Henry M. Flagler Elementary School

My son started his first year in this school for Kindergarten. This school is average to say the least. They have been updating their website for the past 2 years.You have no idea what is going on unless you A) Wait outside the school and speak with the teacher , which in that case get in line or B) Grill your child about their teachers and activities. When you try getting in touch with teachers you are told to send your child with a note so the teacher can contact you back. Ive yet to get a response from my sons first period teacher. They give the children several teachers. Especially if your child is in the gifted program.My son currently has 3 teachers. I can only seem to get a hold of 1. As far as learning another language,I requested to have my son placed in a Spanish for beginners class. Since the area is predominately a hispanic neIghborhood and most of the children learned english as a secondary language I feel my son is not being taught the actual carriculum that should be taught in this class. It appears the teacher just assumes the majority knows what she is saying and speaks and writes in spanish without any translation.
—Submitted by a parent

I am both a parent and employee here at Henry M Flagler Elementary. I would like to say that I have had the fortune of being able to have my children here at this school and be a part of the Henry M Flagler Family. Year after year I have seen this school reach an A grade and I am very proud of its teachers and staff. All I have seen for over 13 years from the teachers is pure dedication to help students with their education and their goals. I have worked closely with many teachers and have seen their interest in helping each and every child achieve the best grade possible.
—Submitted by a teacher

You know it's horrible what has been said about Miss Oliva since last year but my daughter was in that same class last year and she was a straight A student. And like most you will think its preference with my daughter, but guess what, my son has her this year and he's not even close to being a straight A student. As soon as we as parents know who our children are and watch them out of their regular home environment, then you'll know if your child has a problem or the teacher does. Because I as a parent of two kids in this school, have watch them both succeed in what they do because of the helping hand their teachers have had. I think Ms. Oliva is one of the best teachers in that school and wouldnt settle for anyone else. And for all those parents who hate Ms. Oliva and tried to get her fired, I know who most of you are and the comments you've made but I've watched most of your kids since their kindergarten days and guess what? They are not who you think they are. The work is hard, the homework is hard, but if the effort from us as parents is harder, then I don't see why our children cannot succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter had learned a lot this year. She started 3rd grade reading at preprimer level in Reading. She has always had issues with reading since first grade. My daughter's 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Lago, has gone far and beyond to help my daughter, and the rest of her students. She devouted 41/2 hours a week since September 2010 three times per week to tutor her students without getting paid for those extra hours. She is very patient, kind and caring to the well being of her students. My daughter now is reading at a 4th grade level, and she seems to be more sure of herself. Ms Lago is the greatest teacher my daughter has ever met. She is an excellent teacher that goes the extra mile to make miracles happen.
—Submitted by a parent

Stay away from this school if you can. The principal is not willing to respect and/or listen to parents. In my kids 2do grade class, with Miss Oliva, there are 12 parents that are unhappy about their kids performance and lack of will to go to school. However the administrations has done nothing. After trying and trying I decided to move my kind out of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school for my son, he is a gifted student since 2nd grade, and he was accepted in the Break Trough Miami program, all thanks to his teachers, the best in the school. It isa very safe and confortable place to me and my son.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has some of the best teachers in Miamidade county. The fifth grade team is excellent. Mrs. Ramos is the best math teacher my child has encountered in all of his elemetary years.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last posting On aug 24,09.. I have been having so many problems with this school let along a teacher. The office staff has horrible communication and have many two safety mistake will my son. I'm currently fighting the region office so my son to can be transfer out of this school. I'll be damn if I keep him there. If not I will hire a attorney to hand this matter.
—Submitted by a parent

Where do I start...Horrible communication between the school and parents. The principal was impossible to meet with. Not a very supportive system at all. My mother has been a teacher all my life and I was lucky enough to have been raised with a Massachusetts education to know the difference between faculty that care and ones that really don't. With the exception of a few teachers, they really didn't care. My son almost scored perfect on his joke of an FCAT test and I am happy to say this year he will be at another Dade public school...wish me luck!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a clean and friendly school. My daughter Grace learned a lot while she was there.
—Submitted by Graciela, a former student

I find Henry M. Flagler one of the most amazign and powerful schools in Miami-Dade County. My child feels safe and comfortale at the school. THe teachers are very supportive and welcoming. The administrative team is very knowledgeable and always willing to help. I wish my child could attend Henry M. FLafler forever!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to this school for 6 years and I find the school very safe. They are very concern with kids safety and that this days is as important as their education.
—Submitted by a parent