Double Branch Elementary School

Coming from the nNortheast, I was skeptical about Florida schools. I must admit I was surprised with this school. My child's teacher shows her true passion everyday with her constant effort to keep her class on target. She welcomes parents who want to volunteer to help their children and/or classmates. The principle and staff work diligently to help students achieve their goals. A+ for effort. The downside is that there are too many cars to pick up kid. One can wait as much as 2 hours before school lets out. I can see why rules at this school need to be strict for the safety of others.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible leadership with bad attitudes, totalitarian/militaristic mentality of principal. The data administrator called social services on my wife because our daughter missed one week of school (suffering from upper respiratory/throat infection with a virus and bronchitis) although my wife provided the school with a doctors note and our daughter is at the top of her class. Teachers were nice and my daughter loved them and her classmates, but I think we are sending her to another school next year...The staff is too much for anyone to deal with!
—Submitted by a parent

Poor Leadership from Office Staff to Teachers... Teachers are all overwhelmed and students are suffering. Bullies are running the classrooms. Poor curriculum, not challenging. Sending my child to a different school this year!
—Submitted by a parent

It's no surprise this school hasn't had a review since summer '10. It's the worst school my children have ever attended. I thought their last school was the worst, but this one takes the cake. The whole administrative staff and teachers only care about the "good" children that are smart and don't cause any problems. They could care less about the "exceptional" children that have learning disabilities, such as mine, because they're too much of a hassle to deal with. They share the school psychologist and social worker with three other schools, and the guidance counselor doesn't even provide one on one counseling for those in need. I encourage anyone with children that fit the "exceptional" category to search elsewhere for educational opportunities. All this school strives for is the highest FCAT scores, and they know the difficult children will bring their scores down. They rather have parents pull their learning disabled children out of their school, than to try to educate them. Also, your children WILL be bullied by the so called "good" children, and NO ONE will ever do anything about the situation. Prepare to fight for your children everyday. Good luck!!!
—Submitted by a parent

DBES is one of the best elementary schools in the area! It was awarded the 5Star Award which means it has a strong a strong volunteer core, strong business community support, includes many programs outside of the required academic ones, has strong parent involvement, etc. Having the 5Star Award also offers a resource for recruiting the best teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here in October and I can tell you I thought the school we came from was a GREAT school but DBES has totally challenged our children and we feel great involvement between staff and Parents. I have taken subbing seminars so I can now help out at the school so I can partner with them and help the children we love this school
—Submitted by a parent

I think DBES is a great school. My other child had to go to WCES prior to DBES opening and it is night and day between schools. The children learn and have fun ... they want to go to school. The staff is great and they seem to really want to be there also!! We could not be more pleased then to be a part of Double Branch.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school should do better, but i feel that the kids have way too much homework, what do they do all day in school, what are the teachers roles?? I'm so confused. Coming from the north not used to these low grades especially for a new school

great school, teaching staff wonderful, administration fantastic, and love all the behind-the-scenes staff who keep the school running each day
—Submitted by a parent