Durrance Elementary School

Since the new principal came in, the school has not been the same. We no longer get messages in voicemails, the staff isn't always available as it used to be and some teachers need to retire and others should've never been hired. There's a handful of great teachers but unfortunately the bad ones outweigh the good ones. I'm taking my child to a different school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attendeing Durrance for the past 3 yrs and i love this school. The Principal, vice principla and all the teachers go an extra mile for their students. I am totally overwhelmed by their commitment for excellence!!! Way to go!! keep the good work going!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has attended Durrance for two years. The principal and assistant principal, staff, and teachers are excellent. Our family has been very happy at Durrance.
—Submitted by a parent

Our two boys are so happy at Durrance Elementary. They are receiving an excellent education. The Principal, teachers, and staff are the best!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great. They really care about the students. The principal is always available if you need anything
—Submitted by a parent

Visit any class at Durrance and you will find exemplary behavior from the students. They are thoughtful and considerate of one another and respectful to teachers and class rules, which goes hand in hand with classroom time spent more on learning and less on behavior modification. I attribute this to the committment of a wonderful principal, assistant principal and staff. However, the level of parent participation is extremely low. Parent involvement needs to be raised, and it would take an extreme effort on behalf of the parents and the staff to correct this problem. Were it not for the lack of parent involvement, this school would be a 5 star school.
—Submitted by a parent

Durrance Elementary is a wonderful school. My two boys have attended over the last two years. Their teachers were very helpful and encouraging. -Marquette Jackson
—Submitted by a parent

Durrance continues to be a great environment for my two sons, 2nd and 3rd grade, to learn and grow. Their teachers are attentive to their needs and uniqueness while the administration is committed to excellence. The principal does a wonderful job balancing the needs of the kids and the needs of her staff - she is a fantastic asset to the district. The main area for improvement is for parents to take a more active role in the school and their children s education. The more parents who are involved the better for all the kids.
—Submitted by Jeff Rogero, a parent

Excellent staff, in depth programs, wonderful after school programs. Very involved teachers and assistants. I wish all schools were like Durrance.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the staff at Durrance is wonderful. They are very helpful and concerned with making choices for the students that reflect learning. There are many extra activities and the parent involvement is OK...could be more.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration and staff are wonderful. They truly love children and are willing to work hard to help all of them learn. There are tons of extra activities going on throughout the year. The level of parent involvement could use some help.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not a big fan of Susan Abbe. My biggest problem is the high turn over rate.I have raised my 4th grade daughter to have integrity and to take responsibility for her actions. I do not feel that Mrs. Abbe has been honest or forthcoming with important staff information. I feel this principle is too political.
—Submitted by Jennifer Perry, a parent

Durrance has acheived a level of excellence hard to find in other schools in this area. The principal is caring, warm and concerned about every child in her care. The teachers and staff take time to get to really know the students and the parents.We often work together to make good things happen for the students and they are happy at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child is ADHD and mentally handicapped, and struggled in 1st grade the first time in an special class. This yr they put in regular class, and when asking teacher to assist him furhter she states she can not spend too much time assisting him. For his issues they need to be more willing to help. It also took 7 mo to get him into speech therapy, which only is 30 min a week, due to them not wanting him to miss class much, To me things aren't all great at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Durrance is a wonderful school, where the teachers care about each and every child. However, since the previous principal left, the atmosphere seems to have become more solemn. It used to be a more positive, upbeat place lead by a dynamic team of individuals. I believe it can return to that type of place. The parents have been involved for the past few years, and I hope to see the parent involvement continue.
—Submitted by a teacher

Durrance is the best! Imagine a principal that tells parents that she is always available, that the complete staff will be actively involved with your child, and then you find that it is all true. My son was excelling at area elementary when he brought home a notice about the Magnet Program at Durrance. I wasn't happy at his elementary but I could live with it. I went to the Information Meeting and loved what I heard. My concern was the lack of a strings program. The principal assured me that she would look into it. Come August, the school had a violin and guitar teacher. The principal actively looks for parents to see if they are happy and if they have any concerns. Teachers are well-educated, highly motivated, and actively involved with all students even those not in their class. This school is a dream come true!
—Submitted by Wendy Kearns, a parent

I think it is time that we as parents get more involved with this school. The staff has done their job, let us do ours. Dr Fritzler and staff are excellent. My wife and I will find time to be more involved this year.

The staff at Durrance, from the principal to the maintenance people are involved with the children's learning, safety and social needs. Our school is composed of the friendliest group of people in Orlando. Even the 5th grade teachers know some of the kindergartners,for example. It is truly a family oriented school.

This is an exceptional school. Each teacher we had experience with took personal pride in the achievement of the children. The principal, Patti Fritzler sets the standard and with a friendly, but no nonsense manner, inspires her staff to reach high and take the kids right along with them. Anyone that has a child attending this school should cherish every day you child is in this environment.