Magnolia Park Elementary School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi

“You know the old saying you don't know what you have till it's gone. Well that is how we feel about Magnolia. We moved last year to Colorado and really miss the school. My 4th grader was in a language arts class challenging her post high school reading level. Bored to tears here. My special needs 2nd grader is doing ok but we really miss Dr. Callahan's caring approach to his education. Both Mrs. Lewis and Dr. Callahan have high expectations for their students, which was always a plus for us. Great experience and definitely would go back to Magnolia if we ever get transferred back to Ms. Magnolia is a great school for parents wanting the best for their children. A very pleasant experience would return in a minute if we got transferred back to Ms.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have read some of the previous emails and I have to strongly disagree. I have a six year old as well who has just finished first grade. It was a very hard adjustment period for him and the teachers and school staff went out of their way and helped him work through his anxieties enabling him to excel in school. My older child has attended MP for 4 years and I have been very pleased with the level of education he is receiving. As a military family we have had the opportunity to compare various schools and this school has an educational system that far exceeds the others.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school! They have really helped my 10 year old son a lot. He was not doing so good when we lived in Vancleave, but he is doing great in Magnolia Park!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Magnolia Park Elementary has helped my children excel in all areas. I am most of all pleased with the dedication to challenging students academically to be the best they can be. A previous parent review questioned Magnolia Park's philosophy regarding fostering independence in students and challenging them to be the best they can be. I have seen the benefits of this approach with my own 1st grade child and have seen tremendous growth with her academic, social, and organizational skills this school year. I am glad to see that the teachers and administration at Magnolia have high expectations for all! For the parent with a previous review who is not happy with that approach for her child , maybe the previous school in Gulfport was better suited for you if you don't value independence, high expectations, and academic excellence as do the other parents, teachers, and admistration at Magnolia Park.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I moved from Gulfport in hopes of my child receiving a better education since Ocean Springs' is supposed to be the 'ritzy city' in the area. Needless to say, my child was better off in the Gulfport school system. MP has not informed me of failing grades, missed assignments, and more. MP has given up on my child because he's not a 'mature 6 year old.' WoW. They pretty much left him there to hang and dry. I won't call names, but they show no emotion, they are snobbish as if I'm of a lower class when I walk in their double doors. My child WILL NOT be attending this school a second time around.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child is in the third grade, is going into the third nine weeks term, and is with his third language arts teacher. I do not think switching teachers so often is in his best interests because there is no continuity in the learning process. Each teacher is covering the same material it seems, but in a different way and he is not getting it. I feel it would have been better for him to have remained with one language arts teacher for the entire year. He still has the same math teacher and the same science/social studies teacher he had at the beginning of school. I truly believe that language arts should be handled in an entirely different manner. Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a student here,so the school is great for learning.We also have A.R. partys for your child and their reading points,but your child only goes if she or he makes it if you know what i mean.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I think Magnolia Park's a great school. I'm very happy with the dedication of teachers and administrators alike toward learning and excellence. At times it seems they don't give the kids enough downtime for fun activities but I'm not so sure that's always within their control. Personally, I'm not a fan of Saxon math and I feel it keeps the kids behind other states at the same grade level. But I do like the division of the classes by skill. They have large classes and it's got to be very hard to teach when you've got students at all levels. By breaking them up not only are those that need the extra reinforcement getting it but those that are ready to move on and learn something new are able to do so and not get bored. All-in-all, I can't understand why everyone wouldn't want their child in this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter attended this school for 4 years and the first three years were wonderful. However, after her second grade year the school started 'leveling' children. This is the only school in Ocean Springs that levels the children. For those who do not know what leveling is, it is when your child is tested and placed in a 'class' (high, medium, low) to be taught. They are left here and are not encouraged to excel beyond this point. So, in the 3rd grade my daughter fell behind and still remains there to date! When she started making F's on tests (previous A student) no contact was made! What a poor way to teach children. If I had