Kate Sullivan Elementary School

I too had a little anxiety about sending my Kindergartener to public school. I can honestly say that the teachers genuinely care about the students. I really like that my son's teacher loves reading. She has made it fun for her students, which has made learning to read enjoyable. My son is reading as though he's been doing so for years. He loves school and that makes me extremely happy.
—Submitted by a parent

We had the usual kindergarten-parent concerns about sending our son to public school in Florida: fearing that state curriculum requirements to "teach to the tests," limited funding, and a large student population might allow some kids to fall through the cracks, and miss the independent critical-thinking and big-picture learning that really has to be established just as early as the ol' three Rs for kids to be successful. No fear at Kate Sullivan! The arts programs here are excellent--woven through the academic curriculum, and strongly supported through the efforts of an active PTA and an army of volunteers and very involved parents. Kids get excited about academic activities like science fair, actually internalize the guidance/discipline standards of the school (safety, respect, responsibility) and take them seriously, and learn to get along with a diverse student body. Teachers are warm and caring, and work hard to give individual attention to students despite standardized-test-based county and state curriculum requirements that put a huge strain on available classroom time, and they succeed in preparing kids to cope well with the occasional over-scheduled days.
—Submitted by a parent

Kate Sullivan Elementary School is award-winning and it shows! The teachers and staff are very professional and experienced. The school has been going strong since 1948.
—Submitted by a parent

Kate Sullivan Elementary continues to be a strong school with a superb reputation. The teachers, staff and administration care deeply about each and every student. Parent involvement has increased dramatically during the last two years. There is a strong PTA with an active PTA board. Kate Sullivan continues to draw kids from private schools. There is a strong focus on student achievement and providing quality instruction for all students.

Kate Sullivan's teachers are passionate about inspiring children to learn. And the school has a strong sense of community among parents and volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is now in 7th grade but she was at KSE from Kindergarten thru 5th Grade. We just loved the family atmosphere in this old downtown school!
—Submitted by a parent

this is a wonderful school! my grandkids love it! parent involvement is great and all of the staff care so much about the kids and the kids respond in kind.

Many excellent caring experienced teachers. Wonderfully diverse student population. Good parent involvement. Smaller than many other comparable schools. Excellent test scores. Brand new media center and cafeteria. Lovely traditional, older building and beautiful campus. Convenient midtown location.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is beginning to go downhill. Safety is a major concern with traffic and school policy enforcement. The teachers are wonderful but the administration makes excuses for safety concerns. PTA has about 10 parents every meeting if they are lucky.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is beginning to go downhill. Safety is a major concern with traffic and school policy enforcement. The teachers are wonderful but the administration makes excuses for safety concerns. PTA has about 10 parents every meeting if they are lucky.
—Submitted by a parent

I had my children attending a private school and due to some unfortunate events at that particular school, I ended up pulling them out and sending them to Kate Sullivan. What a blessing Kate Sullivan has been. This is an exceptional school! I have been so pleased with the teachers, staff and administration. My children have thrived and are clearly on the path of success, thanks to this wonderful school. Respect for the students, teachers and one another is clearly demonstrated at this school. The extracurricular activities are wonderful and enjoyed by the children. The curriculum is challenging and exceptional.
—Submitted by a teacher

For the past 4 years I have had the opportunity to experience first hand the wonders of Kate Sullivan. From the richness of the diversity of our student population, to the generosity and devotion of our volunteers, from the enthusiastic, innovative educators, to the supportive, fore-thinking Administration, Kate Sullivan remains a front-runner among Tallahassee s educational institutions. Where else can you find a faculty and administration committed to the belief that all children will learn in a safe, nurturing and challenging environment, and are valued and actively involved in becoming life long learners and productive citizens in a diverse global society, and who envision an established culture of continuous excellence in teaching and learning through rigorous and relevant academics with the assistance of the arts and emerging technologies nowhere else but Kate Sullivan! Imagine how fortunate I feel to be a member of this Team! Teacher, First Grade
—Submitted by Janet Childers, a teacher

I am concerned about teacher morale. This is not the same school it was 5 years ago. Thank goodness for art, music, WKSN, media or I would pull my child out. Assistant Principal is trying to hold the school together.
—Submitted by a parent

With a son that required some special needs, we were so pleased with the attention that he received during his stay at Kate Sullivan. At every grade level, K-5th, he was given the support of his individual grade level teachers, special area teachers, occupational therapist, and all the administrative personnel. Kate Sullivan Elementary status as a 'Blue Ribbon School' has truly stood the test in the results that we have witnessed with our son. As parents we always had an open line of communication with all his teachers and they all went the extra mile to inform us what it would take for him to succeed. We could not be happier with our experiences at Kate Sullivan Elementary.
—Submitted by Randy Zepp, a parent

Kate Sullivan has a great academic program, most Teacher have good communication with parents. The SAC committee is committed to improving and maintaining the grade A standard they have
—Submitted by a parent

Sullivan is now more of a magnet school... half the kids are from outside of the school zone. Not sure why the school board did this, but the impact has not been good. The playground is now covered with portable classrooms and the out-of-zone kids just keep coming.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student of Jennie Moore Elementary, I recommend it to enyone. Although there are some problems at the school, there will never be a school that does not have any problems. I compare myself to friends I know who went to different elementary schools in the area, and I know that there are very few that had the same quality of education. In the end, three out of the four children in my family recieved full scholarships for college and I attribute it directly to the quality of the curriculum and staff of the schools that I attended (and my parents of course!).
—Submitted by a former student

The school board has effectively turned Kate Sullivan into a magnet school for minorities - from 22% minority 10 years ago to 42% now, with school choice being used by every parent who works downtown (near Sullivan). There's less parent involvement, lower teacher morale, bigger classes. Portables have popped up all over the playground to accomodate the influx. I choose to send my child elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

First the good--an amazing art teacher, a high level of parental involvement, a good mix of kids, a safe environment, a handful of really amazing teachers. Now the negative--they spend far too much time teaching to the test, art and music are not an integral part of the program, new hires are not of the highest caliber, lack of leadership from the top, and no recess after grade 1.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Kate Sullivan Elementary. We have been very pleased with the educational opportunties at this location. He has had some excellent teachers.
—Submitted by a parent