Pines Lakes Elementary School

Wonderful school with a wonderful teaching and support staff that has been torn apart and ruined as of late with the addition of a horrible principal! What was once a loving, caring and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow has become a militant run establishment where the poor teachers and children hate arriving every day and can't wait to leave! Staff and students alike are treated like a number by this woman. Gone are the days when you could rest assured your child was loved and taken care of by an administrative staff that cared. This new administration pretends to value parental involvement, but don't be fooled... word is she ran off the entire PTA program from the school. There is thankfully, a light at the end of this very dark tunnel. This horrible principal will be retiring after the 20113-2014 school year. Thankfully most of the teachers do what they can to continue inspiring the children during these trying times. This used to be such a wonderful school with a true family feel. Hopefully that will return after the reign of Nitti comes to a close.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, staff & volunteers. I attended this school as a child & all 3 of my kids went there as well. I never had 1 issue with the school. The staff was so caring & friendly. Strict policies about letting parents in without checking in 1st is great for safety. They call with reminders & keep us updated on all that is needed. A+ school, always clean. Highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

love this school, the school calls the parents to remind them about activitys with the school and the community
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school says one parent? What is this based on? Are you involved? If you were, you would know you are wrong. Rude office staff? Are you kidding? Those ladies are sooo friendly and caring. Staff allows volunteers to roam school with no question? Of course they do, they are there to volunteer! They are approved to do so through a county background check. Parents aren't allowed inside? Of course not during school hours... but if you become a volunteer you could come inside when ever you'd like to volunteer. Parents are more than welcome in for conferences, school programs & events. Would you want parents roaming around at any other time? The school is doing it's job by keeping all of the students safe. If you want to be more invloved and understand what's really going on... sign up to volunteer or join the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible school, Principal and Assistant Principal are unresponsive. The office staff is the rudest human beings I have encountered, they ignore you when you walk in the door. Staff allows volunteers to roam school with no question since they are friends but do not allow parents inside.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great but principal needs to work on her people skills.
—Submitted by a parent

PLE is an excellent school. Wonderful caring staff from the principal right on down the line. Plenty of availabily for parental involvement if only you ask. Wouldn't have my child in any other school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was a transient from Georgia,and she had no difficulty adjusting. The staff was very helpful and willing to assist in anyway they could. Good muscic program, would like to see more drama classes offered, plays etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent music, Sicence, computer, Coach,special reading, speech teachers. Office staff first class all the way.
—Submitted by Cherry Mason, a parent

Very good program. Great teachers, and activities. Everyone is very positive and strive to make my child's education the best is can possibly be.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very warm. I love the gifted teacher, I would choose this school opposed to ANY other just for their gifted program!
—Submitted by a parent

The academic program is on the lighter side for kindergarten. There should be more extra curricular activities. Teachers are very cooperative and always available for help and counseling.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. Good Atmosphere. Teachers are involved with the Parents and help when you ask for help. Afterschool program for Parents that work. I would like to see them teach Spanish offer sports to our kids though.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School, great teachers and awesome atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT SCHOOL!! Our children have been going there for the past 3 years. They have very educated teachers, specially 5th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been moderately pleased. Communication with parents is good. Preparation for testing is good. There is not a great deal of creatvity, but that may be due to preparation for the tests. Overall, though I have no real complaints. Class size is a bit big, but I think average for the district and my child gets the attention needed from the teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

No complaints on this school, top rate! My daughter has gone here for the last 2 years and they have wonderful caring teachers. They have many extra curriculum activities for the upper grades, just to mention a few: WPLE, which is the morning announcements, in which the children are like tv news people; they have chorus in the latter half of the year; they have aftercare for parents who have to work; they have the dare program for the 5th graders; and many more. My only complaint is that they don't have spanish taught in school, but they did start having it for the aftercare students if requested.
—Submitted by Darliene Peraza, a parent