Ben Gamla-Palm Beach

We have now been at Crystal Lakes for 3 years. The school has been amazing for my child. They work with me as a team and give my child the support they need in order to be successful in the classroom. The PTA is amazing, they truly bring everyone together to not only support family relationship bulding but also to beautify the school. The administration has been available and invloved when needed. The kids are mostly kind, but that seems typical for any elementary school recently. I am glad I moved to this area specifically for the elementary and high school.

Our experience at Manatee elementary was very negative. Over time, my son’s progress declined, and each IEP got worse. By his last IEP in second and third grade, they reduced his speech therapy, saying nothing more could be done. One day, I found my nonverbal autistic son outside alone. Attempts to meet with the principal never happened. Eventually, I pulled him out and homeschooled him for six months. Then, we enrolled him at Discovery Key Elementary, where the difference was night and day. The staff immediately addressed his communication needs, recommended a device, and he’s now thriving—communicating more and receiving daily speech therapy. I’m so grateful we made the change

I am extremely disappointed as I had high hopes for my granddaughter to start kindergarten here. What should have been an exciting start of school for a kindergartener has turned into a nightmare for my granddaughter and my daughter as her mother. My 5 yr old granddaughter has been traumatized and full of anxiety since the start of the school year and it is only September. She does not want to go to school and I feel horrible every minute she is there. Her teacher acts like she is in military school, the nurse's behavior is atrocious and my 5 yr old granddaughter is terrified to ever have to go to the nurse again. The lack of compassion, patience and kindness from these educators is very apparent. These people have no business in an elementary school and definitely no business around 5 yr old children starting their very first year of school. As someone who has been an educator and part of the public school systems for over 35 yrs also having raised children of my own, I am disgusted and appalled at the way these educators have been allowed to get away with such behavior. Either there is ignorance or lack of research in teaching methods or how to treat a sick 5 yrs old child. Don't be afraid to be your child's advocate 1st and foremost and don't allow yourself or your child be bullied. Stand up for what is right. I am taking this to the superintendent's office. This is not acceptable.

2 of my kids go there and have been there since they were 2 years old. My kids love the school never gotten a single complaint from them. They have a good academic program the teachers there are very good and going above and beyond to help my kids succeed. My kids get to hear about the word of God it's a Christian environment, and I'm really grateful for that. My kids can do things they love besides Math, reading. She can draw she loves art. She loves her art teacher. My son is able to play soccer. I can go on and on about everything we love at the school most importantly is how much they work put into each child for them to succeed.