Loretto Elementary School

I am a student that moved on from Loretto two years ago. I honestly wouldn't have liked to have gone anywhere else. I think that the work I was given (especially in 5th grade) really helped prepare me for the challenges that now face me in middle school. This is saying a lot because i currently go to a college prep school, taking algebra a year early, and this school prepared me for it. I was (and still am) a straight A student all my life, and this is mainly due to the fact that Loretto's teachers really helped me to not just "get" the concept being learned, but examine it and really grasp it. I loved how I could grow not just academically, but socially as well. Even if you come in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade, you still know everyone by the end of your 5th grade year. I see that some people have been putting down the class size, but I loved having a larger class because all our ideas, questions, and opinions could be bounced off one another and gave us different ways of looking at something. I was going into 3rd grade when the principal changed, and I have to say that he has made it so much more the technology magnet that it is. Overall, I would strongly recommend Loretto.

I love it here i am in fifth grade in Mr.keith's class and it is wonderful my name is dahlia the teachers are nice and i always get good grades

I am a student at Loretto Elem. And so is my brother. We both love it there. I am in 5th grade and my brother is in kindergarten. Mr.Begley is a really fun princepal. Last year if we read a certain amount of book he ate a worm. This year if we read a certian amout of books he will kiss a pig. He always gets us motivated to read by doing some crazy things to reward us. Me and my brother are also in extended day and that is awesome too. I am a patrol and I love this school and I think ou would to

My children and I had an excellent experience at this school. They went here for the 2010-2011 school year. Mrs. Toomer is by far, one of the best Kindergarten teachers I've ever seen! We also had Ms. Vogt and Ms. McMurry (team teachers) and the were excellent teachers! I could not have asked for better teachers. The teachers, who I have had the pleasure of working with, genuinely care about their students. They had a way of realting to the kids and making them feel special. They were very encouraging for those students who struggled. The school atmosphere was very family oriented. I can only speak from my experience, but I can not say enough kind words about this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter goes here and she has only gotten 4s and 5s on the FCAT. The teachers here are excellent
—Submitted by a parent

Loretto is an amazing school. My son loves to go to school everday. His first grade teacher, Ms. Ganas, truly cares about her students and does a great job communicatiog with parents!
—Submitted by a parent

Both teachers and parents are amazing! Everyone works together to make this school the best it can be!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children so far in this school and I have to say that things have have been so much worse since the changes.The new principal is rude and unedjucated in the matters of a.d.h.d and a.d.d students.If your child has a.d.d or a.d.h.d I do not recomend this school at present time. Not only are they irrisponsable with important paper work pertaining to these children They flat out do not care. Trust me when I tell you that if you send your child to this school he or she will just be a number not only do they not have the proper training as teachers to handle these issues, they flat out don't care. If you send your child to this school with these problem i promise you they will be just a number lost in the system.Frustrated
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal, Mr. Begley is great! He is motivated, enthusiastic and making positive changes to not just the physical plant of the school, but to the students and teachers. The school has always welcomed parental involvement. The children are encouraged to exceed expectations and to set and achieve goals. Yes, classrooms are larger than ideal, however the teachers work hard at making this situation a positive one. If we could change one thing it would be to keep more of the resource classes and to have them more frequently. Unfortunately, the cutbacks in the Duval County School budgets have forced these decreases. I coultn't end this without identifying some amazing teachers at Loretto - Mrs. Morcom, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Doan! Mrs. Miller, who is now working in administration was innovative, exciting and motivating! She made my child want to learn! Many thanks and keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved going to Loretto. The staff are extremely kind and they always make sure that everyone feels that way.A lot of people are concerned about the attention that is given to their child in the classroom.Yes, it's true that the classrooms have 20-27 kids on average, maybe even more sometimes, but the teachers give their undivided attention.If there are more than 30 kids, there are 2 teachers.The teachers make sure that the kids understand the concept of the lesson and then they work on it more in the class or for homework.They make sure that you understand the importance of the lessons they teach.The kids feel better in a large class, that way they feel more like a family. In 5 gr,, you know everyone in school.Every child learns the requirements, even ones who are ESE.i would go to Loretto all over again if I could.
—Submitted by a student

There are so many good qualities about this school. Teachers are outstanding. There is a lot of communication and the school encourages parent involvement. The problem here is size. There are a lot of students. They recently improved pick-up time so that you can get your child within 20 minutes of arriving on school grounds. The problem is- it also takes 20 minutes to drop your child off, and they do not excuse this tardy. The crowded classrooms are hard on kids with ADD or ADHD, as there is always some sort of distraction. I've spent days in the classroom trying to help my child focus because comparing homework and schoolwork is like looking at two entirely different children.
—Submitted by a parent

mrs miracle did an excellent job in teaching and relating to each child. my son strived to do his best and wanted to exceed his teachers expectations, and do so very well with her encouragement. she is a great asset to loretto and and welcome new teachers for 2007-08.
—Submitted by a parent

Loretto has been a postive experience for my older child and I expect my younger child who starts Kindgerdarten next year to enjoy her time there. The teachers and office staff have always been great at allowing the parents to be involved and addressing issues that arise such as familial issues or learning issues. Ms. Chojn, Mrs. Bergan, Mrs. Herrmann/Ms. Fife (do not know new married name), and Mrs. Beaty (now retired) have been great!! We thank you for your firmness as an instructor, but also your compassion when life happens t our children
—Submitted by C. Harris, a parent

My son's experience at Loretto has been wonderful! We both love the school. I moved my son from a private school in Ortega because we recently moved to Mandarin and we're glad we did! The teachers care about my son and his education. I wouldnt change a thing! Way to go Loretto! Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to loretto for Kindergarten in 2006-2007 we thought the education he recieved was OK. but really it was not. We sent him there for the first 3 weeks of first grade and it was so bad that I pulled him out and put him in a private school. I would warn other parents about sending thier children to this school. The classes are over crowded, the teachers are overwhelmed, they have very few resources for your child(music PE art etc.). As I said I pulled my child out once I opened my eyes to what was happening and thank goodness I did his new teachers said that he did not learn a thing there in Kindergarten and they had to teach him everything that he missed. It is sad that I cant send my son to the neighborhood school :(
—Submitted by a parent

I had serious problems with my child and his Kindergarten teacher and principal. Principal blindly supports teacher without ensuring the best interests of the child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have major problems with this school. Not involved with the ar summer reading program this summer why not? Great way to get kids to read.Daughter had 75 ar pts last year made us both happy not this year
—Submitted by a parent

I thank it is a great school the teachers care about there kids. There is a lot of on hand work and one on one with the kids. They take the time to know that every kid understands the work that there doing.
—Submitted by a parent

Way, way too big. Too many students. The classrooms are very small and have too many students in them. Teachers and administration have a very public school attitude. Meaning we really don't care about your kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Loretto has been a superb school for our family. The teachers are great and very friendly as well. Loretto exceeds many private schools education levels. Parent involvement is high and it shows! We Love Loretto!
—Submitted by Mr an Mrs Coffman, a parent