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GreatSchools Rating

Northwest Elementary School

Public | PK-5 | 655 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted April 14, 2012

we had a totally opposite experience enrolling our three children. IT was amazing and I had such anxiety about leaving them as this was our first public school.(we had been abroad in Europe for the past year). the asst. principal was AMAZING, the secretary helpful and kind, the nurse and other office staff kind and accomodating. the Principal kind and thoughtful and willing to share after i had to come back with more paper work!!! He had checked on all of our chidlren . All of the teachers were amazing and the KIDS LOVED IT!! They rode the bus for the first time and wow, it was great..they cannot wait to go back on monday and we are so happy! Mom and Dad slept great last night!!! Thanks to all of you who made our day and transition so much easier! We are looking forward to great things at northwest! We feel blessed that God led us to you! We have total peace with our children being at this school, and were totally impressed with the entire process! Thanks again!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 11, 2012

New residents in district, went to acquire registration info, staff was very rude and distant. We remained in good spirits considering they may be having a bad day... but no, our presence, which was scheduled, was portrayed as a major inconvenience for the office staff. Should we expect our kids to be treated the same way?
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 18, 2011

My daughter has attended Northwest since Kindergarten and is about to start fourth grade. Every teacher has exceeded our expectations plus my daughter LOVES school and enjoys learning -thanks to her amazing teachers! Kudos to her past teachers (Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Mezulis-Mays, Ms. Brookbank)- you are a credit to your profession!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 20, 2011

I am a parent of a child in Kindergarten. My son has been very happy at Northwest and loves it there. They have had many social functions and funraisers. The office staff is very welcoming and helpful. My son's teacher, Mrs. Cacciatore, has been great and very forward with my son's progress. He has had some difficulties with reading and she has given us so many options to improve his skills. We will support our neighborhood school and continue there in the fall. We are very happy there!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 5, 2011

My child has been a NW student for 4 years. This school has an A rating that is not deserved. The school has a handful of good teachers with a terrible administration. Apparently, the principal fails to recognize that retirement is long overdo. The Assistant Principal, guidance counselor and school psychologist shamefully do not meet the needs of students who are in need of IEP. Since the county changed the criteria for determining special ed needs this school has done nothing to become proactive in the RTI process. Thus, struggling students only get help when they are failing. What type of school allows children to fail before initiating an educational plan. These people call themselves educators...they should be ashamed of themselves!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 12, 2010

Too bad the teachers dont' take the time to actually listen to their studens and realise that not all children learn the same way, or respond to the same types of things
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 27, 2009

i love this school mrs burak help with all of my children
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 4, 2008

I am very impressed with this school. My son is in Mrs. Mezulis-May's second grade class and she is just fantastic! We have always gone to private Christian Schools and had lots of reservations about public school. But the warmth, professionalism and caring of every facility member I have observed has far exceeded my expectations. We could not be happier with our teacher and look forward to this school year. Thank you Northwest! Angie Samuels
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2007

I would like to say I loved this school. Mrs. Burak was an awesome help with my Daughter. I also enjoyed the optional uniform policy. I think this school very involved with parents and students, and really cares for the students progress!
—Submitted by Leigh, a parent


Posted January 5, 2007

After having my children in private school for many years we joined the Nortwest's team approximately 5 years ago. Compared to St Lawrence as high rated as it comes, Northwest is much more individualized, ]more caring, more goal oriented and an excellent place for children to learn at their individual levels and pace. I have had three children in this school (presently two) at all grade levels and I can only say that we have encountered the best teachers in the county. Prepared, loving, encouraging professional individuals who are dedicated to the children and their careers. Last but not least, our principal stands above the rest. She knows our children by names and personalities and she has always been a pleasure to relate to. Be proud of your school and support it. Northwest's staff spends as much time with our children as we do.
—Submitted by Carolina Gleason, a parent


Posted December 4, 2006

I have students with the school for the past 5 yrs. I find the teachers are well qualified and always willing to meet with parents for the childs benefit. I also, volunteer there over 16hrs per week. Therefore i see alot at the school and feel i am able to make claims about this school. This school is lacking in one thing...Parent involvement! those who criticize the school don't come and volounteer their time. I know several stay at home parents who don't help. I work a 40 hour week yet am there. Parents need to quit thinking they are 'entitled' to schools raising their children. Get involved and see how it is before you say the 'teachers are unqualified' and other negative things as this.I love northwest and will be there for my smallest child who is now in 1st grade till he is done with 5th!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 18, 2006

NorthWest Elem doesn't have qualified teachers to assist in identify or working with any child suffering from learning difficulty. IEP plans are ignored. No one knows what happens to the additional state funding that is provide to the school for these children. Fail rate per student are high.
—Submitted by Elizabeth, a parent


Posted January 26, 2006

This is a great school with amazing teachers. They try new things and aren't afraid to think out of the box.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 3, 2005

I am not impressed with the public schooling here in Florida. The teacher are lazy and the academic programs are behind the grade level. Not sure how this school is an A rated school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 15, 2003

My son is in his last year at Northwest and my daughter in her first. I continue to be impressed by the curriculum, teachers, and overall quality of Northwest. Students always come first! Way to go Northwest!
—Submitted by Susan Berg, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 58% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 56% in 2012.

115 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
73%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
77%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
72%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 61% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
66%
Science

The state average for Science was 51% in 2012.

119 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%
Scale: % level 3, 4, or 5

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT 2.0) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, 3 through 8 in math, and in grades 5 and 8 in science. The FCAT 2.0 is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Florida. The FCAT 2.0 has 5 achievement levels, with level 1 being the lowest and level 5 the highest. Florida considers scores of level 3 and higher to be on or above grade level. The goal is for all students to score at or above level 3.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Writing

The state average for Writing was 81% in 2012.

104 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
96%
Scale: % scoring at or above level 3

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Florida used the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to test students in grades 4, 8 and 10 in writing. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills needed to progress through school. The FCAT writing exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 6. The state considers a score of 3 or above as meeting state standards.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2008-2009, this school received a grade of "A".

About the tests


Florida uses School Grades to measure the overall performance of a school each year on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Each school is assigned a letter grade (A-F) based on three criteria: the overall performance on the FCAT, the percentage of eligible students who took the test, and whether or not students made progress in reading and math. The School Grades are calculated by adding points earned from each of the performance criteria listed above.

See Florida's state standards

Source: Florida Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 60% 46%
Hispanic 21% 25%
Multiracial 8% 4%
Black 7% 23%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 2%
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0% 0%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 24%N/A46%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per teacher 15N/A15
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Bachelor's degree 76%N/A65%
Master's degree 24%N/A32%
Doctorate degree 0%N/A1%
Other degree 0%N/A2%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Classes taught by non-highly qualified teachers 2%N/A5%
Source: FL Dept. of Education, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

16438 Hutchison Rd
Tampa, FL 33625
Website: Click here
Phone: (813) 975-7315

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