Waterbridge Elementary School

It is my son's first year here, (His previous school was wonderful) I was not too convinced first, but his teacher Ms Pedraza is amazing. She is amazing. Very caring. Extremely organized. Lots of homework, yes, but that is how they get ready for high school! Its amazing what a HUGE difference a GREAT teacher can make in a child's life! This teacher is dedicated and my son is getting a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. My son is a 4th grader there. Their curriculum is excellent. They do a great job preparing the kids for FCAT, and keeping parents informed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an "A" school according to Orange county which puts you above many of the other school systems in the county. A school doesn't eliminate the need to be a parent. The building just opened in 2011 (no more trailers) and they are working to build a great school. I question this rating based on the public data that is available. I think it is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a new parent to this school and so far, I haven't been impressed. I registered my child over the summer and asked for a tour. I was told that the school doesn't have any staff to give tours during the summer. The front office secretary who works during the school year is rude and unfriendly. The school web site office hours show 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but the secretary is rude if you show up before 8:00 a.m. to be let in the building for any reason -- even to see the school nurse who is starts working at 7:30 a.m. The secretary doesn't even ask what you need or even make any attempt to show that she cares about you or the students. I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child entered Kindergarten at Waterbridge in the 2010-2011 school year. Mrs. K. Kelly, the Kindergarten teacher, is amazing. She has tought my child how to read, write, and have fun while learning. She is a well balanced teacher, not too tough and not too soft. The children love and respect her. Another kindergarten teacher who is awesome is Mrs. El Hafili. These ladies are amazing! Waterbridge Elementary has helpful administrators, faculty, and staff who are always willing to answer any quastion or provide help. Throughout the year, they have book fairs, performances, science night, field day, and many other activities. My child and I have had a wonderful experience at Waterbridge.
—Submitted by a parent

my son keeps coming home saying that a student is talking inappropriate things and saying he is getting in trouble because another student gave him and another girl the middle finger
—Submitted by a teacher

My son is in kindergarten and has had the most amazing year! HIs teacher is fabulous and so are all of the support staff. They do so much with very little money. This year they held 2 Science Nights, Young Author's Night (kids write and illustrate their own books, then they are 'published' and they read them to the parents), a Carnival, each grade did a performance, an art show, 2 book fairs, field trips and much, much more. The dedication of everyone at the school is wonderful and you know that they truly care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first year at this school. I think that this school does a great job with parent involvement. I also enjoy how the school functions more as a whole team, not just individual grade levels. The upper grades supported Kindergarten with our parades and the lower grades supported the upper grade with FCAT encouragement. The office staff is helpful and always there to lend a helping hand. The administration has an open door and is always looking improve things when needed.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have two children attending this school. I also love the projects that the Kindergarteners do. Both my children's teachers are awesome and I only see great things happening at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers - totally awesome. Classroom lessons - outstanding K-2, but too much pressure and focus on only FCAT lessons 3-5 - there's more to learning than just what's on those tests. Building and grounds upkeep - could use a safety check on cleanliness (water fountains, playgrounds, etc.).
—Submitted by a parent

There are some fantastic teachers at this school. The problem is they keep leaving to go to other schools. Parent involvement is extremely poor - the same few parents show up at SAC meetings, and serve on the PTO. More parents need to get involved to make the school better - the teachers can't do it alone. There are several extracurricular activities such as chorus, art club, recorder, safety patrol and strings. The school hosts many events during the year to promote involvement, such as FCAT nights, book fair nights, and dances, and this year they had a student talent show.
—Submitted by a teacher

It takes a village to raise a child. If parents are unhappy, they need to get involved. Talk to any teacher there, the number one thing they complain about is lack of parent support. The education of our children is just as much a parent's responsibility as it is the teachers. As far as behavior goes, teachers there are afraid to discipline students because it is the teachers who get in trouble for doing so. If children are misbehaving, look at the parents, don't blame the teachers - they are not raising these children. There are some extra curricular activities like art club, chorus, student council, strings, recorder, and safety patrol. There are FCAT nights with activities to help our children do well on the tests. They have book fair nights and dances, and this year they had a student talent show. It was excellent, and everyone enjoyed it.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some phenomenal teachers at Waterbridge,who work hard to provide the best for the students. As in every school there are some who are not quite as effective. The school could benefit from greater parent participation on the PTO and the School Advisory Council. It is always the same few parents who attend meetings and school functions. I believe the school needs strong leadership and discipline , and that parents must get involved in school activities, educate themselves on the curriculum, work with their children at home, and communicate with the teachers. There are some great ones out there but they keep leaving Waterbridge because there is no support. Stop criticizing, and get involved to change it. Let's all help to make our school better! Remember that education begins at home.
—Submitted by a teacher

While I don't think the leadership at the school is very good, I must say my child has the best teacher in the world. That alone makes it worth him going there. Additionally, they have the best PTO. The moms that run it are awesome! However, I do think they could use some help from some other parents. I see the same few parents doing all the work at all the events I have attended. Also, I must mention the fabulous librarian they have.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically - he is progressing well, but communication and assignments have been inconsistent. Current Teacher does not actively use Agenda, but his last year teacher made a point of it. Commucation definitely needs to be improved to augment academics and safety of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended this school since Kindergarten & is now in 4th grade. Over the past 2 years, I have been very disappointed with the lack of communication and lack of help offered to my child. I do not receive any of my child's graded work, therefore, I do not know the true progress until report card time, and by then, it is too late to bring the grades up. We work constantly at home on improving, but when there is no help in the classroom, it does not benefit the children in any way. I am told that when help is requested, the teachers tell them to 'figure it out on your own'.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is one of the worst schools my childern have attended. Their is no communication between parents and the teachers. The language used in my childs classroom is astonishing. I cannot wait until we move from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been going to Waterbridge since Kindergarten. He is now in the fourth grade and I have no choice but to transfer him. He has declined in his behavior and marks since the first grade. No matter how much I work with him he continues to go downhill. I believe this could be in part to too many students in the classroom. If my son needs extra help it's not available to him.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is blossoming. With a new and improved PTO, I see lots and lots of positive changes happening to benefit our children. The teacher's focus on the positive and take a firm stance against bullying of any kind.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is has great teachers and is very caring of their students.
—Submitted by a parent