Ponte Vedra Palm Valley- Rawlings Elementary School

Best school ever. My daughter loves going to school. Thats something I was never able to say. The teachers are very caring. You could not pick a better school than this one.
—Submitted by a parent

so the funny thing here besides the principal are the parents. The botox must have gone to their brain because they are all ok that a good 20% of the students are labeled gifted by the school, when the actual true rate is like 3%. And a really large percentage of PTO members kids are gifted which I find hysterical. if you want a drama-filled school with little to no education (compare to outside fL, people) this would be your place. just waiting for the carpool line to be created where you can drop off your kid and get botox
—Submitted by a parent

This school is only focused on it's scores and not on the students themselves. They don't do anything about bullying, correcting teachers or making sure your child is getting what they need to be successful. They need a certain number of successful students to keep up their scores and the rest they brush under the mat. If you try to work with them to get them to help your child, they will do anything and everything to push you out of their school. They don't care if they sacrifice your child as long as their overall scores are high. So if your child is above level, you will be catered to. If you have a ton of money to donate in addition, you will have the best of it all. If your child is average or below, find another school because you will all lose if your child attends here.
—Submitted by a parent

It appears Furness has one of her cronies posting on her behalf. Be very careful if it rains you may drown. A Fortune 500 community? In case you haven't noticed PVPV is not a business it's an educational facility supported by tax payer dollars. Queen Bee should redirect her focus on improving the methods of teaching and less on getting her hands in your pocket. Will parents be privy to the survey results?
—Submitted by a parent

All of my kids went through PVPV and the experience was excellent. Teachers ranged from average to excellent, with none below average. While some were exceptional, none were below average. The principal was superb. While we had few reasons to see her, the times we did were always a good experience with problems solved quickly and appropriately. She knew all the kids, and all the situations common to the school. She's one of the best administrators I've come across. Parental involvement was great and enthusiastic, adding much to the capacity of teachers to teach. Overall, PVPV is an example of excellent public education and for my kids, a great experience. I can highly recommend the school and believe it is the equivalent of the best of the private schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Please take a close look at the demographic of the fortune 500 community represented by our Ponte Vedra residents. If I could describe Kathleen Furness, I would say she is as sharp as surgeon, quick as a U.S. Senator, as polished as a newscaster, worthy of the praise of the highest paid CEO, and all with the heart of a preacher's wife. She is among the kindest, and most fair, I have ever met. Her talent for hiring is her highest contribution to you and your child. Her talent for matching children with the appropriate teacher is one I trust, and count on for shaping my children. I have four children. I have spent countless dollars on private school tuition. There is not a school in FL where I would rather place my children than P.V./Rawlings. Kathleen Furness is the strongest reason for my feelings. Her teachers and guidance staff have healed the heart of my son, who had never loved school until attending P.V. in second grade. The teachers are of administrator quality, with the most unbelievable patience, and passion for teaching I have ever seen! If Mrs. Furness didn't have time for you, couldn't you have made an appointment? She is busy, but will make time for parents.
—Submitted by a parent

The "Queen Bee" needs to go! She has crossed the line and runs the school like she is the CEO of a fortune 500 company and not a principle of an elementary school with actual real life children. She does not take kindly to any interaction with parents unless you are writing her a check (or are male-she seems to react to the dads (; ). She says the child is placed in the classroom "based on academics" and "does not take in account what the teachers say or what the parents say". However, in my experience and many others that is not the case. The kids are thrown into a classroom that their sibling had-not always the best choice as all kids are different. Unless your child places well on the FCAT or is very outgoing it's very possible that your child will fall through the cracks. If you choose this school PAY ATTENTION and be prepared for a battle! On the positive side, most teachers are great and most kids and parents love them. My advice is to work with the teacher first and foremost and hopefully the issue can be resolved without Mrs. Furness. If not, don't give in and be tough, thorough and to the point. I have a feeling there will be a change soon-parents have had enough!
—Submitted by a parent

Poor leadership. Staff is rude and lack organization and follow through. The principal is most concerned about preserving her position than providing good leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has potential but suffers from an unauthentic principal and an unhelpful front office. Most teachers are o.k., but way too much emphasis is placed on the FCAT. If it's in your budget, I suggest you seek out private schools in the area; there are a few excellent choices.
—Submitted by a parent

I am amazed at the education that my children are receiving at this school. EXCELLENT SCHOOL! Top notch. St Johns County has the top schools in the state of FL and it shows. I am very impressed with our first year here!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the reviews here. While this school used to be wonderful, its gone downhill under a grim, scores-oriented principal. It's almost funny that all things fun have been deemed "unsafe" by the principal, no more 5th grade trips, field trips outside campus are rare (they bring the field trip to school), no family fall festival, no navy helicopter landing to celebrate giving program, its all gone. Principal has major problem with bullying in cafeteria and on playground Her answer is to show movies during lunch, and to refuse to meet with parents whose kids are being bullied. Volunteers are overly involved helicopter moms who don't like anyone new or different, their kids get the good teachers and the rest of us struggle by with teachers who scream. But if you really want to experience what PV has to offer, go to the Rawlings front office where the most unwelcoming office staff possible will inform you that the principal isn't available, nor do they know when she will be available. Even though its a public school,donations are expected and requested often yet $100,000 technology donation was deemed obsolete by principal 10 months after its purchase. new leader, please!!
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely unimpressed by this school. Very little contact with classroom teacher (no newsletter, no emails) and my child who previously loved school now hates it. The school itself has been quite uninviting since the word go. My child transferred in October and the registration process was awful. No tour, no meeting the principal, etc. Made to feel quite unwelcome. Avoid this school if you can!
—Submitted by a parent

Administration and Most Teachers are more focused on themselves and money than in the students themselves. Fake and hypacrital as well. Only care about fcat and school statistics as well, rather than focused on all childrens individual needs.
—Submitted by a parent

My two daughters attended PVPV and received an excellent education. The teachers are warm and caring. However, the principal and most of the front office staff are simply rude and unprofessional. The principal needs training on how to speak and interact with both parents and students. Many parents feel the same way.
—Submitted by a parent

In general, the teachers here are very good. Unfortunately, they are shackled by a cold & rigid administration & cater to the politically connected. The principal, Kathleen Furness, is more concerned about her career than the needs of the individual children she serves.
—Submitted by a parent

Because the education there is very good. I've seen students who are there very culturally diverse and wanted to help others that cannot help themselves. The staff is very good
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, the resources and the support staff. It's all good!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great and a very solid curriculum. We are so happy
—Submitted by a parent

The thing I like most about my school is how much success we have with parents' involvement. Hands on is the key to a child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter transfered from Chets Creek 2 months into first grade. She was miserable and struggled daily with reading and writing until she entered PVPV. Without the guidance and education provided by her new teacher, Ms. Osburn, my daughter would have continued to suffer academically.
—Submitted by a parent