Plumosa School of the Arts

We put our son in the school's dual language program and saw amazing results. He was excited about learning and happy to go to school. We were pleased with the facility as well as his teacher and teacher's aide. Even our interactions with the office staff and school counselor were impressive. Most importantly, we weren't worried about our son when we weren't around because we knew he was being treated with kindness and respect. The school counselor even noticed and made recommendations to us based on her individual observation of our son. It was such a pleasant surprise because we didn't expect him to get such individualized attention at a school of this size. This school quickly became a positive presence in our child's life that we wish we'd transferred him sooner. I have to say thank you to Plumosa because we'd had prior bad experiences at other Florida schools. Thanks for helping our child love to learn, again.
--Submitted by a parent

So disappointed with the negative reviews. I work at this school and am proud to be part of such a talented, caring, and dedicated staff! We have very high expectations for students. We try our absolute best to accommodate student and parent needs. Communication and consistency between home and school is key! We know that and strive for it. Consider the challenge teachers face. We love and support a diverse group.
--Submitted by a teacher

I normally tend not to write reviews but I am compelled to do so to support the previous two posts. The principal of this school has no people skills and her staff follows her example. I have witnessed the way they handled a situation where a kindergartner did not get into the bus and they truly treated it as if they were dealing with a high school kid, totally blaming the kid for not getting into the bus!!!! I am so horrified with how behind the kids are in my son's class that I have decided he will not be there next year. The school is desired for their arts program but the program is actually really weak even though they do have a fantastic facility. Absolutely: THE SCHOOL BOARD NEEDS TO INTERVENE!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

WORST SCHOOL EVER!!!, parents run as fast as you can from this school please put your child elsewhere. The teachers are horrible example if there was an issue in class and you mention it...guess what your child will be singled out and punished. The principal needs to how to interact with parents and have better people skills, no matter what her staff does she backs them 100%. Fair is fair and right is right. Teachers are not suppose to demeanor kids and talk down to them, when you mention this to the principal she blows you off. Also, the personel in the office is very mean except for the school nurse. Overall this school does not live up to their reputation. The teachers and principal all they worry about is FCAT FCAT FCAT, and how many kids their gonna retain. I could write more but just beware and do some thorough research before signing up. School board needs to do and investigation here ASAP.
--Submitted by a parent

I COSIGN with the other parent, everything written is so true. The principal is very unkind and not worthy she speaks to you as if your a nobody. As for my child they try to dig up ways to say she should not be in the school, the teachers are constantly picking at her, and talking reckless in class. If the principal doesn't want to listen to parents concerns then who will. Children have right and a voice. SCHOOL BOARD DOES NEED TO INTERVENE. Other parents also complain of similar issues with teachers yelling and gossiping to other teachers about their kids. Parents are suppose to feel at ease when they send their children off to school right? But nooo, not at Plumosa your heart will be leaping the minute they step out of the car. The Aftercare Program is the only good thing I can say about this school, it is well organized, the counselors are caring, courteous and patient the principal can learn a thing or two from the Director of the aftercare program on how to run a school, speak to parents and hire a staff that cares and not just in for paycheck. Most of the teachers there don't even have children so how do you expect them to relate to ours. Cant wait for the school year to be
--Submitted by a parent

I cant wait for my kids to go middle school and i just ask them if they want to go ro a different school. is a shame the fact that I can count with one hand how many people who works including teachers are polite and professional. The office personal is very rude and unpolite. the dont let you comunicate with teachers, just with an appointment. Some issues has to be resolve with out an appointment. they say that school and parents has to me united but just words in the air beacuse the just need parents when they need to blame a bad behaivor or bad grades and the want the parents to do what the cant do during their 6 hours school program. To much homework. Also the personel in the cafeteria, scream to the kids if they dont have money to pay or some other cases. i think money is not a topic for a child and they need to call partent and not embarace kids in front of others. also the food is junky, makes the kids hyper and also the are dissatisfied. Good nutrition and education go hand in hand. the kids need better teachers and also better staff "role model" and educated people.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers, while most are educated with a teaching degree, are for the most part inept at working effectively with children who need a "Little Extra". The school grossly fails to recognize where a child needs assistance and fails to give assistance to those children that require it. The ESE Dept at the school is of little to no help. In addition, any assistance they have given comes after repeated requests on my part. They fail to regularly meet on a schedule that is of benefit to my child. The Left Hand never seem to know what the Right Hand is doing. Extremely Poor parent/teacher communication. I myself as well as other parents have witnessed teachers shouting at the children in the cafeteria. New principal leaves much to be desired. Assistant principal seems inexperienced and always looking to the principal for direction. Beautiful New Campus. Frustrated Staff! The administration is more concerned with keeping the school beautiful than with educating the children! FCAT motivated teaching. Thank goodness for NCLB Choice Options!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is there for the "magnet of the Arts" she LOVES IT!!! Not only is she getting a GREAT ACADEMIC Structure... w/Teachers' that are there whom LOVE to teach.. She is getting all avenue of the Arts. Art classes, Dance, Drama, Percussion, Piano, Chorus, PE.. etc it's as if she's getting lessons from professionals free!!! Next year, 3-5 to be exact, get to choose a major/minor.. They are allowed to choose their two favorites, and focus on what they accelerate at!!! The only down side of this school, is there is just way to much drama.. and Honestly, there are way to many illegal immigrants in this school. Overall, it's a GREAT School if you want your child to be exposed to the "The Arts, and Be taught by teachers w/hearts!" (Acting principle, is doing a good job as well, When really listening to what you have to say!"
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has excelled academically since attending the dual language program. Her teacher is wonderful, staff are continually striving for improvement in all areas. I know that many people were concerned about her attending as it is in a low income area but I am extremely impressed with her progress and for a child that knew little Spanish at the beginning of her year WOW! I recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a dual language course.
--Submitted by a parent

only two of these reviews are from this school year. The organization and the administration of this school year in the new school is awful. My child has been bullyed and nothing is to be done. The teachers pay little attention to details or the well being of the children. I am sick with this school and cannot wait til the school year is over.
--Submitted by a parent