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David Lawrence Junior K-8 Center

Public | PK-8 | 1583 students

 

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Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 3 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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29 reviews of this school


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Posted May 16, 2013

I have witnessed many questionable instances at DLK8. Since last yr, I have noticed that my daughter has been having too many little issues with some of the other kids. At first, I thought she was being very uncooperative, but now I understand she s being provoked. She responds and reacts when she feels fomented. She tried several times to let an adult know, but no one barely listens to her. She s being bullied and the no tolerance atmosphere that DLK8 is advertising is just a mask. For yrs I ve trusted the professional judgment of the faculty and staff, but now I have my uncertainties. I suspect the principal is racially biased. There are times in which I inquire about the rationale on why a certain decision was made and I get the impression that it was his call and everyone is too intimidated to question him and advocate for my daughter. Academically, I have no complaints. The teachers are admirable. Socially, this school needs much to improve on. My daughter is learning that justice is a luxury only a few can afford. I'm trying my best to do my part in helping my daughter with her social frustration, but she spends up to 8-10 hours at school. She also needs support there, too.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 2, 2013

David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center I Jennifer Erickson, write this letter to file a complaint, due to the fact that my son Nicolas Gonzales was left unattended after he had thrown up and pooped on his pants. The School made a call to my mother Nubia Erickson at 11:23 am in which they let her know that my son was sick. She arrived to the school at 12:13 pm and found Nicolas, alone in the bathroom, helpless and crying for help. After confronting the school secretaries about leaving him alone and unattended, they replied by saying that he was 5 years old and that he had to clean and take care of himself. Nicolas is a 5 year old, not an adult and leaving him alone in the situation he was is unacceptable. If there s a school nurse, then I can't understand why my son was left this way.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2012

Amazing school with great staff, outstanding technological projects guided by science teachers and involved parents, my son loves the hands on engineering projects, you can see them in their yard!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 13, 2012

I love this school! They have great programs in place and involve the parents in everything. They are aggressive in educating the children about anti-bullying which is a plus these days as this issue progresses in our society. They have a strict no bullying policy. The staff is tremendous! They are very caring and supportive in every aspect of your childs education. I am so thankful that I have my children in this school and recommend it to any parent in the area looking for an A+ school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 2, 2011

my kids go here and there grades have come up to As and Bs from Cs and Ds from there prev, school this school is run great
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2011

"A school with the right infrastructure, a great potential regarding student and teachers, but the wrong management team". Sadly, an "A' school that did not meet the minimum criteria of "No Child left behind" The biggest problem: Top Administrators of the school. The place is basically managed as their backyards. Gifted classes mainly suit for the children of the staff ,Viceprincipal and related friends, representing obvoius situatuations of "Confilct of Interest" Sadly, no comment is well receive by the school. The only thing a parent or a student can expect as an answer, is betrayal
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 13, 2011

The principal is very involved. I've had a few little problems and he wastes no time speaking to me about them. My child had an exceptional kindergarten teacher but had a so-so 1st grade teacher. My child has learned a lot at this school overall. There is a lack of security guards or maybe it's a lack of control over the children that's why I didn't give this school a 5 star rating. I overheard the assistant principal speaking negatively about my child's teacher (wasn't a major issue) but I believe conversations like that should be private. If she thinks negatively about my child's teacher what message does that send me?? This school is kept clean and the landscaping is kept nice as well. The PTA is awesome, they raise money for improvements and extras around the school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2010

We have a great teaching staff and a very hands on principal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2010

Great School, very involved Principal and PTSA. Wonderful caring teachers and staff. Eccellent learning environment
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 13, 2010

The Teachers are amazing, the staff is great, and the Principal is very involved. We have the BEST PTSA imaginable!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 4, 2010

DLJK-8 is led by a knowledgeable principal who in spite of the multiple daily functions, takes the time out personally to resolve concerns that are important to both parents & students. As parents, we feel confident that our child is in good hands especially where safety measures are concerned.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 20, 2009

I believe I speak for every Teacher at David Lawrence K-8 Center. We are blessed, honored, and humbled to work at our school. It is the epitome of what every school in the world should be. A model of academic excellence. Our success multiplies each time we lead someone else to success. And so, each day, we strive to do that. Margie Love Teacher
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted December 8, 2009

Great principal leadership, a good PTA, a safe school and great teachers, lots of parent involvement and friendly staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 2, 2009

Great school culture. Awsome PTA. Wonderful and safe learning environment. Excellent Administrators
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2009

It is evident that DLK8 continuously strives for excellence. The staff is always professional and caring. I am a proud parent of a student in Ms. Vantputten's class.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 30, 2009

My school does alot of outreach in the community to get parents, students and community leaders involved with education.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted October 30, 2009

This school is top notch. They have the the best resources. This includes the teachers, staff, and of course the principal.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Awesome Learning Environment and the teachers are great and caring about there childrens education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

DLK8 is home away from home, literally. I drive to work each day with my two sons and I am thankful they are sharing their learning environment with me. We are preparing our children to be life long learners in a very special school community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 29, 2009

Our school is awesome.....from the principal Mr. Osborn, to the teachers that are superb and so is the faculty and the PTA is great!!!!!! Everyone comes together at this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

180 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
60%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 56% in 2012.

179 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%

2011

 
 
53%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
46%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2012.

155 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
52%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

162 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
51%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 61% in 2012.

162 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
58%
Science

The state average for Science was 51% in 2012.

161 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
52%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.

194 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
58%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 57% in 2012.

193 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%

2011

 
 
63%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

173 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
58%

2011

 
 
44%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 58% in 2012.

173 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
51%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

165 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
55%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 55% in 2012.

165 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
45%
Science

The state average for Science was 46% in 2012.

161 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
37%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, in grades 5 and 8 in science and writing in grades 4, 8 and 10. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 81% in 2012.

154 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
98%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 78% in 2012.

161 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
98%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "A".

About the tests


Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 59% in 2012.

19 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
100%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Florida used the End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) to test students in Algebra 1, Biology 1 and Geometry. The EOC is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The Algebra 1 EOC has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Hispanic 45% 28%
Black 36% 23%
White 17% 43%
Asian 2% 2%
Two or more races 1% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 67%N/A56%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per teacher 14N/A15
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 47%N/A65%
Master's degree 46%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 1%N/A1%
Other degree 6%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Classes taught by non-highly qualified teachers 3%N/A5%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a

Special education / special needs

Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus

Language learning

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered
  • Spanish
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Gifted / high performing
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:30
School end time
  • 3:00
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Mr. Bernard L Osborn
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Fax number
  • (305) 354-2601

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Gifted / high performing
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • Spanish
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Autism
  • Emotional behavioral disabilities
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

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School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
School leaders can update this information here.

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15000 Bay Vista Blvd
North Miami, FL 33181
Website: Click here
Phone: (305) 354-2600

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