8320 SW 1st Ct
Ocala, FL 34476

Shady Hill is a good school, but it is not for everyone. We chose to enroll through school choice because of the school’s strong reputation, positive reviews, recommendations from friends, and long-standing record of academic success.However, we quickly learned that communication with parents is not one of the school’s strengths, especially when it comes to children who may be struggling. As active and involved parents, we repeatedly expressed that we wanted to work as a team because the ultimate goal is for our child to succeed. Despite this, social workers became involved and our child was sent to speak with a psychologist without our prior knowledge or communication.We were often told that someone would call us back, yet follow-up rarely happened, even when we attempted to contact the school ourselves through phone calls or ClassDojo messages.Additionally, throughout third grade, teachers rarely contacted us regarding behavioral concerns or struggles our child may have been having. Instead, comments were allegedly made to our child such as, “I hope the kids at the other school actually like you.” When our child attempted to apologize and take accountability for behavior, those apologies were reportedly dismissed with statements that staff were “too busy” to listen.Another disappointing experience involved Field Day. We were never informed that parents were allowed to attend and cheer on their children. As a result, our child came home upset that we were not there while many other students’ parents attended. Had we been informed, we absolutely would have participated.In our opinion, Shady Hill can feel like an exclusive-type school at times. When a child is facing challenges, transparent communication and genuine partnership with parents are essential, and unfortunately that was not our experience.

This school is hands down the best school to go to if you are moving to Ocala. The teachers are wonderful, and my son really likes it at West Port high. Kids are very nice, and the teachers really care about the kids and take their time with them. This school is way better than Forest high, which is going down hill and west port is going up . I strongly recommend sending your Son/daughter to this high school :) .

My son has been bullied and picked on while at this school and teachers and administrators don’t do anything about unless it leads to a fight or a threat! This school is so sickening!