Maplewood Elementary School

Their scores are not the best on the FCAT because of their diverse population which includes special needs students. It does not reflect the classroom experience for the many children who attend the school. The teachers, principal, and parents really try. The quality is there for most of the kids and everyone is warm and tries their best to educate all of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student here now im in Th grade , ive been there since 4th grade and i loved it their, nice teachers they helped me when i was struggling . Love the school period

Maplewood is an A+ school with an excellent administration and staff. It is a team effort and when parents choose to be part of the solution then everything works smoothly. I have been a parent at this school for many years and the first priority is SAFETY!! As a parent, whenever I have a concern I am contacted immediately and work together on a solution! I know times are tough everywhere - and it is very easy to complain and be negative but it is just as easy to work on a solution. Join the SAC, SAF, PTO and be part of this wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

Completely agree with the 2nd,3rd and 4th, comments. LOTS of covering up!! Safety is a major issue. No accountability. A new principal and administration is needed to get this school back on track.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and so many from in the community has excelled in this school. As for hearing about issues from your children instead of the school...that's what parenting is all about. Your children should come to you, then you address it at the school. Teachers have 20 kids to try and teach. They can't always know the personal stuff happening within the classroom. I have had problems with kids in the classroom and once addressed, after my son told me about it, the school responded effectively and expeditiously. The only teachers leaving are the one's required to, by the State, becuasse of how long they have been teaching. And, those teachers, spent their career at Maplewood, because it is such a GREAT school! This, from a parents perspective.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow. Sadly disappointing. Little accord between teachers or administrators and lots of covering up. I have heard of emergency situations from my child that I feel I should've heard from administrators and bullying is not addressed in the classroom setting. My child does not feel safe here. Teachers are not lead by administrators. poor leadership and accountability.
—Submitted by a parent

Poor leadership, low morale among teachers and much discontent exists in the school. It has deterorated significantly over the years and is no longer respected in the community. Many of the highly qualified teachers have left and it is just not a healthy learning environment for children.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely an excellent school! Teachers are top notch! My daughter's kindergarden teacher was great. She was able to read by mid school yr. The principle and assistant principle are very involved as well as staff members. The school is very secure by having a minimal points on entry. Schools like this is why people move here!! Thank you Maplewood for such an awesome experience! J. Gonzalez
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at maplewood for only two years( 4th and 5th), and honastly it was a great school! I am now in the 7th grade and I still use the basic reading and math skills that I learned from the excellent teachers. I read every single comment from this thing and there were no reveiws from the students. Honestly, some of you parents are really harsh. I know you want your kids to have a good education, but you should ask THEM if they like the school, or the teachers. If they don't like it then they will tell you, and you can't tell them it is not a good school because they might actually really like it. Don't you want your kids to have their own opinion. It really is a good school and i would recomend it to anyone!

I have been a Maplewood Mom for almost 5 years now. Our principal is a one of a kind leader. She is reliable, considerate, compassionate and dedicated. Our school (s) are under attack by a Federal Administration that is dooming our children's education . All schools are suffering right now and have been for years as funding has been totally distorted. Parents need to be more involved in classes and help our school provide in areas that we have been ripped off. Do not let our government doom our childrens future. We can make a difference. Let 's support our school adminstrators and our principal in making. Difference in our school or yours!!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers. My son is in the 3rd Grade and has always loved School
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school & teachers my kids started from kinder to 5th grade. Very carry, understanding, and works with parents as a team.
—Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the last comment - I believe the school has deteriorated in the last several years. It lacks personality and creativity. The teachers morale seems dismal and the children can feel it. I am definitely looking for an alternative for my child for the next school year!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is always open to listening to any concerns the parents have about the school. She is a real motivator when it comes to reading and even kissed a pig when the students did so well.

I agree with the lack of music and art at Maplewood. I have 2 college students and 1 current student attend Maplewood and have never attended 1 play. I know other kids that have 2 per year. It is no wonder that kids are stressed out. It is a full time job to be prepared for the FCAT.
—Submitted by a parent

I found the school, overall: lacking in personality, cohesiveness and organization. I believe the Principal sets the tone for each school. She is the person who will greet interested parents with warmth and offer support. Parents should be encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the school, without interrupting the daily running of it. Pricipal, parents and faculty should be on the same page as to what would be most helpful for our children. I don't see it here. There are no policies in how or when a teacher should communicate with a parent. I've never been in a school where teachers are so uncooperative in communicating with parents. Children who do best in schools are the ones with involved parents. Maplewood is good now but with open communicaction, it would be a great school. So I'm asking, could we work on it. Please?
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know what happened, but the FCAT reading results for Maplewood were horrific.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves his 3rd grade teacher so much, he's sad to leave for summer break.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is too disconnected with the classroom, especially when they utilize a long term subtitute in the class. They don't read info from doctors & other therapists when you provide that info about your child. They stick the info in the file & do nothing with it. After begging for 2 years for the school to learn about my son's disabilities & what his needs are, I give up. My son's teacher said the only thing my son has learned is what I taught him at home. I will take the McKay Scholarship & put him in a special needs school...& my son is only mildly disabled. Go to your child's class. Advocate for your child. Contact the North Area district office if your child still isn't getting what he/she needs. Ms Sanford, ESE Teacher is the one positive thing I can say for the school...she is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree Maplewood is a very nice school. Some of the techers are great. This year my 5th grader is ready to leave the school. She has had a great time there and also had great teachers too!( a honorol) On the second hand my second [student] is really struggleing. Who ever thought my child would be taught site words in stead of phonics? well my daughter was and now we are playing catchup. A because she is struggling in reading we are doomed with this teacher for the rest of the year.
—Submitted by a parent