Layer Elementary School

Layer is an excellent school! I was just as nervous as the next parent when I had to send my oldest off to school. We researched Layer, Choices in Learning and a few private schools in the area. We chose Layer and have never looked back. This is our 5th year at Layer and it's been a great experience. The teachers are phenomenal. The principal demonstrates true leadership. She is fair and has the children's best interest in mind. My children are challenged and continue to excel. The teachers that teach art, music and science are fantastic. I have helped at the school and in the classroom on regular basis since my first started at the school. The staff is so welcoming and appreciative of the extra help. The teachers are happy and the turnover is minimal. I spoke with one teacher that was trying to get a job there, but said it was difficult to get in because of a wait list. This truly is a wonderful school!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was unfortunately required to go to this school because of Rezoning. This school is terrible! The teacher my daughter had only gave her math homework on Wednesday's . On top of that the. Homework consisted on only 2 problems. How does any child learn that way? Homework should be consistent. The learning environment is terrible. My daughter could not learn because the class was in in kaos. She was not challenged academically here. When I spoke to the principle she was unphased. She doesn't seem in tune with what's going on in her school. Additionally, i have noticed staff berate students and parents here. They staff that i have noticed always look unhappy--- no smiling -- like a prison. There is not an aire of positivity. The school had dropped in its rating because child's here are not doing well on FCAT. Seems to me that when teachers don't challenge their students they don't learn. While my child went here i was sick to my stomach now I am happy to say my daughter was accepted into a school that does have high educational standards. This has been my personal experience with Layer.
--Submitted by a parent

i really love layer. it got to be the''BEST'' school. my child 4 grade teacher mrs.janzen is the best. she try to my sure my child do the best she can. thank mrs. janzen for giving my child a great year. she always have somthing''GREAT'' to tell me. i think it is good when a child enjoy her school and her teacher. thank you and god bless you mrs.janzen. we need more teachers like you cause you ''CARE''.MRS.JANIE BROWN
--Submitted by a parent

Although we've had some pretty good teachers, I don't find Layer a particularly inspiring learning environment. Not bad, just not good. Generally not impressed..Educational excellence is not exhibited here & my child frequently comments on how boring school is. Curriculum is just not that challenging. That may just be the FL state standards as teachers teach to standards set for them. Layer is minimally conducive to parental involvement. Overall, general atmosphere of the school is not very welcoming. The principal rules with an air of intimidation, 'my way or the high way' attitude. NOT leadership, a dictatorship.The principal is uninspiring, uninspired and extremely difficult to work with. PTA has become a revolving door as a result.. Efforts to improve? Curriculum is middling... Well, there's a pond & benches out back where students can occasionally learn natural science in a hands-on environment. Lunches aren't very healthy w/ sugary flavored milks, tator tots, hot dogs, nuggets etc. A lunch room visit or 2 will confirm for most visitors an overly strict atmosphere other posters have spoken of. Positives?...The school is clean.... The AR Program encourages kids to read.
--Submitted by a parent

Layer Elementary is a GREAT School. Layer has very caring and dedicated teachers. The teachers and counselors are always there when you need them. Layer is an A PLUS School.
--Submitted by a parent

Don't even think about putting your child in this school!! I am being honest here with you. This school was a horrible experience for me and my family. I have a 3 year old son that is autistic and this school was not at all a fit for him. There is a reason why it has a rating of 6 out of 10 and people have mentioned before that the staff is very militant!! YES, they are. Lack of communication is a big problem with them!! Please don't enroll your child, there are many other great schools in seminole county. Do yourself the favor and make a better choice for your child. God bless you
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started in Layer Elementary when it first opened up and is now getting ready to graduate from fith Grade. Layer Elementary is an incredible school. The fact that the students don't run around and do as they please doesn't make it a military camp. It keeps the kids safe and focused and teaches them discipline and respect. Priciple Staats is outstanding. My daughter was recognized and tested for gifted in her 1st year and had the pleasure of working with an amazing teacher (Mrs Scheere) who has broaden and challenged my daughter in ways I could never repay. Mrs. Weigandt and Mrs Bantle are by far two extra ordinary teachers who have made an impact in her life. This year the fifh graders are changing classes as they would in middle school to prepare them for the transition. Layer is a serious School for Serious learning. Regards, B. Cross
--Submitted by a parent

Layer is more than a school...It is a home. The teachers and staff are so caring and always have the childrens' best interest in mind. This professionally run school has been led by an amazing principal, Ms. Staats, since the school first opened. She has made it the successful environment that it is today!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Upper facility seems very hostile towards parents and as a previous review stated, it's much like a military camp. The educational quality is par, but the staff should really think about making it a more kid and parent friendly surrounding. They actually had police outside one morning to insure parents did not leave their cars in the morning to walk the kids in, a great image for the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the previous review. Faculty and Staff focus heavily on what the children are doing wrong and seem more concerned with communicating what our children are doing wrong, rather than praising their successes. Thankfully we have moved to Keeth Elementary and have seen a huge difference. My child has a better attitude about school now. I attribute this to having great teachers and staff who really care. I've seen great improvement in her self-esteem as well.
--Submitted by a parent