do something about it, but nothing was done. I had talked to the principal about the situation and all she had to say was "ok". Disappointed in the entire staff. Diversity and protecting it does not exist here. read more

Review specific to the MULTIAGE PROGRAM- My son was in standard public school for K-1st, until I found this hidden gem in fullerton. He always loved school, until 1st grade he started coming home saying he hated school. I was heartbroken. If my son hated school by first grade, how was the rest of his learning career/experience going to go. The Multiageclassroom more than revived his passion for learning again! The learning is creative, hands on, as slow or fast for each child's learning ability. If they are advanced, they can learn past their grade level, or have more time and attention given in areas they struggle in. The teachers are amazing and actually love and care for your child. I always know how my son is doing and what he's learning. We have so much to share together because I know all his friends and his friends parents. That to me, is priceless! Amazingly it's free and we were able to easily get a district transfer due to the program not being offered in our home district. read more

My child is in the MULTIAGE program. It is a parent participation program within the school. It is one on one learning and at my child's own pace. They are encouraged to learn what they love. It is completely individualized. There is no pressure, just encouragement to let the child grow at their own rate. They are encouraged to explore and work with their fellow classmates. ENCOURAGED to talk and move around. It is AMAZING. A true diamond in the rough. I wanted private school, but without the price and I found it. I love that I am in the classroom with my child 3 hours a week. I am able to know their friends and the parents. It is the best education I could offer my child. read more

Orangethorpe Elementary School - The multiage program at Orangethorpe. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Fullerton, California

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The MULTIAGE program here is absolutely amazing!! We transferred my son here after a horrible year at a school in a nearby district. He has made more progress in 3 weeks than he did in months last year. This is because he LEARNS AT HIS OWN PACE! The teachers here value children's creativity and uniqueness. They are not trying to give EVERY child a cookie cutter education! Every parent here is working for the best for ALL of the children. This unlike many classes where parents just want their child to be at the top. HANDS ON LEARNING is a huge priority in these classes and you can see the evidence all over the classroom. With kids using their hands to learn and their voices to discuss. This class is so amazing that if you call the front office you can set up a time to take a tour while class is in session. You can see first hand how amazing it is!! read more

It is absolutely wonderful to see Miss Nordberg's legacy continue at the school she loved. The KD classroom years are over 40 years behind me, but of all the years of teachers and classrooms - Miss Nordberg and room KD are still the high benchmark and my greatest memories. I would (and have) fully recommend any parent take a tour of the classroom and try and enrol their child. They will remember and benefit from it for a lifetime. read more

The MULTIAGE Program here is extraordinary! It nurtures the whole child and enables them to develop at their own pace. I love that this program is free from the pressure of test scores and ridiculous amounts of homework that has become so overwhelming and stressful to a lot of students. Because of this, my daughter has blossomed here and continues to love to learn. The teachers nurture each student and their genuine care for each student is clearly evident. I love how involved I am in my daughter's education by being in the classroom each week and that I am able to accompany her on the many outstanding field trips this program offers. It's also allows our family a PRIVATE school like experience which we otherwise could not afford. I couldn't be more happy with my daughter's educational experience here. read more

I'm still really happy with this program. It's a hidden gem in Fullerton. If you've been considering private or a Montessori school, you should look into the Multiage program at Orangethorpe. My child reads way above grade level and loves going to school. I've enjoyed being part of the community and not having homework:) read more

This is my son's second year and my daughter's first year in the Multi-Age program at Orangethorpe. They LOVE school and they love learning! I believe a big part of it is because of the creative curriculum they have each day. They built a garden so they can learn about plants, try vegetables and learn about the different creatures within the ecosystem. They have field trips all the time so they can learn about things they just can't learn in the classroom - like pottery, math in nature, etc. and the teachers! They are so passionate about what they do - they get along well together, they communicate with you regularly, they are pretty much like family! The best part is that because you volunteer as a parent, you get to see for yourself what the kids are learning, who their friends are, what interests them, etc. it's a beautiful way to stay connected to your kids and see them flourish in such a fun, creative learning environment. read more

Ms. Joshua that works in the front office apparently called me today to pick up my little brother do to having a cough supposedly, I asked her if she could double check to make sure it is my brother that she's sending home and I gave her the correct first and last name and she raised her voice on the phone with me saying "No I know who "blank" is and I explained to her how last time they called me at work and I had to leave and find someone to cover my store I work at just to find out they had the wrong kid mixed up , and also to find out my brother never even went to school that day ! I only asked to double check cause obviously these ladies at the school don't know which kids their taking care of ! Just becareful family , I'm starting to think this school doesn't really watch our kids . Had my little brother for 2 hrs now and haven't heard him cough once , I also believe these ladies are sending the kids home just to send them home ! read more

As a teacher in a traditional classroom, I knew I wanted something different for my own children. I knew that my son needed the freedom to explore and learn at his own pace, regardless of his grade. With this program his education is truly individualized. He is able to work and thrive above his grade level. His learning goals even include goals he's set for himself. Having grown up in a private school I know the advantages and disadvantages of those schools from a student's perspective. With Multi-age, I get the family connection of a private school and the price tag of a public education. It's the perfect combination. One of the perks is that there is no mandated homework. I know that I can pursue any areas that need work or areas of interest without having to stress about him having to return something. He's not penalized for my forgetfulness. The one thing that really drew me to the program, though, is my opportunity to be involved. It is a parent participation program, the perfect cross between home school and public school. I get to know the teachers, the other students, and more importantly, the other parents. I get to work with my son and all the other students in the class. This is my son's second year in the program and my daughter will be starting next year. I can only say great things about the program and its teachers. If you have the flexibility that would allow you or family to participate, and are looking for an alternative to the traditional classroom that nurtures the whole child, ask for a tour today. I highly recommend it! read more

My kids go to the private Multiage program in the school. Our family loves it. Watching my kids grow and learn at their own pace in a loving environment is such a blessing. read more

My daughter entered this program as a first grader. I love that I've been able to volunteer weekly and see what she is learning. The classroom fosters creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. The students are diverse and learn about topics such as Sylvia Mendez and the Mendez v. Westminster court case and Japanese Internment during WWII. I didn't learn about these historical events until I attended community college. I feel that my daughter receives individual attention while attending a public school program. She enjoys painting and writing about her art work. She has learned that "math" is everywhere because she plays games and turns them into a math problem. I see her taking the initiative at home when she writes in a journal even though I don't tell her to do so. If you want your child to thrive, come see the program for yourself. You can schedule a tour or attend the upcoming open house on February 6, 2018. read more

My children are in the multiage program at Orangethorpe, and they love it. The class is a true community with families that know each other. Parents volunteer in the classroom so that the children can have individualized learning plans and do hands- on science projects. Mrs. Karcher takes the time to get to know each child's personality along with their strengths and weaknesses academically and socially. She sees the best in each child. Children are free to read and write about their own interests so they are much more engaged in their learning. Using manipulatives in math allows the children to literally work out their problems with ones and tens. This class has other amazing traditions and experiences for the students (and families) some that have been a tradition in this class for decades. Some of which are buttermaking, October readings, winter sing-a-long, multicultural day, etc. Last year as the children learned about life science the children saw tadpoles turn to frogs, caterpillars turn to butterflies and eggs hatch into chicks. They took monthly trips to the arboretum. My son and daughter both love going to school. This class is wonderful. read more