Sunset Park Elementary School

I am a current teacher at this school and has been there since the school opened. The staff and administration truly cares about the students well being and their academic success. The principal and assistant principal are very busy due to high demands and many changes coming from the district office. We are constantly in meetings to modify any problems or issues and to discuss ways to help our students improve. Just remember there are some parents that will never be satified with a specific teacher because of their personal feelings towards that teacher and not the teachers teaching ability.
--Submitted by a teacher

We have only one child in this school. Principal NEVER available. Especially after our son was assaulted on the playground at recess by another child in his K class. We were informed by asst principal, that the child's mother was there all the time. We were told by the teacher the child was her "problem" child. She was let go after that. Needless to say we sent our child for self defense classes Our son is now in 3rd grade and thankfully, we will now be sending him to private school next year. The school is new and for the most part the teachers are good, but seems more like WHO you know not WHAT you know. Way too much physical contact betweeen students in this school. Nothing done about that. Lunchroom is total CHAOS. Screaming and pulling each other. Adults who supervise for the most part are rude or non responsive. It's quite stressful to watch. Physical education limited to playing on a cement floor under covering with a ball or little scooters. Friend pulled both her kids out and put them into private school. Very sad to say we can't wait til the end of this school year. Just a shame the last almost 3 years were a disappointment.
--Submitted by a parent

While the test scores may be at or above standards, the quality of the school is very lacking. This year, the experiences my daughter (first grade) has had, for lack of a better term, have been dissapointing. There have been issues with the bussing, the lunch room, the teacher, the administration and the efforts put forth to recognize and amend the various issues has been either non-existent by the principal to minimal by the teacher. The only exception that I can point out is the assistant principal truly cares about the students and the school and does everything in his power to make it a great place to learn. Unfortunatly, this is not enough. Next year we will be looking to either move to a better district (Keen's Crossing/Windermere/Dr. Phillips) or to put our children in a private school so that they can get the proper education that they deserve.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who attend this school and am pleased to see the leadership and parental involvement. Concerns have always been addressed by staff. My kids have enjoyed the field trips to places such as St Augustine, Sea World and the Fall Festivals have been very entertaining. It is evident during school functions that the community businesses have made a commitment to education. Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the best! The teachers and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. The principal and assistant principal are very approachable. The school also offers a ton of extra-curricular activities! My two children (grade 2 and 4) love this school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at this school and we have had nothing but positive experiences here. The staff is wonderful and the teachers are insightful leaders who work hard to help the kids reach their potential. The principal and assistant principal have been responsive to any concerns/issues that I have had and are always approachable. We transferred in the middle of the school year in 2010 and my kids have fit in perfectly. The teachers and kids here are friendly and my kids have made new friends easily. In my opinion, this is an excellent school with excellent test grades and excellent staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Not impressed. Have a child in K-garten, and the teacher just isn't approachable, or practical. Extraordinary amount of homework, and very unorganized. Strict with the number of chaparones able to help out with field trips (3 for the whole class), and they don't do a good job with clear communication to the parents. Very active PTA.
--Submitted by a parent

Great staff , students, and Principal
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child in fifthgrade and another one in first grade. We have been very fortunate. Our children love extracurricular activities and teachers are very responsive to our concerns. The Principal is dynamic and extremely hands on. I will definetely recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two girls attending Sunset Park and except for a few very small issues, couldn't be happier. My oldest daughter will be on safety patrol and the morning news for the upcoming 2009/2010 school year. We've relocated to diffrent cities several times due to my husbands job. I've dealt with four elementary schools and trust me, this one is the best so far! My only real issue is the traffic in the parent pick up line. It's by far the worst I've seen. Due to poor planning, since their is only one way in and one way out. Overall the staff is WONDERFUL! Very friendly and informed. In this area, so many parents have their children in private schools but, this paticular school is so good, I don't see that it's nessecary.
--Submitted by a parent