Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary School

This is a wonderful school with an incredible program and even more incredible academic culture. I purposely transferred my daughter from private parochial school to this school in order to benefit from the dual language and gifted programs; I am elated how well this choice has panned out. The administrative staff and teachers are involved, caring, and appropriately demanding. My daughter has flourished under the stern guidance of a gifted teacher who refuses to accept "I can't," or "it's too difficult." Incredibly, with this kind of encouragement, my daughter has learned to love learning!!! I am so impressed with the program at this school that I enrolled my son in their VPK program starting in the fall, 2010 - my little guy is excited about "learning stiff" like his sister! What a delight for a parent to know that their children WANT to learn. Thank you Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary!
--Submitted by a parent

I think Dr. Carlos J Finlay is a great school! My daughter is now in 4th grade and I believe that the curriculum at Dr. Carlos J Finlay is challenging, as it should be. The Principal is very involved and committed, as well as, all other staff to offering the best education possible. In my experience the teachers that I have dealt with have been excellent. I believe they communicate what is necessary to assist the students to progress. Part of being a parent is participating actively in our child's education. While the teachers are there to teach, it is also our responsibility as parents, to reinforce the importance of studying and paying attention in class.
--Submitted by a parent

It's a truly great and skeeterific school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 4 kids and they have attended this school since 2004. My oldest son already finished elementary school and the other 3 are still there. I love the environment, the teachers are excellent and dedicated, they changed the principal recently. Ther previous principal was quite a character, she was very energetic and impressed me when I first came because she was always pushing kids to be their best and telling them things like 'When there is a will, there is a way', 'We are simply, the best', etc, etc. As simple as it seems, it does a lot to their self steem and spirit of achievement. The new principal has a different style, but is a sweet and caring person, very professional and kind -- she has different strengths and it is so far doing a great job.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not like the school. Not all children benefit from the dual language; some have a hard time with the Spanish especially when English is the primary language at home. Most of the time I am the one that teaches my son what the teachers are suppose to teach. All the administration at Finlay care about is the attendance and FCAT, to which they put to much emphasis in. They need to worry more about the education they offer the kids and not how much they can get if student go to school everyday. My son has prefect attendance does not learn much at Finlay.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic. Their bilingual program is the #1 reason, why I placed my child in this school. The teachers are great, knowledgeable and talented. I look forward to many years with my children at Finlay Elementary.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended the school for 4 years. She loves her school and teachers. The school is great and staff members are caring and always focus on 'reading'.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe the school is not what you expect from an elementary school. There is no interaction with the teachers & parents. I have to rely on what my 5 year old 'remembers' to tell me.
--Submitted by a parent

CF Elem offers a top notch, bilingual, educational program. The program is demanding and moves at a very fast pace! The school has a rigid 'keep up or ship out' disposition. If you can live without that warm and fuzzy feeling and your child is a fast learner, the education is second to none. If your child is a littler slower to pick things up, he/she will get left in the dust.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. Very demanding with homework but well worth it.
--Submitted by a parent