14099 Belcher Rd #1173
Largo, FL 33771

Fitzgerald Middle school has a school within a school and all of my experiences have been with their gifted program with the exception of the administrative department. Firstly, I would like to convey how impressed I've been with the students in this program. The level of intelligence, imagination and dedication these students have is amazing at the pre-high school age. I'm so grateful that Pinellas County as well as the State of Florida have implemented the Gifted Studies programs and that we have an opportunity to enroll our children in a program that allows them to live up their potential. This program not only challenges the children to excel, it also surrounds them with other children that have similar abilities as peers which I believe is much more beneficial to a successful learning experience. I could not be happier with the opportunities Fitgerald has given my daughter and if you have a child that needs to be challenged or they lose interest and become nonproductive, I would highly recommend looking into what is offered at this school. Secondly, I would like to address the administrative and teaching staff. I've had nothing but positive encounters with the front office, the grade level guidance counselors have been amazing and it's easy to notice they are all looking out for the kid's best interest. This includes both on a scholastic level as well as on a personal growth level. This is a hard time for kids, and they have at all levels had nothing but my daughter's best interest in every interaction (thank you to each and every one of you). The teachers have for the most part been great, but you need to understand a head of time, they will challenge your kid and they expect them to live up to their potential unlike several teachers I had as a child that did the bare minimum to get thru the day. The kids will need to apply them self which is exactly what I expect my child to do. Coming from a family of educators at all levels from middle school to college professors, I realize teaching is a hard job and they don't always get the kudos they deserve; these teachers do a very good job and will be a benefit to your child's future. Most importantly, I would like to give acknowledgement to the principal, Ms Hawthorne. She has been stellar at every aspect of my daughter's time at Fitzgerald. She has gone above and beyond on many occasions, and she runs a great school. I would like to give her the credit she deserves and huge THANK YOU!

i’ll be a junior next year and i’ve already faced more homophobia and ableism than i have in my 16 years of living.

In my opinion, as a parent with an extremely ADHD preK student... this is a fantastic school. We were here for a year for work.. and do not like the area at all. We have a house in another state that we love... but don't want to go back to until she is out of this school. I get daily updates through the Class Dojo app... her teacher, Mrs. Smith, reminds me of a more lively Ms. Honey. (Matilda). The speech therapist is LOVELY and is very engaging with our little one. We have seen huge improvements in her development over the last year.When the school and teacher are the reason you stay in an apartment instead of your lovely house in Tennessee... you should know its a great school.