Twin Lakes Academy Elementary School

Twin Lakes Elementary opened as a fantastic school, but has been unable to keep up with growth in the area. My daughter went there for grades one and two, and her math skills were inferior when she entered a St. John's county school in third grade.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the better public schools in Duval County. In growing area and overcrowding is becoming a problem -- portable classrooms are now used for 5th graders. Many great teachers, a few not so great. As with any school, the school is no better than your child's teacher. We have had three children attend TLAE. Two are now older with the youngest still there. We have been pleased with the teachers. Most of the problems are 'district' related. The school has involvement from parents and support from local business partners.
—Submitted by Bill, a parent

great school, great teachers---too many children
—Submitted by a parent

I understand the frustration of some of the parents commenting on TLAE as to class sizes etc. However, you must remember this is NOT the school but the a direct reflection of the County and how the schools in general are run. I think TLAE has stepped up to the plate and done an excellent job with what they are given to work with as of today. This is my second child in TLAE and both have excelled. I have never had to hire a tutor however I am very hands on with the kids education. Don't know if anybody has had opportunity to try another elementary school - I have (a supposed A School) and I can assure you that you see the education at TLAE in a new light.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely unhappy with the Duval county America's Choice Math Program. The children need to get additional tutoring to learn basic math as the math investigations is not helpful at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs very good - more hands on activites would be great. Like to see more student work filling the hallways- not just on bulletin boards where there is only a couple of pieces up. Great resources however I would like to see each resource offered once a week. Great parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Twin Lakes for the 2002-2005 school terms. Her class sizes have been enormously big each year. I feel reduction of the class sizes will create a positive opportunity for growth and development, allowing the teachers to focus on the strength and weakness of the students individually. However, a great amount of academic materials are sent home for parental enforcement. I have been impressed by the extra support provided by school officials in the effort to improve my daughters learning. The teachers that I have been in contact with at Twin Lakes have shown interest in the students learning by providing them with the materials and activities needed to make school a fun learning and successful place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school does a mediocre job with their academic programs. I am not happy with the class room size-AT ALL. If I could pick one good academic quality it would be their drive to get kids reading. I am extremely disappointed in their availability for music, arts and sports. At one point they cancelled their music classes last year and I never heard anything from the school or school board regarding ceasing the music program. Parent involvement seems pretty good. I see a lot of parents volunteering thier time and attending funcions and meetings. I think the rating of an A school is subject to personal opinion. I would give it B or C+.
—Submitted by a parent

The school was overcrowded with children everywhere!
—Submitted by a parent

Overcrowded in the classrooms...not enough staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 3 year old who has not started school yet. I can't review any schools, because he has not attended any. I have heard good things about Twin Lakes from some neighbors, but I would like to hear more about it.
—Submitted by a parent

School is much too big and intimidating for students in middle school, plagued with budget problems, and many bussed in kids from other parts of town. Duval county still doesn't get it. Smaller neighborhood schools are the way to go.
—Submitted by a parent

First Graders don't have enough time to eat lunch, because they spent their lunch time waiting in line for food. They are not allowed to take snacks before lunch, and if They leave home in the morning without breakfast, when do they get nutrition?
—Submitted by a parent