Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary School

The Principal of this school is not a nice person. She is out of touch , and has a very unapproachable demeanor. This year my son had a few issues at the beginning of school year. The first day of school I had to take him to the emergency room because a boy in his class pushed him and he had a bump/bruise on his head for weeks she was very apologetic but after the third incident "against him" he finally hit back and I was called with a very ah ha attitude as if she was happy she finally has something on my son. He's 7 in the second grade & thankfully he started to defend himself. If you have a choice to send your kids to another school do not make the same mistake I did! I should've listened to all my neighbors when I first moved to this area. I also want to add that my daughter is on the principals A1A honor roll so I'm not saying this because my kids have poor grades ! The office staff & Afterschool program ruin it for all the dedicated , wonderful teachers in this school. I have added my children to every waiting list at charter schools & other programs looking for a way out. Save yourself the trouble! My cousin lives across the street & requested a transfer kids finished PreK.
—Submitted by a parent

I can not complain about the way in which the teachers are instructing the childeren at this school. I have seen my child improve drastically from the school she attended before this one. With that being said, I do have an issue with the staff in that they are extremely rude. On several occasions, I have been met with negative attitudes from the administration and some teachers. For example, my child made the Honor Roll and was not ackowledged until after I inquired about it. My child observed other children being recognized for their accomplishments as she was over looked. I teach my children that they should be rewarded for their hard work and being overlooked really hurt my daughters feelings. On top of that they held a ceremony that I did not find out about until the day of because my child inquired about making the honor roll for a second time. After checking they discovered that she had in fact achieved the Honor Roll. I could not attend because of the short notice. I am very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

The security guards at the lunch area are rude and not caring at all. Im not trying to put anyone down but in my opinion, these people are so overweight that all they want to do is sit. I feel like if something ever happens in this school they wouldnt be able to do anything. They have bad attitudes and Im not really sure if its because they are not happy with themselves. They dont allow the children to have water at lunch time which is the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard and they dont allow the children to go the restroom either. Everyone knows that you have to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. These children are at school all day and to be denied water at lunch time and denied going to the restroom on their lunch break is completely absurd,not healthy and they are completely disregarding the health of these children. In my opinion this is not healthy. Im not a doctor but I know that if you ask any doctor if this is healthy the answer would be NO! So this is something that needs to change and needs to be brought to the attention of these rude security guards that are completely disregarding our childrens health.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten and has Mrs Perez as a teacher. Everytime I try to talk to her she gave me attitude instead of being proactive. My son is smart but love to talk, he is only 5, I think the teacher needs a little improvement on her communication skill and I find extremely unprofessional that she has that negative behavior in front of the kid, it doesn't set a good example.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child just turned 8 and entering into the 3rd grade. I moved to Florida last year and I am not familiar with the school system here. When my child first started school there I told them how I was new to the state and not sure how things work here. No open arm of welcome were giving to me, no information or help was ever offered so that I may know just how much different Florida's schools are. One night at an event I just so happen to sit at the same table as the princpal and not once did she even look in my direction not so much as a smile was giving. Not to mention the shortness and unfriendly attitude that is giving when I come into the office it make me feel like they don't want me or my child to be there. I have never felt so unwanted and it would have been nice to know that inorder to get my childs final report card I needed to provide the school with and envelope and stamp. I can go on and on about my unpleasant dealings but after reading some of the other parents reviews its clear that they pick and choose who they treat well.
—Submitted by a parent

Dr. EL Whigam is one of the worst schools, from a standpoint of leadership, in which I have ever had my childrent enrolled. I have 5 children, but as a military family only 1 of my children have been enrolled with this school because my other children are too old to attend this school. I would like to state that the vast majority of teachers at the school are awesome. They are caring and genuinely are focused on wanting their students to be successrul. However, the leadership and administration in this school is unsatisfactory. The lack of follow up with family. Questions regarding various programs are one word answers or they shift blame to anyone but the school itself. I called Miami Dade school district on a couple of issues thorughout this last school year because I was told the district was the problem. Come to find out from the district, in both cases, had provided all data to the school a week or two earlier. If the information was made available on the website it would not be an issue but even the school's website lacks information besides a school calendar and supply list. Parents are outsiders, not partners, in child's education with the leadership of the school
—Submitted by a parent

I was hesitating in enrolling my son at Whigham, because my neighbors have made negative comments about the school, but I feel that I'm a Leader and not a follower and should make my own judgement. Come to find out that my neighbors never gave Whigham an opportunity to prove them wrong and have enrolled their kids at other school. Well, I must say that the teachers and staff are great and so is the administration. I'm glad I gave the school an opportunity to convince me that it's a great school and would not hesitate one minute to recommend this school to friends and family. Maybe in the past the school was not that great, but there is always change and improvements and this school has all the qualities I look for in a schoo, for my childl. I would like to mention and congratulate the school for achieving in receiving an "A". KUDOS TO ALL THE STAFF AT WHIGHAM. This school is what I expected it to be.
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred my child to Whigham after being unhappy with his progress at another local "A" school. Since he's being at Whigham he's received caring personal attention from all of his teachers. I'm very pleased with the school and the committment of the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

FCAT is required in all schools. The teachers make learning fun and meaningful at this school. As a parent it is our job to reinforce what they learn at school at home.
—Submitted by a parent

