Chimney Lakes Elementary School

This school lacked in a few critical areas. Children with learning challenges are not likely to get the help that they need. I experienced difficulty getting accomodations and the teacher would not ensure my son received his medication and woud then punish him for the behavior that the meds were meant to treat. My son was frequently bullied. The vice principal would not address the problem. The communication and notification of events was awful. My son was in 3rd grade this year and he frequently received conflicting information on what was expected of him. Overall the school is not terrible. We had an amazing year last year. Just be prepared to struggle if your child has any type of learning challenges or if you are a working parent who is unable to be at the school at the drop of a hat.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall this is a good school. Most teachers are great. They do what they can to enrich your child's knowledge. But the school lacks in other areas greatly. Special Ed classes are consisted of an average of 30 students. That poor teacher can only do so much with so many students & I understand that falls mostly on the county's rules and regulations. But before you even come to realize that your child has a learning disability you get a 1st grade teacher recommending reform school because she "can't deal" with your child. Then you have a school psychologist saying that your kid is autistic because he/she wouldn't talk to her after she "observed" for 10 minutes. That's after you presented to her a full report from a child psychiatrist, that did all kinds of tests with your child over several sessions, stating he/she has a speech problem and a learning difficulty because of it, not autism. Somebody sold her that diploma on a sale...sound bitter, yes because there is not much help when it comes to problems like these or bullying that goes unnoticed & adds to the issue you are already dealing with. The staff & teachers can only do so much with the resources they have available.
—Submitted by a parent

Chimney Lakes is overall a pretty good school, but there are certain teachers, and things about this school that could make it better. Everytime I try to contact the principal I always end up getting her voice mail, or she is in a meeting, and doesn't return my calls. The teachers like to hand out candy as a reward, and with children going to the dentist, I just think it would be better to hand out stickers instead of candy. My daughters first grade teacher actually called starburst candy "Star Pills", and ofcourse was furious with the idea a teacher would call candy pills. My daughter has 2 first grade teachers, and I am wondering how you can build a bond with 2 seperate teachers, one morning, and one in the afternoon. She is also a car rider, and a couple of times they accidentally placed her in someone else's car. If your child is absent they don't call you to verify you kept her home, which I think all schools should for safety purposes. Overall, this school could be better.
—Submitted by a parent

As a substitute teacher, let me tell you that Chimney Lakes is an excellent school. The teachers are great, the students are great. It's always a pleasure to work here.
—Submitted by a teacher

Another Great Review! They have many Volunteers and teachers who care a lot about our children. They are so involved with many opportunities for our Children. No short supply of parent volunteers. The multi-cultural week at the end of the year is an experience matched by no other. My children LOVE this school and have great pride in it. They make learning FUN! The Principle Mrs. Knott is in it for our kids. She makes great choices to better our children. Now, If we could just get a great middle school to feed into.....
—Submitted by a parent

There are many dedicated and deserving teachers at Chimney Lakes Elementary School who care about the needs of the children in their classes.

Great school. Teachers and staff are caring and professional. The community is very involved. Couldn't ask for a better school for my child to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Great friends, great workplace, and great community, what else can I say?!
—Submitted by a teacher

This school does a great jpob preparing the children for the next level.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome!!!!! It has so much to offer to it's students.

Chimney Lakes Elementary is a great school. We take pride in education and our student. It is great to be a part of such a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I love the caring atmosphere. Everyone is there to help children strive to do their best in whatever challenges my come thier way. The teachers and staff are awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides everyone who enters its doors a unique experience. It is an environment where the entire school works together to ensure the best education for all its students. Everyone is considered Family here.

We came to CLE mid-year from overseas and my Kindergarten daughter loved this school. At her old school,she learned her sight words, but at CLE she learned to read! Thank you Ms. Scott!! We are moving again and my daughter is very sad to leave this school, she loves the teachers, the activities, her classroom, and her friends. I specifically, stayed six months with my family so that my daughter could attend this school because her three cousins have all gone through CLE and are all reaching their potential in learning. I thought the homework was in line for a 5-6 year old, the classroom academics challenged my daughter and I thought they had fun field trips. Thank you CLE for giving my daughter a good start!
—Submitted by a parent

Student loves school, but question if she is just being passed through.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was able to read from very little to a lot within a matter of one grading period. His teachers from Kindergarten to 1st grade are so amazing...especially Ms. Yergin and Ms. Thompson. Well done teachers!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter has learned more at this school than i expected for 2nd grade it's a wonderful cultural magnet school
—Submitted by a parent

I was told about this wonderful school by another parent and we are THRILLED with our decison to send our daughter there! Ouf 5 year old attends kindergarten there and learned to read in just about 2 months. She can read just about everything!! It's amazing! She loves school! I sometimes volunteer at the school and have only witnessed happy, smiling children. You can also eat lunch with your child in a special area. Security of the children is very good. The school is completely locked down and EVERYTIME I've been allowed in I have been asked to show ID, sign in and wear a visitior pass. The few times I've had to dismiss my daughter early I was also asked to show ID and they pulled her card to make sure I was allowed to pick her up, even though they know me!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids love the school. Great teaching staff and afterschool program!
—Submitted by a parent

Overall my kids love the school. I have a 4th and 5th grader. I've never seen them so excited about school. One thing I was disappointed in was their programs. I thought there would be more art, music and PE. This was one of the reasons I wanted my kids there.
—Submitted by a parent