Fleming Island Elementary School

Horrible Special Needs Autism Unit. The teachers/administrators are more concerned with getting the most money per student opposed to providing the best education for a child.Removed my student for inappropriate teaching strategies
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who attend this school and agree that communication is a problem between parents, teachers, and the administration. The quality of teaching varies.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend this school. The oldest did K and 1st grade at FIE and my youngest just finished PreK. I love this school. I find it very easy to talk to teachers and administrators. The parents are actively involved as well. I couldn't have asked for a better school for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, our experience has been pretty good. We moved here in January, so we started mid year, right in the middle of FCAT prep. My son had previously attended a private school up north for the last 6 1/2 years. He had a very difficult time adapting, and the teachers seemed more concerned about FCAT prep than finding out where my son was having some difficulties. It has definitely improved and we are happy with his progress. The lack of extracurriclular activities and teacher communication are where I feel the school falls short, but otherwise it's a good school. My son's teachers do not use email for communication purposes, I feel this would help tremendously with keeping updated with your childs progress (or lack of). Especially if your 5th or 6th grader is one of those children that does not share openly how things are going at school.
—Submitted by a parent

Fleming Island Elementary is the best school my child has gone too. The teachers are very nice and help them learn a lot. My child has done so well there.
—Submitted by a parent

If you have a child that will score low on standardized tests - don't come. They don't want you here and they will make sure you know it. Run... run far away..... Now if the teachers in your current school district actually talk to you.... stay right where you are. Your expectations are already too high to move to this school district.
—Submitted by a parent

Fleming Island is an amazing school. I would be happy for all of my children to go K-6 there and I would recommend others children to as well. While I can't say every, but most teachers genuinely care about each childs education. I have seen teachers do everything in their power to make that light bulb come on. Classes are fun and interesting. Teachers don't just teach to a test, but to inform, entertain, and have a cool new experience that could enable the child to remember a fact or a process for a lifetime. When a grade level team is on...they are on! Fourth grade is so impressive! Whether your child has a learning disability, is slightly below average, is average, is slightly above average, is above average, is gifted...there is something for every child here. The campus is safe, clean, and run very well. You won't be sorry here!!

I have two children who graduated from FIE and one remaining. Prior to my youngest attending, I would have said this was absolutely the best school and given it a 9.5! Now, I'm not so certain. If you have a child who is average to gifted, you'll love it and your child will do great. If you have a child who doesn't necessarily 'fit into their box', I'm afraid you may be greatly dissapointed. I loved FIE before my youngest child with a learning disability attended. He was overlooked and definitely fell through the cracks even though we insisted there was a problem. It wasn't until we went outside and had private testing performed that we discovered his disability. I find they are less supportive of this type of child, but have a great program for the Gifted children and seem to challenge the average child. Good Luck!
—Submitted by a parent

New Principal is very approachable and warm and friendly. You can tell that the students and faculty really like her. While new to her job, she is not new to the schools as she was V. Principal previously. Great academics - I don't feel that any of our teachers have taught the FCAT and in my experience, they have actually played down the FCAT. I think 'teaching the test' has become and overused tagline with no really thought or research put behind it.
—Submitted by a parent

Admittedly, a better school than some surrounding the area, but I would prefer an administration that was more cooperative towards parents. Definately doesn't rate a 10.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall the past 2 years, we have had a positive experience at FIE. My daughter is in 1st grade and has been doing well. The teachers seem to learn individual student needs academically, behaviorially, and socially to maintain the school's reputation. I am not crazy about overemphasis on testing starting in Kindergarten which I was not used to seeing in the northern states. The school reputations are mostly measured by test scores and being a high rated school there is a push to maintain scores in all the local schools. There is tons of parental involvement, and I like the relaxed atmosphere of always seeing parents eating lunch with their kids outside, and coming to volunteer or visit their kids when they want. Overall, the open environment and campus layout is great. The drawback is lack of after school activities available for younger students and overemphasis on teaching for the tests.
—Submitted by a parent

I am thrilled with my children's experience at this school. With the low student to teacher ratio, I felt that the teachers really were able to know my child. These teachers really care about the kids. They have wonderful resource classes (music, art, P.E., library and technology.)The technology (computer) program is top notch and really prepares the children for technology that is used today. There is now a fence that surrounds the entire school and is locked after school starts so that anyone coming throughout the day must report to the front office and sign in before going anywhere on campus. There are also teachers posted for morning dropoff and pickup.I am thrilled with my children's education at FIE.
—Submitted by a parent

FIE has been a good experience for us. In contrast to some of these reviewers, the principal has been nothing but gracious and available to us. Contrary to what it might seem like - we are just the average family and have no real ties to the school. The one time I approached the school about the computer class policy, I was directed straight to her office. She resolved my problem fairly and it only took one visit to the school. I couldn't ask for better support from my child's educators.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are challenging and teachers are very commited. Would be a huge improvement if there was a foreign language program available or a more proactiv approach for identifying gifted students. Unless you have entered the school in the very early grades, the admin. concludes that your probably coming from a less rigorous environment and therefore does not keep the information coming regarding opportunities to participate in enrichment programs. A little close minded/arrogant in that regard. The programs are there. You just have to find them on your own. Don't expect the administration to present them to you.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school. My kids always brought home wonderful art projects and were always involved and thought of throught the whole experience of Fleming Island Elementary School.
—Submitted by Jessica Smith, a parent

Fleming Island Elementary is by far one of the best schools I've been exposed to as a mother. My children love their teachers, the level of academics is above the state average and the surroundings are positive and motivating. The parent involvement is superior, and my children have a wide range of choices of extracurricular activities, math club, chess club, walk/run club, student council, chorus, book clubs.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Academic school. Falls short on extracurricular activities to keep kids interested in learning. Lots of parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had great support from teacher and other faculty for my first-grader joining mid-year.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great school, great staff and academically is great, not complains what so ever, just keep that A coming for our school. great job mrs. principal and staff
—Submitted by a parent

Good public school in a great neighborhood with parents who are very involved. Teachers range from outstanding to average, but for the most part, students will get outstanding teachers, especially in grades where the 'team' of teachers for that grade get along. Too much emphasis on the FCAT but that is a State issue not a school issue. Decent afterschool care program provided by the YMCA. School is getting very large however with 7-8 classes per grade. Keep in mind that the size and number of teachers allows for leveling of abilities. However, we were disappointed that the Gifted program only applied to Math and Science.
—Submitted by a parent