Discovery Key Elementary School

UPDATE TO: "Recently transferred our two kids to DKE from Coral Reef" posting. Wanted to add feedback based upon second year at school and call out the fact that the bulk of the initial low ratings for the first year were based upon experiences with specific 4th grade class, which were very similar to the other postings (apathy, frequent substitutes, slow/no response to parent questions or meeting requests, etc.). That said, 5th grade this year has been a 100% turnaround for the positive. This year's team of teachers my child has are exceptional. They are organized, communicative, and energetic. My child is excited to go to school every day and is really progressing academically so far this year as a result. Well done!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at DKE since Kinder and is about to finish his 5th grade year. We have had a wonderful experience with all our teachers. If your child wants to learn, the teachers provide an excellent source of education. My son has always received A's and has scored 4/5s in FCATs. And yes, there is Reading Counts, Science Fair, 100 days, fieldtrips, etc. We celebrate EVERYTHING, and bring our children together to enjoy school spirit. There is room for parent involvment, not only with PTA but also in the classrooms, the teachers welcome you. We have had changes this year with our report card system, and no, I do not like nor agree with it, but guess what, this is coming to all the Palm Beach Elementary schools next year, at least that is what I was told. I find that system to not encourage our achievers, but I guess the district likes all children at a "proficient" level so no one feels left out. Not realisic in my book, but I don't run the district, so my choice was to leave DKE if I wanted to, but I stayed, and I'm glad, my son has two wonderful teachers who have helped my child exceed! Overall, besides the new grading system, I rate the school as an "A"....I mean, "EX"
—Submitted by a parent

I agree these reviews must be from past parents. My daughter came to this school in grade 2 and she is in grade 4 and we are looking for a school to send her to for 5th because it wont be here. 4th graders have 2 teachers and good luck if you can make it through the week without a sub. On most weeks she has a sub AT LEAST once but usually 2 or 3x a week. Her teacher even took off an entire week for her bday. I scheduled a conf in the beginning of the year, its February now, just now got acknowledged. My daughter was being bullied on the bus, when I spoke to the Vice Prin she made it clear that this wouldn't be tolerated and if it kept happening the child would not be able to ride the bus. I felt reassured until I found out 2 weeks later my neighbor was complaining to the VP because her child was being bullied by the same child so obviously its not being taken seriously. In DKE's defense my daughters 2nd and 3rd grade teachers were great. I've always had additional educational support (private teachers, Kumon) but this year seems to be going downhill. And this year they have implemented a generalized grading so its not A,B,C, its ways more primitive like P/F.
—Submitted by a parent

Discovery Key is an excellent school. My two children were at New Horizons Elm. in Wellington last year when we moved down and that schools fails in comparison to Discovery Key. We are so happy we bought a house in this schools boundry. Great people and great area!
—Submitted by a parent

All Three of my children attended (one still attending) DKE. It is a Science based school. This has helped my older children immensely in their studies. I also love the teachers, the support team the aftercare program. Overall great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the first grade, love the school, love the teachers, loved Mr. Sills but now there is a new principal and he's already causing issues with drop off and pick up. Myself and others have seen this new principal blow up at parents already and we are in week 2, not very professional and setting a not so good message to our kids. Drop off in the morning is so backed up on to lake worth road it's a mess. I hope this improves over the next few weeks and hope the new principal develops a personality too. Mel
—Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the drop off and pick up. I have a child that is in the Autism cluster at Discover Key. I often see the principal, Mr. Sills meeting the children in the moring and has also walked my daughter to class when I running a minute behind schedule. I love this school and 'Mr Sills'.
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked at Discovery Key Elementary since it opened and wouldn't think of going any place else. The parents, students and faculty and staff are such a delight.

I have worked at this school for four years. We have a wonderful staff as well as fabulous families that support us each day.
—Submitted by a teacher

It is a joy to work at this school. The administration is supportive, the parents are incredible, and the students are wonderful to teach. The school environment is positive and learning really is fun here.
—Submitted by a teacher

The teachers that my children have had were equally excellent in their teaching skills, discplinary procedures and most importantly the equality in which they treated each student. The principal is excellent and the vice principal is catching on. Each year, the school gets better and better.
—Submitted by a parent

The drop off and pick up is crazy. there is often no adult helping children to cross the parking lot. i guess we trust anyone who can drive. my child has a LD and we have problems with him not getting the help he deserves and being punished alot . i would like to see more positive desipline. Children need recess. It helps them cope with stress , gives them excercise and helps them meet friends which help with emotional selfesteem.
—Submitted by a parent

I also agree that the parking is out of control and needs to have a better system. Personally the vehicles that drop off the circle should have so compassion to the parents that accompany their children to the school, when crossing in the morning there is no need to speed. We are all going to the same place! And kudos to the traffic cop that looks out!
—Submitted by a parent

I do like the school in general. I feel though the parking/pick up line needs to be revamped. Its out of control and nothing gets changed.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is still too new, I feel that so much more is needed. I do believe that FCATS are important but there is so much more to schooling than that. There is too much concentration the entire year and therefore, lacking other important subjects to cover. Not to mention the athletic department, this school has a very talented coach but gym is very limited.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Both of my kids attend this school and love it. The curriculum keeps them busy and there is always something going on. They go on field trips, have fun days, reward parties or incentives and this keeps school fun for my kids and makes them want to go to school and learn. This is a change from the last school they attended. That's for sure. Everyone I have ever dealt with, from Principal to teacher to other volunteers, have been wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent. The principal is very involved and dedicated. He is what make the school and even better place. The school is an A rated school and has everything new and up to date.
—Submitted by Kay R, a parent

This is a Science Focus School. They use science to spark student interest. Many hands on activities. Good kids. Caring families and teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

I feel fortunate to have my son at DKE. Mr.Sills and his staff are wonderful. the school has an open door policy so I can eat lunch with my child any day I want to. They are very involved in Science, and they do experiments inside the lab and they have an outdoor classroom and a pond where they do experiments. My son is on first grade and he already knows how to develop an experiment, i.e. hypothesis, theory, conclusion, etc. The PTA is strong, and for the past 4 years we have raised more than 150k to donate to the school.DKE even has a sister school that we donated supplies to. It is an A school.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful, nurturing school. The teachers have a true interest in educating the kids. Very family oriented!
—Submitted by a parent