Chapel Trail Elementary School

I believe that Chapel Trail Elementary is a very good school, the teachers and the school staff work together to assist the students in learning. There curriculum consists of several different extracurricular activities but I believe that they have left out a very important course that should be given in every school, a Spanish class. Currently, in almost every Miami-Dade County school Spanish class is included in the curriculum. I believe that it is important do to the fact that we live in a multicultural world now and in almost every job it has become a requirement to speak two language (primarily English & Spanish). If the children aren't taught Spanish at school they won't be prepared for the future.
—Submitted by a parent

Go Gators! Chapel Trail Elementary is a wonderful school with fantastic teachers. My child is happy to go to school every day, which means more than the latest test scores. It is elementary school, after all...not college! Students are getting the basics and learning to become indpendent learners...which does take support from parents, as well. Keep up the great work.
—Submitted by a parent

For the most part, good teachers. Parent involvement also pretty good. Could have better sports and music, no fault of the teachers though.
—Submitted by a parent

Chapel Trail is a high quality and challenging school that I'm glad my children attend. they cane from private schools but adjusted well and were given a top-notch curriculm. Clearly a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended 2 A+ schools in 2 different districts, Chapel Trail Elementary did not suit her- her test scores barely changed, and she graduated first grade with little to show. CTE wanted to put her in 'special' classes. We changed districts, and her new A+ school has not only changed her attitude and behavior for the better, but she caught up from last year and has made the A-B honor roll 3 times this year-AND got the character counts award for respect. They can keep their special classes and 'guidance' counselors.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that this school offers great learning skills for a child. the Principal is a well respected and consern person. My daughter have always had perfect teachers that shown interest in teaching all the students. I highley recomend this school before any. Learning in Chapel Trail Elementary is a priority and it shows. Great job.
—Submitted by Louis Kattou, a parent

This is the greatest school!
—Submitted by a parent

'CTE used to be the best school in the area. However the principal Gassman, the new Assistant Principal Thelmas and their hand picked favorites are the worst. Lack of leadership is a huge obstacle. Last year PTA was treated extremely poor. Administration thrives on power and favoritisism. Explain why you have a classroom teacher only teaching a couple of hour a day and then off she goes to do whatever she wants. What a waste of our tax payer's money. It is only because we have professional, honorable, educators like Mrs. Oliver, Mr. Nordstrom, to name a few that Chapel Trail is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

The success of this school is due generally to a mix of many good, caring teachers and a high level of parent involvement. However, the school is much too overcrowded.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children that have attended Chapel Trail. I think it is an excellent public school. My children have enjoyed learning there and the school encourages parents to become involved in many aspects of their child's education. The school is also well maintained which is something that cannot be said about many others.
—Submitted by a parent

It's June 2, 2005 & my children have both graduated 4th grade at CTE. Thanks to Mrs. Boza & Mrs. Shapiro for everything! You are both excellent teachers, have been very helpful & caring & have gone above & beyond! As a parent I have to say that CTE is the complete package & lacks nothing. It's friendly, secure, clean, informative, has a huge PTA, has sports activities on their field afterschool (my daughter was in cheerleading) & they have many other activities available. This school really cares & always puts the kids first. They have everything to offer & are a 5 Star & A rated school. Their reputation is excellent & they are known all over S FL as the best elementary school in Broward. I am grateful to CTE for such an outstanding job! Everyone at CTE is absolutely fantastic. Thanks & we'll see you again next school year!
—Submitted by Charlese Uribe, a parent

My first grader is learning quite well with Ms. Tse. Principal Gassman is a wise leader. The administration as a whole is a bit low-key, and likely to overlook details of the job, such as calling about an unexcused absence (Admin. told me there are too many students!) . However, particular staff, like the reading camp director, do keep on top of such things. Overall, it's an effective educational group with plenty of extras to engage the students. They could try to make the students more aware of the local environment, even in the school. No one seemed aware of the migrating birds that could be seen in the school courtyards. I'm concerned by commercial tie-ins, like the Polar Express movie they took the kids to see. It's not one that I would have chosen, but it was obviously promoted to the school.
—Submitted by Larry Gladsden, a parent

My 2 kids (both in 3rd grade) came from Miami Gardens to CTE. My kids both have excellent, caring teachers! I commend everyone at this school for doing such an excellent job with our 2 kids! Thanks CTE! You are the best! My family & I love this school! Every school has it's problems, we even had a few with the kid's buses & attendance records, but that has all been fixed. Everyone there is so nice & so welcoming. We have never seen any discrimination & we've always been treated like everyone else. This school's an A+ in our book!
—Submitted by Charlese Uribe, a parent

My daughter was accepted at 2 different charter schools which made my husband and I think very carefully about which school she would start attending. We weighed all the options and did our research and our gut told us that Chapel Trail was the right choice. I am so thankful that she is attending Chapel Trail. Our entire family is very pleased with the school and our daughter's academic and personal growth. Her teacher is by far the best we could have asked for. If you are lucky enough to live in the Chapel Trail community then I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

CTE is the best school in the area. However the principal, is the worst. His lack of leadership is terrible. It is only because we have professional, honorable, educators that CTE continues to be 'the best in the west'.
—Submitted by CINDY ALTMAN, a parent

I believe the keys to CTE's success are the parents! Parents really get involved at CTE! The teachers are under intense pressure to keep the numbers & reviews high. They rush through the subjects at an abnormal speed & our poor kids are left to sink or swim! It's the parents who really care about the kids because it's the parents who take the time to help the kids 'understand' & 'comprehend' the work at home.
—Submitted by MominPines MominPines, a parent

I think this is a very good school. It offers many learning environments with most of its teachers fully dedicated to the care and education of our students. My biggest complaint would be the parents. Many have been rude to the staff, they have passed through the 'do not enter' signs even though there have been barriers to prevent this. They can be dangerously impatient when picking up/dropping off their children. While there is no perfect school because people are not perfect, this one tries to meet high standards for its students. I also have not in the 2 yrs we've attended witnessed any discrimination toward race, religion, faith, or disabilities. The bus drivers are very bad too.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend Chapel Trail Ele. School. One is now in 4th grade, the other is in 2nd grade. They both are doing absolutely wonderful at this school. Their academic schools have been the best - and I know it is because of the wonderful teachers they have. Not only are the teachers skilled in their profession, but also show very personal emotional feelings toward all the children and it shows in their development. My highest regard to them all!
—Submitted by Jan Pazienza, a parent

We moved to Broward County from Montgomery County Maryland in August of 2003. My daughter attended Chapel Trail for a period of 45 days and I decided to withdrawal her from school after discovering that she was being treated unfairly. My 9 year old daughter was a victim of racial discrimination at the hands of the two guidance counselors at Chapel Trail. I would strongly advise African Americans (especially single parents) to closely monitor the schools staff and ask questions of their children.
—Submitted by a parent

After several years in the charter school system, Chapel Trail Elementary is a breath of fresh air. The school is organized and the teachers are tops. My kids love it and so do I.
—Submitted by a parent