Southern Oak Elementary School

The new principal is very disorganized. She seems like someone who is mostly living her life in a state of confusion. I would not recommend this school because the new principal has issues and cannot regulate her wild mood swings. Do not send your child here.

This school has been the cornerstone for many low income children. A lot of people special assign their children here because of the small town feel. Unfortunately the numbers are low because of our disabilities and not enough children to offset the slower learning children. It doesn’t matter now because the county is closing the school.

Fuguitt is a great school. My children have attended the school for years. I appreciate the caring teachers and staff.

As a parent at Starkey Elementary, I can confidently say this school has exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we enrolled, the staff made us feel welcomed, informed, and valued as part of the school community.One of the things I appreciate most is the strong communication from both the administration and classroom teachers. Despite Pinellas County's mandate that all schools switch from Class Dojo to the FOCUS app, we receive regular updates through newsletters, and the school’s Facebook page, so we always know what’s happening on campus and in the classroom. My child’s teachers have been incredibly dedicated, compassionate, and responsive. They differentiate instruction to meet students where they are academically and emotionally, and they make learning engaging through hands-on projects, technology integration, and creative lessons. The teachers take the time to really get to know their students, which builds trust and confidence.The campus itself is beautiful and well-maintained, with plenty of space for outdoor learning and play. The school does a great job balancing structure and fun—my child looks forward to events like Math and Science Night, the Book Fair, Fall Festival, and the positive behavior incentives with Starkey Store.What really stands out is the focus on the whole child. Starkey doesn't just care about test scores; they care about kindness, character, and helping students develop into well-rounded individuals. The school counselors, resource teachers, and ESE team go above and beyond to support students' individual needs.I also love that there’s an emphasis on parent involvement. Whether it’s volunteering, attending school events, or joining the PTO, Starkey makes it easy to be part of your child’s education.Starkey Elementary is a nurturing, innovative, and inclusive school where kids are truly loved and challenged. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for more.