Julington Creek Elementary School

This is our 1st year at JCE, & I was excited b/c of the good rep, but my actual experience has been disappointing. PROS: parent & Community involvement, nice clean facilities, active PTO, safe environment, friendly staff. CONS: academics geared toward the average ( my son is bored & is clearly not being challenged), the admin & PTO are very political (don't get on their bad side or else), not good communication home from teacher ( if I do not reach out I am left in the dark), I had some concerns about the discipline in the class and felt I was given the brush off (later I heard from my son it had improved, but the teacher didn't tell me that she had addressed my concerns. I think she wants me to stay out of her way.) Teachers are very worried about assessments like the FCAT (this is a problem statewide in FL public schools.) My son has encountered the "mean girl" phenomenon, and I do not think a strong emphasis is placed on moral teaching (I think the school relies on the parents for this which works because of the nice community, but there is little reinforcement at the school.) It's not THAT bad, but we are strongly considering switching to private.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to the Julington Creek area mainly for this school but we have so far been very disappointed. This school is all about FCAT scores and nothing else. They rush through the topics without a care for the students understanding. Most parents I speak to face the same problem. I really regret moving my child from private to this school, it is hopeless. The gifted/blended program is a joke!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that where no school is perfect, this one STRIVES for it. Mr. Story is an amazing principal. He truly cares for the students. My daughter does not warm up to men and she ADORES him! We have had some major issues with the school, but in the end we wouldn't dream of moving our children to any other school. Mr. Story is always willing to work on the solution to any problem. I have seen first hand how big of a difference that can make in the academic and social success of a child.
—Submitted by a parent

My youngest child (of three) is now in 4th grade and has attended JCE since Kindergarten. Overall, we have been very pleased with her education, as well as the special services that are provided. My daughter is in the gifted program. The school and the district go out of their way to ensure that each child has an individualized plan of instruction. As a parent, I couldn't ask for more from a public school. This school is large for an elementary school with over 1,000 students. Great teachers. Very involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the reason we moved to this community. The academic quality exceeds most private schools and provides a nurturing environment that my 7 and 9 year old children flourish in. Every teacher we have had goes out of their way to communicate how our child is progressing and how we can help them improve. Daily email are almost the standard for each teacher. They share pictures, activity updates and every parent is ALWAYS invited to participate to the extent their schedules permit. I can not imagine a more ideal setting for my children to grow both academically and socially!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who just complete their first year at JCE. We LOVED it. No school is perfect, but I can tell you that my 4th grader has been in three previous schools (two private and one public), and JCE is her favorite. My Kindergartener grew by leaps and bounds, both academically and socially. My kids have a great deal of enthusiasm and school spirit, and I truly believe it is due the warm and caring attitude we have experienced from both the staff AND the teachers. I hope we never have to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

The attitude the staff show is absolutely bewildering. I have nieces and nephews who attend this school and I thought this school was a great school for my child to start at, but I was proven wrong. They lack in giving you information on how your child is doing. They just smile through their teeth and say "Oh, they are such a sweet child." Then when my child comes home, I hear from them that the teacher didn't let them play. They sat on the floor next to them while the other kids played. It makes me very angry to know that they can treat a 6 year old like that. When I ask how my child is doing I want to know the good the bad and the ugly. They're treated just their like herd,they teach them nothing. We send them to school and all they do is eat and play(thank goodness for at least that). The teachers have no interest in these kids they only care about going to work and getting paid. When the day is done they look relived to leave. When I was in elementary school my teacher showed love and compassion for not only the children but for teaching as well. Something Julington Creek Elementary School is lacking very much.
—Submitted by a parent

Julington Creek Elementary is truly an exceptional school. The staff focuses on the fundamentals of education and provides a nurturing environment for students to excel. The level of parental involvement is exceptionally high, which only re-enforces what is taught in the classroom is also complimented at home. I am fortunate that my child attends this school and looking forward to my youngest attending in the near future.
—Submitted by a parent

Julington Creek Elementary is an exceptional center of learning. The teachers and staff are dedicated to providing the best academic education possible to the K-5th grade students attending there, as well as life lessons and what it means to be a good person. They know that character counts and a sense of community and responsibilty makes all the difference. Community service projects abound; food and clothing drives, spending time with the elderly, collecting for the Humane Society, mentoring programs, Relay for Life, Jump Rope for Heart, these are all part of the fiber that makes up Julington Creek Elementary. Art work jumps off the walls, chorus and band music drift down the hallways, physical endurance is tested, books fly off the media center shelves, academic excellence is achieved; children and adults alike are challanged daily to be the very best they can be. It is truly a magical place.
—Submitted by a parent

We have the best teachers around!!
—Submitted by a parent

Julington Creek Elementary has the BEST teachers. I have 2 boys and both have wonderful, loving, caring, and highly intelligent teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the top rated Elementary schools in Florida! So blessed my children are fortunate enough to go there!
—Submitted by a parent

Strong administration does matter. I would not have thought so when my son was in K. The administration at JCE is making a real effort to improve. It's a tough job and Mr. Story has grown into his role at principal. The school will continue to improve. With the budget shortfall, it has gained a focus that it did not have - - - that is true of our own household. We will have many happy memories as we move on to Fruit Cove Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

Julington Creek Elementary has the most amazing teachers! I love how they work together and each contribute their own unique style.
—Submitted by a parent

Although construction has given the school some challenges, JCE's leadership team has tried to meet the needs of all. I love the new safety measures put in place and feel our children are safer than before. We also love the new math enrichment program that has been put in to place to challenge our child. Many times my child is overlooked becuase he will do just fine in the general education class and there are others in need of more direct attention. It is nice to see enrichment activities put in place versus the normal remediation practices.
—Submitted by a parent

I second the issue with administration, the school no longer has a strong positive leadership and it is showing with staff morale. The construction has been a nightmare and instead of actively trying to find a solution the administration is ignoring and squelching complaints from parents and staff. I don't expect tremendous change until the administration realizes their most important asset is their teachers. A shiny new cafetorium is wonderful but the knowledge served up daily is where their concern should be focused. Mr. Story this isn't OZ, this is a school with issues that need to be addressed, pay attention before the children pay for your lack of leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

As a transplanted northerner, I was skeptical about FL schools. I have been blown away by JCE! The teachers, administration and staff are ALL outstanding. My children have enjoyed every of minute of education at JCE. They are treated with respect, expectation and love. Teachers utilize the latest technology and are continually educating themselves to increase active participation of the students. Our kids LOVE FCAT week because they are so well prepared and the teachers make it fun, not daunting! Teachers are fair-expecting their students to try their hardest and do their best. There is no favoritism, no cliques at any grade level. Everyone is treated equal and fairly. I, personally, couldn't have picked better teachers than what JCE has to offer. I wish my kids could stay here for all 12 years!
—Submitted by M Hegg, a parent

I am a very involved parent at this school and have major concerns regarding the adminstration here. Overall it is a great school when it comes to the teachers with the exception of a few who are too strict and inflexible. The problem arises when one encounters these teachers and try to find a solution with the Principal. He is very teacher supportive and leaves little room for parent's conerns in these instances. There are many parents who have encountered same problem with Principal and teachers here. Also this administration has a habit of hiding issues from parents and the school district to the kids detriment. Great parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great parent involvement. The kids really excell with all the attention. The new principal, Mr. Story, is great. They really challenge the kids academically. The art program was great also. I heard over and over about the wonderful music teacher also.
—Submitted by Mandy Welch, a parent

JCE is a wonderful school! The teachers and staff are among the best. Parent involvement is incredible. Truly an A+ school!
—Submitted by a parent