At Oakbrook Elementary School (OES), we are committed to helping all students develop the World-Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by delivering rigorous instruction, fostering meaningful relationships, cultivating life and career skills, and encouraging a love of lifelong learning.
Serving students from preschool through fifth grade, OES provides a comprehensive educational experience grounded in South Carolina’s rigorous academic standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Fine Arts, including Physical Education, Music, and Art. Our dedicated educators implement research-based instructional practices aligned with Dorchester School District Two’s literacy and mathematics frameworks to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
As a 1:1 technology-integrated school, OES utilizes district-supported digital learning tools such as Waterford, Exact Path, Zearn, Amira, and Study Island to enhance instruction and personalize learning. Universal screeners, benchmark assessments, and computer-assisted programs provide teachers with valuable data to monitor student progress and differentiate instruction based on individual needs.
Students in Kindergarten through second grade benefit from the University of Florida Literacy Initiative: Tutoring for Beginning Readers, a highly effective reading intervention program. Students in grades 2–5 receive targeted literacy and mathematics support through structured intervention services. Across all grade levels, students engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and project-based learning experiences that extend learning beyond foundational skills.
A hallmark of Oakbrook Elementary is our commitment to building strong relationships and fostering a positive school culture. OES has been recognized as a National Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School for eight consecutive years, reflecting our dedication to creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and connected. Guided by the Capturing Kids’ Hearts philosophy, each classroom develops a social contract that establishes shared expectations and promotes a positive learning environment. Daily “Good Things” sharing and affirmation stations throughout the school help strengthen relationships and celebrate student success. During the 2024–2025 school year, OES recorded 4,532 Positive Referrals, demonstrating our commitment to recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Our students continue to excel both academically and creatively. This year, OES celebrated three state-level Reflections winners, including one national Reflections winner, and was recognized as the CTE Elementary School of the Year for Dorchester District Two.
The arts remain a vital part of the Oakbrook experience. We were proud to host the return of Oakie Spoleto, our school’s fine arts celebration showcasing the talents of OES students alongside performances from fellow Dorchester District Two schools. Students and families also enjoyed Oakie After Hours, further celebrating our students’ achievement of meeting their growth goals.
Our commitment to educating the whole child extends beyond academics. During the 2024–2025 school year, OES earned Second Place in the MUSC/Boeing Health and Wellness Initiative and continued to promote healthy lifestyles through programs and events focused on student wellness. Community service remains an important part of our school culture, with initiatives including Love Gave, Happy Feet, our School Pantry, and Lowcountry Cares Food Distribution.
Family engagement is a cornerstone of the Oakbrook experience. Throughout the year, OES hosts a variety of events designed to strengthen school-home partnerships, including STEAM Night, Health and Wellness Night, Storytime with Ms. Gilliard, Book Bingo, Family Game Night, Fine Arts Night, grade-level showcase performances, and student award celebrations.
Students have opportunities to develop leadership, creativity, and teamwork through a variety of extracurricular programs, including Man Up, Drama Club, Chorus, Robotics, FLL Explore, FLL Robotics, and Safety Patrol. These experiences help students build confidence, collaborate with peers, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their educational journey.
At Oakbrook Elementary, we embrace the Capturing Kids’ Hearts motto: “If you have a child’s heart, you have a child’s mind.” Through a steadfast focus on relationships, rigor, and relevance, we strive to develop well-rounded students who are prepared for success in college, career, and life.
Kimberly Boutin
Principal, Oakbrook Elementary School