As a military member and parent my family and I travel quite a bit. My son has been to a lot of different schools and I've dealt with many different issues personally just in schools alone. But being in Whigham this year was easy. The staff and principal made it there business to know both my son and myself. They made us feel welcome, and the new principal there is just a breath of life for these kids. She's always available and always puts the kids first. There was always something new to build school pride and unity. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants there children to learn both in the class room and out.
—Submitted by a parent

I strongly disagree with some of the negative comments made regarding Whigham. Based on last experience with this school, I must say that with the new principal there's been dramatic changes. The new principal is very involved in the school & ALWAYS has time to meet with parents regarding any concerns,not like the previous principal who was NEVER there or NEVER had time. This principal is always available & makes this school VERY WELCOMING. As a parent, I appreciate it when a principal introduces herself & is interest about my opinions or any concerns I might have. I HIGHLY recommend this school, because I feel that this school is just as great as the other schools. I would not hesitate one second in keeping my children at Whigham. I love the school, the administration, PTA & the teachers. All parents need to make their own judgement & not based it on what she said and he said. Also, when it comes to safety, I recommend Whigham verses the other schools, because of the various entrances those schools have, anybody can enter those schools, whereas Whigham, there's only one entrance for any visitor to enter. Ultimately, the school is great and so is the new administration.
—Submitted by a parent

Last year this school was okay, but this year it is absolutely terrible. It's supposed to be an elementary school but the children are treated as if they were in middle or high school. Most of the children are unhappy and I know this because my own child and the children of our neighbors no longer want to go to thsi school. I have trouble daily just to get my child to go to school. I want to transfer mt child to a better school There are some very good teachers there, but the administration of the school is not good. and both my child and I are very dissatisfied. Plus due to that stupid FCAT they rush the children through everything and as a consequence they aren't really learning so the children require the parents to teach them. I am a working parent and don't have the time to teach my child during the week, so I do it on the weekend. What child wants that? So either you teach our child or put the child in tutoring either private or school sponsored if you qualify. As I see it this is not education. FCAT must go. This school needs a total overhaul.
—Submitted by a parent

Last year I hated this school, I still can't believe how bad it was. But now there is a new principle and in a short amount of time she has truly turned this school around. Every week there is something new going on that is uplifting and encouraging for the students there is a real sense of pride from the faculty and the students now. This is a great school for any child to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

THE PRINCIPAL AND VICE PRINCIPAL ARE CRUEL AND UNFAIRLY TREATS GOOD STUDENTS.I HAVE SEEN SOME TEACHERS YELL AT STUDENTS. I WOULD STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL. THEY DO HAVE A FEW GOOD TEACHERS BUT THE OFFICE STAFF ARE UNPROFESSIONAL AND RUDE.
—Submitted by a parent

Whigham Elementary is an interesting school because although they do have strong teachers, the leadership is lacking. The principal does not return phone calls or meet with parents, and when she does, she is not professional by any means. This school lacks a sense of community. Also, administration is rarely seen at school events. As a result of all of the problems and issues I have seen happen with no consequence, I plan to withdraw my kids at the end of this school year.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the teachers and they are very helpful, however the principal could use alot of work! I haven't been happy since she came to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends this school,but it is not by choice.If i was given the option to pick a school Whigham would not evn be a choice. there is a lot of room for improvement in their teaching methods and skills. Just because it is a small school and it is in the Cutler Bay area; doesnt mean that parents do not notice the quality of education.Teachers send papers home called 'wish lists'. saying that budget is low and asking for things they need for the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Kindergarten at this school. I found that the security was a real issue at the Primary Learning Center. When I discussed my concern with the Assistant Principal, I was told (after some probing) that there is no security at the school because of low budget. The budget only allowed for a part time position and no one wanted that. Then I was rudely and sarcastically asked if I wanted the job. That was just the beginning of my issues with the school. The parents were not encouraged to be part of the school and in a class meeting I was told that I could not volunteer in my child's class but had to help in other areas. My child had been there three months and had yet been started on reading and phonics. The homework was not challenging. My child no longer attends this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children in this school.There is room for improvement as far as extra cirricular activities go. There is a great need for more parent involvement. The PTA has grown stronger with the interest of children as the primary goal of success.This past year the PTA provided services that helped children go on field trips. Helped boast attendence by holding an end of the year carnaval. Provided a rich cultral experience supporting various multi-cultral events. Worked hard with the teachers to provided a positive supportive attitude. This upcoming year the PTA will continue to enrich each child's experience at school by holding more events that include parent-child involvement. I believe that the over all success of a child's education begins with each hand that reaches out to help!I am proud of the level of education my children are receiving and will always support this school and its outstanding teachers! -Kathleen Huffman
—Submitted by a parent

I had children to attend whigham elementary past and present and I can honestly say that in the past it wasn't a good atmospere, meaning that the behavior problem theit was a big problem and I had to withdraw my two oldest kids from the school.Today I had my two yougest sons attend their, one last year and one this year current and I can say since the academic level went up the school is a much better school and I support the school one hundred percent. The real problem is we need more parent involvement meaning when they have open house, pta meetings and indivisual class meeting, I can count on two fingers the parents that show up and that's very bad. How can you fault the school as a whole. Whigham is number 1 nor matter what they say that's why I returned point blank Thank You Mrs.Givens
—Submitted by Deanna Givens, a parent