Charles Drew Elementary School

Charles R. Drew is an excellent school. Although the focus is primarily getting the students to pass the FCAT (which 95% of our public schools are unfortunately) the curriculum is challenging. There could be more parent support.
--Submitted by a teacher

Charles Drew is a Science, technology and math magnet school. The magnet programs are excellent, robotics and SECME are two extra curricular activities my sons enjoy very much, they learn things they can't anywhere else. We have a new principal this year and so far she seems very good. Parent involvement is low. Barely a handful of parents seem to participate in meetings and activities. There are some very good teachers at Charles Drew; however, it seems that everything is focused on testing. I know that is not really the teachers fault but some teachers such as Ms. Amy Stramanak seemed to actually teach between testing instead of just teaching students how to test. They had BAT tests this week. My son's class practice tested Friday and Monday, then had actual testing Tuesday-Thursday. Homework is assigned but rarely checked or rewarded. Discipline is based on punishment and not reward.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor quality of academic programs. Not good availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities. Poor level of parent involvement
--Submitted by a parent

I know that this school is great, as long as the parents are willing to remain active throughout the year and focus on helping the children and teachers. Communication is great as well. I love this school and all of my 4 children I plan to have them graduate from drew being a cub.
--Submitted by a parent

My child started kindergarden at this school and we moved in the middle of the year. I have nothing but good things to say about her teacher Mrs. Grant, however my overall veiw of the school itself is the main reason for our move. I think there are just way to many kids per class and the children arent given enough individual attention. Also, times that I visited the school the children seemed to be slightly obnoxious and unrespectful of authority.
--Submitted by a parent