McKitrick Elementary School

I am very pleased with McKitrick on all levels. However, as with all schools in Florida it tends to be FCAT-centric. The teachers are involved and there is a ridiculous amount of parent involvement. This is a good-thing -- although I can see why it turns some people off. And yes, there is a certain expectation of social compliance. However, no one should hesitate to send their children to this school. As for special needs; there have been recent changes to staffing here that has significantly improved the school's ability to provide appropriate interventions and individualized attention -- but I must add that each parent will have a different take on this issue. Lastly, both the middle school (Martinez) and high school (Steinbrenner) are well-liked by parents; so if you are fortunate enough to live in a community that is within these school's boundaries, there is little to worry about here.
—Submitted by a parent

With the exception of the Principal this school is very disappointing. I have watched my child, who was pasionate about learning and education, be deflated and intimidated to social compliance. Teachers justified their behaviors and never took ownership in the fact that they could not actively engage a child. I don't know who the 5 star teachers were the others wrote reviews about but I am sure it was not the teachers we had nor the Vice Principal. - Choose a Private School if you want your child to advance.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a great year!!!!! We would like to thank the entire school staff for making McKitrick the amazing school that it is!!! See you next year!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff - all the teachers really care and have keen interest in the students growth.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has very high parent participation, a high overall educational standard relative to other local schools, and for the most part it has a very good school spirit. The teachers are fast to label a child , and it seems that many parents are able to influence teachers and areas of the children's education, that should be above any parent's influence. the same children benefit, and it seems to often be at the expense of other children.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent. We moved to this area of Tampa for McKitrick. We love the school and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Great learning environment, excellent teachers leading the students to higher achievements. The students love going to school an indication of the atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!!!! We have been working for two years through school-choice to get into McKitrick and we couldn't be happier! They are more focused on education than anywhere we've been, yet they still have fun! Allison Cline, the principal and Cathy Bishop, the AP are beyond amazing...The administration at our other school cannot even come close to these women! This is where you want your kids!!!
—Submitted by a parent

After attending private schools my whole life, I was leary about admitting my child into the public school system, but these schools are so fantastic they can't be beat! My child is attending Kindergarten and I couldn't be happier with the program and especially, the teachers. Every process from child drop-off to the cafeteria to bell work is well thought out and they have the best intentions for the children. My child is a bit advanced in reading as well and their curriculum caters to the varying levels. Way to go, Bobcats! This is such a nice area to live in that feels like a tiny community within Tampa.
—Submitted by a parent

Because I found this website so helpful in my school search, I wanted to leave a comment about the school that we found. As I read the commment dated April 28, 2010, I have to wonder which school this person could be talking about. Apparently they do not take their child to school in the morning, because if they did they would see Ms. Cline, the principal, smiling and helping kids out of their cars. Apparently they do not stay around for the adorable TV show done every morning by the 5th graders where one or both Ms. Cline and Ms. Bishop welcome the kids to school that day, tell them about what is happening at school and impart a word of wisdom to the children. Apparently they have never had lunch with their child in the outdoor courtyard, because if they did they would see them regularly being a presence.
—Submitted by a parent

The school itself looks great. However the teachers are quick to label a child. The Adminstration office including prinipal and assistant don't seem to be so involved with the children. I have never even seen either one on campus. I did expect more from school however they are just like any other school in the county. The field trips at school are nothing major. I cam name other elementary schools in Tampa Palms that have more exciting trips for children. The extracurricular activities are very low. However the parent involvement in this school is big.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my daughter's went there and loved it!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, principal and curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to the area just for the school and I think this was the best decision for my children 's education.We are very happy with teachers,principal leadership and parents involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school in the county it is just like private school and my kid's love it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is still a good school, but I am concerned that it is slipping. I've noticed a decrease in the quality of some instruction and discipline of students. I'd like to see the school's management hold everyone, from teachers to students to cafeteria personnel more accountable. Even so, most at this school genuinely care about providing and getting a good education, I just hope they tighten up the bootstraps so it doesn't get worse.
—Submitted by a parent

Dont be a parent of a child that has special needs. They are not proactive in getting specialized testing and instruction.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids have been going to McKitrick ever since the school first opened, 9 years ago. The parent involvement is extraordinary and the teachers are great and genuinely care about their students.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school! PTA has great involement with the parents & teachers. I have had 2 teachers so far and loved them both. Very caring and just top of the line. Don't waste your money on private shool, this is the way to go. These teachers are the best. Not much help for students with ESE or learning disablities. They don't make that an easy process. This is truly a school for the average or gifted child. VP and Principal not eager to make special arrangements, only down fall. Otherwise this is a fantastic school!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, don't be fooled by the below average per student spending as compared to the state. Most of this is because of high parent involvement mixed with the fact most of the kids come from Cheval which I am sure those above average income folks are helping out. This school finished at the top along with Mabry Elementary for the 2008 FCAT in the district.
—Submitted by a parent