John D. Floyd K-8 School of Environmental Science

I feel out of all the schools in hernando county, we landed in the worst one. The worst school experience ever. We will be going to private school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

school is disorganized, lacks communication
—Submitted by a parent

Having been a part of this school, I can tell you that the disorganization and chaos you see from the outside does not even begin to compare to the mess and disunity within. Teacher's and staff are not given proper mentoring or guidance. There is a very low morale throughout the entire faculty community, and the Principal(s) as well as veteran teachers do very little to help the many newcomers. Needless to say, it provides for a tense environment for the students. Good luck J.D. Floyd...
—Submitted by a teacher

I am totally disappointed in this school. I would never recommend anyone move into this school district. The academic programs do not teach the basics in reading or math it is some type of new math. The students do not have time to master anything before moving onto something else. This school year has been a nightmare and I am glad to be moving out of state.
—Submitted by a parent

The level of parent involvement at JD Floyd is poor, as PTA President we have 185 PTA members out of a student body of 1350. My son is in K - and his teachers Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Laurai are the best that a parent could ask for, and they work together great.
—Submitted by a parent

After several years at JD floyd, I pulled my child out. When my child strated in 2000, the school was an 'A' schoo. In the last few years, the school has become overcrowed, Good teachers have left and are continuing to leave. The para-professonals grumble regarding administration and the teachers, a never ending cycle which breeds nothing but disrespect, contempt and discouragement among the adults. This, of course filters down to the children and the parents as we strugggle to get an understanding as to why the 'system' has started to break down. We also wonder why the county school board did not have the vision to recognize that the continuing influx of young families with children would lead to overcrowed schools, lowered learning skills and discontented educators. It is sad that J D Floyd among, other elementary schools in Spring Hill (Hernando county) suffer due to lack of creativity.
—Submitted by a parent

Ihad two chidren in that sorry excuse for a school last year. Lets just say they are not there this year. They stole a year of my sons life,and he now will not graduate with his twin sister. Very bad school & principal,.
—Submitted by Vincent Gaffney, a parent

My daughter is in Pre K ESE in this school and I have to say so far they have been absolutely wonderful. When I go to pick her up she really doesn't want to leave and that to me speaks volumes. The teachers are caring, patient, and kind. I have to be honest at first I was worried as I have a child with special needs, but now I am completely confident in their abilities to teach my child.
—Submitted by Kirsten Krienes, a parent

I have two kids in this school, one in 3rd grade and one in Kindergarten. Teacher my son has now is good and so was the one he had in second grade. My daughters teacher I am not to crazy about. She doesn't communicate with the parents very well. The school is over crowded and I don't like the fact that the the auditorium and the cafeteria are all in one room. For Phys Ed. the kids have do go outside. It is not a fully enclosed school meaning the doors to the classrooms are outside the building as opposed to inside and there are several moblile units that they have to use as classrooms on the property. It does have an A rating which is why I moved into this area but I don't like the overcrowding.
—Submitted by a parent

Frankly overcrowded classroms are an issue. It is a good way to lose good quality teachers and we are already losing them right and left. Music? Art? Sports? Extremely limited!! Very low on the priority list at this school. The jury is still out on the Principle, But so far, most of the teachers, paras and other parents I speak with are extremely disatisfied. I myself have been less than impressed. However, One of the assistant principles, Ms Harts has been a blessing for those kids! The front office staff is less than friendly and obviously personality challenged. Those unhappy in their jobs, should find another one.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that overcrowding is the biggest issue, But I attribute that to the Hernando County School Board which seems to push personal interests above the good of the children. My childrens teachers have been excellent and dedicated. However, many good teachers are leaving because of the lack of support from the county administration.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter and I are very happy with the education she is receiving in the 3rd grade. We relocated from NYC so I was concerned at first about the education at Floyd but there was nothing to worry about. She is way above average and the teachers all challange her to do even better. Music and art are also just as great and important as academics, unfortunately there is no sports that I know of other than the YMCA onsite afterschool. The school grounds are bueatiful with lots of wild life and gardens. The only thing I would change would be the class size. Even with the classes as large as they are due to the constant growth in the area and the excellent reputation it holds the school is still top rated at 'A'.
—Submitted by Ayasha Teague, a parent

the biggest challenge facing this school is the overcrowding issue.The administration of this school seems very caring and committed to their students. This would be an ideal school if it had half the number of students it currently has.
—Submitted by a parent

I am having problems with the science program at JD Flyod...tough situation when a child asks for help because they do not understand the subject and gets no help but only lectures. The Environmental Science project was to be a good thing....but if the children can not learn science what good is it going to be? One builds upon the other. Up until this year I was happy with the school overall.
—Submitted by a parent