Pinecrest Elementary School

We moved to Pinecrest because of the school district and have been very disappointed. The school is enormous and lunch time is basically survival of the fittest. They have very little supervision. My son had his lunchbox stolen twice and each time I visit him I have to lecture his classmates on why they should not take other children's lunches. Another concerning incident was my son marked absent, when was actually in class. They also managed to loose my contact card when I filled it out 3 times. The only positive experience I have had was last years teacher. Hopefully things improve or I may have to opt for private school.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic program is good. Lots of parental involvement and the attention for the children is almost personalized.
—Submitted by a parent

I transferred both of me boys from private school when I moved to the Pinecrest area 4 years ago. I have had a amazing experience at this school. The PTA is very involved and parents are encouraged to be involved as well. One of my boys is currently in the gifted program and the other is not and I must say I am equally impressed with both programs. There will always be a teacher, regardless of the school, which might not be up to your standards but the majority are great and really take pride in their jobs. Referring to the other comment on this board, smart boards are the wave of the future. They are an amazing tool that will capture your child's attention, which we all know is very difficult now a days when dry erase boards are competing with computers, kindles, iPads, iPhone etc. I personally went to a demonstration held in the library and thought they were pretty amazing! All in all I think Pinecrest elementary is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I know lots of other mothers of Pinecrest students who are considering magnet programs for their children because the school isn't well run or effective. Yes, there are some excellent teachers here from the old days, but so many of the other teachers are just average. The gifted program is huge and, I'm sorry, there simply aren't that many gifted children in the population, so something funny is going on. The content seems to be additional homework, which the parent has to explain to the child. I's true what the previous reviewer said about the Spanish program. They draw pictures while the teachers are preoccupied with other things, like smoking. The PTA is buying smart boards for the classrooms so that teachers never have to come out from behind their computers. Hooray!
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the reviews for this school are from 6 years ago, when Pinecrest Elementary was at the top. Yes, they now have a full time gifted program, but the gifted kids are separated from the "regular" kids. The PTA is inactive outside of the school, never advocating for improvements from the state or county. The Spanish teachers are absolutely ineffective. My daughter came home upset because two of the Spanish teachers were arguing during class. The music program has been the same for years. Nothing new, no encouraging kids to participate, except in the yearly plays where you will only get the good roles if you're a favorite. There is no stimulation in art class, each year, the same project. It's a stale school. Be prepared to donate, donate, donate or your child will be invisible.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not have teachers prepared for inclusive programs. General Theachers have no knowledge and preparation of how to work with children with special needs in their classroom. This are times that all educators should be updated with trainning and have hight expectations on their students to help them succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend this school and I have been very happy with the quality of the school and the teachers (particularly given the price). While parental involvement is substantial, many of the teachers are wonderful and dedicated and go above and beyond to help their students. They are transitioning to a full time gifted program in the next year. I am particularly thrilled with the tremendous cultural and ethnic diversity of the school. My children truly have the opportunity to mix with and learn from children of all nationalities, colors, religions, and cultures.
—Submitted by a parent

Now that the school class size is in the low 20's, this school is tops. Great teachers, Involvement by the parents who also provide lots of funding for extras makes this school the closest thing to a private school without the huge tuition payments.
—Submitted by a parent

My children just transferred to Pinecrest Elementary. So far I am impressed with the power of the PTA and the degree of parental involvement. The school is at the mercy of a large public school system and its rules. School funded activities are few. Its evident the enrichment and afterschool activities exist because the PTA runs them. Nonethless, academics is a priority and the curriculum is fair and tailored to each child.
—Submitted by a parent

Pinecrest is an excellent public school. Although there are up to 30 kids in a class, the teachers are very good at managing the numbers and getting the job done. Alot of parent involvement and well behaved motivated kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of academic programs seems to be good. Good music program, standard art program and good extracurricular activities. Very good parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

While this is a well funded public school with a great reputation, I have been less than thrilled with the experiance my children have had. I like to refer to the principle as the warden. Her unwillingness to communicate with parents makes it very difficult to feel like you can really address any problems your children may be having. The loose parameters for the gifted program make Pincrest an ideal place for parents who believe thier own children to be genius. Over all I find it an average public school with a blown out of proportion ego and reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

excellant, they try hard to give a personalized education.
—Submitted by a parent

This School in my opinion is the best elementary on DadeCounty and the best thing is that is a public school. The area where the school is located is a fine and most important very secure residential area. The programs are excellent and the attention for the children is almost personalize for each one. The involvement of parents are incredibly high not only in fund raising but also in presence and partipation in all activities what helps a great deal the development and improvement of the education your child receives. It is a 'A' and ***** Stars School.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Pinecrest Elementary since Pre-K. This is her third year (she's in 1st grade now). I find the school to be excellent academically. The teachers are very accessible, and the facilities and equipment are top rate. I am very happy with my choice, and hope middle school is as good.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to private school until the middle of 3rd grade. I put him in Pinecrest where the classes were so much larger about 33 students per class compared to his 16 students per class. He blossomed. Parent involvement is extremely high and very much welcomed. You would think you were in a private school because the parent's voice carries tremendous weight. I think they could offer a much better sports program. This seems to be one of their weakest links. They have gifted programs which are very challenging for a student who can move faster. I highly recommend this school. My son was so much happier. He is now in public middle school and doesn't want to return to private.
—Submitted by Denise Madan, a parent

Class size is large, but kids do learn a lot. Parent involvement is wonderful, and there are many, many terrific, caring teachers. Still the only A rated school for 5 years.
—Submitted by a parent