Gulf Shores Elementary School

We are new in town and the teachers and staff were very helpful...my child's teacher's communication is A+ . They made my child feel very comfortable and happy to be there. They also made sure he made it to me safely during dismissal.
--Submitted by a parent

I thought I was the only parent being treated horribly by the staff. I feel like we don't have to put up with it. We should be allowed to be involved in our childs education other than PTO fundraisers and homework. Every single time I have asked for something such as a change in transportation, and even changing my phone number it has been an ordeal. Kathy is extremely rude and unhelpful. The car line is terrible in the afternoons and they refuse to try any other ways. I think they are lazy and the reason they don't want parent involvement is because they don't want parents to see what goes on behind closed doors. Gulf Shores has always been about "who owns what" and if you don't have anything but volunteer work to offer then they are not interested. I tried to organize a fundraiser and asked to bring in a flyer to help students from the Tuscaloosa tornado with school supplies and was told that they only gave out local business fliers and that they didn't want to get involved. Yet, GS has been helped through many hurricanes. I hate this school I am so sad that my daughter has to go here.
--Submitted by a parent

I was thinking of moving to Gulf Shores. Now, I am sure it is not a good idea. Sounds like the schools need to get their act together.

The leadership is nonexistent, the support staff is often rude and clueless and the teaching staff is sub-par. I met with the Principal at the beginning of the school year and was given a " that's just the way we do things around here" speech and sent on my way. The PTO is a joke but might not be their fault because per the Principal, parents are not allowed in their child's classroom. Why? I don't know but she was so proud to announce that GSES had become a Title I school and per the information about Title I, parents are to be encouraged to participate in their childrens classes not locked out. As far as the locked doors while the kids are in the classroom I do not know this for fact but was told this by another parent. I do know for fact ( I have been a classroom on more than one occasion while this has gone on) that the teachers use their expensive must have Promethean boards to sit the kids down in front of to watch cartoons. This might be because the kindergarten teachers are not provided a para pro but that being said don't offer your time and talent to help the over taxed teacher, you will be shot down EVERY TIME (per school policy).
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started GSE in first grade after attending a private school for K-4 and K-5. Her teacher was wonderful! The staff is very helpful! She is now in 2nd grade, lots of homework but I think it will work out for the best. She has an awesome 2nd grade teacher who is on the ball. The principal is very friendly. I love GSE!
--Submitted by a parent

My child recently started at GSE. I have attempted to volunteer numerous times, only to be told by faculty, they would rather only the homeroom mother attend. I have spoke to other parents and they were told the same. Parents want to get involved but are being turned away by faculty. I have never had to deal with the principal however the vice principal was rude, unprofessional and treated me with distain. It is sad to know how I was treated as a parent and send my child to school and be worried how they will be treated. The level of professionalism by the school 'leaders' is unacceptable. They have created an immage of unapproachable and unprofessional. I believe this can be resolved. A progressive educational instituation is obtainable without hindrence of arrogance if they believe it is the childrens future we are here to grow not their own.
--Submitted by a parent

I have just enrolled my children at GSE. Under very trying and difficult circumstances the office staff was extremely helpful. The children love their new school. I think it is very helpful the way the school interacts with the community in general.
--Submitted by Bea, a parent

Both my children have attended this school. It is my opinion the teachers are creative and caring. I do not agree with the fund raisers because if children are not able to participate they are left out of an on campus party during school hours. They have added band this year and it has been very well received by my son. If possible I would send my children to another school.
--Submitted by a parent

Over the years I have had three children enrolled in G.S.E. The oldest graduated in 2000 but the younger two are still in attendance(4th & 9th grades). I must say that when my oldest child attended this school I was not very happy and neither was he. However, my 2 younger children have never attended any other school but this one and unless something unforeseen happens they never will. The teachers they have had in every grade have all been outstanding! They are caring, dedicated and I have never had one complaint with any of them. The office staff has never been anything but kind and courteous to me. I have seen negative remarks in other reviews and can only guess but maybe they are only reacting to negative attitudes from those they come in contact with. I love this school and my children love this school. Any child who attends is very fortunate indeed!
--Submitted by L B, a parent

i just read the parent reviews on this website. i agree with the comments on parent involvement and i also agree that kathy does a great job in the front office. my son has been in the special eduacation program for developmental delay in math,reading and language for the past 3 years. overall i think the program has served him very well but now that he is in fourth grade and the resource teachers come into the classroom to work with him he is having difficulty adjusting. i feel the children from this special section should all have the same fourth grade teacher so that one is not singled out all by himself like my son has been this year. i have had very positive relations with teachers so far and i hope it contines,but i would like to have more access to the school also.
--Submitted by a parent