The Pembroke Pines Florida

Our son attended the PPCES FSU campus from Kindergarten to 5th grade. He was in the ESE program from start to finish and we could not be happier with his progress. The whole school embraced our child and he has made strides beyond our wildest dreams. Mrs. A. Rodriguez is an AMAZING Teacher. We love the staff, the students, the academics....our list goes on and on. Thank you for everything. We are confident that he is now ready for the next chaper in his life, but we will miss you more than you know.
—Submitted by a parent

This was our son's first year at the FSU charter and the experience has been amazing. He is on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum, so he receives support from the school's ESE program and is integrated in a regular classroom. My son has blossomed in this school, all due to the concerted effort of the teachers and staff. My concerns are addressed quickly; the communication is excellent. The volunteer opportunities have allowed my family to be part of this community school in ways we had not experienced before.
—Submitted by a parent

We pulled our child out of private school to attend this school, and we never looked back. I am blown away at the organization, staff, curriculum, teachers, and community. We feel fortunate to be here.
—Submitted by a parent

We were so excited 3 years ago when my son was accepted to this school, however all excitement has faded away. This school is not all it's cracked up to be. Coming from out of state, this school pales in comparison to how I grew up. I agree with other reviewers that there is zero communication. I have no idea what my son has done for the past 3 years in school. There is no class newsletter, no curriculum night, nothing other than being told to go to the state dept of education website to read the curriculum. I could go on and on. The few positives are that they haven't cut specials as in other neighborhood schools (although you do pay for them), and there are a number of clubs that weren't available in our also highly regarded neighborhood school. Also, my second son did have an excellent kindergarten teacher this year. I started to think it was me, but when talking to parents who are truly in tune to what good education is, we have all come to the same conclusion that this school misses the mark.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not a great school. If you do not get admission to this school do not worry, you are lucky. There is no communication from teachers. When you write to teachers they care less to answer. Even when you get answer it is always vague, no clarity. They would not share the assessment test results that are conducted all through the year with the parents. Other local schools share this information with parents. If the assessments are shared then there is an opportunity for parents to help coach their kids. This school does not get it. I have brought up these issues several times to senior administration. No followup action. They care less for the concerns. I checked with other parents in private. Most of them have similar concerns. I would encourage posting issues to expose this school. being told
—Submitted by a parent

This was the worst experience EVER. We had to pull our daughter out of the school due to the lack of care and supervision of my 5 year old. She would be left alone with 5th graders on several occasions. Ms. Castellano in one occasion put her in the school bus while my daughter complaint that we would pick her up. We had contacted the school in writing, we emailed the teacher directly, and contacted the school by phone (the previous week). All was disregarded. We took this problem to the city manager. When he too ignored all this, we decided our daughter's life is too precious to have her continue there. The campus is opened and ANYONE can go in and out. To ad insult, the day I met with the principal- to decide if I was going to leave her there or not- my daughter was once again left alone. I turned around and I have never looked back. It is truly unfortunate that parents who cannot afford a private education have to settle for this. All has been officially documented and the school is legally on notice... shall something unfortunate happen to any child there I have the several communications I had with this school
—Submitted by a parent

If your child has special needs outside of autism this is not the school for you. The lady in charge of the ESE program is horrible. My child came home crying everyday from school. We spent one school year at this school and regret it. I do think it is a great school for normal students. It is sad that they can not keep up that standard for kids with special needs. We moved to our regular home school and my child is receiving all of the support needed.
—Submitted by a parent

FSU is an ecxellent school with motivated teachers and friendly staff. My son has a wonderful year in kindergarden last year with a teacher with passion for her work and love and respect for her students
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished Kindergarten and then we had to move and the one think I hated leaving in Florida was this school. But I'm confident my son received the best education to prepare him for 1st grade. It does feel like you're with family when you're at this school. The whole staff at FSU is wonderful and I will miss this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. Fair and motivated teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal and Assistant principal show genine interest in the well being of the students. Teachers and office staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent by far. The principal takes a personal approach to any situation brought to her attention. The entire administrative faculty is in support of the students and the parents. They ensure that all children are learning and progressing. Mr. Daniels is an excellent music/performing arts teacher, who understands how important the arts help with critical thinking skills by making lessons and performances both educational and fun. Between Mr. Daniels, Dr. Libidinsky,MR. Pfau and the entire faculty and parents, The FSU campus is by far a superior school that fosters education,safety, morals, respect. It's like sending your child to school with family.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished kindergarten and we had a great experience with the teachers, principals and staff!!The programs, activities and parent involvement were exceptional.
—Submitted by Alejandra Aristizabal, a parent

The quality of academic programs is excellent, they foster creativity. As all public elementary schools in the music department. Parental involvement is very good its a good thing that they make you do the hours so that you spend time with your child.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was wonderful. My kids came home happy and excited about what they learned. The teachers are genuinely caring to the specific needs of each child and very professional whenever I spoke to them about concerns. The principal was always available for any concerns and I love the fact that they have a guidance counselor to oversee many social support clubs. The school keeps its main focus on the kids and the PTA is great. The family fun nights and other events were always a success and run properly. Both my kids are moving on to the middle school but they really received a well-rounded education at the Pines FSU campus - both academically and socially. Thanks Pines Charter for keeping the main focus on educating the kids with new, innovative learning styles.
—Submitted by a parent

Everybody gets involved, from teachers, parents, front office staff. The education that my daughter is getting is really good. And if you are looking for an incredible music teacher, you need to meet Mr. Daniels.
—Submitted by Maribel Jordan-Rigau, a parent

I am so happy with everything about this school. Nice personal touch!
—Submitted by vera landon, a parent