Noroad
Jacksonville, FL 32210

My child was being failed due to the school not issuing a laptop to her which they were supposed to since a majority of their work is through online programs. They finally issued a laptop once I brought it to to the principals attention, along with the fact that my child was not only being bullied by peers, but by a teacher as well, who had also been bullying many kids in the class and told them she was in her 60's, she didn't care about any of them, and there was nothing the school would do about it. The principal promised to remove my child from this woman's class and that the bullying wouldn't happen again. The principal never did, he refused to return calls, messages left in person, or even emails. When he would see me, he would quickly turn around and walk into an area we aren't allowed in. The laptop issued was broken and no teacher would allow her to go to the office to get it fixed, the rare times they did, the office staff did not help her and the person she was supposed to see was never there. It only got fixed once I brought the laptop on and said I'd wait until he was available to make sure it happened. I tried almost the entire school year to talk to him to get her transfered out, nothing happened. We are military and were possibly going to be moved again after just moving here. The office said she could wear polo shirts until we knew if we were or not. The principal is a previous social worker, so I thought he would understand the issues she had with severe anxiety and autism (we were undergoing assessment for diagnosis then) but instead, after avoiding me all year, he then singled her out in front of all the kids one morning and berated and yelled at her for wearing a polo shirt and not the school uniform, even as she pointed out all of the other kids who were also not wearing the uniform as well and asked why it was only her being singled out. He continued to make a scene with the security guard, both going off on her anyway. She had texted me saying she wanted to go home which is unusual for her. They refused to let her answer my calls until she did it anyway. After which, they tried to label her as aggressive and out of control. I found her sobbing in the corner of the office when I came and got her. She went from honor roll, to almost failing going to this school. Not to mention hearing gunshots while having to be outside for PE. This is the worst school we have ever been in and we have moved for 20+ yrs, through five kids.

This school is bursting with positive energy. Each month they have something special to engage the parents and my child comes home motivated weekly. They are celebrated for every accomplishment and are really doing everything to give the kids a great experience. I love Gregory Drive because they think about the students during holidays and they also help families in need. My child has been at Gregory Drive since Kindergarten and she is so smart! I could have chosen any other school but Gregory Drive has the teachers and culture that works for my child. We will never forget Gregory Drive. This is my child's last year here and I doubt that any other school will make as many memories as the ones made at Gregory Drive.