Bay Crest Elementary School

My child loves this school and all of his teachers he has had. It works like clockwork, very efficient! New changes to the front office staff seems to have gone alright but the past years the few that unfortunatly retired or left are missed! The teachers keep parents informed weekly and monthly as to what will be coming up in your childs class and the school events. I love Baycrest and am so happy my child will be there for years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to Bay Crest for kindergarden and for moving reasons she had to leave BC, she cried for weeks to return, now we had the opportunity to buy our first house and I didn't think twice to move to the BC area. My other child who is entering kindergarden(2013-2014) is very excited to start after seen how happy her sister is going to this school. I have volunteered here several times and have nothing negative to say about the staff, My child loves her teacher and if she is happy it must be for a reason.
—Submitted by a parent

The majority of the teachers indeed lack a passion for teaching, my child used to go to Bay Crest, I used to volunteer there and was part of the PTA as well, and once I was volunteering and overheard one of the teachers going off about her paycheck. I was astonished!!! Another thing is, most of the staff in that school are extremely rude. The vice-principal is reliable, very committed to her job, friendly and caring for the well-being of the kids, she participates on the events, always open to hear criticism as well as willingness to fix whatever the issues were. Now to the other comment who responded very aggressively, probably the principal itself or someone very close to her, criticism are a great way to analyze ourselves and make significant changes, if you have a block on it you won't be able to see the bigger picture. We make criticism to allow others to acknowledge that something is not satisfactory to us, especially when it comes to the schools our kids attend. So I have to say in a very non-confrontational way, open your mind to the opinions given and make relevant changes for your organization, it is better than lose students and staffs as well!
—Submitted by a parent

To the person who wrote the comment about the bathroom incident. First of all, people have a right to their opinion. We all have them whether you agree with it or not. If you considered the issue to be that serious to you, then you should have brought it up with the principal and it would have been handled ritht then and there, but no, everyone has to post it up on-line because that's the smart way, right! This is why things continue to happen because people complain behind a curtain and expect changes to occur through osmosis. Wake up. In my opinion, parents need to have more control over their children and stop letting them get away with things without disciplining them, then maybe, you wouldn't hear the kinds of comments/conversation you heard. Children now in days are rude and very disrespectful and parents aren't far behind. Not all of them, but a great majority of them. People always criticise teachers, but that isn't the only profession that needs some improvement. Take a good look at yourself and ask yourself what are you doing for your child's school to make it a better one, instead of wasting your time posting comments on line. That's the easy way, try it the hard way.

Parents, do not rely on the Hillsborough County school rating matrix because it is misleading at best. The main challenge at this particular school is the lack of leadership and "cronyism" amongst the teachers. The impression I have of Baycrest is that they have too many teachers with a deficit of earnest passion for teaching. Additionally, the teachers nearing retirement age give the impression that theyare just there to collect a paycheck. Baycrest does have a few teachers that care and enjoy their work, but those are few and far between.. I had the misfortune of walking into one of the bathrooms and was thoroughly appalled. I would not recommend Baycrest, not at all.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves the school, which is important. After moving to Tampa from another state and comparing my daughter's old school with the new, I think the work could be more challenging. Teacher are nice and friendly. Would be nice to be able to go online to review our child's progress as we could before in order to ensure that she is doing all of her assignments. I would give a higher rating if there were more access. At this point, I would still give the school a good rating.
—Submitted by a parent

Bay Crest is a great school with very hardworking teachers and a staff that cares about my daughter and all the kids. Our experience has been wonderful! If you are new to the area, you'll be pleased to have your kids at this school. You have access to your teachers to talk about any issues, and the front office and administration are helpful and responsive to your needs. My daughter can't wait for the new school year!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending Bay Crest Elementary. Both have attended since Kindergarten and my older son is in the Gifted Program. It has been an excellent school and we feel confident in our choice to place our children in the hands of the talented staff who have been instrumental in their success. Parent involvement is key also as success starts in the home. Both my sons are several grades ahead in reading. I would recommend Bay Crest to any parent new to the area. Bay Crest is our Pearl!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my 7th year as a teacher at Bay Crest and 14th year as a teacher in the SDHC. I choose to drive a long distance to work at this school. The area where I live has a reputation for having the best schools in the district but I can honestly say that it's "Better at Bay Crest"! The teachers are caring and respectful to students. The parents work WITH staff to make each child's experience successful. Volunteers who don't even have kids at our school come time after time simply because this is a place they enjoy! The administration supports the teachers and the kids. Both the principal and assistant principal have chosen to have their own kids attend Bay Crest and that action speaks louder than any of my words. Bay Crest's slogan is "Bay Crest is my PEARL". (Partnership, Education, Achievement, Respect, and Love) As PC as our society has become, I think that it takes a lot of guts to focus on "Respect" and "Love". Many schools have cute slogans too but most are based on curriculum. Bay Crest truly believes that each child, parent, volunteer, and staff member will excel when we work together WITH respect and love. If you are searching for excellence, search no more!
—Submitted by a teacher

