Elbridge Gale Elementary School

It's a good school, but if you are a parent with multiple aged children and one happens to be in kindergarten, be prepared to make two lines at dismissal. The principal has taken the liberty to dismiss K students through the bus loop at 1:40 pm. Afterwards, you must go through the front of the school and sit in another line and wait for 2:05 dismissal for you other child/children. That must be fine and dandy for stay at home parents. I'm surprised no other parent has complained, and if so, that nothing was done.I was told it was not School Board policy to use the bus loop to dismiss non-school bus riding children, but no one seems to want to act upon the inquiry. I know this has been an issue before, as I recall getting a memo and a message a year ago concerning K dismissal procedure changes late in the school year. I just can't recall the issue since it did not apply to me. God forbid you are late, as you are spoken down to like a child, to say the least. Adding insult to injury, no other elementary school in Wellington dismisses siblings separately either....HMMMM
—Submitted by a parent

In May I went to EGES to get information on their VPK program. The first receptionist I met, a Hispanic woman, was very patient and informative providing me with an application and contact info for if I had any questions. I came back a week later to turn in the application it was about 5 minutes before the office closed, I was let in by an employee and was told that the receptionist was in the back but would be out to assist me. This was a different receptionist from my first visit and when she came out she asked me how did I get in and told me that the office was closed and that i had to come back another day. I was a little upset and gave her a pass as she was probably having a bad day. I did came back to turn in the application she was more pleasant and helpful. I met with the principal who was at first was dismissive but after completing the tour was very engaging and informative. Now flash forward to August, a week before school starts, i receive several calls from the school to confirm my sons attendance and that I have to meet with the teacher sometime on Friday but that she will call me to confirm. It's Thursday night and no call...I will check back with another review
—Submitted by a parent

Elbridge Gale has been our first experience in the public school system. As a parent I consider myself a dedicated partner in our children's academic success and all too critical at times. My son is a gifted, highly energetic challenging child and the teachers and principal has been extremely supportive in meeting his developmental and educational needs. Our experience has been one surrounded by caring, enthusiastic teachers. If I had one complaint, I would love for opportunities for more community building among the parents. All too happy, Parent
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school my son has attended by far. The staff is friendly and helpful, they treat all kids respectfully and the teachers work hard and celebrate academic improvement. My son is happy to go to school. He has no friends because the kids in 5th grade are very clique and can be very unfriendly but this is very secondary to us. I would love to see more team building effort in class. I am very happy with the quality of the teaching, which is the main goal. Five stars and a high five.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi, I am a teacher and have also substitute taught at schools across PBC, and I can say that EGES is one of the best run schools in the county, not to mention they have some of the nicest teachers and students. To address the person who was unhappy with the behavior of the children, swearing, etc... unfortunately it only gets worse at other schools. I will not sub at most central PBC schools because of the unruly behavior. To the person who mentioned that parents are not allowed to get out of their cars and socialize in the car loop, this is for the childrens' safety. It also holds up the line and when cars are backed up all the way down the street, people become impatient and use poor judgement. To all the parents who feel this school is too FCAT driven... I haven't found a Florida public school that is not. This is the result of No Child Left Behind, and the goal is to bring Florida out of the bottom percentile. Overall, I love EGES and how smoothly it runs, the well behaved children, the supportive administration, and the positive attitudes!

EGES now has the Palm Beach County teacher of the year honors! The Principal is obviously doing the right things for the school, the teachers and most importantly the students....
—Submitted by a parent

Excellence brought to a new level! My son has been at Elbridge Gale for 3 years now and each year he has been blessed with extraordinary teachers who love to teach and motivate students to be the best they can be! He has had a wonderful, well rounded, elementary experience so far. He is challenged when needed, tutored when needed, commended for his excellent choices and corrected behaviorally when necessary. I have experienced excellent communication from teachers, office and administration. I couldn't be happier with this school. EGES ROCKS!
—Submitted by a parent

I recently moved here from the north and so far I am not impressed. The principal is harsh. The first day both kids complained of all the curse words in the school. I witnessed the nurse send a kindergartner that puking to go get her own back pack and tell your teacher your leaving. The next day a fist fight on the bus for a kid ditching line and no one got in trouble. I am so far horrified and can't believe the ranking given to this school! I purchased my house here for my kids (big mistake)
—Submitted by a parent

