Discovery Elementary School

My kids loved it there because they thought it was much easier than the school they go to now. One was there from K-2 & my other was there K-1. I liked it until my kids started their new school and we found they were behind & struggling academically. I think the school should focus more on academics than earning their "beautiful landscape" award (or whatever it's called). Switching schools was the result of being rezoned and I feel like it was a blessing! Sad part is, my 4th grader still only got a 3 on FCAT Writes. Bottom line, all Discovers really has going for it is that it looks good.
--Submitted by a parent

I am only awarding 1 star because I have to award at least one. The issues and the mistreatement of my child, and poor cooperation I have received from the teacher and principal do not deserve any kind of star at all. My child has been mistreated by a teacher, and the principal refused to meet with me about it until I threatened to go to the school board. When a formal complaint and investigation found that my child should be removed for his on safety from this women's class, the principal refused to give in to the demands of the investigation unitl I went to the school bard. She refused to give me the final outcome of the investigation which by law (because all teachers are state employees and complaints are public record) is not allowed. We have then faced retaliation because of the complaint, and my child is the one suffering from it. We haven't had a single issue until this incident. Even another teacher has come to me privately expressing the concern for my child. He will not be going there next year because of this treatment. Unfortunately there are student who still have to go there.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended many schools in their short lives. I have found Discovery to be a fine school. Both of my children have obtained A-B honor roll at discovery and my daughter has excelled since moving on to middle school which I attribute to the great educators at Discovery. As with most things if you find your child struggling at Discovery first check the mirror and you will probably find the problem
--Submitted by a parent

That is true too ... Wanted to share something my child and I experienced today. This morning was the first day of the school year .. A few children were walking around not knowing where to go (These are kindergarten and 1st graders I am talking about) ... They were crying and I couldn't believe it. My daughter looked at me - " Mommy are they okay " Not 5 seconds went by before a teacher or member of staff was right there with the child to comfort and guide them to the appropriate classroom. I just didn't understand how anyone could say anything bad about this school. Everyone should know that their child is in good hands.
--Submitted by a parent

It's all so confusing. I think we all have good and bad experiences. Just wish everything could even out - but I don't know how that will happen. I don't think it's fair to judge every parent or teacher based on individual experiences. The majority of teacher that I have come in contact with seem great - as well as the office staff. And the few parents that I have had contact with appear to be very involved. I don't know if I can assume negatives for the teachers and parents that I am not in contact with. I just don't know.
--Submitted by a parent

The higher ratings were posted for the previous PRINCIPAL. Let's focus on today -look at the plunging FCAT scores, look at the INADEQUATE JOKE OF A "School Improvement Plan" - seriously look at it! There is no positive leadership here and bullying doesn't stop with the kids, teachers are also bullied by administration - which is why they are losing GREAT staff AND in turn losing quality students - who are seeking education elsewhere. I PRAY the district finally does something about this school; find a principal who CAN turn this school into a leading institution of learning - not one at the bottom in the district - NOT TO MENTION IN THE STATE! It's embarassing to be associated w/ this school - it REALLY IS! I do agree parent involvement is important ; it is HORRIBLE here - but that may be due to the fact that the parents have been run off campus by SOME power hungry teachers (very unprofessional) and the principal - it's a very unwelcoming place for parents. There are ways to force parental involveement...DO IT, FORCE PARENTS TO COME IN AND SIGN FOR REPORT CARDS LIKE MY PARENTS HAD TO DO WAY BACK WHEN! DO SOMETHING! THERE ARE NO POSITIVE CHANGES HAPPENING AT AL - IT'S INSANE!
--Submitted by a parent

principal is not the kind of person i think should be working as one. the teachers are great The parents don't care for there children and there actions. There is to much bulling going on and no control and district needs to step in kids get suspended for things not there fault and the others involved no action is taken it is not fare .
--Submitted by a parent

I am not impressed w/ the principal. Teachers are ok, but I've certainly had better. Several times my kids have come home w/ days of homework still in their folders from the week before, and oftentimes, homework is not very clear and the kids are not sure what they are supposed to do. My one childs teacher MOST of the time doesn't even give him homework because she thinks he's doing so well in class. I want my son to learn MORE, I don't want him to just get by! This school is going to loose their good educators if the administration doesn't wise up! I think this principal is not used to parents who are genuinely interested in their kids education and those who do not buy her mediocre efforts at management.
--Submitted by a parent

Discovery is such a great school with a fantastic staff. They are very professional with all parents and fair and fun with the students. The grounds always look great also. I my daughter attends and so did my husband over 20 years ago.
--Submitted by a parent

It is really great to see Teachers doing all they can do to help every child. NCLB instead of pass them along to make the school look good. I applaud this school for all it does and all it has to offer. I don't know any school that deserves a 5 star rating. No one is perfect.
--Submitted by a parent