Symmes Elementary School

I AM REALLY WORRIED ABOUT MY KID>>>>The 1st grade teacher she only concentrates on how to get the job done always complains about students and so narrow minded , I am really worried about my kid , if she can not handle students what is the purpose of being a teacher , she is only bothered about her job and raise, and always COMPLAINS ABOUT THE KIDS like today your kid did not do this addition correctly ...this is really .....oh my god ....I think its better to make my kid read at home than send to school, I understand she is an old lady but she should have some patience to teach students......
—Submitted by a parent

I know for a fact that the person who posted on April 18th 2012 is a disgruntled former employee who was fired for her incompetence and bad attitude. My youngest just graduated from Symmes and I could not be happier with the education my children received at this school. They address parental concerns quickly and strive to make a well rounded experience in spite of the tight budget
—Submitted by a parent

I would never have my kid attend this school. While there might be some good teachers, they dont really care about the kids. In the cafeteria the children keep finding hair in there food and nothing is being done about it. The custodians yell at the kids. Dont send your kid to this school.

My daughter went to Kindergarten through 2nd grade at this school. For 8 of 10, they must be paying someone off. They only teach for the FCAT in this school. Most of the teachers in this school are glorified babysitters and do not go outside the box to teach the children anything extra. I am sorely disappointed and as my fist experience with Florida schools was very displeased. My daughter is in a much better school now and it has improved my outlook on FL schools. The staff here is also very snooty and tends to look down upon the parents as if we were insignificant and unimportant. The only thing they do is try and involve the parents in the PTA - probably just for the money. If your kid goes here, I would suggest taking time out of your day to teach them all the things that this school doesn't, which is everything NOT on the FCAT.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 4th and 5th grader attending this school. Throughout their years of attendance, my children had their struggles, but have eventually overcame them. A new charter school opened nearby. I am contemplating enlisting them there, not because of any negativity with Symmes, but to challenge them more. I am however rethinking this move, because my 5th grader came to me and said that her teacher, Dr. Suma, makes it easy for her to understand complex problems that she have struggled with in her past grades. To find a teacher like this is very rear. It reminds me of my 5th grade teacher. Mmmm...what to do, what to do?
—Submitted by a parent

I am seek of this school my son is in 3 grade have every day a test I am working with him every day but the teacher is seems like she dose not explain I am very worry about my son I push him very hard but is seems like he dose not make any progress ....
—Submitted by a parent

Symmes is a great school,My son is in 4th grade & very well motivated this year,thanks to Mrs. Richie & Mrs. Scoggins for giving my son a lot of encouragement & support.I just wish the school will have a dress code just like before.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great with my daughter--pushes her to excell. she enjoys going there, and i am happy with her progress and all testing scores. Mrs. Brown of second grade is an awesome teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with this school. This is the fourth year our family has been at this school. Teachers are excellent and the principal puts her school's safety first and pushes the teachers to go above and beyond. I back the dress code 100%. There are numerous ways to get involved, volunteer, etc. (during and after school hours) and as a parent feel that is the only way to stay connected and help your child succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Great academic focus, this year is first year in 3rd grade and already working on a 3 month project for the Science Fair! Great Music and art instructor's very creative. Focus on yearly themes, this year it is 'Western'. Parents are welcome to volunteer, Tutor, and even welcomes to join the PTA. Fantastic School, Great Principle, and staff. From personal expierence I rate this school and A/
—Submitted by Ann, a parent

Only attending for one year of Kindergarten, however the teachers and administrators were top notch. A great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Symmes Elementary is a great school. My stepson has been going there for 3 years now and he really enjoys it. The curriculum is good and the students seem happy. All in all a good school!
—Submitted by a parent

Symmes is a good school for basic elementary education, but lacks the programs necessary to push children to accel beyond the required county curriculum, especially at the younger levels.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a 5th grader at Symmes and has been there since 1st grade. Her experience has been alot of teaching to the FCAT, and not alot of physical or creative activities. My daughter has had an adequate experience, however it certainly hasn't been robust or well rounded. Once upon a time, school was a place where children learned, explored, played and built relationships. That experience has been reduced a nearly 100% classrom or regimented environment where socializing is frowned upon, creative activity is an after-thought, and recess is a necessary evil (my daughter's class has gone outside less than 10 times this year, and we're 7 months into the school year). Perhaps this is the environment that the FCAT has created at all Florida schools. If so, it's a shame.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending for the past 3 years. All the teachers and interaction with the office staff has been pleasant and re-assuring. Mandatory uniform provides the children to focus on studies instead of what people are wearing. I highly recommend this school any time
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's first year at Symmes and I am happy with his teacher, the principal and the fact that the school has a lower total number of students then surrounding schools. I feel there is more closeness between the staff and families because there are less kids. I wish it had more parental involvement though.
—Submitted by Yvette, a parent

Great school. Its a little hard to get in and out of if you going to drive your child, but the teachers are fantastic and the communication is excellent. Structured and disciplined are the staff as well as the student.
—Submitted by Philip Robinson, a parent

Not really a bad school but they really dont seem to be helping the children with reading. We have three kids enrolled in that school and they are all bad with reading.
—Submitted by sheila bair, a parent

In my opinion this school has done a tremendous job in helping our kids performance, listening to the kids, dealing with their weak points, supporting them in every needs of mean, the teachers and special classes are always there to extend their education. Nannette Cortez
—Submitted by a parent

This school has done very well in it's first two years. Too bad the state and federal governments place education so far down the ladder of areas needing funding.