Lawton M. Chiles Elementary School

I am not only a parent at LCES but also a substitute teacher in the county so I get the inside of many elementary school in our city and Chiles is the best school we have so far; as an employee of the county I could probably ask to place my children in any school, but it happens that Chiles is the school we are zoned for and it is the best school there is. From the principal all the way to the teachers and support staff we couldn't find any better! Someone wrote here about teachers passing candy to the kids, Chiles has a NO CANDY policy and I can atest to it because when I sub it is one of the rules. My child has been in this school since K and I hate to think that he will have to leave after 5th grade. If you knew what goes one in some of the schools I sub...WOW! Chiles has the best that is available in this area!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended LCES since 2006 in kindergarten. She'll be a 5th grader this year and she is making long strides! I'm very proud of her and the teachers that have been her backbone throughout her school career. My daughter has been an ESE student since 1st grade and I have to say that they gave her an ESE teacher and she has followed her since 1st grade. I think it's wonderful that the same teacher helps my daughter excel throughout ALL of her classes, every year. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LCES!! Keep up the dedication to the students!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just completed her 1st grade year and I have been extremely happy with our experience at LCES. My son is getting ready to start kindergarten and we are looking forward to having two children attending LCES. The teachers and staff are so nice and helpful and so many parents try to devote time to volunteering which is amazing. Coming from a family of teachers I can say this is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

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

All 'specials' - Art, Music, Computers, Library, PE - 45 minutes/week.
—Submitted by a parent

This school doesn't care much about the needs of special needs children. The administration support is limited in this area. It is a great school for general education children, but if your child has a problem area, watch out!
—Submitted by a parent

I want to say I too am a proud Lawton Chiles parent. I have a 1st grader and a Pre-K student there and I could not ask for a better school. The staff is friendly and concerned about my children and about the family. I hope we never have to leave Chiles. Thanks to the faculty and staff you all are the best Alachua county has to offer.
—Submitted by Dena Furgason, a parent

I have 2 grown children and now one in the 2nd grade. Over the years I have been through alot of schools/teachers/principals. I am proud to say that Lawton Chiles Elementary School has met my every expectation in providing the best education, including a loving and caring environment, to my child. Thank you Lawton Chiles. Especially Ann, the Principal and Jill West, 1st grade teacher.