it to do over again, I would find another school. I agree that the school also has a very cold and snobish feel to it. I would NOT recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are happy to be a part of the Magnolia Park family! The teachers are very caring, knowledgeable, and involved. My children have learned much and enjoy going to school each day. The academic programs are excellent and our children are well prepared academically. We would like to see more field trips and more 'fun' activities in place. The students deserve some down time to just be kids! The office staff is very welcoming on most days. The administration does an excellent job managing this large school. Dr. Callahan is all about the children. She is cheerful and welcoming and everyone loves her. You can find her working in her office all hours of the evening! Mrs. Lewis appears unapproachable, however she is very welcoming. We feel our children are safe, content, and well prepared for the future thanks to Magnolia!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Magnolia Park is a caring, compassionate and above all a safe school. Procedures are in place that make sure anyone entering the building has signed in and has a legitimate reason for being there. I can send my children off each day knowing they will not only be getting a great education from caring teachers and administrators, but they will also be well protected.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“What a wonderful place for children!!!! We are very happy with the experiences our children are having while enrolled here. The teachers are very caring as well as knowledgable. The office staff is very welcoming and the administration does an excellent job managing this large school. We were forced to leave for a few months due to Katrina and are extremely glad to be back.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I see no compassion only politics and power. I feel they only want 'passive' children there and do not want any children that may be 'challenging'.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have to say that this school has continued to decline. My daughter has been there for four years. She has had many problems, but if it wasn't for Dr. Callahan, God Bless her, my daughter would have been left behind long ago. And it is because the teachers do not care enough about the children! It is sad really.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Have you heard of the saying, 'You don't know what you've got til it's gone'? Well, that is what my imput is. I am displaced in Cumberland, Md. No Thanks to good ole Katrina. I have had two children complete k-4 at Magnolia Park and my third child was in her second year there! We Miss and Love Magnolia Park Tremedously! Move to another State and then you will find out that Magnolia is all that and more! Keep it up MP and hopefully with God's will my youngest will be back!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children are begining thier 3rd year at MP. Overall I have been pleased w/ the teaching staff. I have been highly disappointed with the administration and principle. MP seems to have a cold feeling to it. It sometimes seems that parent involvement is discouraged. While I would like my childrens school to be somewhat professional, the harsh, business atmosphere of MP is not what I expect from an elementary school. While the school does well academically, I am confident it is inspite of the principle not because of her.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school, one of the best in Mississippi. There tends to be some arrogance that comes along with this. It is hard to take part in a lot of what goes on at that school, unless you're fund raising. No siblings are allowed on field trips and at some in school activities. I've heard/seen a lot of condescending talk from office personnel to the children. I attended this school 25 years ago and my daughter attends now (past 3 years). Education wise, they use Saxon Phonics and Saxon Math and those seem to work wonders, but can easily lose a child as well.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am saddened by the turn this school has taken. It used to be very child friendly and welcoming to the family. The parents used to feel welcomed to come and help out in the school. In the past two years it has spiraled down. There is a lot of politics in this school. If I were to do it all over again I would have chosen another school in the district. I know the kids really miss Dr. Wade and so do the parents that knew her! I can only pray that hearts are softened in this school and the administration looks at what is important here, the children!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is a wonderful school. They are very involved with the students and the parents.You are always informed of all activites. If you are moving to Mississippi I highly suggest you consider Ocean Springs. We have moved away, I must say if I had to compare the schools, Magnolia Park overall is a better school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is probably one of the finest elementary schools in all of Southern Mississipi. With its awards and outstanding achievements it's no one's guess why if your thinking Ocean Springs, you're also thinking about a bright future for your children. I'd give this school a nine out of five if I could.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Magnolia Park is the type of elementary schools an involved parent dreams about for their child! It's atmosphere motivates learning and pride in community. We need more schools like Magnolia Park and Mrs. Lewis, its principal!”
This review was posted by a other.