Kenwood K-8 Center

I am not surprised by any of the negative comments below. I tried to enroll my daughter in this school, as we are new to the neighborhood. The office staff was so cold and lazy - a true reflection of the poor management in the school. I don't know the principle, however, if she cannot manage the office staff I am confident the school is a mess. It is unfortunate that I will be forced to fund this school as part of my property taxes. I hope new administration will be able to change the overall attitude of the school. This is very disappointing.
--Submitted by a parent

I had the same experience with this principal,my son had been bullied in this school.The Principle got very defensive and said there is no such problem in her school.the teachers the same.i pulled my son out of this school.

Parents if you are looking for a great school; secured, qualified caring teachers, amazing staff and direction, you are looking at the right schoolfor your children. Of course, ONLY if you are an involved parent, that have made efforts to know your child s teachers and have worked together with them to ensure your child is receiving the best education, THEN you will be able to appreciate this amazing school and stand by for it the way we are. Parents, take this advice from this parents whose children have been going to Kenwood since Kindergarten and they are almost finishing Meddle School now; doing extremely well in school and in everything they do. My husband and I could not be happier with this school, not only because of the high quality of the education our children are receiving but also for the opportunity to have made long lasting friendships with wonderful kids and their families. That by itself deserves our A+.
--Submitted by a parent

Hum someone removed my post. I guess the truth of this school / administration / principal / teachers doesn't want to be told. The principal of this school is a poor leader. She doesn't like to hear any complaints against her teachers. Parents would not complain if they didn't think it warrant it. She protects her teacher regardless if they are wrong. Parents have written letters to the school and regional office complaining in the principal s attitude and stop talking down to parents. But nothing is done since she is protected by the superintended. Her and her husband is best friends with the superintended. There was a parent who sued the school due to the lack of attention / teaching to her child. After being blacked ball by the principal and teacher she took her child out and is now doing amazing at another school. I all this information can be verified with other parents. Good Luck!

My son has attending Kenwood K-8 since Kinder. I found that the school over all is good, however, the Administration in my opinion is the problem. The school Principal has been seen riding around in her car during the school day rather than being at the school attending any issues that may arise. The Principal in my opinion needs to take a course is social skills as her person to person skills are very POOR. Former Principal Pastela is sorely missed by many that includes teachers. The principal needs to be more concerned about the students needs rather than just making sure she covers her behind.
--Submitted by a parent

I find that for the most part this is a very good school with the most caring teachers I've ever met. It is unfair for parents to write negative reviews about one experience, I'd like to hear the positive also. No school is perfect, however this school offers VERY good EVERYTHING. As a parent you try to find the best school for your child and this school definetely is for me and my three kids. My oldest attended 3-8grade, my second and third are in elementary grades...veyr happy and successful thanks to the positive environment of the professsional caring teachers they;ve had. I am VERY happy at this school!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I was in utter disbelief as I read the previous comment. I teach with the fourth grade teacher the parent is referring to and have only observed her to be kind, patient and genuinely concerned for her students' academic as well as social progress. The previous post is grossly irresponsible. I implore you to go back to your child's teacher and open the lines of communication. It is the only way to address conflicts. There is no isssue that can't be resolved through discussion. If you don't agree with each other, continue the conversation by validating each others feelings and continue from there. Teachers are pulled in many directions; by the state, county, administration, parents, and the children themselves. We can not please everyone, but we certainly aim to try. As a teacher at Kenwood, I ask that you refrain from teacher descriptions. We adults need to set the example in proper conflict resolutions and character defamation is most certainly not the way.
--Submitted by a teacher

I totally agree w/the previous comments. The Principle is lacking in the professional dept. She will not take criticism from parents. She needs to take the horse blinders off & look around. Parents see what s happening in classes better than she can. In 2nd grade the kids were expected to donate $10 her birthday & Christmas present etc. Ridicules!! Apparently, the people collection the funds doesn t understand the meaning of a donation. It s different than an expectation. Now, this year 4th grade teacher is another young & lazy teacher. The only HW given is ABC order & 3 x s each. I spoke to the Principle & she just said Oh all the teachers teach differently. She doesn t want to give out HW b/c that would mean she needs to grade them. It s just horrible. I did ask the teacher about that & she just told me that they have enough time in class to get everything done. She didn t even give much practice for the FCAT writing. How can you grade a writing assignment when it should be practice for the FCAT? Think twice before choosing this school. I know it s an A school but it really does stink. Staffs are horrible!
--Submitted by a parent

I had the same experience with this principal. My 5 y.o daughter had been bullied in aftercare and did not want to go to school anymore (after 4 years of positive schooling experience in preschool). I raised the issue with the principal and she refused to have me use the word " bullying", which was acknowledged by the aftercare staff. She went along into "bullying" my wife in several occasions, addressing to her in a very condescending and demeaning manner. We had to remove our daughter from the school altogether. Our daughter was immediately relieved and reverted to her happy self during her first week in her new school, also in the public school system. This principal does not have the right character and manners for the responsibilities she holds with this position. The assistant-principal of the elementary school was more professional than she ever proved to be. He was a better listener and was more knowledgeable about students' educational and developmental needs. Unfortunately, he is not the one in charge.
--Submitted by a parent

I too agree. After 3 months of my son in this school I pulled him out. He was being bullied! The Principle got very defensive and couldnt believe her teacher wasnt doing anything to correct problem. The teacher actually left my son 2 times in classroom alone while they played outside so "my son" wouldn't get bullied!
--Submitted by a parent