Keeth Elementary School

Keeth Elementary has proved to be a wonderful school. My oldest has learning disabilities which wasn't caught until 3rd grade by a 1st year teacher who I will never forget! As with any school, I think parent involvement is the key to success! Keeth has great leadership and accepts/encourages parental involvement and frankly the more involved you are the better quality education your child receives. Out of the 5 years my oldest has been to this school and the 4 years my youngest has attended, I only have had 2 regrets with teachers. Both teachers were older and did not accept or understand learning disabilites or ADHD. After these experiences, I now immediately change or threaten to change teachers if I feel my child's needs are not being met or learning styles accommodated. Again....boils down to PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT regardless of school you are zoned for. Parents must be involved and a good teacher which Keeth is loaded with will both respect and encourage this!
—Submitted by a parent

In what is now my child's third year at Keeth, we remain thoroughly impressed by the quality of the education. The faculty and staff are outstanding and demonstrate daily enthusiasm and commitment to their job of providing a great learning environment for the kids. This is a Great School!
—Submitted by a parent

The facts are: Keeth just received its 10th straight A ranking. There is some diversity in the school attendance zone, which has proven to be a good thing. Keeth has probably the most active parents in the school district, with an outstanding PTA to augment its exceptional faculty and staff. Enrollment has been to steady to growing since the last district rezoning with increases beginning now as a result of new home construction in process in the Winter Springs Town Center and Tuskawilla areas. This is an outstanding school by any measure.
—Submitted by a parent

Check the zoning for this school. Alot of kids come from other areas because it is a small school and they are trying to beef up enrollment. It was almost going to be closed down for low numbers. Don't assume it is an upper economic school just because it is in the Tuskawilla area. We have run into some riff raff, shady families and their kids are even worse. The teachers are great, there is no denying that.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

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

I cannot say enough about how amazing Keeth is! My daughter went there in the 90's & I loved it then. Now I have 2 sons there who LOVE it! Both boys are at opposite ends of the spectrum...one with special needs & the other with "superior" scores. The staff and teachers have always been there for both boys & have helped me tremendously with my special needs son. Their primary concern is what's best for the children. I've heard some horror stories of IEP meetings at other schools, including schools in this same area. I've never had a problem at Keeth, never felt intimidated, or pressured. They truly work with you as a team! The new principal is awesome! The kids love him & he has introduced programs that allow dads to get involved before school. The staff & teachers really gets to know the parents &
—Submitted by a parent

My daugther loves keeth and she can't wait to start 1st grade. My other daugther will be going to Keeth for the first time; she can't wait to start school. Keeth is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Keeth Elementary continues to emphasize the academics. The teachers and administartion are always available and listend to any concerns that I have had. You will not find a better public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Love my daughter's 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Thomas. We will truly miss her next year when our child moves up to 2nd grade. I work full time, so I haven't had a lot of interaction with the staff, but they seem nice enough. I have helped with school fund raisers and most of the parents are great to work with.
—Submitted by a parent

Keeth is an excellent school! First class administration and teachers. I am very satisfied with the quality of education my children have received at Keeth. The expectations are high while keeping the tradition that has made Keeth a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, it is the main reason why I live where I live. My daughter loves going to school at Keeth. She has had the best teachers. The school does an excellent job in keeping parents informed, udpated and involoved with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been fairly satisfied with Keeth Elementary. This school places emphasis on reading, there is fantastic parent involvement, and a great sense of 'community' in this school. The weakness is the lack of training and knowledge of learning disabilities. It would be helpful if staff were trained in teaching children with learning disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very impressed with the quality of teachers at Keeth. Both my child's kindergarten and first grade teachers really tried to make learning fun. My child has a very high level of confidence in math and reading and enjoys school. My child does complain a bit about the strictness and rules at school, but overall I think the teachers are doing what is best for the kids. They start the kids doing things the right way from the very beginning. My child loves art and P.E., including the running club. He likes music much more this year, but I think it is his least favorite Specials activity. Parent involvement seems slightly above average.
—Submitted by a parent