South Lake Elementary School

The teachers seem wonderful, mostly, and some of the staff seems friendly, but I can't seem to get past walking in to pick up my child and hearing some of the front office staff mocking another parent - very cruelly, actually.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in 4th grade and we moved to MS. and he was way behind. The FL schools are way behind. I am so glad we moved out of there. The teacher always said my child was doing great. But here we found him to be struggling with some things.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school!!! I have to say I wrote a bad review on here about this school, and I WAS SO WRONG!!! After having my children in this school for almost the whole 10'-11' school year I switched them to another Elementry school thinking it would be better. I was so wrong. I don't know if they are better since these other reviews in 03' and 08', but I know that last year(10'-11') was amazing for my kids. The teachers are awesome, they do such special things for these kids for all the holidays, its unbelievable. I will NEVER move out of this district, My kids will always go to South Lake.
—Submitted by a parent

No consistancy whatsoever! My child's schedule changed every few weeks it seemed! Many of the 'great new things' the school was trying in order to raise test scores just don't make since to me. There are some very wonderful caring teachers but I think thier hands are tied with the things they are requied to do.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my doubts about this school since my daughter first started there in kindergarten. She ended up having 4 teachers that year! She had an excellent 1st grade teacher. Overall I am disappointed with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I also work at this school and disagree strongly with whoever the last 'teacher'. All schools have problems with teacher morale and preparing students to take the FCAT. South Lake is academically focused. There isn't a single teacher at South Lake who doesn't care deeply about her students. The school is safe, clean, and a nice place to work. We have the technology that other schools drool over, a brand new playground for both pre-k students and older students and the media center is currently being stocked with updated materials. We offer a gifted and academically talented program for students working above grade level and teachers working in every classroom to remediate below grade level students. The school employs a writing specialist and a science teacher. S.L. is an 'A' school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I worked at this school and saw first hand the negitive attitiute of teachers and administration. Children are treated with little or no respect, and they are not challenged to learn. The teachers have students practice questions that were on previous FCAT tests over and over, but do not teach the reasoning behind the answers. There is no caring for students well being from administration, only about their AYP, and that comes down heavily on the teachers. I believe that this school should be avoided if you want a positive learning experience for your child.
—Submitted by a staff

Our children's experience varied from teacher to teacher, but there are some very good ones here. Seek them out. The school sent a lot of gifted students on to success (AP excellence, et cetera) at Astronaut High School. Parents were very involved in supporting the highly successful Oddesey of the Mind teams.
—Submitted by Carol, a parent

I have been severely disappointed in this school. In fact because of our negative experience we are moving from the area to get our children into a better school. No parent involvement, its not wanted. You never know what is going on at the school, information is a hot commodity. Would not recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Too much focus on the FCAT with most of the school day spent on Reading and Math; students are pretty much on their own for Science and Social Studies. Because of this, students not only spend too much time on preparing for a standardized test but they also do not get a well-rounded education. Both of my children's teachers behaved unprofessionally in the classroom, which was diasppointing. Teachers cannot expect high standards of behavior if they don't model such behavior. My children were also exposed to vulgar language on almost a daily basis as well as disrespectful student behavior without any real consequences. Basically, this school is so concerned about their school grade that important curriculum, high standards of behavior (both student and teacher), and 'fun' have fallen by the way side.
—Submitted by a parent

My child begs for home work when she comes home...she never has any home work and reports are needed more from teachers. I see why Home school is becoming more popular...good teachers are hard to find. So are good schools!
—Submitted by a parent

My child was enrolled in this school for 1 year. i would not recomend this school. If at all possible Run do not walk away. my child rec'd no homework through the whole year. their was no activities available after school. if there was any they were limited in openings. we might have rec'd promises on how much better it was getting but never saw any changes. and when my child had a problem the principal always doubted. until she, the principal found out it was all true.
—Submitted by a parent