Jewett School of the Arts

Jewett School of the Arts used to be a wonderful school. Although my children have attended JSA for several years, we are currently looking at other options. The current principal, Dr. Tracy Nelson, has very poor leadership skills. Discipline is a very big problem at JSA. Dr. Nelson hoped that changing the schools uniform policy from jeans and t-shirts to very expensive khakis and polos (which many parents can't afford) would help with the discipline problems. It didn't. There have been many allegations of misconduct at JSA involving teachers and administrators. These allegations have led to several investigations by not only the Polk County School Board but the local news media as well. In my opinion, Dr. Nelson should be more concerned with the education that the children are receiving and the discipline issues instead of focusing so much on their appearance. Within the past two years, the school grade has fallen from an A to a very low C. I feel that until JSA gets a new principal the school will continue to go downhill.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers can be great... or not so much. If feel that this year my child is wasting his time in 4th grade. Very sub-par teacher - little to no feedback. The major overhaul and construction going on is absolutely laughable - why this can not take place over the near-3-month break during the summer is beyond comprehension. Overall ok - much to be improved upon - still probably one of the better options in Winter Haven (sad to say!)
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Jewett really are for the kids, they everything they can to make sure they get the best education and work hard with the students and parents and community.

My child has had an outstanding academic experience at Jewett. The arts based curriculum is a perfect fit.
—Submitted by a parent

JSA is a wonderful school ! I love how you have both the acedimics and the arts ! It will make the students an excellent future and afterall they are our future! The teachers are the best ! They should deserve a huge raise because of their hard, hard, hard, did I mention hard, hard work! I love JSA!!!!!!!!!!!

This school is great ! Students are not always tonattentive but the teachers fix that fast ! Arts program is amazing and very commited !its also a very fun school where kids learn with having a very good education! I think that you should send your children hear with no other thoughts! Students are ready to learn ! Teachers are ready to teach ! Parents are ready to support ! Thats what i think makes a amazing school like Jewett school for the Arts ! Go jaguars ! p.s One of the best schools i have seen !
—Submitted by a parent

I love Jewett School of the Arts ! It is the best school ever. The teachers are the best people they have there! They all deserve a raise! Dr. Nelson does a spectacular job and its about time she became the principal ! The arts are the best part of JSA . For all the parents out there I would highly reccomend dance because the dance teachers do a great job ! For teaching I would reccomend Mrs. Trueheart K , Mrs. Ounan 1st, Mrs. Garay 2nd , Mrs . Tanke 3rd, Mrs Teague 4th, and Mr. Ounan 5th. Their probably the best teachers there because of all the hours and effort they put there work into ! Last year the 3rd grade 100% of 3rd graders ALL passed the F-CAT !!!!!! JSA has been an A school for a long time ! I would highly reccomend JSA !

My name is Rev.Hall and my son James went to school at Jewett school of the arts from k-8th grade my son was in band and was a honor student. They always showed the kids that you can achive anything they set there minds too. Dr.williams the new asst. and Dr. Nelson the new principal are wonderful people they were there when my son James went there Dr.Nelson the asst. at the time and Dr. Williams over alpha and the e-team he was one of my sons teachers and he was wonderful both care so much for the kids and they both have a great vision for the futher of the school. Ms.Raub is also one of the new asst. there all thought i dont know her personaly yet i hear she is a wonderful person and also shares there vision. I which they went to 12th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Well overall the school is wonderful and the Arts REALLY do enchance the academics. The teachers know the best for them. The only bummer is the principal, Mrs.Henderson she is really strict and mean.
—Submitted by a student

I love this school the teachers were very interactive with us and the majors were specialized in diffrent ways so that they could learn more about what the dream to be
—Submitted by a student

Weak educational program. School culture does not foster strong academics. Physical education is considered an art to major in. As in all things, some people love this school, others don't. You must judge for yourself, but there are better public school alternatives in this city.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school overall. We have been very proud that our child is attending JSA. Honestly, the Principal is not very hands on with students and teachers. The communication from her is lacking we have seen better adminstration that is for sure. But hands down some of the best teachers in the county are at JSA.
—Submitted by a parent

Jewett School of the Arts offers an wonderful variety of the arts to enrich my child's educational experience. Children can choose from dance, visual arts, physical arts, chorus, band, orchestra, and drama. Exposure to the arts enriches the educational experience for each studen at JSA.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has just finished first grade at Jewett and we are just thrilled with our experience. The teachers are caring and supportive. The administration is involved in the students daily lives. My daughter is excited about learning and loves to read.
—Submitted by Arlese Olson, a parent

My grandson moved here from Virginia and had a very hard time adjusting to the 'public' school scene. He is a little 'nerdy'. He was picked on constantly and hated school. Since he has been at Jewett School of the Arts, he has adjusted beautifully and his self-esteem has grown by leaps and bounds. This school was truly his 'safe haven' and I salute the faculty for making a difference in his life. He goes to high school next year with a good positive outlook on education. As a teacher of 15 years, I know what a good attitude can accomplish.
—Submitted by Nancy Bass, a teacher

I fell that JSA spends too much time on the arts and not enough time on academics. The middle school was added with little forethought as to how it would be run. Many middle schoolers missed out on opportunities for academic competitions, especially the first two years it was added, such as science fair, E Team, spelling bee, math competitions, etc. If you are looking for a lot of song and dance, this is the place for you. If you are serious about preparing your child to go on to college, I would look for a school that is more academically minded.