Waters Edge Elementary School

We've been with the school for several years and gone through three principals. The current principal show no concern for the kids. When we raised our concerns about her staff; she had no interest in working towards a solution. Bullying is a huge concern at the school which the staff are quick to down play the situation. Sad because they preach anti-bullying, but can't practice what they preach. Also, the teachers are too focused on FCAT. Therefore, the kids spend the school year practicing for the FCAT and nothing else.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. We have been very happy with the staff and the aftercare program. Our daughter loves this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been involved with Water's Edge for over 5 years. There has been a lot of focus on FCAT (Florida standardized testing), however that is true at all Palm Beach County schools and is not unique to this school. My son has had a fantastic experience.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school. There is a strong focus on FCAT but that is a reality of the entire Florida school system. Some members of the old Administration were a little mechanical and impersonal, but that has changed significantly (and even the old group delivered quality education). The "gifted" bias is there, but as a parent of students in the regular program, I think overstated by many and all students get a top quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

Waters Edge continues to lead the county in FCAT scores year after year. The teachers are excellent, especially in the gifted program. The new principal is very engaged and has a strong vision for the future. We have a 5th grader and 3rd grader and could not be any happier. Best kept secret in Palm Beach!
—Submitted by a parent

If you like teachers that only teach to the FCAT, yell and demean children, and teachers that for the most part do not utilize Edline and do not communicate, then this is the school for you. The new Principal has his work cut out for him that is for sure. He really needs to clean house, because the last Principal did not back her students or parents and allowed bad behavior by teachers that would get kids in big trouble. Teachers that use foul language and refer to other teacher's kids as animals is another example. Don't let an A grade for any school fool you.
—Submitted by a parent

I was just reading the latest posting about a child receiving an intentional head injury and was totally stunned. The same exact incident happened to my child at Waters Edge back in October and I had to involve the police and my pediatrician as wekk because the principal at that time did nothing. My child continues to be bullied and the bullies have actually started to verbally attact my other children there. So much for our children feeling safe at school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school that is completely focused on their 'gifted' program as well as keeping as clean of a record as possible. My child received an intentional head injury from another student and the school did nothing until I reached out to the Police and our pediatricians. If you are not in the gifted program or are faced with any degree of bullying that is alive and well here, you are done!! There's a lot of smoke & mirrors here so don't let the 10 on 10 rating fool you like it did me.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are awesome!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to this school and while am impressed by many things, I am heatrng too much about FCAT and not enough about learning. Hopefully this will change as the year progresses.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids in 2nd and 4th grade and the tearcher are fantastic specially Mrs. Ososkie from 4th grade
—Submitted by a parent

went to visit the school for kindergarten and was dissappointed at the sterile and coldness of the school. The principal was more worried about what my pre k kid should know before entering kindergarten than what she was going to teach my child. I want to re-think my options before going there
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Waters Edge for 10 years now with two children progressing through the program. The school has won several awards and has many good points. However, communication between the school and home is lacking at times, the children are often overwhelmed with hours of homework each night and all they hear is FCAT, FCAT, FCAT. The students work very hard here and deserve recognition BUT enough is enough. 4th and 5th grades especially are so focused on results and scores that they seem to forget about the overall well being of the kids. Nothing is perfect but in our past decade at WEE, we have noticed ever increasing classroom stress and emphasis on achievement that, while present in all schools, is predominant at WEE. All nose to the grindstone and no joy makes for stressed children.
—Submitted by a parent

Water's Edge is a fantastic school. There is a lot of emphasis on FCAT, however, it is VERY similar in every other school in Florida. Water's Edge's 'A' plus rating and national blue ribbon of excellence awards are well deserved.
—Submitted by a parent

2008 National Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award! (Only 13 in the entire State of Florida!) 'A' Plus school last 4 consecutive years. Principal, Accredited Teachers, Staff, and Parent Innvolvement is examplary in every area. Students are well prepared for Middle School! I have my 2nd Child at Waters Edge. My 1st attended W.E.E. from Kindergarten through 5th grade, whom is now off to High School. Palm Beach County Schools have been constantly improving through the years.
—Submitted by a parent

Sure, the school rates well on the FCAT and earning a blue ribbon. However, the emphasis on performing well for tests overtakes the curriculum - with incredible amounts of homework that's truly detrimental to home life. The stress level is very high to perform - there is no joy here.
—Submitted by a parent

i loved going there for my 5 years of all great teachers and the excellent food they cook in the cafeteria i wish i can go there again but now i`m off to middle school
—Submitted by a student

We recently moved from out of state and I am disappointed with this school. The principal is more concerned with political issues and FCAT scores, than with her students and their best interest.
—Submitted by a parent

Waters Edge used to be a great school. We as parents are very unwelcome upon entering. We are the only school in Boca to have these very controlled guidelines. These strict rules are imposed by our Principal. The FCAT preparation is out of control and consuming the curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

This school only teaches to the FCAT. They seem to not be interested in making education a well rounded experience. There is however great kindergarten teachers and good after school activities. The parents are involved alot, which is good. Too bad the principal never addresses any issues fully. She will 'Yes' the situation and then let it fall by the way side.
—Submitted by a parent