Spanish Lake Elementary School

Our 1st grader (MS. GARCIA'S CLASS) and 2nd grader (MS. WILLIAMS LEWIS' CLASS) have had difficulty with reading. Several parent/teach meetings requesting tutoring for reading have resulted in the same response - it is not available, except through private/outside sources. The Language Arts grade is a COMBINATION of the English and Spanish language class grades. We just found out (progress report)our child was pulled from the normal Spanish class to be TUTORED IN SPANISH PHONICS! They can't help with learning English, but have the resources and funds to focus on Spanish! This is discrimination. English is what is used in math, social studies, and all other classes. They are not teaching how to read English, but will a foreign language! THE SOLUTION IS PAY $$$$ PRIVATE TUTORINGS AT THE SAME SCHOOL. Incredible!
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to reach out to the parents that cared enough to submit a review about this school to become involved in the PTA. There is so much more that we can do. I really believe that we all care about our children. There is so much we can do to make this school as great as Palmetto Elementary and give a chance for our children to really compete out there. I believe our kids are just as good as their kids and I believe we love our kids just as much as they love theirs. Please get involved. You will be SHOCKED when you find out how much we can do for our kids and how much better we can make the school if we participate. We can't leave everything to the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful... The teachers are smart, patient and caring. I am impressed my daughter has been there 4 years she's going to fifth grade in August. Mrs, Llombart is one of the BEST teachers there and Mrs. Stevenson. Please if you can ask for Mrs. Llombart you will be happy and lucky if your child gets her. She is amazing and will do whatever it takes to help your child get A's. Loved her . The school security is great and it is an A school. Parents if you want a great "A" public school please choose this school. I can't say it enough MRS. LESLIE LLOMBART the best..
—Submitted by a parent

I would give this school a top rating. I think if you show interest in your child's progress and are involved with the teachers and supportive of the teachers, they do their darndest to educate your child and keep you informed. It is not easy having a classroom with 18 children. This year my child is in Third Grade. Unfortunately it's all about the FCAT this year. The children get bored and it's hard for them to stay focussed. I feel like they don't get to learn much of anything except how to pass that math and reading FCAT, but as long as the FCAT is around, that's they way it has to be, I guess. The teachers have to do their best to make sure all the students pass that test. Hopefully in Fourth Grade they will have a chance to learn about more OTHER things. For now, any enrichment has to come from me.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her second year @ this school. It all depends on the teacher. Her First teacher seemed more like a drill Sargent and to think she's a kindergarten teacher . This year has been the complete opposite, her reading and her spelling both in English and Spanish have greatly improved. She even got superior honor roll! The teacher really make all the difference. I even found a drawing in her backpack with a big heart for her teachers. She would have never done this for her previous teacher. I tested their security and was given a hard time about it; always telling you to go to the office .(which I like) I would recommend this school, just find out who your Childs teacher will be.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been in this school since it started so that would be about 3 years now, and through the years I am still waiting on it to improve. There is a lack of effort from the teachers when it comes to having to do the extra with some of the kids that are falling behind, and not because of conduct but just because their are struggling, even when they have been told by the administers they need to work more one on one with the children to get them on track their response has been their not supposed to. I guess this wasn't told to them when their were becoming teachers it would be part of being a teacher. I would not recommend this school. Unfortunately this is the school my kids are assigned to until private schooling is free!
—Submitted by a parent

this schools has a very good appearance but some of the teachers and staff look dead to me like they have to be there cuz they have no other choice. you have very little parent-teacher communication. for example i have to take the words out of my sons teacher cuz if not she will not inform me of anything. dont get me wrong it is a good school and my son learns just they need to improve there communications skills.
—Submitted by a parent

I'am a parent of 2 students in this school, and they are always ecited about going to this school.. And up to now the school is been up to par for my standards.. The teachers are very well prepared and teach very well. The school is up to par with Technology..
—Submitted by a parent

I had to move to an area where my child would go to a decent school. This says it all. I was extremely dissapointed with the school, the teachers, and the principal. I was teaching my child at home, that way he would not be behind on his learning. The teachers did not show any interest at all in the kids progress, very unprofessional also. I always received pre recorded phone messages around 8 pm, from the school principal , about fund raising, or other things that were not important for his learning. They do not encourage reading either, and other activities that would stimulate the students to do better. The security is not good at all, and anyone can go in the school from other entrances. I am relieved the year is over, and he is out of there.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school! The administration, teachers and staff are all very knowledgeable and caring. Very state of art in technology and resources.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't be deceived by these ratings. Our 1st grader has had difficulty with reading. Several parent/teach meetings requesting tutoring for reading have resulted in the same response - it is not available, except through private/outside $ources. The Language Arts grade is a COMBINATION of the English and Spanish language class grades. We just found out (progress report)our child was pulled from the normal Spanish class to be TUTORED IN SPANISH PHONICS! They can't help with learning English, but have the resources and funds to focus on Spanish! This is discrimination. English is what is used in math, social studies, and all other classes. They are not teaching how to read English, but will a foreign language! 2 weeks of calling and going to the office requesting a meeting with the principal to discuss concerns and a serious family situation was met with NO RESPONSE. Now withdrawn and in a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was enrolled in this school for 3 months and our experience was so bad, I ended up homeschooling her instead. The school is seriously overcrowded. The teachers were horrible in communicating any scholastic issues, even after I gave them my e-mail address and cell phone number. And instead of helping my daughter with her reading, her teachers recommended that I pay $35 an hour for tutoring. This school is too focused on the FCAT, instead of making sure that the children have a true grasp of the material. I was glad that she was studying Spanish. But the way that they presented the material was so difficult to grasp, that I ended up having to do her Spanish homework. The teachers didn't seem to even to care about her progress. My daughter's reading improved within a month of me pulling her out of school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school I love it for my kids
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school-they make sure that your kid is learning the appropiate it way and also my daughter is learning how to read spanish ans english at the same time
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, very safe, up to date with technology, new! my son loves it & I do too
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in Spanish Lake, and we can truly say that it is an excellent school, not only for the marvelous facilities but the teachers too.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my son and spanish lake elementary school.the teacher were very nice.I am a very involved parent.and participate in this scool.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending this wonderful school. I am a very involved parent and participate alot in this school. I can honestly say that it is a GREAT school all around! The teachers, Principal, office staff, janitors, and security all work extremely hard and are very dedicated. 5 star school all the way!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in love with school and learning. Between the great teachers and new technology of the smartboard it can't get much better than that.
—Submitted by a parent

I think is a state of the art school, with new technologies, computers , smartboard, etc I think is going to be one of the best school in the state.
—Submitted by a parent