My child has gone here since first grade. The school is more focused on getting there funds for FCAT that all the kids do until March is prepare for this and are loosing on learning the basic they need for schooling. The Cafeteria is a night mare if you have little ones starting make sure to send them with easy open drinks and food because there is not enough adult helpt to get to all the children. They have the janitor help in the cafeteria with the children wich I thought was just wrong.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very helpful and are willing to take the time to explain everything. My daughter is in 1st grade.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to EGES and are extremely Happy. We made a very important decision to leave a private school because of what the school was lacking. I can honestly tell you that Elbrige Gale has had such a major impact on my children in such a short time. Mrs. P hires only the best and I can't thank her enough. I'm thrilled to be involved in a school where you see the principal, can speak to the principal and know that she wants nothing but the best for each and every family who attends her school. Her professionalism inspires me as a parent and I owe so much thanks and gratitude to the second grade and fifth grade team of teachers as well. They have been shining stars in my children's lives. I'm so thankful our children attend Elbridge Gale.
—Submitted by a parent

I just have to say that Mrs. Koy is fantastic. She keeps the children motivated and always ready to learn!!! My child struggled with reading and writing but not anymore. She is at the top of her class. MRS. KOY is AWESOME!!! Thanks Mrs. P. for hiring the best teachers ever!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy about this school. I was very dissapointed that he could not go to Brinks but now I am very proud. In the beginning I was homeschooling him, but it was not necesary, they are above the curriculum, always challenging the kids and it is amazing that my son want to know more so we are goggling all the time. This year after care services are much better ofering better quality in tutoting
—Submitted by a parent

They have innovative ways to increase student learning. They incorporate many hands-on learning experiences, and field trips into the community.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children go to Elbridge Gale & I was excited to enroll them. Unfortunately we are very disappointed! I agree with other parents stating that most of the emphasis is on the FCAT. I do agree with the dress code & think that the teachers should adhere to it as well. On more than one occasion I was sickened while picking up my girls to see a teacher wearing a SHORT skirt & thigh high boots! My child came home telling me about a certain teacher who doesn't allow the children to eat in her classroom, but snacks on cream cheese while teaching. From what my daughter said uses extremly bad manners as well. What happened to leading by example??? While my children seem to be meeting my children's academic needs, the staff leaves something to be desired in my opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

I give the school the highest rating there is. My child is going to be in 1st grade this Aug and he already can read, write, add, subtract and multiply. When he stated K last year, I thought that the school would not be able to keep up with him, but I was proven wrong. He was reading at a 2nd grade level and the school was able to nurture that enthusiasm. The school rocks.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with other posts that there is no feeling of community at this school. You aren't allowed out of your car when dropping off/picking up your child. Very little interaction between parents and teachers or between parents. We have attended several EGES events and there is no interaction between families. There is a total focus on FCATs. Additionally, they set ridiculously high standards beginning in kindergarten. While my child is doing well, he is already burned out in first grade from all the pressure! I believe the teachers are about average.
—Submitted by a parent

I read all the kudos that this school is receiving from both parents and teachers all around, but I do not feel that there is communication among the parents teachers, or principal. I feel that this is an FCAT driven oraganization, and that all other aspects of the the school's day to day is affected by the dreaded F word. I really do not feel a sense of community. As a parent who is told to eat lunch outside with her child, or the way the students are to face the wall in the cafeteria during lunch or the way the parents are hardly ever allowed to chaperone a field trip, and that are just a couple of examples that make one feel alienated from the school. My children have had and continue having exceptional teachers, but I feel there is something missing.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree!!! Unfortunately we moved and are districted to another school. Our years at Elbridge Gale were the best in Palm Beach County. The other schools don't hold a candle to the learning eviroment or teachers at EGES!!! Your 100% correct...Mrs.P hires the best who bring the best to her school!! Hopefully wee'll end up back at EGES!!
—Submitted by a parent

As both a parent and teacher at this school, I can only say one word to descibethis school: amazing!!!! The teachers are wonderful and so dedicated to ginving children an exceptional education! The children at EGES are so fortunate to learn from young, fresh teachers that are eagar and dedicated. The principal expects 100% from her staff and only hires the BEST!!! I feel so blessed to be a part of this 'A' rated, 5 Star school!!!
—Submitted by a parent