Littlewood Elementary School

It is hard to explain the level of fear and apathy reflected by the teachers working at this school. The children are like zombies and live in fear of having fun and enjoying learning. Its a mostly white school in a well to do neighborhood in Gainesville whose administration is stuck in the 50's. I feel sorry for the children who attend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible school for non-standard kids. My daughter attended this school for 2 years and we decided to leave and not enroll her younger brother with special needs. If your learning style or personality do not fit the standard fill in the bubble test, you will be at best ignored. It is very teach to the test which drags everyone to noncreative mediocrity. I researched the ESE for my younger child with aspergers and a very high IQ and would never place him at this school. The teachers hands are tied by an awful state curriculum and equally terrible principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Completely unwelcoming environment. My son's teacher consistently proves to us that she is unwilling to work with us in any meaningful capacity. Educators complain that parents don't get involved, and when we do we are met with indifference, resistance, and what can only be described as some sort of educational malaise. The gifted math is a disappointment, and I feel that there is no desire to improve on the schools part. Overall, I will be happy to have son out of this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I sent our three youngest kids to this school and every single teacher was incredible - they gave our kids a great education. But the most incredible thing to me was when my wife passed away a few months ago the teachers and staff took it upon themselves to bring the kids and I dinner several times a week for two months. They are truly awesome and show everyday, in the classroom and outside of it, how much they really care.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great for special needs kids. The previous post was meant for Wiles Elem not Littlewood. I am not sure how that happened, but please know that this is an excellent school despite the principal's shortcomings.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 kids at Littlewood for a total of 6 years and have found it to be a great neighborhood school. The ESE programs are wonderful--from remedial to gifted. The music and art programs are really, really good, but unfortunately the kids have these classes less than once a week. PE leaves a little to be desired, and is also less than once weekly. Good administration and teachers. Great programs for the kids. Tremendous parent involvement. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in classroom and school activities, which helps to create and maintain an intimate school setting.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful schhol. Plenty of support for the students. The title one class at this school is the best. My daughter needed this is first grade for reading--and every since she has been a 3.8 GPA student (this was 7 years ago). The teacher's are kind and caring. Great academic focused school!
—Submitted by a parent

Having attended Littlewood for 4 years, I am totally impressed with the leadership. Any issues I have raised have been addressed prompty at the highest level. The faculty is involved and caring. The kids have music, art, PE weekly and recess daily. The PTA and SAC are very involved and encourage new membership. We are very pleased.
—Submitted by Darlene Tucker, a parent

I researched schools in the area before moving to Gainesville from MN and loved Littlewood. The teachers, staff, and parents are very involved in making this a great place for children to learn and grow. We bought a home in the neighborhood just so my child could attend Littlewood. I am very pleased with my families decision and our experience with Littlewood elementary.
—Submitted by a parent