Lawton M. Chiles Elementary School

Both of my daughters have attended CES--one is now a 5th grader, and one is now at Kanapaha Middle School. They have had wonderful experiences, are learning a lot, have developed good friendships, and are well prepared for middle school. Can't believe a parent gave this school a two star rating because they gave out candy as a reward occasionally--silly!
--Submitted by a parent

Extremely disappointed! The school faculty mails information home about healthy eating, childhood diabetes, etc, but many of the teachers use candy on a daily basis to reward kids for good behavior, class participation, and good grades. I have extensively researched if using food or candy as a reward is a good idea. Everything I have found thus far clearly states that it is not a good idea to use food, especially candy, as a reward. Overweight child or not, it's just not healthy for their bodies in general (including teeth) and it is not creating good eating ideas and habits in their young minds. The principal does not see anything wrong with what her teachers are doing. I am not surprised because it would not go on if the principal was against the use of candy as a reward. Let me do say though, that there are many good teachers there who know what they are doing and don't take the lazy road. Too bad I can't say that about all of them. I really wish the school had a no-candy policy (my understanding is that it's up to the principal). There are numerous other ways to motivate and teach our beautiful children without causing irreparable damage.
--Submitted by a parent

Chiles is a great elementary school. I have been very happy with the teachers that my two kids have had. The principal and assistant principal are very involved and visible at events. There is good communication from the teachers, the administration and PTO to the parents. I have been happy with the after school program (EDEP) at this school too.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school, absolutely great teachers. My children have grown so much the past couple years with these caring teachers. I would pay more taxes if it would actually go to the educators/schools and not the bureaucrats. About the only two things that hamper this school and its students are teacher pay and the Florida legislature. The exact student per classroom law is ridiculous. Hope to change that law in November voting.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. Works to include all children who can succeed with some accommodations. High expectations for all students.
--Submitted by a parent

This shcool is really lacking in the area of Special education support. If your child has special needs don't go here. If the regular teacher can't do it, it won't get done. (Which is sad since they are so busy already.) Not recommended if your child is outside the norm.
--Submitted by a parent

If your child is a special needs child please do not send your child to this school. The school just does not have the resources to help your child and will care less about helping them. But if your child just needs general education this is a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

Nice school, great public education.
--Submitted by a parent

I had a 5th grader at Chiles when we first moved to Gainesville and I was very impressed with the teamwork between the teachers. They did a good job of preparing my child for middle school. Later, my second child entered kindergarten and is now in second grade. He has not done as well since he is not very conformist. Although there are some good teachers there, everything seemed to be geared toward preparing for the FCAT. Also, it is a disappointment that the gifted program is such a small amount of time and enrichment only rather than acceleration.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! Highly recommend.
--Submitted by a parent