Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

My two daughters attended this school - one for 5th- part of 7th grade and another for kindergarten and part of 1st. I have to say that we loved it there and were sad to leave when we moved. They had lots of elective choices for my middle schooler and my elementary student really loved her cluster teachers. I think people get offended easily by Imagine schools because they will not put up with students who are disruptive or refuse to learn. I'm just thrilled that we moved to North Port and my kids can still attend Imagine there. Project CHILD is great and they really focus on character.
--Submitted by a parent

Listen to word of mouth on this school, don't go there. When my husband complained about Teachers to adminsrtation, our son was the target for Mad Teachers, suddenly our son was a behavior problem, we met with the adminstration who was not supportive of our son, instead we were told if were not happy there go somewhere else. So we happily did we pulled our son out of Imagine and now our son is a straight A student at his new school where he has been for almost three months with NO problems. So please parents listen to a Concerened parent and listen to your child. Imagine is NOT a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

we will be removing our child , just another charter school that dosent care once u see it from the inside. Don't fall for the hype, chater schools are a for profit school, and read all the imagine school reviews from all the states they are in, they dont own there buildings they can leave at anytime, they mandate volunteer hours or your kid is removed from the school. this is illegal people because they accept public funds, it is a public charter not a private charter. Remember buyer beware....
--Submitted by a parent

When my family moved from a small town, we were concerned about the middle schools near our house. We were pleased when we toured Imagine and felt like it offered a small school feel without being restrictive. My oldest son enjoys his classes and teachers and loves being able to eat outside with friends a few days a week. My daughter has made great friends and has had a great few months at the school; she was in the talent show and was even voted student of the month by her new peers. I am given opportunities to volunteer at the school, but the PTO seems like its working through some issues, so I'm trying to be patient.
--Submitted by a parent

There are 3 kindergartens in this school and all are very overcrowded. They all have 20 or more students with only one teacher. The school maintains there is no budget to hire any more teachers or to open another K classroom and therefore the students suffer from overburdened teachers, which is particularly troublesome as this is affecting the youngest and most needy academic demographic, kindergarten students.
--Submitted by a parent

With respect to some of the comments below, clusters of positive reviews are not strange or suspicious - after all, parents who are happy will rally behind their kid's school and at a small school like this, word gets around quickly. What I do find a bit odd are multiple negative and highly similar reviews in both late April and early May (two sets) for both this Imagine school and another one not too far away in Lakewood Ranch. Hmm.
--Submitted by a parent

Just another charter school that has a long way to go. We were so hopeful, but we are withdrawing our middle schooler to go to a better rated school in the county. Too much drama here!
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of a middle school student so I can only speak to parents looking for an education for their middle school student. My child has attended Imagine School since its inception . I chose Imagine after careful consideration, and was drawn to the school because of its small class size and teaching techniques. My child never complains about going to school, and she admires each of her teachers. I am happy with the quality of eduction my child receives. I especially appreciate the fact that both the child and parent can follow the child's progress online through SnapGrades. If I have a concern over a poor test grade or a missing assignment, I email the teacher and receive a prompt response so that I am able to address the matter with my child immediately. I would highly recommend Imagine to any any parent of a middle school student. As with any new school, there are growing pains; however, if there are issues between staff and administration, it has not affected my child's education.
--Submitted by a parent

Imagine School at Palmer Ranch was my first experience with a Charter School after having my children in private schools before and have been extremly happy with the school. The principal, teachers and staff are very concerned about the students education and well being. I would recommend this school to anyone. You can always follow your students grades on snapgrades. Teachers are great with being current and up to date with with entering the grades and emailing parents with information.
--Submitted by a parent

These reviews are completely ridiculous. If you, as parents, have problems with the administration, then you should act like adults and communicatewith them. Or, if you don't like the school then take your child out. And if you, as the administration, need to step up and make some positive changes for your school, then you should. It's called taking accoutability. This website is wonderful for parents like me who are looking for a good, safe school for our children. It should not be used as a battle ground. I personally toured the school and was impressed. Everytime I call the school, everyone is very nice and helpful. I will do my part as a parent and I expect the school to do theirs. My stars are for the overall feel of the school and staff.
--Submitted by a parent