Wilkinson Elementary School

We love this school. Our son is in his second year there and the teachers have been wonderful. He loves it. The Principle Ms.Thomas and Vice Principle Ms. Deeds really look out for the children and are so helpful. Saftey is a priority and we wouldn't send our son anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

With the recent mass shootings that have no rhyme or reason, parents like me really appreciate the magnitude of care that Wilkinson school has taken to keep children safe, so for those individuals who have complianed about the strict security at the school please understand that it is FOR THE CHILDREN'S WELLBEING. Anyone is capable of harm, including affluent, poor or middle class so checkpoints are of benefit at any responsible school and I am thankful for Ms. Thomas and Ms. Deets taking their job seriously. Our son has been attending Wilkinson for almost 2 years and I am very impressed with Ms. Thomas' and Ms. Deets' (school principal and vice principal) leadership. This school has kept the children's safety as one of their main priorities, as should any school. It has not gone unnoticed!
—Submitted by a parent

I am thankful that this is our last year at Wilkinson. I have been with Wilkinson since 1999 with 3 children. The teachers are WONDERFUL, caring and welcoming. The admin, not so much for the past 5 years. I used to take pride volunteering but now I don't feel welcome. I feel like I'm a burden when I enter the office to ask questions. I constantly feel talked down to. The school is locked and it feels as if the statement is "You are NOT welcome". I can't even stop to roll down my window in the morning to pay a staff member a compliment as it's breaking the rules...even when the car line is not busy...you are waved by with a "keep moving, we don't care what your intention is..just leave". I recently drove my husbands car and didn't have a car tag, due to work I couldn't get there before 2:30 when the parking lot is blocked off and HAD to drive the car line only to be called out and spoke to like a public offender. They didn't care that I tried to do the right thing and that their rules were what kept me from doing what they needed. I was insulted in front of every student out there including my own son. I LOVE the teachers but the rest...not so much. :(
—Submitted by a parent

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

Great School, Great Principal, Great Teahers... But I am very disappointed that they are not giving the chance to learn Spanish. Our Children need to have this opportunity. Liz Linares
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with the education my son is receiving from Wilkinson Elem. Mr. Muth and Ms. Thomas lead perfectly and are well respected by students, teachers and parents alike. I am concerned about the number of 'non checked-in' adults on campus at school day's end though and hope that this will correct itself once constuction is complete.
—Submitted by Traci Kelley, a parent

This is a great school and Mr. Muth is a very hands-on understanding and helpful principal.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school. My daughter just finished kindergarten here. Her reading skills are wonderful, she had a terrific teacher, the principal and staff are great and I have no complaints about this school!
—Submitted by Marianne Bailey, a parent