Robert L. Stevenson Elementary School

I have to completely agree with the comments warning new parent(s) of what RLS is actually about. I too have seen what goes on there and was shocked so many parents allowed a school to operate in such a poor manner. The "drop & go" parents don't see what is really happening there. They need to spend more time inside the school. (Which is extremely hard to accomplish, since it is difficult to get past the front office) However, I have talked to many parents who have stated exactly what the reviewer twice ago said. To sum up as briefly as possible, RLS is a hositle, univiting, uninspiring enivironment that believes in a negative, rather than positive teaching/reinforcement style. Parents are constantly pulling their children out of the school. And contrary to what they may want you to believe, they do it to provide their children a better educational experience. The parents who have saved their children from RLS could open your eyes to the multitude of problems there. You should try to seek them out. Also, the Arts program there is awful. The other review is 100% right. Put some art on the walls for tours, take it down right afterwards. Back to boring gray walls. Yeah School.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow. The previous reviewer certainly sounds like he or she has had a very bad experience. I am sorry for their experience however I wish to respectfully disagree with all of the comments. For the past many years, my family has not experienced any of the situations listed. My children have been treated with respect, during academics and the arts (of which is infused throughout the school - any of the frequent performances indicate this). And I do have the opportunity to participate with my children but not to the extent that it disrupts their learning or that of the other children. Again, I am sorry the previous family has had such a poor experience but I don't believe that is the experience of the majority of the families.
--Submitted by a parent

WARNING!! Terrible School! The school enforces a strict, "Closed Door" policy, and they have a good reason for it. If you are able to get past the main office, you will see the multitude of problems with this school. The children are ridiculed and embarassed on a daily basis. They believe that they can keep the masses in line by making examples of individuals whenever possible. Group punishment is used frequently and they make entire classes sit with their heads on the desks for extended periods of time in an effort to punish poor behavior of individuals. The school cares about 1 thing, and 1 thing only. FCAT grades. They begin drilling the 1st graders for the 3rd grade FCAT, and they make sure they weed out the lower performing children by forcing them out of the school prior to 3rd grade. They will create such a hositle environment for the child and parent, that they will have no other option but to withdraw. They require 20 hrs. volunteering per family, but the school does not want you there. They will not let you around your child, period. BTW, it is supposed to be the School of the Arts, yet it has absolutely no art throughout the school. Your child deserves better!!
--Submitted by a parent

Best school I've been associated with since I went to school as a child. Parents care, teachers rock! Kids are challenged to excel, nothing bad to say!
--Submitted by a parent

It's a school that motivates kids to do their best while exposing them to the arts at a very early age!
--Submitted by a parent

the caring teachers and the opportunity for students to explore creative arts along with regular curriculum

Best school ever. Those negative ratings are mostly from parents who's children where behind academically and they preferred to leave the school to avoid a hold back. All schools are too concerned about their Test scores and ratings, but the government is to blame for that. I have my 2 children at Stevenson and we love it.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Stevenson! My husband and I put our son into this school last year and are impressed with the academics, arts program, and the dedication to students the staff has. Since there is so much time spent on the arts and performances, it isn't for everyone. I keep my son there (advanced, needs challenging), and my daughter at a different school, because she needs more time in the classroom. A-plus!
--Submitted by a parent

What can I say about Stevenson that would do it justice? It is unlike any other school. This school is driven to be the best. It drives the students to be their best and instills a sense of community and a work ethnic. The teachers have always been there..before and after school working hard behind the scenes. My child has learned something that will benefit him tremendously every year. he learned how to ace the FCAT writes, conduct science experiments, and master all math lessons and even was accepted into the high school math classes in 7th grade . It isn't a school for the lazy student or the enabling parent. I can proudly say it is a school for rigorous and challenging work.You can tell from the last day of school when the children are bawling that they LOVE their school. Go RLS!
--Submitted by a parent

My child is completing the first year of school at RLS and couldn't be happier. He is thriving academically and socially, and has the opportunity to advance even further with the arts and music, both areas that can enhance a child's academic performance. His teacher is excellent, showing creativity, excitement, and teaches to each child's strengths. The children in his class and throughout the school appear happy, friendly, polite, behavior problems are few and academics are strong. I very strongly disagree that the school focuses on their ratings, scores, or image; I see the focus during school and during afternoon activites on building a well-rounded child. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved, to be a part of their child's education, and get to know the staff members teaching and caring for their child. My younger child is looking forward to starting school at RLS in the future.
--Submitted by a parent