Columbia Elementary School

My children transferred in from North Carolina and i really enjoy how they were accepted. Both my children tell me they like this school better then there last school. We look forward to the first grade next year!!!!!! Really like the summer reading and homework list from the school. My daughter has already read almost every book on the list and they have only been out of school one week.
—Submitted by a parent

As an educational consultant, I was thrilled to send my child to such a beautiful school. However, it didn't take long to recognize that the administration is more concerned with putting on a 'show' for the community, than doing the work it takes to individualize learning, support teachers, and utilize the parents. If your child falls into the 'norm' of a typical child who learns easily and behaves well then the school is adequate. If your child falls into a fringe category (either a higher level thinker/gifted learner or a slower learner with any specific needs) then this is NOT the school for you. Your child will get lost in the numbers that the school is unable to handle. From my experience working in schools, I believe the teachers' have their 'hands tied' by the administration. They do not seem able to teach freely. Additionally, decisions are made that are not in the best interests of the children. The school does have many parent volunteers that the Additions program utilizes. The PTA brags about its memberships, but less than ten people ever show up for the meetings, which to me reflects poorly on the PTA officers' ability to involve its members effectively.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree! My daugher goes there and the gifted teacher should have left teaching a long time ago. She has no business in the education industry. It's obvious she does not have a genuine interest in being there!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst, if your child doesn't get it to bad, put you in back of class & move on! I moved just so my son wasn't in that district! If go there hope you like lice!
—Submitted by a parent

My son's gifted teacher at this school is HORRIBLE. Her philisophy is "if you don't get it, too bad, I'm moving on". She has no patience when students don't get it the first time and calls them out in front of the class. The only consolation is that there is an additional, new gifted teacher that actually makes the students feel like it is safe to ask questions....and actually fosters a positive learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My child had a great teacher at Columbia this year in third grade. However the adminstration at the school I don't think is as great. Whenever I tried to talk to them to give a compliment about my child's teacher I had no luck. My child's teacher was in her first year at Columbia. My child and I loved her. She was a very great teacher. The teacher is moving, and I don't know if that was exactly her choice. I've noticed during my years at Columbia horrible teachers stay, and the great ones end up "moving". My child was very upset to see her teacher leave. I think the school needs needs a new principal to help get good teachers to stay and the horrible ones to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

I was concerned about Public Schools so I homeschooled my daughter the first 2 years. Then this year I sent her to a private school, but I didn't feel it was worth the $480 a month I was paying. I talked with a few parents and they told me how good Columbia was so I decided if my daughter got into the gifted program I would send her there. She made it in. The gifted teacher and program are excellent and my daughters regular teacher is great too. The school is much better than what I expected and my daughter likes it better than the private school she was in.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not too familiar with the Parent involvement or the new Principal at Columbia, so I rather not rate those two categories quite yet until I get to know more about them. But from what I do know and from both of my son's going to school there for over 2years, I love the school!
—Submitted by a parent

Words cannot describe my frustration with the administration (specifically the Principal). All I can say, in my opinion, not send your children to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm extremely pleased with this school. My children are both excited and challenged. They have had creative and engaging teachers and the PTA is phenomenal! The principal is always visisble and ready to assist whenever needed. I am most excited with the community feeling you get when you walk in the door.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school. Love it! Teachers are great. A school is what you make it. I am in constant contact via email with both my children's teachers. Kids are thriving here. I personally am an ADDITIONS volunteer who goes into the room or on field trip with parents. Principal is great too.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed with principal. We need someone who is more caring about the students and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We have one child at the school. Very happy and no issues with the school at all. Wonderful teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children at the school and are new this year. Very disappointed in the school. Terrible teachers. I have 3 very bright children who are already falling behide by the 4th week of school from A to C's. If we were not in a 1 year lease in our home we would be gone yesterday to a better school. Teachers don't read books they pop in CD's and pass out worksheets all day long for FCAT. Principle is non motivating and never visible at the end of the day. Zero parent involvement in classrooms. No room moms or any positive support very institutional learning environment. No smiling faces. Lots of children crying and no warmth from staff. Head lice and dental checks weekly 'gross'. Its like a bad daycare center. We hoping to move our children soon or homeschool.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and staff. The school works with the children so they will advance. I love this school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from out-of-state and this is our first year at Columbia. My daughter absolutely loves her teacher and is very excited to be learning. Which I credit to her wonderful teacher. I am VERY disappointed with Extended Day. It seems as if the teachers and/or assistants of Extended Day are not at all nurturing or caring. It seems as if the children are a bother to them and they don't want to take the time to get to know them. They do not encourage activities or any type of fun in the program.
—Submitted by a parent

we`are buying a home in bithlo and our 2 kids are going to be part of this school`s students.
—Submitted by a parent

As a proud parent of two daughters who attend Columbia Elementary, one going to second and the other going to first, I say congratulations to the entire staff for a job well done.My girls are happy and they love their school.The motivation and commitment my girls received from their kindergarten and first grade teacher this past year was awesome. A peice of advise to fellow parents, send your kids to school, sign their planners, motivate your children to read, and maintain contact with their teachers and you will see a difference. As a parent, assume some repsonsibility for your children. Don't expect school to teach your child all about life, hopefully you spend more time with them than the school does so pitch in. Hopefully, once they relocate there will be more time and space for activities.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic program is good, my son has learned a lot. Parent involovement is good. The system to drop off kids and pick them up is horrible, ineffective, and unsafe!
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend Columbia and LOVE going to school! Their teachers this year are wonderful and the after school care staff are great too! The new principle is very involved and so is the assistant principle. There does need to be more parent involvement but that is not the schools fault they promote more parents to join in.... The parents choose not to! Also in response to the parent that made the comment about the kids on the free lunch program.. Do you think these children are valued less in GOD'S eyes because of their Parent's financail situation? You should be ashamed of yourself! I hope you never fall into hard times. GO COLUMBIA:)
—Submitted by a parent