Orange Tree Christian Preschool

You do not want your kids here.
The turn over rate for teachers is ridiculous… despite what the Director claims. Apparently, Leslie has trouble paying teachers on time.
The teachers are warm and caring for the most part but with little credential or teaching experience so don’t expect any real learning there. I didn’t know just how bad the teachers’ teaching competence was until we changed schools and made fair comparisons.
The Director, Leslie Pierce, is punishing to the children beyond what is reasonable. Children have been punished by not allowing them to potty, getting locked into a dark bathroom (despite pounding and crying) and getting pulled from graduation the very last minute. while his parents waited, staring at the stage with flowers, video taping… all because Leslie wants everyone to know that she’s in charge. In fact, ask any of the students or teachers who’s in charge and they will militantly state, Ms. Pierce. It may sound harmless but trust me, it is damaging beyond belief.
My kid is now in a warm, loving, fair environment where the expectation to perform behaviorally and academically far far far surpasses OT. There is no power struggle or drama. The difference in my child is astonishing.
We didn’t know what to expect for our first child. Now we know better.

We love Orange Tree! Our daughter is thriving here and she enjoys going to school everyday. She is learning amazing manners, such as, asking to be excused from the table after dinner (mind you she is not even 3). She is learning how to share, how to be polite, how to get along well with other kids, and is learning about what it takes to be a good human. The teachers are all amazing and take great care of the kids. I can’t wait until my younger daughter is old enough to go! We can’t say enough good things about this school!

My daughter has a severe egg allergy and has been prescribed an Epi pen in the rare event she comes in contact with it and has a allergic reaction. My daughter is almost 3 and thank God we have never had to use the Epi pen however, due to the severity of her allergy her Epi pen must always be near by.
We toured Orange Tree and over all liked what we saw. The school was clean and neat the class sizes where small and the staff was young an energetic. We decided right after to enrolled in the two day a week program, we discussed at the time of the tour with the director of our daughters allergies and then paid the enrollment fees.
When purchasing all her supplies such as her nap mat, back pack and lunch pale I emailed the school director as to where I should put or who I should give her Epi pen to on her first day of school.
To my shock I received a phone call from the director of the school stating my daughter would NOT be allowed to bring or even have her Epi pen on campus. The exact words «let me be very clear, she can not bring her Epi pen to school. In the event of a reaction we leave it to the professionals and call 911.»
Again shocked… Especially coming from a school director who I’m sure has taken a standard CPR class and or child development class or two. Severe allergies such as my daughters effects one in ever 13 school children under 18. The reason for an Epi pen is that timing is key.
Is it really Orange Trees stance to just sit back and watch a child struggle to breath until 911 responds? Unfortunately there are many cases where 911 responded to late. Today most schools even in Newport have Epi pens on hand. I have since called local private schools in the area, they have all been shocked to hear my story as they have Epi pens on hand in addition to allowing the child to have a prescribed Epi pen on campus. Severe Allergies are common place these days especially bee stings and peanuts allergies. I am shocked at the stance Orange Tree has taken.
Do they really feel if they ignore the issue they wouldn’t have to deal with it? I emailed the director with information on how common place allergies are and how simple it is to use an Epi pen in the rare case of a severe reaction but my email was never returned, only a check for the money I had paid for enrollment. I’m sure it will not be the last time my daughter is treated diffrently for needing special accommodations for her allergy– disability, I just didn’t realize she would be turned away from a school for it.
On a positive note, I get to spend a little more time with my daughter until I find another school that is better educated and equipped to meet her needs.

We love this school. My daughter is excited every day she gets to go to school! We love the staff, the curriculum, and how it feels like a family :)

I love this school and can’t say enough good things about it! My 3 year old loves going here and couldn’t be happier! The teachers are amazing– supportive and sweet and interact so well with the kids! I have complete trust while my son is there. They are so great with communicating with me on how my son is doing and are always happy to answer questions and help! They really love te children there and teach them respect! Hugs are given, fun is had and I can tell he really learns alot!

This is the first preschool I’ve checked and I’m very impressed with all the teachers. I have a 2 and 3 years old in this school and I just can’t say enough how wonderful they treat my kids and how well they educate them at an early age. I highly recommended this school. Everyday they start with a big hug, prayer and circle time. Great location and very clean.

Amazing preschool in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. My preschooler was in the first class here at the Newport facility. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this school and their teachers are! The classrooms are very clean and well organized. Very good mix of play and learning with a Christian emphasis. I have recommended this school to all my friends and co-​workers.
Each day starts with a BIG hug and a group prayer.
You can’t beat the ratio of kids to teachers here! Trust me… I looked at a bunch of other schools before I picked this one.
I cant wait till my little one starts!