ORANGE PARK- At Orange Park Elementary, students are taught to spread their wings and always show their "Eagle P.R.I.D.E."

It’s what they call positivity, respect, integrity, determination and engagement. What Principal Tyler Wood said drives the school in every way possible, especially toward their accomplishments. 

The Florida Department of Education recently ranked them as the highest-performing elementary school in the state based on their third through sixth-grade assessment scores on the FAST, relative to all traditional public elementary schools.

Wood, who has been the school’s principal for three years, said he was filled with joy and excitement when he learned about the news, especially for the students. 

When he arrived, it was already established as a highly successful school. It was small but mighty. An ‘A’ school for 20 years, it has continued the tradition for the last three since he arrived. 

He said the school’s focus has never been on improving test scores. It’s just an organic act of each child wanting to succeed. 

 “I think the biggest observable thing for me was this shift in paradigm of anxiety ridden ‘It’s test day’, to… this really profound commitment to working hard and doing your best,” he said.

Wood said it’s a testament to them and the teachers. 

“You have an institution filled with the best teachers I’ve ever been around,” he said. “You have kids who are committed and dedicated. Who is highly respectful to the learning environment and understands what it means to put forth the effort.” 

The historic brick school was established in 1927. As the oldest school in the county, Wood said it has a rich history that involves building a foundation on academics and committed behavior.

It’s an experience spearheaded by everyone that walks through the doors. 

Fifth Grade’s Melanie Geeser has been teaching at OPE for 27 years. She has seen the school’s academic and curricular nature blossom throughout her career.

She said it was a different atmosphere from the moment she got to the school.

“Teachers wanted to be here. They wanted to do what is best and right for the students,” Geeser said. “Every teacher works their hardest to ensure that their students achieve to the best of their abilities.” 

For third-grade teacher Amanda Pounds, it’s the only school she’s ever known, and it’s a memorable experience overall. 

“One of the things that makes it so special is we know everybody,” Pounds said. “Everyone knows everyone, even if you’ve never had that student in your class.” 

Wood said the power of parental involvement is another contributing factor to the school’s success. He said it truly is a game changer.

“They eat lunch with them, go on field trips with them, they’re a part of the end of a unit and the holiday celebrations,” he said. “They’re always on campus.”

He said this undoubtedly sets the standard for what the students see as important. If they see others who care and give their best, they will, too. 

“The kids understand what the expectations are. How they move and navigate, and how they learn. It’s a wonderful place,” Wood said. 

Wood said he hopes future generations of OPE students continue to show what it means to be an eagle. 

“I want our kids to feel connected,” he said. “I want it to be a place where we teach kids that life is filled with more challenges than just an assessment. And, so, in my mind, our responsibility is to teach our kiddos how to be good, strong human beings.”