Chisholm Elementary School

I have two children in the Gifted Program. As of this year a major revamping of the Gifted Services has taken place. A critical thinking unit is covered every day, a cross grade design thinking unit is worked on in small groups , and there are monthly take home projects given to each grade in an age appropriate manner. The school finally replaced some teachers who were not up to par, including one who refused to use county curriculum, and showed movies to the children in order to correct assignments in class. Parents are applauding the change for the better and we're only in Mid September. The community at large is warm and welcoming and you may consider giving Chisholm a second look.
—Submitted by a parent

Does a great job in a multicultural setting with limited resources

I am a Chisholm Elementary alumni. I am now a graduating senior at New Smyrna Beach High School, and I would not have chosen any other elementary school.

My kids are just completing their first year at Chisholm; they transferred from another (larger) school. I have been very happy with Chisholm. The principal, teachers & staff really seem to care & look out for the kids here. We have never had a problem with the neighborhood! This school does not offer as many extra-curricular activities as their old school; however, they do make an effort to have several activities over the year (Run-a-thon, carnival, silent auction/dinner, etc) to involve families. The 'Chissy Buck' store is actually a good motivator for my kids & the new Science lab is a big hit as well! I have been welcomed as a volunteer as well. If your child attends this school & you have complaints-- you are more than welcome to join PTA and/or SAC to suggest ways to improve it.
—Submitted by a parent

I give this school a average rating. My two children do not feel like they are a part of something special as I did when I was in grade school. Other than a lousy Chissy Buck their is nothing that motivates or excites them to stay interested.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children go to Chisholm. I love Mr. Mead and think he's doing a great job with the students and the staff. My kids now is 3rd and 4th are so happy with everything! I would never think of moving them and will be sad when they are out of Chisholm. I can't thank the teachers enough for being so loving and kind to the students, they really put their best foot foward when it comes to the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst that I have ever dealt with. Students are not treated with respect and neither are the parents. The area is bad even in the daytime...
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the blocking of parental attempts, I do have to agree to a point. You can not just go and make a visit, they don't let you in as 'it could disrupt the class.' In response to the extracurricular activities, the school does offer dance and chorus at least. The gifted program is very good, my daughter has been happy so far except for this year. Mr. Mead is an experienced educator and runs the school well. The neighborhood isn't that bad during the day and it is slowly rebuilding and improving consistently
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a disgrace to academia. Our children are not treated with respect and their needs are not met. The school blocks attempts by parents to be involved in their child's education. The school claims an A rating but does not measure up by NCLB standards or on FCATS.
—Submitted by Tracy, a parent

Although there are not many extracurricular activites provided by the school itself, it is a great school based on academics. There is a gifted program for students that need a more challenging learning environment. The teacher care about the students and take the time to ensure each childs success. The school has computer programs for every grade level. It has been a grade 'a' school for the past few years according to the department of education standards.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel it's a very good school.My children did well there.My children were doing harder work there than they had been in previous schools.They offered alot of extra tutoring type classes during school hours that really helped my son's.There are lots of extracurricular activites available.parents are highly involved in the school.
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent

This was our first year experience with this school. All schools in Florida had a rough beginning do to the hurricanes. Overall, as a newcommer, I would love to see more school spirit, friendlier staff members, a better volunteer system, much better tasting cafeteria food, a computer volunteer/ parent check in system, CLEANER school grounds, cleaner classes, updated supplies, new library books (many are so old and dirty). Overall, the teacher was wonderful, our child was happy. I believe a principal and staff members should visit other schools unannounced so they can see what others are doing and get new ideas. It will only improve all.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree--the area is not the most well kept, however, I am more concerened with the class size. The 5th grade has 2 teachers. My son doesn't get the attention he requires because there are over 30 kids in both 5th grade classes. This leaves the teacher time to spend on the most disruptive students. While the children who excell may do well--the students just in-between are left on their own. Not even any assistants. BRAVO to Mr. Mead and the latest changes. The neighborhood has been slowly rebuilding as well. I expect to see more progress in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to Chisholm since 1994. The teachers are great and Mr. Mead the principal is terrific. I am a police officer and I would rate this school a 5 star
—Submitted by a parent

This school is in a very bad area of town. I can't beleive how bad. The school is also falling apart because it is so old and run down. I don't want my son to go to school there but for our zone they say he has to. There are 2 better public elementary schools in this area one is right next to where my older son is starting middle school and there are no private schools in this area I wish I could find someone to help me with this problem I am having to consider home school.
—Submitted by a parent