Binks Forest Elementary School

Our daughter just completed 3rd grade gifted and she had another phenomenal year. The teachers creativity and passion helped ensure successful strategies for learning. Our daughter has thrived at Binks! Since this year was her first experience with the FCAT we were able to see how she compared with other students in FL and nationally, the results reinforced how well she has been educated to date. Proactive administration, devoted teachers and supportive parents work as a team to make Binks one of the best elementary schools around.
—Submitted by a parent

Binks Forest is one of the better schools in PB County primarily because of the parent involvement. Just because a parent taught their kid to read site words at 4, is not a true measure of gifted. Now many of the kids struggle in gifted and are secretly tutored out of class to keep up. It seems more of a status for the parents to claim their kids are 'gifted' and then work those kids to death after school with tutors and 'parent enforced extra studying'. I wonder how much the kids learn in class from the school and how much is taught by involved parents and paid tutors. It's the parents that make this school and push the kids to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was transferred to the 5th grade gifted program here. I absolutely love this school. I can't say enough good things about it. I wish she had been able to attend this school the first 4 years of school. Fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best schools in the county
—Submitted by a parent

Binks is an excellent school, with great teachers. Class sizes are a bit on the large size, though. Parental involvement is high. Parents show a keen interest in the activities of the school. Administration is very supportive of parents and teachers. We're not involved in extracurricular activities, so I'm not sure about how available they are.
—Submitted by a parent

Great academics...my daughter is reading well beyond the second grade level only half way through the first grade. Teachers are caring and devoted to student growth.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Wonderful education for my daughter
—Submitted by a parent

We started the gifted program last year, and we moved from out of state. We were never told that they use books from the next years curriculum. My daughter went from 1st grade books, to 3rd grade books, very difficult transition. The program is wonderful if your child has that type of personality, and they definately need a transition team for transfer students to see what these kids have already learned, and where the gaps are before starting the new curriculum. Also, the teachers seemed scared to approach the parent about this topic, and my daughter was basically just sinking within the program, and I was never notified of her struggles. I switched her out of the school mid year, and she has never been so happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Run like military school. Children treated like second class citizens here they are over worked, under valued and unloved at this school. Not recommended if you think children are children and not machines.
—Submitted by a parent

Binks Forest is an outstanding school. One of the most well respected principals in the school district, Ms. Keely Spinelli, provides excellent leadership, and the staff and teachers are equally outstanding. We are lucky that our children have the opportunity to attend a school of such high quality.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Wellington in the middle of the 2004 school year, my kids were in 2 & 3 grade. They adjusted really well and I was pleasantly suprised at the quality of the school and programs that it offered. I read about Binks on Greatschools.org and that is one of the reasons we settled here in Wellington. We were concerned when we first moved here because we had heard so many bad things about the Florida school system. Our kids are receiving a better education than they would have back in Southern California. I am very happy with the teachers and all the advanced classes that Binks has to offer!
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school. I have mixed feelings on the 'gifted program'. Since many children are gifted, I believe the school focuses more on that program than the regular students.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic reputation. Excellent test scores and an impressive selection of special activities that are offered for all students as a normal part of ther school. The faculty here takes great pride in providing an excellent educational experience for all students.
—Submitted by a parent

I think binks forest elementary is one of the best elementary schools in palm beach county. The principal is the best i have seen yet. She takes a personal interest in the students & staff. She truly loves what she does and it really shows. She is respected immensely in our community. The principal, assistant principal, and the staff of the school expects only the best from the students. Fine arts program is well organized and the students are on a rotating schedule. The students receive art, PE, D.E.A.R.(Drop everything and read),spanish, technology, computer lab, and music. The students have library time during the week. Lastly, the level of parent involvement is quite high. I believe last school 2004-2005 there were well over 500 parent volunteers. My son is entering 2nd grade and my daughter will start kindergarten in the fall. The students are required to wear uniforms. That is wonderful, too.
—Submitted by a parent

My two daughters go to Binks Forest and they are doing great. The teachers are fantastic. They make use aware of everyting that goes on, and provide us with constant feedback. Great involvemnt from all parents.
—Submitted by Eric Cohen, a parent

Best: Mrs. Spinelli is the best role model that I could ask for my children. My children truly love her and it has a trickle down effect on the rest of her staff. Outstanding teachers.
—Submitted by Wendy, a parent

My daughter attender Binks for 3 years in the gifted program which is great. She loved her school and was envolved in extracurricular classes in which she learned a great deal as well. The teaching and discipline is well balanced. The teachers are very caring of their students and when necessary they help and gide parents to better the child education and experience at Binks. I recommend this school 100% according to our own personal experience at Binks.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. My daughter is in the Gifted Program at Binks, and we will NEVER need to worry about seeking private schools for her. The teachers are caring, organized, and very good at what they do.
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent school, teachers are great .Truly happy my children attend such a fabulous school.
—Submitted by manuel delgado, a parent

My daughter is currently in the second grade. Her teacher Mr. Brandine does a great job in preparing her for the third grade with the level of work that they are accomplishing daily. He also makes learning fun so she truly enjoys attending school every day. He is not the only teacher there that has done a great job. Her first grade teacher prepared the way as well. Binks is a great support of parent involvement and they create events that encourage parents to come out and visit the school.
—Submitted by a parent