Watkins Elementary School

Watkins is a really good school for my kids. The teachers did their best for the 07-08 scholl year.
--Submitted by a parent

My second grader now promoted to third came to Watkins in the 2006-2007 school year from an 'A' school. Since Watkins also obtained an 'A' rating, my expectations were high. Unfortunately I was soon interacting with less than competent teachers, counselors and school staff. As for the principle, she gave the appearance of having a take charge and correct the issue attitude, but in the end there was no resolution. My second grader often didn't receive enough instruction. At times the work didn't appear to be challenging enough and other times the work was too difficult. The Dibbles scores from the beginning of the year declined I feel as a result of the lack of teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not think the school assists the children that need extra help. My son is in the second grade and has had difficulties since he started there. I have had numerous Parent/Teacher conferences, mtgs w/ the Vice Principle and Guidance Counselor. They all say they are going to put him in a program and get him some counseling to help but never follow through. They give a ridiculous amount of homework but yet there are no tutors to assist them. Often when my son does his homework in their aftercare program, most of the problems are wrong when he comes home. I think this school is allot of talk and no action. He will not be returning.
--Submitted by a parent

I am happy with the way the school is ahndling my 3rd grader who is coming from a gifted program in miami-dade county they are challenging her constantly. I am always informed of new programs and events that will take place at the school. Keep up the good work watkins!!
--Submitted by a parent

st say it is very disappointint to see how low the level of parent involvement there is at watkins,i dont believe there is even a pta.
--Submitted by a parent

Very low parent involvedment. Test scores are also low.
--Submitted by a teacher

I think that the teacher and staff try to commit to the educational well-being of the students however they need to try again. The principal Dr. Wilson (a former retiree) seems as though she is all talk w/ very little action. My child is struggling in school and I have and am doing all I can to possibly assist him such as online resources, parent-teacher conferences, etc. I have been begging the school to assist me with placing my child in speech and testing him for educational disabilities all to no avail. This began in kindergarten and has continued w/ still no testing at his expense. I am disappointed and hurt and they advertise that they care however actions speak louder than words.
--Submitted by a parent

Watkins is an excellent school. They offer 3 differents languages to learn and also have a sophistocated communications program. The principal and her staff have worked really hard with the students and I have noticed an improvement in education and behavior from the students.
--Submitted by janet bonacorso, a staff