Research Lake Forest Elementary School public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida

“I am surprised by the 'F' given to Lake Forest Elementary. My daughter has been a student there since kindergarten and is now entering the fifth grade. My child's fourth grade teacher, Ms. P. Badger did an excellent job teaching her class academically and mentally. I prayed that my daughter would be in her class because I heard of the excellent job she was doing from other parents. There are other teachers that love those kids as much as she does. I was informed of my daughter's academic performance weekly. My child was in the dance class and enjoyed every minute of it. To my knowledge, parents were very involved in the overall performance of the school.I'm not sure what the problem is, but I am committed to helping Lake Forest be the 'A' school I know it can be!”

“This is very poor school. My child was supposed to receive progress reports very 3rd, 5th,and 7th nine weeks. That was only done at the parents request. This teacher did this job to get a check not because she loved her profession. My child was lacking behind because this teacher was busy helping out in other classes but the children in her class wasn't learning at all. They always had substitues. Homework stayed in the backpack for weeks at a time with no grade on it. So if no grade is on it then it was never accounted for. I even went to the principal nothing helped this matter. So if you value your child future don't put your child in Lake Forest Elementary.”

“Well below average. FCAT performance. Well below average. FCAT progress. Teacher education 2002-2003. Well Below average. Absence Rate. Above Average. These comments are now untrue. Look at the statistics. These teachers that transferred were administrtively moved or choose to relocate due to the lack of administrative leadership. How many years do you suggest that a school be given to improve? The teacher quality was tremendous several years ago. The relation of Masters to Bachelors was very high. The school does not even have a current web page. Please do not feel sorry for the truth. It shall set you free.”

“In my opinion, I believe Lake Forest is a school that offers a positive learning environment for children. I have seen the school go through many changes in the past four years. The comments made by other parents are untrue and I feel compelled to correct them. There have only been two principals in the four years that my child has been enrolled here. The teachers that transferred to other schools were offered bonuses to go to failing schools. The magnet program is definately richer and offers an academic focus to the arts development and specialized studies for the children. This school has a grade of C at present and the in the past three years the school had a grade of a D. The new principal has made changes in the instruction to meet the 21st century demands in education. I feel she is doing a splended job! I feel sorry for others who refuse to see the good in someone who is trying to make great changes with children.”

“As a parent of a fourth grader at Lake Forest, I'm very pleased with the way the principal and the teachers have worked with me to ensure that my daughter is a happy fourth grader. I had some problems, but between all us, we found a solution to the problems and my daughter couldn't be happier. One particular teacher, Mr. Mack Whiteley is a very admired young 26 yr. old teacher. Not only by his students and their parents, but I've heard some really nice comments from his fellow teachers and staff members. This is a man that is really creative with his teaching, and if you have spend any time in his class you can tell is very dedicated to his students. Thank you Mr. Whiteley, for making my child's fourth grade year all that it should be. I hope she can find someone just as creative and talented as you next year. You are our 'Teacher of the Year'.”

“The school in the past years activily addressed parent concerns and offered assistance with the academic challenges. However, the new principal has changed the entire tone of the parent teacher relationship and has little to no involvement in the day to day operations. This has resulted in the teachers becoming extremely lack and they no longer take the necessary steps to ensure the childrens success.”