Lakeside Elementary School

My son has been going to this school since kindergarten and just finished second grade. He was in the high achievers/gifted class in second grade and will continue in the program in third grade. This school is absolutely incredible, and he is very happy here. He scored in the 99th percentile in math and in the 94th percentile in reading on his second-grade STAR testing. The teachers during his first three years here have all been tremendous. Mrs. Aaron, who teaches second grade, has been his favorite so far. Consider yourself lucky if your child gets to attend this fantastic school for six years of elementary school.

There was this teacher who used to yell at everyone for no reason. Two, actually. It happened when I was in 1st grade and 4th grade. Those years I wanted the URGE to switch schools. But now i'm in middle school doing just fine.

My son just ended 6 wonderful years with this school. It was an amazing experience and we are so sad it’s time to move on. Every teacher and administrator goes above and beyond for every student here. We are so grateful we are part of the PLE family! Can’t recommend this school enough!

Coconut palm has helped my son and daughter improve their reading and math skills within a year! The administrators and teachers always have a positive attitude and know ALL of the students by their first names! I would recommend this school to everyone

If you value transparency and respect, avoid St. Mark. We spent over a year trying to engage with this school to no avail. Last year, I visited in person and the Admissions Director wouldn't even receive me.Despite the cold start, we applied for 6th grade. We jumped through every hoop they required: our daughter took the evaluation exam and our family sat through the formal acceptance interview. We were fully vetted and ultimately accepted. During this process, I specifically asked about a school tour and was explicitly promised that a tour of the school in action would be available once my daughter was accepted. This proved to be a total bait and switch.Once we were vetted, interviewed, and accepted, the story changed. The administration refused to allow us to see the campus during a school day, citing "security protocols." Instead, they offered a visit in May, which is well after enrollment deadlines for other schools have passed, and only to view empty classrooms. This is a clear tactic to trap families into enrolling without ever being allowed to see the actual school culture or vibe.It is clear why they act this way. They had over 80 applications for only 15 openings in the 6th grade. Thanks to the influx of Florida scholarships, they know they will fill the spots regardless. They clearly feel they no longer need to be courteous or treat families with basic decency because they are no longer dependent on direct parental support.As a Catholic, I am embarrassed that a Catholic institution treats families this way. While other Catholic schools in the area still prioritize dignity and the family-school bond, St. Mark has become a cold, elitist environment that treats vetted, interviewed families like a number. We turned down the acceptance. Do not waste your time jumping through their hoops.