Bellalago Academy

If there were zero stars, I would put it. We moved from SC 3/4 of the way into the school year, and my children were miles ahead of the kids here. My oldest son lost two courses that aren't offered in his grade here and became very downcast. One was a high school credit course. The asst principal didn't contact or notify me for two weeks about his schedule, and they tested him without my knowledge or consent. Only one teacher even will email with me, and that includes the principal. Discipline in the middle school is atrocious; fights are constantly breaking out and kids cuss and jeer at teachers-and these are the honor classes. When a teacher is out, they don't replace them, instead doing what they call "splits" which divides the class up into other classes, where you then don't do any work. We can't wait to get our kids out of this school, and I am shocked that any parent would try to have their children attend on purpose. The school also doesn't update it's website, and doesn't have the parent survey online that Osceola County schools are supposed to have. If you are thinking about moving to this part of Kissimmee, stay where you are.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a new 8th grade student this year. The middles school is very small and it is very hard to walk to your next class. The staircase is tiny so it is always full of people and this is a HUGE problem when you are trying not to be late to a class on a different floor. The rules are so strict that they might as well walk us to the next class. I am pleased with the school and It is not the best! But I do prefer it to schools that are nearby.

As a participating parent of my childrens education, I will state that Bellalago is the only area school my children will attend. They have quality teachers and great curriculum for the K-8. My oldest son is in his third year and he has been excelling each time. There is always homework and reading assignments, which keeps the students sharp, provided the parents are monitoring and participating in the work! Both my spouse and I commend the school for striving for excellence in it's FCAT preparedness and daily curriculum. Shame on the parents who complain about "the staff" and not take more control of their OWN participation of their child's educational growth. Go Bellalago Academy!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have been going to this school for 3yrs and there has definitely been an improvement since the new Principal took over last fall. She cares about the students and the school. The front office staff has changed as well. There were some rude ladies before but the new staff is very helpful and polite. I think this is a wonderful school. They do need more parent involvement but the school is so big (K-8) it is hard to get all of the those parents involved but they do have 2 big events the Fall festival and the Multicultural night in the spring that bring the community together.
--Submitted by a parent

I am truly surprise at some at the negative comments on here. My son has been going to Bellalago for the past five years and I have nothing but praise for all the teachers and staff members I have come in contact with. His teachers have always promptly respond to any concerns I may have and the only one time I had to contact the principal, she respond to me the same day. I have also volunteer at the school on several occasion and all I see is staff being helpful to students.
--Submitted by a parent

As mention not all but the great majority of the staff and administration and yes including teachers are rude and definitely not helpful. When there is an issue is like loop holes to resolve unless you threaten to get the district involved. The staff at times seems to forget that the Parents are not there students but adults the merits respect as do also the students of course. On many occasion I had put the staff on check that mistaken me as a student. Unfortunately I cant wait until my children are older so they can be home school so I won't have to go through constant battle with this school. I have yet to to speak to the Principal since I guess she works for Washington D.C. and cant be bother. The only reason I know how she looks is because of the website.
--Submitted by a parent

I am amazed at what I have read. I don't know about the middle school, but the elementary has been wonderful. Everytime that I go to Bellalago, people have helped me. The School Secretary, Mrs. Padgett, has been especially professional and helpful. I have also spoken to the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Honeycutt, who has always helped me and greeted me with a smile on her face. I can tell that she truly cares for the students and they love her too. The teachers have all been good and my kids are happy!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 middle schoolers and very satisfied with the educational system in Bellalago. Both my kids are doing very well in school. They both are in honors and advance classes. Kudos to all the wonderful and very knowledgeable teachers of Bellalago. Great job Dr. Diez and to all the staff of Bellalago Academy.
--Submitted by a parent

I have never seen teachers so genuinely caring about their students as a whole not just their grades. Thanks to Mr. Ortiz for turning my granddaughters whole outlook on school around. I am a very proud Grandma of two students.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is almost finished his first year at the school and I am very please with the school thus far. His teachers were wonderful and as for the administrative staff I cannot believe the things that are being said. I am a very involved parent and I interacted with the staff quite a bit. They were never anything but polite and helpful.
--Submitted by a parent