Laurel Nokomis School

Fabulous support from our PTO. Teachers and administrators are caring. Student achievement is at highest levels in the state. Beautiful campus.
—Submitted by a teacher

Great Schools. org should investigate false statements written concerning Laurel Nokomis School. This educational institution employs highly qualified principals, teachers and staff who understand and care about the entire students' academic and emotional needs. This school earns a "10" rating when it comes to serving all students; from gifted to special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I see a lot of new reviews, day after day in attempt to approve this school rating. Parents, do your homework in investigating this school. So many bad reviews are a red flag, alerting parents that something is not right with this school. I couldn't get our child out fast enough, I have nothing good to say about this school. The principle.. Hard to believe she is still there!,,
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a "graduate" of LNS and feel compelled to weigh in on the negative comments. I had the opportunity to chose any city in the state of Florida when my son and I relocated here from Colorado. I specifically chose Sarasota because of the impressive quality of schools in the district. I then decided to live in Nokomis to ensure my son would attend Laurel Nokomis School when the school year started. I was impressed before he started at the school (reports, rankings, scores, and a tour of the school before arriving) and continued to be very pleased during his three years in middle school there. It is a great school and I feel very fortunate to have had him be part of the 2011 "graduating class." LNS is a wonderful school!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked for the administrators at Laurel Nokomis School for more than 7 years. I can tell you that they have the highest regard for their students and that they want only the best for them academically and socially. They constantly work with the staff to provide the best for the students. I have always felt their support and felt that all they do is for the advancement of each individual student and for the success of all the students. I have also felt that in these times of concern for the safety of students, that the administrators have been didligent. They have taken measures to make the campus one where students and faculty feel safe and secure. The decidcation of the administration and staff is the highest I have ever seen. If your child is a student at Laurel Nokomis you are most fortunate.
—Submitted by a teacher

Great school, great teachers, great administration, great kids and supportive pto! Top in the district and state for academic achievement!
—Submitted by a parent

Couldn't disagree more. My experience with the schools especially Laurel has been just great. Teachers and principals couldn't be more caring and they try to help everyone. Maybe people should stop watching so much negative TV about the education system and think for themselves. Here it's excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

I must say, we just moved here and could not be happier. We came from a school that had a wonderful gifted program and wanted to have the same here and we have found it at LNS. My son could not be happier and I feel the same way. Everyone we have come in contact with is more then happy to assist us or answer any questions we have. I highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking for a great learning, involved atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the mother of 4 children whom all have attended LNS. Our family has experienced the full spectrum of programs offered at this school. It is because of LNS that I am such a huge advocate for public education! As a full time working mother, I find the time to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours a week at the school. I am willing to give my time to fundraising for our school because I see first hand the dedication of the staff. It truly is like a big family. The students are all encouraged to strive for the absolute top potential that they personally have in them. There is more support services available than at many schools, also. Being a kindergarten-8th grade school, the middle school students appear to have an easier transition than going to a much larger school. Our experience has been 100% positive and I am very grateful for ALL the staff at Laurel-Nokomis School!
—Submitted by a parent

I have worked at LNS for many years and wouldn't work to work for any other principal. When you do your "job" (student, teacher, parent), your reward is a successful child. Someone mentioned constant awards: it's nice to recognize success - and we do, but why should a child be constantly rewarded for doing what is expected? Life doesn't work that way. Folks: if you don't like LNS, you have the freedom to choose another school during the school choice period. As for discrimination against children with disabilities, sometimes the needs of some children can only be met by the staffs at a school like Oak Park. Daily, we work to make the best of what you send to us. Some parents are not involved enough; others are helicopter parents. Many people compare Dubin to Katz; I have worked for both and I feel that we are a stronger school now than we were before when the focus was always on a certain class of students. We are an A+ school for a good reason: our leadership and teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

It is sad to see that a few disgruntled parents can cause such a negative view of a school. This is one of the best schools in the area and has an excellent reputation.
—Submitted by a teacher

I'm rather shocked by the negative reviews being written - I've been involved with this school as a parent, a volunteer, and an employee. I view this school as excellent. My children were rewarded with an excellent education, they did not expect "rewards" for expected behavior. The students are taught to be responsible for their actions and fairly dealt with when they make the wrong choices. Sometimes parents are not aware of their children's true behavior at school. I can't believe a child was going to be expelled when he'd never had ANY history of disciplinary problems. That is usually the result of a long list or sometimes the action is one that demands expulsion. In any case, we have few serious discipline problems, we don't put up with student harrassment or bullying, and if a child is found guilty of this, they should, in my opinion, be expelled.
—Submitted by a teacher

I disagree with the comments that have been posted regarding LNS. My son has attended this school since Kindergarten and has had nothing but a positive experience. It was the school that placed him in the gifted program after 1st grade not me. He has maintained this status due to his performance.Of the 67 school Districts in FL Sarasota was 1 of only 5 schools that advanced after the 2012 FCAT in ranking and contiues to be in the top 5-8 placement for districts every year. I have found the admisistrave staff and teachers to always respond professionaly and promptly if i have any concern with my sons school performance or any personal issues. Communication is key. As for events and such, the PTO does a wonderful job of raising money for our students and teachers to help costs. If you are not involved shame on you. You might have a better understanding of the budget cuts for our kids and how successful the PTO has been in raising extra money. My son will be entering Middle School this year. LNS Middle school is one of the top school choice schools in Sarasota. LNS is a wonderful school do not let the other reviews sway you from sending your child.
—Submitted by a parent

My child will not be returning to this school, for ALL the reasons already mentioned.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't feel that the education is any more sub par than most schools in Florida, let's face it the educational standards in this state are pitiful despite all efforts- however this school is distressingly apathetic about parental involvement- it actually seems that they just don't want to see parents there. They rarely have any ceremony or shows and when they do it often seems as if they didn't even know you were coming, though they invited you- few chairs, disorganized, poorly planned and executed all the way around- we left in the middle of our child's "graduation" because it was a complete and utter mess, and not showing any signs of improvement 2 hours in. The teachers are clearly distressed, and apparently lacking motivation as much as the students. This school has great potential and some truly wonderful teachers- sadly it seems it is not being guided or directed properly- and I have many years of primary education still ahead of me unfortunately. I make the best of the good aspects and hope for the best.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter Loves Laurel Nokomis! It is a great school, love the curriculam and I or my daughter have never had a problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Their teacher/child ratio is completely understated. The communication between parents and teachers is below average. Little genuine concern.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not very fond of this school. My daughter did much better in a Private School. My daughter is learning stuff she learned in 6th grade. Im not a big fan of public schools anyways. She has been in Private School her whole life and had gotten such good grades now her grades are dropping because the work is boring because she already learned it.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved from the northeast to find an exceptional school. I am very fortunate that my 3 children receive the attention and care at Laurel. The teachers are caring, fun and very helpful. I am not dissapointed. Oh, yes the resource officers are there to protect and serve. It is wonderful to be in a safe and well protected environment. Afterall, Laurel is a big campus.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended LNS for the last 6 years. During this time I have seen a school who's children were motivated to learn and eager to please their teachers. The teachers genuinely cared about their students and gave 120% to education, and promoting self esteem. Also gone are the stretch and enrichment programs.
—Submitted by a parent