Mary Esther Elementary School

I went there in the 1970s and have positive memories. My kids go there now.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not sure where the previous parent got their informatin, but there have been 3 principals in the last 6 years which is not uncommon. I am overjoyed with Mary Esther. The teachers are hardworking and dedicated to their students. I volunteered a lot in and out of the classroom frequently. The music program is back and better than ever! And Mary Esther was the only elementary school to make an A rating between Edwin's, Wright and Florosa. If you don't believe me go and talk to Mr Massey who is readily available to chat everytime I go there!
—Submitted by a parent

Our child attended school for six years. We have had three great teachers out of 12 (keep in mind they switch classes) 5 different Principals in 6 years. No music program or guitar program that left with Dr. Neese. Lunch is a hostle setting with attendant who guards/guides. I absolutely love a few teachers. This does not make up for the teachers who are just collecting a check. Parents are not encouraged to visit the class room. If you vollenteer you will never be allowed in the classroom. (that would allow you to see what occurs behind closed doors)
—Submitted by a parent

Mary Esther Elementary is a great school with a caring faculty and staff. Exciting things will be happening with our new principal, Mr. Massey. We have a computer lab, PE program and Music program in addition to the regular academic classes. Parent involvement is encouraged; we have a very active PTO that sponsors several events throughout the year. YMCA provides before and after school care on campus. We invite you to come visit our school!
—Submitted by a teacher

Teachers do not care about their jobs. Tell the kids to deal with it, or get over it. Principal says they will take care of some issues, still waiting to hear from him. Have a niece who went to a Niceville school with A-B grades transfered to Wright and now is a C-D student. She hates everything about the school. Other niece used to love going to school, even wanted to go on the weekends. Now hates school and can not wait for summer vacation. HOPING to get a waiver and change schools!!!

I could not be happier with Mary Esther Elementary School! My family is zoned for Florosa, but when I went into Mary Esther to check it out, I was so impressed! The secretary, registrar and principal are friendly, professional, and go out of their way for families. We moved to this area in the middle of my son's second grade year and he had some serious catching up to do, but his teacher worked with us both and he was very successful. I was so pleased that I registered my daughter for kindergarten this year, even though she was accepted at Liza Jackson. I have never been sorry - her kindergarten teacher is wonderful, as is my son's third-grade teacher. The PTO is very active, there are lots of volunteer opportunities, and the entire staff really care about the kids and their success.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from another state where the schools were horrible. Our son was more than a year behind academically compared to Okaloosa Co schools. Mary Esther and the staff were awesome! They put him in tutoring two afternoons a week and his teacher and support staff were in regular contact with me. Our daughter started school there this past August and it is amazing how much she has learned. I can say Mary Esther does have a music and art program and even a guitar club and chorus, both of which my eldest participates in. I do not like the fact that only K-2 gets recess, however that is the case with the majority of schools in Okaloosa Co. This is because of the FCAT and the focus on hours per day in academics. That is not the individual schools' fault. We love Mary Esther!
—Submitted by a parent

Mary Esther is an awesome school. I have never seen such a caring and committed staff. The third grade has a Beach Program where the children learn about our beaches and sealife. No where else do you get such hands on experience. I would not hesitate to send my child here and feel safe and confident about it. Most parents jumped on the Liza Jackson train only to find out it is no better than Mary Esther. For being a Title I school, this school matches or exceeds Liza Jackson's test scores.

I have read the reviews and i must admit I agree with all of them. Her is my review.. For starters the school has excellent security precautions, I love the fact that the office is the only way to enter the bldg. All other doors are locked... So kudo's on security.. Principal does take her time in responding to issues, however she does have a school to run with more than just one student. Also she has to take certain issues to the higher ups of the school board before making a decision herself. She is on a budget... The caferteria seems clean and nice staff. The teachers all seem like they generally care for the children. I feel that it is a homey enviroment.... I really love this school... Not everyone is going to like every aspect but for the most part the students are the school's main priority....
—Submitted by a parent

Not to sure what the reviewer means by not enough socialization for the K-1 grades? I volunteer every week in a Kindergarten class. They are always working in groups and doing projects together. They also sit next to each other during lunch. I have witnessed other students helping out the ones who need some extra help doing some projects. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school, like many other schools, has a lot of room for improvement. There are crucial areas and programs that the students need in order to be well rounded academically. For example, there is too much focus on FCAT, and no art class to boost creativity. Not enough socialization between students, especially in the K-1 level.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! We were a little hesitant to send our daughter to Mary Esther due to reading some reviews posted here and other sites. I have seen first hand the excellence of this school because I volunteer on a weekly basis, in my child's class. I also eat lunch with her every week and get to experience the lunch time also. No school will ever be perfect in some parents eyes. But I can assure you that Mary Esther is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is not quick to solve any problems you may have. I was told our child was on the young side of (late aug dob) and would need to repeat kindergarten instead of title I tutoring. I never gave up and after days leading to weeks of calls we were finally in title I program. This school really needs some help in response time. The principal is leading her second year, and still has not returned daily phone calls or offered to see us at the school when we have stopped by twice now in two days 'open door policy' to discuss your child seems to be selective. I do however praise the wonderful teacher she had last year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending this school. There is a lot of room for improvement. Although there are some great teachers here, the principal often seems uninvolved, need to improve music program with new material, library should be utilized more, an art program is needed, and general attitude towards students needs to be improved. Not enough 'fun' allowed. These are children after all.
—Submitted by Carleton, a parent

I have a child in K and one in 4th at this school. While not a terrible school, I still think there is lots of room for improvement. The staff seems quick on following up through emails and calls, however I've had trouble getting conferences, and have seen little follow through on promises of tutoring etc. Having said that my children love going there and love their teachers, activities, etc. I think they are attempting to make progress regarding communication, parental involment etc. Overall an ok school, but sometimes doesn't measure up to other elementary schools in Okaloosa county.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year at Mary Esther. She is in 1st grade. They don't have enough parent involvement and I think they could do more with art and music. I also think they should have a better and healthier lunch menu. There should be more extra curricular activities for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Two daughters attended, one still in this school. Variety of teachers and methods, mostly excellent teachers and discipline, a few duds who can't control their class. No art programs, spanish program cancelled. Music program once a week, with poor effort on teaching younger students, mostly the older ones for yearly shows. Too much emphasis on learning to take tests (FCAT). Lunch program could be healthier. Occasional gaps between curriculum from grade to grade. Politically-correct with no holiday celebrations. Library not used enough. Parent involvement is high. Multiple yearly field trips. Computer centers. Offers before and after-school daycare and summer care. Overall, average school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am transfering my child from this School, there has been way too many problems with bullying and some teachers tend to turn a blind eye.
—Submitted by a parent

This is probably one of the best public schools you can sent your child to. Be forewarned, the curriculum is advanced. However, the classrooms are small and intimate and all the teachers have aides in additon to room mothers and Sunshine Math teachers. These kids get alot of one on one interaction. And please! Don't miss the school spring carnival. You'll be doing your child and your nonschool age children a diservice. There are some very creative games and 'stations' set up and just about everything (including a ride on the local fire truck) is one ticket (25 cents).
—Submitted by Shannon, a parent