Key Biscayne K-8 Center

Bullying is case-by-case. One parent may succeed with the bullying problems of their child, while another may not. There are several factors that can help/hurt the fight against bullying (such as a caring/alert teacher, a relentless parent, or perhaps an ineffective principal will be an obstacle, etc.) I have heard of excessive bullying situations from the parents themselves (mainly in 4th & 5th gr.) SOME problems were resolved, but TOO MANY WERE NOT due to the LACK OF DISCIPLINE. Recently, I met with a group of moms (5, to be exact) who spoke of their negative experiences with the school-admin/police on the issue. One subject that kept coming up was that the consequences were/are minimal (or none at all.) Nonetheless, I am very happy for those few students (victims) who were/are able to find resolution (such as the son of the parent who commented that she was "surprised to hear such a one-sided story.") Interesting that her son was "involved in a minor incident" at this school. As I mentioned, bullying is, indeed, a problem at KB K-8 (whether minor or major.) Yes, some situations get taken care of...but the problem is that MOST do not. Bullies have to be held accountable!
--Submitted by a parent

I am so surprised to hear such a one sided story about bullying. My son was involved in a minor incident and the response from the teacher and Assistant Principle was immediate and appropriate for the situation. Furthermore, I was surprised to observe how well the incident was handled versus other School. I wish this parent all the success elsewhere but I disagree with the statement. All schools will find some bullying but to say that KB has a problem which is not being handled I find very hard to believe.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is OK. I transfered both of my kids (3rd and 5th) from Broward and after 5 months, the school still has not finalized my transfer and paperwork. They are very UNORGANIZED, staff is nice but they seem to be overwhelmed. Good atmosphere for the kids but academics are light. Not a good school for a child that needs constant challenges or advanced programs. I am already looking for other middle school options.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at the K8 and arrived as an expat last year. Firstly Key Biscayne is a spanish speaking island and as most of the children who attend the school come from the island there is going to be alot of spanish spoken. My children do not find this a problem. As with all schools you have good teachers and bad teachers. Some are dedicated and try their best for the students, others are pretty awful. All schools in Miami Dade are suffering from cutbacks that they can ill afford. This school has a very good PTA and concerned parents which is a plus . Remember this is a state school
--Submitted by a parent

A good public school is not "free". Key Biscayne K-8 Community School is a good school because of the partnership we have with school and community. Is it perfect, no, please someone share with us a perfect school. Take your criticism to the polls and vote for Florida politicians that will fight to increase the Miami-Dade Public School's budget. Get involved, make a difference. Rating schools like this is petty.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of 2 at KBCS,PTA member,and volunteer at the school,I can say that the school has some AMAZING people working there,and some others that fall VERY short of average -at best.The principal is a cheerleader who is very supportive of her staff.She cares about the students and tries to help them where they need it.She could use to weed out the teachers that "phone it in",the ones that clearly don't want to be there.I've been volunteering in a classroom and watched the teacher on her cell phone for one call after another, for the 4 hours I've been there, doing the work that she complains she doesn't have time to do. Principal also caters too much to parents who think its a private school. That school would NOT RUN, were it not for the PTA. This site only allows 150 words,but I have plenty more to say...
--Submitted by a parent

It's really awful. My kids have gone to private school and public school elsewhere in the state. This is by far the worst school they've attended. Disorganized, DISORGANIZED, and did I mention disorganized? Horrible specials teachers (music teacher is verbally abusive to the children and the administration does nothing). The curriculum is weak - but that is the fault of the Miami-Dade county school system, not this particular school. There is virtually no supervision in the lunch room - no teachers at all and only 2 lone cafeteria workers there. It is very remniscent of Lord of the Flies. The children are given way too much independence at too young an age at this school - and the teacher/parent communication in grades above kindergarten is nothing short of negligent.
--Submitted by a parent

Both our girls attend KB K-8 and are getting a superb education. Teachers are well prepared, have been teaching a long time, are caring and always available. The assignments are meaningful. And we couldn't ask for more when our kids want to attend school in the morning. Parents are very supportive too. Administration is excellent as well.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent education, great teachers, parents that care, all in one of the most beautiful places in the world, the island paradise of Key Biscayne.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids attend KB K-8 Center and we have a great experience.
--Submitted by a parent