Sunset Lakes Elementary School

I have two kids in the school since I moved from NJ. I have a first grader who's been here for 2 yrs and a prek who has been there for 2 yrs also. In Sept 2013 my oldest will go to second grade and my youngest will start Kindergarten. What can I say, I love it!!! Beautiful school inside, clean, large, great teachers, beautiful mac computer lab. The administration is wonderful very helpful. The bus program is great and my kids belong to another zone school (panther run) but I don't send them there its not as sophisticated or up to date (tech wise). The academics at Sunset Lakes is also one of a kind. Kuddos...I love this school....
—Submitted by a parent

This is my second year with this school. The teachers are great. My daughters 3rd grade teacher is great to work with, good with communication and listens to parents concerns. My daughter is doing well in this school. The only issue I have is it is quite unclear how the admin decides to place the child in regular or advanced class each year. My daughter got an overall 93% in reading and math in 2nd grade. but was not placed in the advanced class based on the overall performance. upon request and meeting with the counselor the answers are not very satisfactory. The school has a Champ math program, information related to this is not sent to the parents. It is not clear the selection criteria for this program.
—Submitted by a parent

BEST School in the World! I would not send my daughters any place else. Teachers are pleasant & professional. New Principal is great, although Dr. McD is very missed! Perfect balance between strong curriculum and social values. Sunset Lakes is one of the highest performing schools in Broward. The halls are filled with historical murals, looks like a museum. We are so happy to be able to send our children to such a phenomenal learning environment, every day!
—Submitted by a parent

I was pleased with Sunset Lakes, my child entered in kindergarten and just graduated this year! I feel I was very fortunate to have a 3rd and 4th grade teacher that was passionate about her job and cared individually for the progress of her students. It is all about staying involved and speaking up, I wish I had regarding his 1st and 2nd grade teacher, but he is thriving now.
—Submitted by a parent

This will be the 3rd year my daughter attends this school and I couldn't be happier. She started in 1st grade and is now entering 3rd grade. Facility itself is very well-kept and safe. Admin is very helpful & friendly. They're constantly doing events to keep children and parents engaged. Principal & AP were amazing! I hope this year is even better!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school and especially feel that the real difference is my child's teacher. She is superwoman!! I am proud to say that she may be the one who he looks back and remembers fondly for changing his world. It's hard in any school until your child gets a teacher that he or she relates to. Thanks!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been in Sunset Lakes since Kindergarten. She will be graduating this year and I just want to say how pleased I am with this school overall. The school has solid administrative leadership and staff. She has been blessed with excellent teachers that really prepare them for middle school. This school is strong academically and my daughter has made great friends along the way.
—Submitted by a parent

I am more encouraged now that the new wing is open and has allowed for better class sizes. I was disappointed with my son's teacher in first and second grade and should have followed my instinct. He has a great teacher now, but he needs to catch up since he apparently didn't get exposure to some things last year.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is now on her 6th year at this school and has done very well academically. She also has been happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends sunset elementary school, she is doing very well, her teachers are absolutely wonderful and she gets the attention she needs from her teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be going to the 2nd grade for the 08-09 school year. The school and staff are great overall and the parent participation in school activities is outstanding. The parking and traffic situation during drop off/pick up could use improvement, which is a design issue-no reflection on the staff. Mrs. Racquel Gonzalez was my son's Kindergarten teacher and she made all the difference in the world with his transition into regular school. She is truly interested in her student's development and it is very obvious that she loves what she does. She should be commended on her genuine ability to relate to parents and more importantly, her students.
—Submitted by a parent

It is overcrowded. My son in 4th grade there are 42 students, 2 teachers for them. Too many kids. And the kids are stressed out with those FCAT that will not do anything for them in the future. Teachers are good.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is overcrowded! They are also not very accepting of parent involvment, I would love to help out in class but have been told 'no thank you.' Im looking for other options for my kids due to the class sizes here. One good thing about this school is Mrs Friedman, she was my daughters K teacher and she is fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, too many students in the kindergarten class, 35 kids, too much!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with teachers that really care about the children!
—Submitted by a teacher

Great School but it is a bit over crowded. I do not like such a filled classroom for my 5 year old son. I am looking more for a school with a smaller classroom size.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids go to Sunset Lakes, they are in 1st grade and the teachers are not to motovated, specially now that this school is over crowded. They are doing team teaching and most of the teachers don't like it. My son is having troble with his reading and the teacher told me there is no help unles he is in 3rd grade, no tutoring or after school activities that could help him. Also the principle and vice principle don't like parents to help to much, they always look mad I guess you can say they are not too friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy with my daughters kindergarten teacher,mrs.Friedman,she seems to care about the kids,and handles situations with tenderness,what is expected from a k class teacher.She needs to be commended for her great overall teaching abilities,she really is the best.If only all the teachers in the school were like her.My daughter is adjusting well to her class and projects,made new friends and is learning at a fantastic pace.The school is very safe,I am real happy with the security and strict regulations regarding visits.I commend the staff on this aspect.I feel my daughter is safe at all times with excellent supervision.So far overall a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunset Lakes is a good school, particularly in preparing the children to take the FCAT and other standardized tests. The academic programs are fair, but I would say, not nearly challenging enough, and not on par with the neighboring charter schools in terms of rigor and level of difficulty. The school has adequate music and art programs, though I would say not enough extracurricular activities, particularly team sports. Parents tend to be very involved at the school, in PTA, volunteering, chaperoning field trips and turning up at field days, book fairs and other events. However, the school does not require parental volunteer hours. The school benefits from being in a high property tax area, so it is well stocked with computers and other equipment. Field trips are innovative and well planned, and the teachers and staff are reasonably approachable and available. Traffic and parking are awful, however!
—Submitted by Ms Reid, a parent

My son attended the Complex Place Program for two year at this school. I would have continued at this school had they offered a cluster Program. Overall a great school.
—Submitted by a parent