Keenes Crossing Elementary School

The very child-indulgent Berkley, CA parent's overall attitude shown in the post shows that the school was not the only party to his disappointment in this school as is alledged in the post. He had to be requested by the school officer to leave campus in the last "discussion". Teachers at this school don't just yell at students nor does the administration not do anything. His child was moved to another classroom where the complaining only got worse. Academically, Keenes Crossing is a top rated school in OCPS. All schools, as any other organization, will have flaws but overall this is a good school with caring teachers who want their students to give their best efforts...in this particular case, any effort.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter and I moved here from Berkeley, CA. 1: On my daughter's first day of school, her teacher yelled at her for not doing her work independently. I mean she literally raised her voice at her out of frustration/anger. 2: They pledge allegiance and sing the national anthem every day. This is fine if you're into that, but some people just want their kids to learn at school, not form ranks and pledge devotion to something they know nothing about yet. 3: School lunches are basically 711 microwavable "food". 4: The principal is unreachable, not accessible, and distant. She sends her assistant out to deal with everything. 5: I watched the office secretary physically pick up a screaming child and drag him to class rather than let him calm down and find out why he didn't want to be there. 6: One day I forgot to make lunch for my daughter. I take full responsibility for this, but my daughter asked her teacher if she could call me to get lunch and she refused to let her. 7: The student pick-up/drop-off system is a mess 8: School work is tedious, concepts are breezed over, kids are tested every Monday. Kids learn at different rates. The slow ones are left behind. 9: PTA?
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is normal than by all means this school is great But if you have a child with Autism I suggest you look elsewhere!! Some of the teachers were not properly trained to handle behavior problems with autistic students and the answer was to isolate. My son escaped several times from them and would scream and beg not to go to school but would not tell or explain why? They don't look to kindly to outside help either in terms of other higher trained specialists. Again if your child is normal than I believe this is perfect school but if you have child with special needs look elsewhere where the teachers actually have degrees in Early child dev/Educational/Special Needs and behavior specialists that have more training.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school and so do our children! There are many wonderful families that are involved with making this school so great. The teachers are caring and really want the best for your child. The school councelor it fantastic! He has been so helpful and has innovative ideas. We think it is a great school and would highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

The Teachers care so much about each child's progress. PTO and After care program is wonderful too.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from an exceptional school in Connecticut and were concerned about the Florida public school system. We have a 5th grader and a Kindergarten student. We have been extremely happy with the teachers and curriculm at Keene's Crosssing. Sure there are things that don't go perfectly every once in awhile (particularly at the start of school year) but once they work through the kinks, this is a great school. The teachers are creative about motivating the kids and give so much of their personal time to make school fun. We haven't encountered any bullying or bad behavior by teachers or students and everyone is genuinely nice. Our kids and their friends all love going to school and there always seems to be something exciting going on for them. I'd be remiss if I didn't give a special recognition to Mr. Schroeder and Ms. Vason who we're certain will forever be our kids' favorite teachers. Mr Baron, the Assistant Principal does an outstanding job as well. The school rating attests to the quality of the academics but these parent ratings attest to the quality of the experience and we're not surprised to see so many 5 stars!
—Submitted by a parent

Keenes Crossing is a wonderful school. We moved to Florida a year and a half ago from Massachsetts and the first school my children attended in a different county was horrible. We moved to Winter Garden last summer and my two children, a fifth grader and a first grader, have enjoyed every day here at Keenes Crossing. Both of their teachers are outstanding and have given both my children a passion for learning. The teachers and staff are always available and keep us well informed. I would highly recommend this school to any parent!
—Submitted by a parent

We recently moved into the community and loved our children's previous school. We could not be happier with the transition. We came in half way through the year and the front office, teachers and staff have made it so easy for our chidlren to adjust. They love it! and so do we. We feel so relieved that they are feeling comfortable in thier surroundings. The children in thier classes were very accepting to a new student and made them feel so welcome. They also have a very good challenging gifted program. It is more developed than most schools in the area. The PTO is great and provide lots of opprotunities to get involved with the school. They also sponser several functions throughout the year. Because the school is located within the community lots of kids bike and walk to school, which we love too. We couldn't be more pleased with Keene's Crossing and would definatly recommend this school to other parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I definitely agree with all the reviews. This is a great school! Teachers, Staff and PTO are very involved and they truly care about the kids. They offer a variety of extracurricular activities. The ASP is awesome. My son loves going to school!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very organized, exciting and a great environment for the children. The teachers are dedicated, the principal is involved and the PTO is fabulous.
—Submitted by a parent

great school, good teachers,clean,academics programs very good, love ASP, before and after care.my child can,t wait to return to school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am giving this school 5 stars for so MANY reasons. I have two children in 1st and 4th, and I don't know if I lucked out or are ALL the teachers this great. But Ms. Karen Salter and Mrs Colleen Velasques, Truly went above and beyond their teaching skills with my children. My daughter has just blossomed. This summer she has turned into such an amazing child. And the leadership with the Principal has been outstanding!!!! So thank you so much
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! The principal and teachers are wonderful! The parents are really involved and they do Spirit Night which gets everyone together in the community!
—Submitted by a parent