Kendale Lakes Elementary School

I have been a teacher at Kendale Lakes Elementary School since the year 2000. I have had a wonderful experience as a teacher at this school. Since I am also an alumni of Kendale Lakes, I have seen this school flourish in many ways. The amount of technology available to teachers and students has significantly increased. It is incredible that there are 11 working computers in my classroom, along with an amazing LCD projector, which we use throughout the day for our lessons. The students are able to work on many amazing programs available on a daily basis, such as: Accelerated Reader, Success Maker, and Ticket to Read. These programs have provided daily interventions for every student in the class, no matter what their instructional level may be. I am looking forward to my future years at Kendale Lakes Elementary as one of the members of this incredible staff!!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have been working at this school for over 8 years and I can't say how proud I am to be a KLE staff member. I am lucky enough to work in a Kinder/First grade co-teaching environment. The amount of technology that has been implemented into this school since I began many years ago is overwhelming. I am very PROUD to say we have an LCD projector to utilze in our classroom which has opened many doors for my students and their learning styles. The school has progressed a great deal, in the aera of TECHNOLOGY!!!
—Submitted by a teacher

needs a better leader and a few better teachers. It seems like th ebest teachers are now gone.
—Submitted by a parent

This is by far the best elementary school in our county. The levels of excellence are exemplified by the Principal, after/before care, teachers, maintenance and cafeteria staff to the highest level. Our children are able to learn in a nurturing, positive and safe environment and, as a result, they continue to blossom. The entire school as a whole is a positive influence on the children. Thank you for all your efforts and keep up the great work!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Starting this school yer (2009-2010) the school has a new principal. I believe she is doing a great job and I want to encourage all parents to help the school and join the PAT. However, my only concern is the class sizes for the gifted program. While regular classes have about 22 kids, all gifted classes have over 30 students. I would like the school and the district to solve this problem since the gifted children are not receiving the attention they deserve.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending KLE for 8 years now. One in regular classes, and one in the gifted program (now in middle school). Teachers are dedicated, caring and approachable. I mostly communicate via email with the teachers, counselor and administration and have always received prompt replies to my concerns. It is an excellent school with a great faculty regardless of what the Administration is forced to do according to what the School Board mandates (where the real problem is). In both of my children s classes number of students per has always been reasonable. Last year there were only 19 students in my then 2nd grader s class. This year is approximately same class size. Overall, my family s experience with KLE has been wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW! I thought I was the only one that felt this way. KLE needs a new principal and AP. The school is great! Its the principal and AP who need TO GO! These two women are not leaders. They are not approachable nor do they care about parent's concerns. The way the principal and AP conduct themselves towards parents and volunteer is disgraceful. No wonder parents don't want to get involved. I too withdrew my son.
—Submitted by a parent

I do agree that the school has gone down as far as administration. I do understand that teachers have had a lot of issues with the school board, however, this is a job they choose just like everyone else's job. I think it's about time we get another new principal to bring up this school again as it was over 2 years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Kendale Lakes for the past 6 years. It had always been an excellent school with a great staff. It made an effor to work with the parents and the PTA, but in the past two years the new administration has severely impacted the quality of the school. Parents feel uncomfortable when voicing their concerns, when volunteering, even when joining the PTA. The adminstration's only concern seems to be funding, not the actual students and parents. Past administrations made an effort to recruit volunteers and appreciated their hardwork, instead the present administration them for granted. It may be an 'A' school, but that's due to the hardwork of its student body and its teachers, which are caring and hardworking. Many parents have withdrawn their children and placed them in other area schools rather than staying at Kendale Lakes. The school is definitely on its way down.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in the third grade. He is in an ESE program. When he came in from a prior school, he was reading in a Kindergarten level. He is now over first grade level, and continues to improve. I think that says it all!
—Submitted by a parent

The administration of this school needs to improve. The school had poor leadership and parents felt that they were a bother if they had a problem or a question that needed resolution. ...
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately the principal backed up the horrendous behavior on the teacher s part. Do not send your child to this school. If you have an issue with a teacher the administration will not hear it! Thank god my son is in a new school where teachers are not overworked & overwhelmed.
—Submitted by a parent

Kendale Lakes Elementary is the best school my kids have ever attended. My eldest son was previously enrolled in another school in the area and it was horrendous to say the least. Kendale Lakes has teachers that really care about their students. My kids recently had to leave the school because of relocation and they were on the verge of tears asking if they would ever come back. The caring attitude of the teachers is reflected by the respect the students show each other and the level of learning acheived. Of course every school has good and bad, but in this case, the good definitely outweighs the bad. The school has gone through two principals in the past three years, yet the staff and teachers have done thier job with excellence by not permiting this change to affect the students. Thank you Kendale Lakes!
—Submitted by a parent

Just Because the school is rated an 'A' does not speak of the level of education the students receive, it only shows how well they have been trained to take a test. The communication is horrendous and the teachers are fearful and overworked. Class sizes were great, if you consider 35 kids to 1 teacher a good ratio for a second grade class . And YES, I was in the PTA and a volunteer. The previous principles were incredible but the newest installment is far from standards that we should receive. To the point that she locked herself in her office to avoid talking to the parents about our concerns. Needless to say that my child will no longer attend this school. I hope that this information is of help to you and know that I am not attacking anyone, I'm just reporting on what has happened to this great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Kendale Lakes has made another A despite the fact that many other area schools dropped a grade. Despite the fact that several principals have led the school in the past year and a half, the teachers, students and parents have maintained the successful formula needed to maintain an A. Communication with parents is a strong point through websites, newsletters, automated phone system, email, phone calls and PTA meetings. Parents who write reviews that complain the level of communication is low are most likely, not involved with the PTA. Though the methods may not be understood, the bottom line grade of A should speak for itself.
—Submitted by a teacher

Because the school has had several new principals in the last several years but has maintained its FCAT score of 'A' it speaks highly of the teachers and leadership. The teachers work exceptionally hard and care deeply about the students. The class sizes are good, parent-teacher communication is doen through a weekly newsletter, teacher websites, a school website,PTA meetings and workshops that are put on by teachers. Although, not perfect, this school has excelled through a lot of difficulties.
—Submitted by a teacher

the academic program are ok ,the level o parent involvemente is perfec.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers and excellent performance by the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school for kids and parents alike. Unlike most public schools in Miami-Dade County, Kendale Lakes has a full time gifted program.
—Submitted by a former student

This is a great school, great teachers, great kids! My son is in their ESE program, and my daughter in their REACH program (gifted). The current principal is approachable, and will try to assist the parents. Great experience with the office staff as well.
—Submitted by a parent