Fishweir Elementary School

I am here to tell you that all these reviews are way too old. This school is an abomination. That is all you need to know. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE. I am a teacher and I am appalled at the on-goings of this school and even more saddened that dcps clusters haven't done a thing about it. It is all about the money.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is a good school where most of the children seem quite happy. I have had two children attend this school, and we encountered a different problem for each of them. First, as this is an arts magnet school, it is sad that my child became totally turned off in an art area, a passion my child had since toddlerhood and the reason we chose to pursue the magnet program (not an easy process). We learned that it was wrong to assume that the arts area teachers would provide a better foundation and inspiration than at a non-magnet school. My other child, a straight-A student, is continuously anxious about the FCAT, and we would prefer that the test be less of a focus at school. The administration is very supportive and friendly -- if you have no complaints.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Fishweir for K-5. It is truly what an Elementary school should be. It is a small, caring environment where your child will receive exposure to all arts areas, Dance, Music, Drama, Band, Chorus, and Visual Arts. The teachers are very good, with high expectations still while being very welcoming and compassionate. Most know all of the students by name. The principal is very accomodating and has an open door policy. Parental involvment is big and very welcome by teachers and adminsitration. Overall a great home for your child away from your own.
--Submitted by a parent

Is a small but friendly school. There is a lot of parental envolvement and the teachers and staff are always willing to assist you in anything you need.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attends this school and I have found it to be a great place for him to grow and learn. The standards are at least as high as the area private schools, yet it is enhanced by the arts. The combination make my child excited to get up and go to school each morning. I have found the staff to be caring and welcoming. Any child should be able to thrive at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Fishweir is an old fashioned school with high standards and an excellent teaching staff. It is worth moving into the district just for your children to go to this school. This is the way schools were meant to be and one of the few truly great public schools left.
--Submitted by a parent

I cannot believe the level of incompetency in an alleged 'A' school. I am lucky that I was able to take my child out of this school to a private school. I was warned by parents who sent their children here years before that there was a problem but I had no idea how bad this school could be. Part of the problem is the 'teaching for the FCAT' which is part of every public school problem But this is not all that is abysmal; the quality of instruction and compassion is sub par. I have no solution other than request that you send your child elsewhere to a school with accountability and compassion; in other words, Private School.
--Submitted by a parent

Superb school, small, friendly, incredible band,art, dance,chorus, and drama opportunities. The academics are solid and the teachers and staff are very approachable. There is lots of parental involvement.I have had 4 children go through in the last 10 years. Also it is a feeder school if you are a magnet student to LaVilla middle school for the arts. I highly recommend it.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academics at this school is amazing! my children are in drama and band and they love it! The teachers are wonderful. You could not pay for a better school and this one is free! Thank you for all you do Fishweir staff!
--Submitted by D Davis, a parent

I have had 4 children attend Fishweir, this year will be the last for my 4th. This school is a quiet gem, receiving 5 Star Status for many years running and A's on FCAT several years in a row also. The teachers are the best, so committed and the perfect blend of gentle and tough. Most of them have been there for many years and only leave to retire! There is great parent involvement (I have been on the PTA Board for 13 years), and the school is clean, safe, and happy. It is an arts magnet and the music, chorus, band and drama departments are wonderful! I can't wait til my grandkids start at Fishweir!
--Submitted by a parent