Westshore Elementary School

Our sons were transferred to Ballast Point for 3rd Grade. We started towards the end of October and did not receive a warm welcome. Day 1 they did not have desks or materials, the secretary failed to inform the teachers that they were starting class. The teachers communication was extremely limited. The principal would quote school policy word for word but would not actually solve problems that took place during school hours. Our sons were constantly denied bathroom rights and were negatively marked for needing the occasional bathroom break. We requested special education testing and were denied several times even though the teachers told us our son would fail regardless of what we did to help. Ballast Point truly cares about test scores and not individual students. The front office staff is extremely rude and demeaning. The principal lacks the intelligence to make decisions on an individual basis for what’s in the best interest of each student.

St. Clement Catholic School has been a tremendous blessing for my 5th and 7th graders over the past three years. From the very beginning, we felt welcomed into this amazing community. One of the standout aspects of St. Clement's is undoubtedly its incredible community. The sense of togetherness and support within this school is second to none. From the faculty and staff to the parents and fellow students, it truly feels like a family. Being new to Chicago as well as the school, this welcoming atmosphere made the transition into this school seamless for my children, and it has fostered a sense of belonging that is invaluable to their educational journey. One recent highlight that we absolutely love about St. Clement's is the addition of new academic clubs. These clubs provide students with a wide variety of opportunities to explore their passions and interests. These clubs have allowed my 7th grader to further develop his entrepreneurial skills and knowledge beyond the regular curriculum. Not only are these clubs educational, but they also serve as platforms for students to socialize and collaborate with their peers who share similar interests. Another noteworthy aspect of St. Clement's is the great class sizes. With an ideal teacher-to-student ratio, every child receives the individualized attention they need to thrive academically. This personalized approach ensures that no student gets left behind and that each child's unique strengths and weaknesses are addressed effectively. The teachers at St. Clement's truly go above and beyond to ensure that every student is given the support they need to succeed. Overall, our experience at St. Clement Catholic School has been exceptional. It is a place where educational excellence meets genuine care and belonging. We feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this remarkable school and highly recommend it to any parents seeking a school that prioritizes both academic growth and personal development.

The Leader in Me program has developed my students into leaders. They have grown so much since “finding their voice” and being in leadership roles throughout the school. My kids love to be in school and complain that the breaks are too long because they want to be with their teachers & classmates!In referencing the previous review:All schools are concerned about their school grade and ensuring students are learning & growing. It’s data! We are a small school, and definitely family-like. There will be cliques and not everyone will be bffs, however we aren’t “cold”!

Both of my kids attend Anderson Elementary and are very happy with their teachers. The PTA is filled with events and communication is fantastic through email and Facebook page. Hidden south Tampa gem!