Wilkinson Elementary School

I was looking forward to watching my children thrive in the wonderful elemantary school that helped me become the person I am today, unfortunately this did not happen. My oldest is in 4th grade at Wilkinson this year and has had some wonderful teacher's throughout the years, however the Principal, Assistant Pincipal, office staff, and some of the teachers are rude, unaccepting of constructive criticisms, and do not keep the average parent well informed. Information regarding school functions is rarely sent home more than 24 hours prior to the event, I recieve mixed information depending on which member of staff you speak with, I have repeatedly been met with arguement when trying to discuss any of my concerns, there have been so many instances of aggrevation with this school but I am choosing to keep it civil and not mention any persons directly. I wanted to tough it out so my children could have long lasting connections with friends and stay in a familiar environment, but most of their friends have already transfered out. I am sad to say we won't be back next year.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Wilkinson for the past 3 years and this will be our LAST!. I must say most of the teachers are AMAZING! I mean that because they are the reason we drive 20-25 minutes to go there. The staff on the other hand is DISAPPOINTING!!! The main lady in the office is terrible. I called due to an emergency and as soon as I said my name and my child's name I was immediately put on hold before finding out the reason for my call...then sat on the phone for a good 2 minutes. The Prinipal and Vice Pricipal are not friendly and when you need to speak to them they are busy. I fully believe this school would be GREAT with a new principal and a warmer administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Some good teachers for sure, but the Staff is terrible. As a parent I feel uncomfortable being on campus, almost like I'm going to get in trouble or yelled at for walking in the wrong zone or whatever. Poor Communication about school events - No Honor Roll? My Son had straight A's and was never given any recognition for his hard work. Smart kids are taken for grants. The Parent association and fund raisers are HORRIFIC - Taking months to recieve your orders. I will never participate in another cookie order. What a fiasco. The Vice Principal is a real joke. Very rude and very petty and In the past I've caught him flat out lying to me. So glad I moved away from this stressful school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending Wilkinson and can say from four years experiance that most (not all) of the teachers are great. However, the staff is not very efficiant or knowledgable, I never recieve a timely notice of important school events. Many of the other children attending the school are not the nicest kids. I have very polite, thoughtful, soft spoken chilren who do not thrive in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Wilkinson and love how the administration communicates with staff, students, and families. Wilkinson is a great place to work. We are proud of our accomplishments. All of my kids have attended Wilkinson and received a quality education. The administration has high expectations for all students.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a horrific school, there is no dress code, girls are cliquey like I have never seen before, there is no support offered by the staff, the main concern is getting the lower scores up with the ethnic children, if your kid is smart, it is the worst possible school to send them.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe Wilkinson is a good school for the average child and the staff does try. However, I do not feel they strive to help the different child. Like most other public schools, Wilkinson simply blends all the special students in with problem children.
--Submitted by a parent

Wilkinson has shown a great deal of progress over the last two years. Addition requirements from the state and county challenge students, staff and parents but we are all working had to make Wilkinson a great school. Administration has an open door policy that makes addressing concerns easy. The staff goes the extra mile.
--Submitted by a parent

School has gone down hill since Mr Muth has gone. One child is moving on to Middle and I will be pulling my 2nd grade out this year. Very unhappy and hope changes are made soon.
--Submitted by a parent

Wilkinson Elementary in Sarasota has often gone beyond expectations to assist my children in succeeding. The teachers my boys have had were excellent and the administration staff is great, too. We are sad to see Mr. Muth leave after 20 years, but Mrs. Thomas can certainly fill his shoes and then some! I look forward to her taking control of the school... Barbara Figlow
--Submitted by Barbara Figlow, a parent