Coral Park Elementary School

for all students, this school up to the 5th grade, is great. but at 5th grade level, if you are not in their so called "gifted program", you are forgotten. the principal is fantastic, something i didn't know" , and missed out on, when you get to elementary school level, have your children tested for the gifted program, and sign up for the free or reduced lunch program. once the kids are in the gifted club they stay, and get all the best teachers".
--Submitted by a parent

My two kids have been attending Coral Park for two years now and I must say I am extremely dissatisfied. The admin staff are rude. The focus on FCAT readiness made everything else pale in comparison and the education was seriously left lacking. At a recent event, "dads for doughnuts" to recognize father's day, I had my kids' uncle attend because my kids have an absentee father. When the principal announced it was "dads for doughnuts" day, I didn't want my kids or others feeling left out that I knew went without their fathers, so I suggested to the principal that maybe they could use a more generic name. She walked away after acknowledging me, without a word. The other parents, also single working parents have told me repeatedly the same issue. They receive a very cold reception from this school. I admire the teachers, but the school expects too much.
--Submitted by a parent

My son Noah started Kindergarten this year. This was our first experience with Coral Park Elementary. I am so pleased with the school. They have great teachers, great staff and a great principal. There PTA is very good! They raised money to help a child Cameron and his family pay medical bills etc. He had to go into the hospital for a long period of time. This school is just overall great! I am so happy . with them and can not wait until my daughter Sierra starts Kindergarten in August.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is terrific, she is open to ideas and opportunities to improve the children achievements and is really caring with them. The teachers are inspiring (the majority of them) including the special teachers. The gifted teachers really challenge the children's mind. Top program in the school. The bear clubs (after school programs run by PTA) -even thought they don't run year long- provide a great opportunity for children to enrich their curriculum. i.e. cooking, cheerleading, karate, chess club, math minds, etc The only but is: that budget cuts and FCAT oriented minds have made a dent in the original goal of the school: 'Improve children's life through knowledge'. PTA is fantastic, makes everybody feel welcome and helpful. They organize tons of events and programs with lots of opportunities for everybody to attend or participate.
--Submitted by a parent

Coral Park Elementary has been an excellent school for my son. He has surpassed his expected reading level under the guidance of Mrs. Burns, then Mrs. DeVeney, and over seen by Dr. Miles, Principal. The PTA is very active, the entire school staff is caring, and the overall 'school spirit' has been a positive influence on my childs introduction to education.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children in the school and I am very happy with the overall structure. The Principal is on top of everything which is GREAT. The volunteers are fantastic and always in search of opportunities to help around the school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the best school my child has ever been to!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children that attend CPE and siblings whom attended more than 10 years ago. On both occasions, there were a few different instances that were somewhat alarming. I must say that there are a few great teachers and few not so good teachers at this school. Overall, I believe the emphasis put on teacher and student FCAT readiness has taken away from the task at hand which is to educate our children. Beware.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, wonderful teachers, My son was placed in the gifted classes, and i believe this is due to the attention to learning that he received as a kindergarten student at Coral Park.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically this is a great school, however it takes a long time and a lot of perseverence to get your child help if they are having any learning difficulties. The after school clubs vary from year to year but drama is a big hit, although it is very hard for newcomers to get into the program. They have a great aftercare program at the school which runs through the summer too. Socially the school is very lacking, they tend to focus on academics even amongst the very youngest children. The same parents tend to get involved every year and so a lot of things are status quo year - to year. Overall the school could do better to enhance morale, but academically it's great.
--Submitted by a parent