Bauder Elementary School

The school has completely gone down hill with the new principal. My son has been bullied for two years there and it took me going to the board to get the problem resolved. Teachers used to be enthusiastic about teaching and now they don't care. The teachers try but there are major problems with the administration. I had one son go there for 3 years and my youngest son has been there for four years. Can't wait to move to get my son out of this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Our son is going into 4th grade and after 5 years at Bauder, I can't say enough good things about the teachers, staff and administration. They work hard to give each student exactly what they need from those who need additional help and support to those who need an extra challenge. The level of communication between school and home is really exceptional. With daily in-classroom notes from the teachers, regular newsletters, calendars and notices, as well as online access to student data and frequent mass-phone messages from the Principal we always know what's going on. They are helping us create a life-long learner and our son truly enjoys going to school each day.
--Submitted by a parent

The attention given to each student is second to none. The teachers are wonderful and take the time to learn about each individual student and focus on their needs. The communication with the parents is excellent if you want to be involved. Daily behavior and scholastic updates are provided via a student journal.
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, they try hard to give your kids what they need. Horrible administration! Especially the assistant principal, it seems she has a tendency to give advise where advise should not be given. We pulled our kids out of this school this year and they are much happier.
--Submitted by a parent

Bauder Elementary is dedicated to science and nature, through the efforts of science teacher Dale Jenrette. They've hosted my traveling astronomy/planetarium program twice, and hold an annual science fair for the students and their parents, with dinner and telescope viewings of the planets afterwards! Three cheers for Bauder!
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children attended Bauder (one throu 3rd & one thru 1st) we think it is a great school; the best in Pinellas county. The teaching staff is very personable and very excited to teach the children and to have parents help out when they are able. There is no grief given if you can only volunteer once a week, month or once in a while; they love parent involvement! Yes, most all academics seem to revolve around the FCAT, but that is the fault of the FL government not the school system; there is so much pressure on the schools to score well. My husband was a H.S. admin. in Pinellas county and it was all the district cared about (he didn t like it either). My daughter took the 3rd grade FCAT this past year and she and her classmates were nervous but all 3rd graders passed!
--Submitted by a parent

We just moved here from Ohio over the summer, so my 5th and 2nd grader just started this year. So far, we are extremely happy with this school. At first we were a little concerned about the open style classrooms, but the teachers are so great there, that my kids are doing great, even with the adjustment of our move. The teachers work closely with the parents, and they as well as the school, work together as a team with the parents and really allow parents to play an active role in the school. We couldn't be happier
--Submitted by a parent

Music and art offered once a week for about an 45 minutes. Have several afterschool music programs but not sure if they will be available next year because the music teacher who has run the programs for years just retired. Parent involvement is outstanding. Volunteers put in 20 - 25 thousand hours total almost every year. Teachers are excellent, and the school scores well each year.
--Submitted by a parent

I was surprised to read the comment made by the parent previously - and obviously disagree. Unfortunately, she is not that involved in her student's education because she got many 'facts' incorrect. Bauder has DOES have an arts program -with Music and Art classes held weekly and an opportunity for band/orchestra/choral classes as well. That is already MORE than the average elementary school, with music and art practically eliminated. The Physical Education classes DO have covered areas for play - two in fact (that are outside) and often use the Forum or Multipupose room for activities as well. As for a formal gymnasium, no, they do not - but is there an elementary school in Pinellas County WITH one?? Definitely not in Seminole. I have grown up in Seminole, attending Bauder myself, and cannot say how impressed I am with the staff there. Is there a stress on the FCAT? yes...but that's not the fault of the teachers, it is the state and federal government. The teachers work incredibly hard and long hours for minimal pay. They have huge hearts and only want the best for their students. Parents, remember...Bauder's area of speciality is Science. They have a great hands on education for their students, not to mention a science teacher with his PhD. So if a specific area of speciality (like arts/music) is extremely important to you, then remember...you now have a choice and can pick a different school. I would highly recommend Bauder to any family looking for a great school for their child.

Bauder has little or no arts programs other than 30 minutes with a piece of yellowed newsprint. They spend so much time on the fcat, which they did not do well on this year because the kids are so bored or stressed at not being kids or having fun learning, that the entire curriculum is math and reading and both of my children have not had any social studies, history, geography or any other instruction to make the day non monotonous. The staff stresses the children beyond belief around fcat that my own have trouble sleeping for weeks. My oldest is now in fourth grade and only now is beginning to receive limited social studies and history instruction. There is no gymnasium or area out of the sun for sports or PE or even dramatic arts. My children both do well in school. Do they like going? Are they inspired by Bauder? Absolutely not! We have put in for the choice program to move my children to another school.
--Submitted by a parent