Coconut Grove Elementary School

I wasn't sure what to expect at CGE when my son entered kinder this year and I can say I have been nothing but impressed by my experiences so far. His teacher is amazing!!!! My son is learning a ton and happy to go to school everyday! The climate of the school is very welcoming, down to earth, comfortable and friendly. This is a true neighborhood school, and reflects the village-like quality of coconut grove.
--Submitted by a parent

Coconut Grove Elementary School is amazing it's probably one of the most excellent schools you could find, I am a parent and, Coconut Grove has marvelous Parent Involvement, I would recommend Coconut Grove to anyone I meet. I give a job well done to all teachers and faculty at Coconut Grove Elementary School !
--Submitted by a parent

we love this school, our daughter just started kinder, and she loves to go to school everyday!! The teachers are great, the principal and staff are very professional and friendly at the same time. The language program is great. Our daughter is learning french in kinder 2 hrs daily. They have a veggie garden that was put together by parent volunteers, it was an awesome experience!! This is a great little school that is celebrating 100 years!! congrats coconut grove elementary!! we love you!!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is really good, great teachers, and it has a feel that a school should have a home away from home. Most of the time teachers now students name even if they are not their students, or have never been their students, which is nice. The only thing I find not to be up to what it could be is the After Care program. Some of the kids are nice but I know I dont like when one of the staff yells at the children. What do they expect when the kids are running around in the cafeteria. Also more activities for after school should be available such as art classes, ballet, music. They have Karate which is a good start but other things should be available as well. Other than that this is a great school and if you don't have to worry about After school it is even better!
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school filled with dedicated and passionate teachers. The rigorous curriculum and international studies program sets it apart from many schools in the district. I am very grateful for the new principal who, with her undying dedication and commitment, has brought back the A the school well deserves! It is because of leaders like her that public education continues to surpass the expectation of many.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are excellent. The Principal really knows what she is doing when getting new teachers. Very professional. Parents need to step it up and become more involved this year.
--Submitted by a parent

Like any school there are good things and things that can be improved. We would like more activities for the children that stimulate critical thinking like a chess team after school or drama that encourages reading and learning though acting out stories. This school could have these things, but no one is pushing it, nor does the school itself think it important. Other small schools have this and more like chorus. Looking to the next school year and our daughter is happy here.
--Submitted by a parent

TAKE A LOOK AT F-CAT RESULTS on the Test Scores & Stats page. My child will be entering the 2nd Grade. Looking at 3rd grade results, the school did not even meet the State average. I don't believe in the F-CAT as a successful tool to measure a child/teacher, much less the "Letter Grade." It is deceiving when you look at a "B" letter grade for a school, meanwhile it did not even meet and/or exceed the State standards on one or many of the grades. PTA is great, they work hard and have always been iconic participants with CGES. Keep up the good work. The school improvements look great, the bathrooms are a historical land mark :) What can we do to get a roll of toilet paper that rolls? All kidding aside, school is looking good. My biggest complaint goes to the contradiction of healthy snacks. First we educate our children of healthy snacks, how the US is increasing in obesity, diabetes is up and then when we have functions/daily snacks like cookies, brownies, cakes, chips, etc... Don't ask me to help fund raise while contributing in the purchase of high sugar, unhealthy, mystery ingredient foods and beverages. To those parents who provide the healthy snacks, keep it up.
--Submitted by a parent

When my daughter first started kindergarten this year, I was quite concerned. Last years principal scandal negatively affected the attitude of parents and school staff alike. In few short months Coconut Grove Elementary has again become a community school. Through the hard work of the PTA and our new Principal Dr. Lopez, CGES has come such a long way. The PTA moms & dads have really come together to make the school better, even donating large checks themselves. There is an organic garden, a new PTA website: coconutgroveelementarypta.org , a Blog! http://coconutgroveelementaryschoolpta.blogspot.com/ On the blog you will find a partial listing of what the PTA has accomplished so far this year. It's extraordinary! There are a few parents who are still upset about last years events and have taken sides. They have chosen to villify PTA members, even as far as accusing them of things that were never done. Harsh words that suggest things other than the truth. The PTA tries its best to get to raise money for each program that needs it , but it is true that they may be unable to give as much as it takes or would like. I would love to see all CGES parents come together for the Children!!
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at this school, so I won't comment on the previous principle, But I find Dr. Lopez to be an amazing principle. The person who claims that she is unreachable is obviously very biaised for whatever reason. I walked to the office on a tuesday morning after a long week-end with NO APPOINTMENT, and I was able to meet with her in less than 15 min. She is very smart and patient person. As for the PTA, I think that they are doing an amazing job supporting the school and it's a shame that some of the comments undermine their effort. I am personnaly in love with this school; the teachers and office staff are very caring and friendly people. The principle is working very hard on giving the school an IS status in both french and spanish. My kids are very very happy and therefore I am happy to.
--Submitted by a parent