Clark Elementary School

This is my 11th year with my children at Clark. I find it to be an excellent school. Some teachers are better than others (isn't that life?) but most of them have been superior. I have found the teachers and administrators and all 3 of the principals that were there during the past 11 years to be very caring and open to discuss all situations. My children have had many opportunities to challenge themselves from the wonder AGP classes (and the 2 super AGP teachers), to contests like Tropicana Speech, Science Fair, Tivy, Math Bowl, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

I am extremely dissatisfied with Clark. My son's first year, kindergarten, consisted of many teachers - 1 moved, 1 had sick children, than many substitutes - not a great introduction to school! The next year my son was scheduled to enter a class with a teacher who was going to miss 12 + weeks! This year we have a second year teacher who is not good with children. I cannot wait to move! This is considered an A rated school! I would hate to see what anything less in Florida is like. Oh, and the principal is untouchable. She has no email, voice mail, or any other form of communication with parents. I, and other parents, have had issues that were brought up to her "assistant" and we all were advised that someone would get back to us - no one ever did! I suppose if you luck out and get good teachers and never have any issues that require principal intervention - might be a fine school for you - just not for me.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Clark! There's music, art ,p.e. and other normal studies. (reading, math etc.) The teachers are awesome and try to be your best friend. I am in 5th grade and sadly will be leaving Clark in less than a week. The principal is really nice but can be strict when needed. We just got a new thing for the playground, it's a large umbrella that covers both playgrounds because a student at Clark won a national writing contest. There's 2 different playgrounds one for little kids (k-2) and one for the bigger kids (3-5) CLARK ROCKS!

Clark is an excellent school. My son has been here since kindergarten and he is graduating this year. True, not all teachers' teaching style matches your kid's learning style. But overall, I like the way they teach here. You do not see the tensed up drill but kids perform pretty well academically, which is partially reflected in the FCAT scores. They have many good teachers. For home room teachers, I especially love Mrs. Marsee and Mrs. Pease. They have the magic to make your kids do their best. The AGP class is cool. Kids get lots of hands on experience. You should see their music show. It is very impressive. Many good things to say about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that Clark is an awesome school. The gifted program (AGP) is another fine program offered at Clark. My children have had wonderful experiences with both Mrs. Sciacca and Ms. Mcilwaine. We have found them to be very capable, intelligent and caring teachers. Our children have excelled under their guidance and instruction. Clark is top-rated.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a Kindergartener in Mrs. Jefferis' class. Some of my friends have children attending expensive private schools like Berkeley Prep and Tampa Prep and they have remarked at the high standard of the work my daughter is doing at Clark. Her skills are surpassing what their children did at the same age. I couldn't be happier with Clark.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Chiles Elementary and has been at Clark for three years now. I think both schools are great and everything really depends on the teachers that your children get. Do they work well together? Will that teacher work a little more with your child if its seems that he needs it? I know its something that people do not like to hear but their are some teachers that do not try as hard as others. I've had a great experience with Mrs Doctor and Mrs Meads in 4th grade. They really went above and beyond and worked with my son and I. As for school is for learning and not socializing...Rubbish! I know when I am at work I receive breaks...I socialize-I take a break. I certainly think that our little guys deserve that same break. You can learn and make friends too!
--Submitted by a parent

my daughter has been here sense 3 grade and she love's it and so do we, she also likes her 4th grade teachear's ms. mithchell and mrs.schear! we love clark!
--Submitted by a parent

I think Clark is a great school for a child that has normal academical development. My son takes a little longer to get the subjects and there is no extra help around, the teachers simple turn to us parents and say: 'He needs to be at this level'.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm blown away by parents who think recess should be part of their childs school day, socializing can be done in the classroom while learning at the same time. This school does just that! It's fab! Not to mention they release at 2 pm in the afternoon, these kids really have a short school day compared to other states. And just because I find academics critically important does not mean my children should be home schooled, that would be tragic because thanks to fantastic schools like Clark my children are smarter than me!
--Submitted by a parent