Both of my children have attended Bay crest, My son has moved on to Middle School and in the 6th grade has many advanced classes. My daughter , in the 3rd grade is also advanced in many areas for her age and grade. I praise the faculty and Principal at Bay Crest for the skills and knowledge that my kids posses. Along with the curriculum at school, my wife and I spend a lot of time with our kids making sure they are the best that they can be. In my opinion, If someone has an issue with the education from Bay Crest, perhaps you should look in the mirror, as education starts in the home. Judging from some of the comments made on this site, perhaps some of you should attend Bay Crest to get a Grammar refresher course.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't believe anyone would write a favorable review for this school. Then again it depends on what you are use to. My kids went from reading two grades above to literally falling behind. One of the challenges is that the teachers stand around and talk to each other all day. Many times homework sheets were not distributed. I found assignments ungraded for weeks at a time. Its ridiculous. The principal? She'll say anything to shut you up, but does little. She is a nice lady, but real leadership is what's needed. More oversight is needed!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school have a sincere love of teaching and compassion for students. That is the good. The bad...the entire administration is incompetent! I have seen the principal actually yell at teachers. She is unprofessional and seems to micromanage the staff in everything. I think it is probably lack of experience, frustration and poor stress management. Good luck getting any kind of special help, testing or evaluations for your child, they are unwilling and unknowledgeable. All I can say is that I hope your teacher is great and you never need any contact with the administrators. The speech teacher, social worker and guidance counselor are very caring and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Bay Crest has been my childs school for over a month now due to us moving here from Texas. This school is very good at parent involvement in your childs learning and the staff has shown me their concern for all children to meet and exceed their potential!
—Submitted by a parent

FROM HIGH ACHIEVING TO SOUR! I have 3 children, 2 of who went to Baycrest and have moved on to Middle and High schools. When my oldest went to BC, it was full of parents who were willing to help with the PTA and other things around the school. There was always something going on with the principal at that time. I volunteered hours and hours of my time and was always at the school, and the children seemed happy, and I believe that as long as you make learning happy, their achievement is higher. When the new principal arrived (the current one), everything turned sour. She is never willing to give a little of the school for any activities, and it has cost the school tremendously with no PTA, no more carnivals, nothing happening for OUR CHILDREN.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic!, from the teachers, functions, friendly office staff, and assistant principal. My son is in his 3rd year at this school and love it to pieces.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends Baycrest.Although every school has something to improve on,I have found that the staff at Baycrest are caring about their students and provide them with a good bases.Most parents want the school to do all the educating,do nothing at home with their child and then blame the school for the lack of learning.Bay- crest can improve on involving the parents more,setting up their web site so that the parents are more aware of what is going on in the class(as in many of schools),and have more after school help.Baycrest offers no extras that many of the others elementary schools do,such as,drum club,guitar club,flute club,dance club,pep club,and after school activities that makes school and learning fun.The school has the drums, guitars and flutes. Other schools teachers and parents volunteer for the clubs.Your child is safe. Parents need to feel as they can address issues w/out it effecting their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Very mediocre school. Does not deserve A rating. Check schooldigger.com. It is rated in the bottom half of Tampa schools. My son was not challenged to excell there and neither of us was treated with basic human respect. They also pushed political views on my child that have nothing to do with elementary school education, which I find completely unacceptable. We left thanks to school choice. I gave them 3 years to show me they were worth my time. They failed.
—Submitted by a parent

My twenty six year old went to Baycrest elementary and loved it. It is a school that is community driven, attentive to our childrens' needs, and always 'has to the listening ear' ready. These days, I pick up my grand-daughter from Baycrest -- who also excels there. The staff and teachers work together as a creative arm of our families to mold and give balance to our young ones into becoming productive adults. This family is appreciative to have this fine school located in our neighborhood. Thank you Baycrest - we adore you.. The Crosby Family Baycrest 2006
—Submitted by a parent

The parent involvement is what make Bay Crest a great school. I personally find the principal to be a little 'stiff' but the kids do respect her. All 4 of my children have attended Bay Crest and I have been very pleased with their progress. I have to say that the Administrative staff is amazing. Very responsive, friendly and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have attended Bay Crest Elementary since they were 5 years old. They both love it and are making excellent grades. My daughter made straight A's twice last year in 4th grade. The principal is a very caring lady, a 'People Person', and knows all the kids by name. I have been involved with volunteering and field trips for the last 5 years, so I know the school well. I know it has been rated as an 'A' school for the last several years. I feel very lucky that Bay Crest is our neighborhood school. I wouldn't change to another school for the world!
—Submitted by Cindy Beleele, a parent