W. Melbourne Elementary School for Science

Good curriculum - value in having small school with limited number of classes per grade - science instruction is top of the bunch. Lots of great extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school ever ! BENNETT KENT is a good kid ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
—Submitted by a parent

The overall strength of this school is that these students come from families which have involved parents. Children perform well, but likely would perform well at any school. The strength is that education is valued by all families. At times, the instruction can be lack-luster, primarily because behavior is often not an issue. Also, organization (using planners, coordinating tests, parent communication) could really be improved. It looks like there will be no PTO this year. Issues have arisen in the ease of volunteering; the process had gotten complicated. That's disappointing. We continue to keep out children here because we know that the other students come from families with similar values and that it is a more sheltered environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended WMSS for four years and I have been happy with the teachers and administration. I am concerned for next year as so many changes are being implemented. Teachers are being moved all around and they are seriously considering departmentalizing (having students change classes) in third through sixth grades. I think fifth grade is challenging, Children in the fourth grade and below need the support and consistency of having the same teacher. Personally, I think if something works, then it need maintenance - not an overhaul.
—Submitted by a parent

Because of the small classes, the children get much more personel attention from the teachers, also everything is done to keep the children focusted and interested in the subject at hand.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with the changes being made by the new administration this year. The school has always had great teachers but now I can say the same about the administration! Readily available and willing to listen. A much more positive environment for students and parents alike.
—Submitted by a parent

They always score in top 10 in the state, they don't accept excuses, aren't afraid to not be politically correct!
—Submitted by a parent

Both my kids have been attending WMSS for three years. I can't begin to say how happy I am with the school. Diciplined, structured, and nothing but the highest expectations. It's not for every child, but they instill the qualities I would like my kids to have. And I disagree with any comments about stuffy teachers, all my kids teachers have been both loving and strict. Anyone would be lucky to get into this school. I feel those parents who have taken their kids out have missed a once in a lifetime chance.
—Submitted by a parent

WMSS is an excellent school. A public school which is run like a private school (i.e. smaller school size, uniforms, higher standards ). My son loves this school. He has plenty of friends here and feels like he is part of a family. In response to some of the low rater's on this site...you get back what you put into it. This school expects you to put a lot into it, especially parents. I try to foster high expectations in my child. He enjoys the accelerated learning that is part of his education here. The teachers and admin here are highly accessible. If you are like me and want you child to behave properly and quietly while standing in a straight line, WMSS is for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that this school is great school for anyone who is involved. There are a couple I see though. Like the fact that there aren't enough chances for parents to volunteer, so some parents barely get in the 20 required hours of volunteering. Also how they make you stay in a straight line and not say a word to each other as you walk, almost reminds me of an Army school. I myself think that overall the school is great, and is worth going to.
—Submitted by a student

This school is winderful if you are an involved parent and not a complaining one . You must want what is best for your child and not what looks good for as a parent . The faculty and staff work very hard to make sure all children are challenged and do well in all parts of their lives not just in school . I take great pride and I trust the administration to do their best for the whole child . So I volunteer and speak my mind when I have a concern , This is a small school and we are very lucky to have it as one of our choices but it does have it's draw backs everyone 'thinks' they should know everyones business . So if you are looking for a great school this is it !
—Submitted by a parent

I had high hopes for this school and when we won placement in the lottery, we were thrilled. Unfortunately, this school isn't even close to my expectations. It may have been a better school under earlier leadership, but it's not great. My daughter may be accelerated, but they have not done a good job at fostering a love of learning and school instead is a chore. It shouldn't be that way. I also agree about an elitist attitude, which is just silly. We won't be returning.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at the school for three yers and I think the standard has fallen..I wish they did a better job of selecting and monitoring the teachers. The atmosphere is stuffy and I really wish they had old fashion parent-teacher meetings. The parents feel they are better than everyone else and so unless you come from certain circles you are overtly excluded. During the science fairs, projects that obviously were done by parents were given awards and those that showed children's effort were overlooked. I am a teacher myself and believe me when I say that the only things that WMSS fosters and cultivates are cliques and elitist behavior in the pursuit of fcat scores while ignoring the children.....the school is totally overrated.
—Submitted by a parent

Personally the school has been great. Excellent GSP, very fun. In my perspective I think that having to be drawn from a lottery is not that bad. At least not to the students, since it's the parents that would most likely care about that. I see some think they are majorly stict on being quiet and walking in straight lines, does it really matter if they do. It displays discipline. What matters is what the children learn, and the FCAT scores reflect that. As a student I feel I have absorbed quite a bit of knowledge from WMSS over the years, especially with the 'advanced curriculum'. Knowing this, since 7th and 8th graders have seen my math homework and comment they do basically the same thing. So this school ROCKS, and is very awesome. *Teachers are usually and most likley the reason for the students' accomplishments.
—Submitted by a student

My son graduated from this school and my daughter is entering 6th grade this year and has been there since kindergarten. Overall, it is a great school, especially in the lower grades. However, being a science-focused school, I'm disappointed that after fourth grade, my kids no longer went to the science lab. The fifth-grade science teacher did labs in her classroom, which my kids enjoyed and learned from, but in sixth grade the science curriculum was not as good.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, WMSS is undoubtedly one of the best public elementary schools in Brevard county (and in the state of FL). The school boasts excellent FCAT scores and students from the school routinely win high awards at district science fair, etc. My children are thriving there. However, I do think there are some changes that need to be made. For one thing, the atmosphere is not inviting somehow..the school is a little cold and there is not a great 'community' feel. Also, the emphasis on walking in a straight line, not talking too loud, etc. is EXTREME. Luckily, my kids happen to be quiet and 'good' but kids who are the least bit hyper here will have a tough time. The cafeteria 'discipline' there, for example, is depressing...a constant barrage of threats over the microphone...not a very nice environment for the kids to eat lunch in. Changes need to be made.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been more than satisfied with the wonderful and cooperative way that administration, staff, parents and students work together. Having been enrolled here for the last three years, we are more than happy with the progress and personal growth that our child has made. Kudos to the staff and administration, especially the Prinicipal, for always putting what is best for the students at the top of their list. Job well done!
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend this school. We love it's small size and 'extras' like school garden, science lab, computer lab, pets in classroom. Most teachers are dedicated/hard working and kind. Parents here seem to value education. Students are from all backgrounds - it is not an 'elite' school. On the down side, I agree with other reviews - FCAT scores take priority here. With some teachers,the struggling student may be left to flounder. Administration is definitely cold & can't be relied on to look out for the best interests of child- they back their teachers at all costs. THe attitude seems to be that with so many on the waiting list, they don't have to help the struggling student when there are dozens of high achievers waiting to get in who will help bump up their FCAT scores. Front office atmosphere has improved, could be more customer friendly. Overboard on fundraising.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attend this school. I can't begin to complement our teachers...they are the best! We truly have excellent teachers at our school who go above and beyond to ensure maximum learning and enrichment of the kids. Things I would like to see at our school is more of a community. More opportunities for parents to be involved. The administration should work on making it more inviting to families and promote involvement. Other than this, my child is thriving academically here.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended two previous schools before being at West melbourne School for Science. This has been by far the best school and educational program she could received. I love the school and all the special programs and clubs available for kids. The principal does agreat job and participates in everything related to the school.
—Submitted by a parent