Keeth Elementary School

Correction to the previous posting: True Keeth did very well on 2011 FCAT writes for 4th grade, but not the highest in Seminole county as stated in that post. Check the official fcat.fldoe data online. Two elementary schools in the county scored higher passing percentages and 3 others scored the same as Keeth. Can't really say "#1 in the county". Love seeing the love for Keeth, but let's quote actual facts, which are quite good on their own.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school! I moved to this area specifically so that my children could go to Keeth. I was amazed by how much my daughter learned last year in kindergarten. Thanks Mrs K for teaching her how to read! I hope my son gets you next year!
--Submitted by a parent

Keeth's principal, assistant principal, faculty, and staff are absolutely outstanding. These people prove daily that they genuinely care about both the education and welfare of our children. An "A" ranked school for the last 9 consecutive years. Ranked #1 in the county on FCAT writes for 4th graders and #4 in the entire state. Each of the specials areas teachers have received Teacher of Year awards. Keeth averages over 12,000 dividend (volunteer) hours annually. Keeth has developed a Teen Trendsetters and High School Book Buddies partnership with Winter Springs High School. Keeth has an overarching community focus and robust extracurricular options before and after school. Keeth just received a grant to provide IPADs to students for use in music classes and the PTA funded additional software apps for the IPADs. The school has a chorus, hand bell ensemble, and advanced strings ensemble. An award winning art program. This is a school where staff watches over our kids as they walk and ride their bikes to and from school. 75% of Keeth kids live in the adjacent neighborhoods and don t take buses. This is an outstanding school. In my opinion, there is none better anywhere.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from up north and have been very pleased with our experiences at Keeth. The Principal is the best. He is so involved in everyday things, starting with the car line. He's in the halls, always with a smile and a friendly greeting. He really cares about the kids and he knows all of them. As busy as he is, he makes time for parents if needed. The same can be said about the guidance counselor. She's very warm and approachable if you ever need anything. There are some extraordinary teachers at Keeth as well. I really couldn't have ask for more. Many teachers go above and beyond, taking on extra projects showing up for all those after hours school activities. The new music teacher has brought so much energy to the music program. It's my kids' favorite specials class. The PTA is very active and always looking for help to run all their programs. If you like to be involved with your child's school, this is the place to be. There are some things I miss from our school up north, such as having an indoor gym and larger cafeteria/auditorium space, but I can live with it. Keeth is an older school, but the teachers and staff are what makes Keeth great.
--Submitted by a parent

Keeth Elementary is a wonderful school! I have to strongly disagree with the negative reviews that were placed as certain things mentioned in my opinion are not true. I live in a neighborhood in close proximity to the school and all of the children I know attend Keeth. The principal is VERY involved within the school and knows the children and parents. They strongly encourage parental involvement within this school. My daughter is now in first grade at Keeth and has loved both of her teachers! We have been blessed to meet so many wonderful families at this school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very sad to see the negative comments for such a great school. I would first like to tackle the 34% free and reduced lunch. You will be hard pressed to find a school in Seminole county with the low numbers we use to have in this area, it us just a sign of the times, not the school. About walking your child to class the firstday if school, I walked mine with no issues and the staff never complained. I am not sure where you heard you couldn't walk them in the first day. Keeth also had a very unique option for parents that line to walk their kids onto school property. This option is called backside walkers and it is amazing and an option open to Everybody!! Mr. Gaffney is the principal and he is wonderful and a huge improvement o our school. All the kids know him but more importantly he knows all the kids. Everyday you can find him walking in the classes and keeping himself very caught up with the day to day activities on campus. He does have meetings he has to attend at county as do ALL principals. If you "think" there is a problem in your school than register as dividend, get involve and really find out. The truth is Keeth is a great school with an amazing staff !!
--Submitted by a parent

Children are bused in from other low income areas. Most of the parents in the Tuskawilla area send their children to private schools now because the behavior problem students are taking over. The free and reduced lunch is up to 34% and I'm sure it is for this reason. The principal seems very unfamiliar with how young children learn. My son was left unsupervised several times. NOT a safe school! Last thing, recess is almost non-existent even K only gets 5 minutes. THANKS FCAT!
--Submitted by a parent

What has happened to Keeth Elementary in the last 2 years....seems to have taken a downward turn. Can't say much for the new principal....not sure he knows how to run a school. Is he ever there?
--Submitted by a parent

VERY unwelcoming staff and faculty! Parents of Kindergarteners beware you won't be allowed to walk your child to their classroom EVEN on the FIRST Day of school. Very closed door policy! Confusion during transition time and false promises by the Principal. VERY bad school!
--Submitted by a parent

I cant say enough great things about this school. Teachers are Awesome, the principle is awesome. my son has been going to this school since 1st grade has needed special classes and keeth staff was always there to help.
--Submitted by a parent