Mitchell Elementary School

My daughter has attended since kindergarten. She's now in 5th grade. My daughter, my wife, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Mitchell experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a child here for 3 years, love the school and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a kindergartener, so I'm "new" in the world of formal schooling. Until Mitchell, I assumed I'd need to invest in private school. But, now, I save about $14-20K every year because my son is in a public school that is so well-run, organized and discliplined that it FEELS like a private school. There are no busses in and out, so all families live in the vicinity. It's a middle- to upper-class area of South Tampa but doesn't have a lot of airs or pretenses. Just good families. The concentration on student education exceeds my expectations DAILY. Some of the teachers are newer/younger and some are more seasoned. However, with strong leadership at the school, this has seemed to be a non-issue overall, and all faculty are held to equal standards. I'm thrilled we picked this neighborhood and qualify for Mitchell. I'd never move my child out of it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school if you have a gifted child or a child who does not have any special learning needs. If you have a child with special needs make sure to get to know the guidance counselor as she seems to be the only one to advocate for your child. There are some teachers excellent but the teachers who teach to the FCAT and do not know how to deal with special learning needs will not direct you to resources/guidance- you have to be an advocate for your child and go straight to the top
—Submitted by a parent

The administration at Mitchell is fabulous with strong leadership, values, and goals. This is directly reflected in the teachers' work and love for our children. The parental involvement and PTA are wonderful and I am pride to be a part of this. We won't go anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

Very Disappointed in School. Pick up and drop off is complete chaos with parents acting like kids pulling in front when its not there turn, running the stop signs...its chaotic. Then after my child makes friends in class and gets to know the teacher. We find out our child will be moved to a shared class with 29 kids and two teachers because there are 19 kids in our childs class. So the solution is to put our child in a class with 29 kids and two teachers. This seems so wrong on so many levels. We are planning to put our child in a private school during the winter break so we can put the chaos behind us once and for all. I had heard such good things about this school but we have yet to see anything good.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a Mitchell Mom since 2004. Both of my children are students here and have been excelling since day one. The teachers are top notch and they truly care about their students. I am so impressed with their music/strings program, their art classes and their PTA. Overall Great School!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

AWESOME school even though its a public school its ran as if its a private school i give this school all 5 stars due to the teacher involvement they really care about there students, the curriculum, the atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm amazed that this is a public school! Wonderful atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school. We transferred from private school two years ago and have never looked back. Quality of education is the same as the private school we attended and I was surprised that the class sizes are actually smaller at Mitchell. Teachers are passionate, professional and nurturing. Construction is over so that has opened up a great playground area and after school enrichment programs. The curriculum offers diverse specials: art, Spanish, music, P.E., and violin. Involved parents and nice, grateful kids. Uniforms add a nice touch that blend all socioeconomic backgrounds. A sweet little gem in South Tampa.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from out of state and assumed we would need to put our children in private schools because of the reputation for Florida schools. We are so happy with the school. It has the advantages of a private school, low number of students so everyone knows your name, uniforms, strong academics, strong PTA and devoted teachers- with some of the other advantages you miss at a private school (no tuitions:), diversity, students learn there are children of different races and economical backgrounds but they are all still 'the same' and friends. We could not be happier and could not imagine paying the high cost of a private education when we are lucky to have this school in our backyard
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student there in 86'-91'. A lot has changed. Teachers (except for a few I know), the school its self. But there caring attitude towards the students is great. The faculty know when your new. I just had to move my daughter here last week. She loves it. I never thought she would go where I went, but I know she is going to get a good education and be safe.
—Submitted by a parent

My son did not have a good experience here. I had to pull him out and put him in another school further away. They allow bullying and taunting. They have signs up and they mention no bullying, but it takes more than that to develop children. He came from a school where character and education were both priorities. It created a healthy environment for the kids (of different backgrounds and ethnicities). All of them learned to get along and solve problems by working together. Maybe teachers simply aren't trained in that way. It's a void in the education system and whatever their character plan is, does not work. I have a few friends as well that experienced the same thing at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Mitchell Elementary is a jewel in South Tampa. The teachers are engaging and involved. They create a dynamic environments for all to learn in. As a family who has just moved their children to Mitchell out of a private school in South Tampa I firmly believe I could not pay for a better education for my children. The parents are involved, the support staff and administration are responsive and they know what is going on in the classroom. Mitchell is just a superb environment!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a first grader at Mitchell Elementary in Tampa and I would not want it any other way. He went to kinder there also and I will continue to until he finishes grade school. The most carrying teachers you can find anywhere. I have nothing bad to say about Mitchell.
—Submitted by Marta Rodriguez, a parent

Great public school that has much support from administration, teachers and parents. Even during much construction, they are thinking about ways to make the children feel special and enjoy coming to school to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

School has very strong PTA and parents are welcome on site. School is very crowded. This hampers PE.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have two children in this school. A new job is forcing us to move to a new district, and it has been very hard to duplicate the positive aspects of Mitchell in the public schools in our new town. Acedemics, teacher quality and family involvement at Mitchell are all top-notch. Strong and active PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and staff are wonderful. They all are available to parents and respond to their concerns. The teachers communicate openly and clearly with parents and work well with their colleagues. Mitchell provides a safe environment, which is extremely important in these times. This is a great school that promotes responsibility, caring for others, and teaches self worth.
—Submitted by a parent