Seminole Elementary School

Very disappointed with this school. As a parent that likes to be involved I do not feel welcomed. They have policies that they break if its to their convenience as I witnessed a husband being allowed by the assistance principal to take the flowers to his wife to her classroom yet I am treated like a criminal if I want to walk my son that comes in late and it's only 5-6 years old and has to walk alone to his classroom and in one occasion the teacher and the students were not even there. Yes, rules and policies are good but to an extend. I have walked a few times and the security is not even there so imagine I leave my kid at school and he walks alone and someone else comes in? Please allow the parents to feel a little welcome in the school ....it should not only be to ask for money. We all want safety first but running the school like a military or a jail it's not the best. The teachers have been wonderful and very nice but unfortunately they do not make the whole school. No graduation for kindergarten was a big let down and parents are not allowed in most of the kids activies. I would be changing my son from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

LOURDES LOPEZ THE WORSE PRINCIPAL IN ALL MIAMI DADE SCHOOL. TRASH LADY. TWO FACES, INMORAL, AND VULGAR. HER FAVORITISM HAVE TO GO. TRASH LADY

I have two students at Seminole, one entering second grade and the other entering third. They have both been there since Kindergarten. I have to say that I am very happy with this school, its teacher's, and the administration. My daughters get to participate in many after school activities offered throughout the year. The teachers are kind, fair and knowledgeable. Some parents complain about not having access but school is not for the parents it is for the children. Some parents act like hoodlums themselves so not having access to me is not a major issue. The times I have had to communicate with the school or with the teachers I have been able to do so. I have always been provided the information I have needed from the office staff. The teachers have kept me abreast of any issues relating to my children. I have complete faith that the administration is doing what is best for them. The administrators are there every morning to open the door and greet my children at the gate when I drop them off. I have absolutely no grievances with this school and completely disagree with all the statements of those with negative opinions. Definitely an A in my book!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with amazing teachers. I have to disagree completely with many of the negative reviews. I am the parent of 2 children who attend Seminole, and my experience here has been nothing but positive. The new administration is friendlier, and more involved. The principal greets every child by their name each morning and has provided many school related activities for the students to enjoy (she attends al of them herself as well). The teachers are friendly, easy to talk to and very helpful. I feel my children are getting a great education here. Additionally, I agree with the safety measures taken at the school, unfortunately society has forced our schools to take severe security actions to ensure safety to all the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is run more like a minimun security prison. Where parents are kept out and children kept in and the only thing you are made aware of is how to donate money or when they are trying to raise money. The principal believes this is "her" school not a school shared between parents, teachers and children. Favoritism like another parent mentioned is prevalent and rampant here. Unfortunately, it seems the school is over run with abuletios and abuelitas who dont speak the language and there are a lack of parents who care enough to get involved. Getting a "hello" or " good morning" from someone seems like pulling teeth, in any language, spanish or english. Being a man on school grounds also seems to be a no-no especially if you have an opinion. This poor school suffers from a case of mean girl disposition set off by the principal then carried out by all her cronies. It truly is a shame for some of us parents who had fond memories of a school run by great people. If you are contemplating letting your son or daughter attend and have other options, exercise your options. This school might be an A but it looks, feels and acts like an F!
—Submitted by a parent

this school has changed a lot true the years and it's not all that great any more my son attends school here you cant walk your kid inside the school cant go on the bus to go to field trips with them my kid got hurt i was never notified . They have some rude volunteers that aren't always nice to the kids, this school has favoritism to people they know and they don't comply with rules like the rest of the parents. Just because a school has a good grade does not mean that it's a good school. A couple of other parents also has complaints. The principal is no good for this school she might be nice but she is no help when you need something done. Ms. Alvarez in the office is a very good woman who will try to help you in what ever you need and she listens but there is only so much she can do . I feel like they don't want us involve in our kids life because they make it so difficult with all this rules , it feels like they hiding something
—Submitted by a parent

Discipline is one thing and flat out demeaning and rude to a parent is another, I don't think Flanagan was ever respectful to the parents at this school. One thing is to be strict, whichh I am all for, but you can expect respect and willingness from a parent when they are being belittled by the principle of thier child scool. And I beleive this year the new Principal is alot more flexible with parents then the previous admin ever was. The one thing i was not content with, was that there were no end of year awards for the students. I have to say my expericence with my son's teacher was awesome! She was a great teacher and I am only sad i was not able to take her with us to the next grade.
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter has been studying in this school for two years. We knew the last administration, that maybe was criticized because of the strict discipline, but made great efforts to prepare the students for test and life. We are not content with the new administration, not even the teachers. They relay all the efforts in the security but they are lack of interest in academic performance. In fact, this used to be an 8 school, and this year went to 6. With the new security rules, looks like they are trying to separate the parents from the school .It's a shame.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to this school for two years. We pulled her out as soon as we could. We found that non-Cuban children were treated as third-class citizens. We had to take our daughter out of one class and put her in another because her arrogant teacher mistook shyness for contempt. So arrogant was this teacher that she refused to participate in a parent/teacher conference with me. On several occasions our daughter's lunch money was stolen and no one would do anything about it. We found the quality of education abysmal, the attitude of teachers confrontational and self-interested, and school security lacking. If you have the choice, do not send your non-Cuban student to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

To me Seminole is a great school. I will give it 4 stars. My experience has been wonderfull first with Ms. Nesbitt, and now with Ms. Flanagan. My daughter has been attending since kinder, and is now in 4th grade. She is happy and speaks very highly of all her teachers. I would like to see more extracurricular activities though. That I miss very much.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school & teachers. My son attended Seminole from 2nd-5th. Not all parents are as involved as they should be but you can spot the ones that are. Parents must make the time - it's worth it. I was happy with all his teachers except the first one. She eventually left the school (good riddance to her bad attitude). I found the teachers & staff very open & willing to work with you if there was a problem. The subject matter was well taught & my son never had trouble with homework or exams. He is a great student & excelled by having great teachers. The majority of the students I met were A/B students. Very smart and well behaved. You can spot the few bad apples. The staff did not seem happy with the new Principal but that to be expected. Overall A++
—Submitted by O. Aguerrebere, a parent

School infested w/ants. No working water fountains. Parents not allowed in classrooms w/children. Principal 'off limits' not involved. I transfered my daughter to coral park elementary, here is where i noticed how horribly seminole's system is. No team feeling @ seminole. Never once in 2 years did the principal acknowledge my daughter of myself as a parent walking through the halls. Principal needs to roll up her sleeves and be in touch with her staff, parents, and children. There are no extracarricular activities - no soccer, no dancing, no weekend school. The school guards are just standing there talking like old fogies w/the exception of 1 nice old man that is truly paying attention. Please go visit cp elem, and speak w/mrs. Nu ez and ask what parent involvement should be. She hand delivers every report card to each parent for the entire school!!
—Submitted by a parent