Calusa Elementary School

This is my twelfth year working at Calusa and the first three reviews on this page are not for our school! The teachers specifically named do not work at Calusa Elementary in Miami! (Your guidelines specify that names will not be published, but that is obviously not the case!) We have an outstanding and dedicated faculty and staff, including administrators who care deeply about the students. Our PTA works tirelessly to assist teachers in maintaining an exceptional level of academic achievement and positive behavior, despite the severe budget cuts that threaten public education. The office staff warmly receives parents and guests and the calibre of our school is evident at the front door. Several of our teachers are National Board Certified, including myself. There's a reason why Calusa has been recognized as a National School of Excellence.
--Submitted by a teacher

I'm a 6th grader that used to go to Calusa and I miss it already. I'm so glad I went to that school! I went there K-5 and all my teachers cared for me and teached well. I was a saftey patrol and it was amazing! We got to go to Washington D.C. for two nights and it was really fun. My fifth grade teachers prepared me for middle school (Mr. Lewert and Ms. Or'ourke) I also liked Mr. Fisher (Was my 3rd rade teacher now teaches 5th grade) And for our 5th grade field trip we went to epcot! Over all it is an amazing school and i wish they taught middle school.

Our son attained kindergarten this year and we were very fortunate to have Ms. Martin she really cares for her students....Always kept us informed and helped us get involved in helping our son in school..Truly a fantastic teacher and the best part is our son loved being in her class...
--Submitted by a parent

My son goes to kindergarden and his teacher is Ms Cammack. I am so happy because she has a lot of patience and she knows her job very well.
--Submitted by a parent

Not impressed. School moved my daughter to another classroom the second wk. Her first teacher was really nice & now her teacher she has now is an mean old women. Asked to have her moved back as my child is going through allot of stressful personl issues & principal refuses telling me they are issues at home & she knows whats best for my child. She dont know my child. With her situation she dont need the added stress. I told her shes crying when she gets home stressed out more now. Prinicipal dont care. Not only that my daughter gets 2 1/2 hrs of home work daily and no recess time to speak of. None on days they have gym. Teacher wonders why shes having prob. concentrating? Duh NO RECESS. Kids are still supposed to play. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND another school if you have a choice!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Calusa teacher's and staff are top notch! Extremely caring, familiy enviorment. The truly want the kids to suceed and do all possible to ensure that they do. I am very happy that my children have been blessed with such a great school. It is a true relief for any parent to know their kids are in the best hands when they are not with them and that they are learning as they should - at their level or above.
--Submitted by a parent

If your child suffers from adhd or any learning disability then you should think twice about enrolling your child in Calusa.. Not enough patients or enough creativity on reaching these children that are gifted in there own way...They are an 'A' school but they dont mean children with adhd or learning disabilities... and yes i am a very involved parent and volunteer when possible.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been in Calusa since Kindergarten I must say its been a good school eventhough this school does not provide any activities afterschool. Being that its his last year there I thought it would be a memorable year. I must say so far out of all years at Calusa this has been the most dissappointing year as a parent at Calusa.... What a shame....
--Submitted by a parent

I'm retired from 25 years of teaching at Calusa Elementary. It's one Miami Dade County's top Elementary Schools. It was an honor to be a member of one of the best staffs in Miami Dade County schools.
--Submitted by a teacher

Calusa is a great school with a wonderful staff, great students, helpful and involved parents.