Killearn Lakes Elementary School

Though my son had one passionate, dillegent and nurturing teacher, in the 3 years he attended KLES, the others were arrogant, and appeared to be there for a pay check. The administration seemed intent on only maintaing their rating, by requiring "teaching to the test." Front office staff also, were very arrogant. This school is good, if you are looking for the superficial
--Submitted by a parent

The test scores are reflective of the gene pool of this area and the parenting in this affluent area. The teachers are mediocre, and only focus is FCAT. The principal is a power-hungry, vindictive, rude and haughty individual who when called out wrong: idea of "apology" is "I'm sorry you misunderstood me". No, you were clearly understood and WRONG. Her main skill seems to be rolling her eyes. Very disgusted with this administration, especially when best interests of children placed behind principal's ego.
--Submitted by a parent

great teachers, involved parents, great facility. I didn't get to rate the front office staff, they are usually rude and I don't look forward to interacting with them, which is a shame, because they are a bad first impression for a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers at KLES are loving and caring. They teach with great professionalism, yet show each child they are unique and special. The school maintains it's excellant rating by treating each student with respect and great expectations.

KLES is a good school, with dedicated teachers, a supportive administration and involved parents. Art and music and technology and P.E. round out the curriculum and are not fluff - the level of instruction in these non-core areas is in-depth. The reason for only 3 stars is complex: (1) shouldn't this be the average for all schools? Just because KLES is doing a pretty good job doesn't mean KLES is above average...shouldn't being pretty good be about the middle of the curve? Above average would include: Foreign language, more hands-on learning, student teacher or teacher's aid in each classroom to help the teacher...those things would make a school Above Average (2) handling the pressure of FCAT is starting to wear down the school - the administration, the teachers, the staff and, most significantly, the kids are tense and on edge because of an inability to handle the pressure. Blue Ribbon not!
--Submitted by a parent

They have the most amazing and involved teachers and principal! There is a lot of parent involvement as well. Absolutely fabulous!
--Submitted by a parent

KLES has top notch teachers, and a parent community that cares about preparing their children for school and what life has to offer. Great kids, great staff, great parents.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is arguably the best elementary school in Leon County, and one of the best in the State. It's as if two of these posters are talking negatively about a different school. I've had two of my children in this school (but now have moved to different schools). They always had excellent teachers. The complaint about the school teaching the FCAT is ridiculous. The test measures mathematics, reading, science, and writing. That's what I want my children to be taught. It's what they are going to be tested on in entrance to college and grad schools. The test scores for the school reflect the excellence. The parent involvement is tremendous. And some Christian parents even meet weekly just off of school grounds to pray over the school and our children. How cool is that?! We plan to back move so our next child can attend KLES.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with other posting parent. KLES is far below average compared to other states in which we have previously lived. It is so sad to see my child's dislike of school. Upon further investigation I have found that they (at least the class he is in) teach only to the FCAT through a series of worksheets and more worksheets. This is not the place for creative children or hands on learners. My gifted child is bored to death and I am greatly unhappy about the lack of hands on learning such as weekly science experiements or social studies projects - I couldn't sit in a chair for six hours - but second graders are accepted to do so. A sad disappointment compared to Garrison Pilcher in Thomasville GA and after only six weeks at KLES I am moving my son somewhere else before this ruins his academic potential.
--Submitted by a parent

Killearn Lakes is an EXCELLENT school with great attention to different learning levels and a focus on reading. They have excellent artistic programs, and a great core of parents who volunteer constantly and give their all for their children's school. The PTA is very involved, sponsoring many special programs and providing the school with a great deal of extra items not available with current funds. The teachers are dedicated, and there is a great sense of acheivement that permeates each and every class. It has been an 'A' school for as long as anyone can remember, and is consistently at the top of the list for 'desirable school zones'.
--Submitted by a parent