Kindergarten Questions

Hi,
My son attends Learning Gate and has been going there for 7 years. I have always been very active in the school; and last year and this year I have been a sub. I know all three kindergarten teachers - they are all excellent. I would be happy to answer any questions you have - please feel free to email me at ____@____.com can reach the office at ###-###-####; it is usually Ms Donna that answers the phone. She can direct you to whoever schedules the tours. ( I know in the past they have done them) The majority of our experiences have been wonderful. There are definitely some things to consider - i.e. it is a small school, they are vigilant about earth friendly living (i.e. they have a "no trash" lunch policy), you are required to do 30 volunteer hours and 10 parenting class hours per year (per family), they require uniforms. It is a lottery to get in, and we tried for kindergarten and didn't get in (so my son ended up at our zoned school - which was a nightmare). However we tried again for first grade, and he got in and has been going there ever since. I would definitely recommend it!

As a parent of soon-to-be kindergarteners, you should be on the lookout for each school's "Kindergarten Round-up" (usually sometime in late April or early May). Hearing of the schools that you are considering, I'm surprised neither Lutz or Maniscalco Elementaries aren't on your list. Both are within minutes from Learning Gate, and both are excellent A schools. Then again, I don't know where you're actually located. Carrollwood vs. Learning Gate seem to be two completely different school zones. However, I also know *I* didn't originally like our assigned school, but ended up having to send my son there anyway. As a substitute teacher at the time, I was always on campus, and got to know both the administration and teachers, all who were fantastic. If you are in doubt of your assigned school, go up there and meet the secretaries, find out if you can meet the Principal or AP. Our school's principal (at that time;we're now on the 3rd since my son's started school), was very happy to meet with us. We only went that far because our child had special needs, and after we knew we didn't get school choice, we wanted to make sure the school environment would work for us. I know the music teacher from my school went to Carrollwood--he was excited because it is supposed to be a great school with a great administration. My best friend, and the best teacher I've EVER worked with, is at Claywell, teaching 1st, and was Maniscalco's most requested 1st grade teacher during her 3 years there.

For the most part, you won't go wrong. At every school there are dozens of great teachers, and always a handful of not-so-great teachers. Visit each, preferably at the round-ups because there will actually be the kindergarten team there for you to talk with, and just write down the ones that you felt the best atmosphere at, or the most comfortable at. BUT do check out your assigned school, so you know what to expect if you DON'T get your choice. Good luck!

You call up each school individually and ask when they allow tours for prospective parents. There is usually a set day and set time (i.e. Thursdays at 2 pm). There is a deadline for school choice paperwork and you will need to have had all your visits, paperwork and decisions done by that point. It's earlier than the regular kindergarden round up (which is May 1). I would ask each school you are interested in when their school choice forms are due by - that is something they can't bend the rules about - so being the early bird is important!

Good luck.

These schools are all good. I have friends with children at all except Claywell. Learning Gate is wonderful but has a waiting list or a lottery. So, if you're considering it, you should call them immediately. I am a Special Education teacher in the county. I attended Carrollwood and also have friends that teach at Essrig and Learning Gate. Good Luck!

Hi! I'm not responding directly to your ? as I do not know those schools, but wanted to let you know that if you'd like to keep your twins together it is FL state law that you may request that (most teachers/admin will try to talk you out of it). You can Google "FL twins law".

I actually teach at Claywell. It is not my neighborhood school and was considering changing to my neighborhood school based solely on the fact that I wanted my own children to attend their neighborhood school and go to school with friends in the neighborhood. After some soul searching, I realized what was best was for me to stay at Claywell and take my children with me. I can tell you that in my career, I have taught at 3 different schools - all very different. As a teacher, I enjoy working at Claywell. There is a sense of community and family. Academically, it has always been a A school since the beginning of grades. I can tell you that doesn't always mean everything, but at Claywell, the teachers take it very seriously to make sure our children are successful! Our long time principal retired two years ago but we have a great principal who was our AP and a great addition as AP. As a parent, we always want what is best and to always protect our children. I still feel comfortable taking my children with me when the time comes.
I do know that there is a Kindergarten Round up in the spring. I don't know offhand if there are separate days to take tours, I would suggest calling. I can tell you that no matter what school you tour and your children attend, you will always find teacher you love and those that you aren't so fond of. It's the nature of the world as we all are different in personality. You can always choose a school and get very involved in PTA, volunteering in the classroom and if possible, as a substitute teacher. Some of our best substitutes are parents. They know the children, the teachers and are able to be involved in their own children's education.
Also, go to www.sdhc.k12.fl.us - this is the county web site. Click on the schools button on the left hand side. Then you can choose the schools you are interested in and view their own school web site. This can give you some more information.
Eventhough I teach at Claywell, I will say all the schools you have mentioned have very good reputations. Best of Luck!

L.,

I have a friend who's son went to Learning Gate. I never heard of any complaints from her, but her son hated it. More the fact it was nature/evironmentally focused.

They do have open houses, but I haven't heard about one currently scheduled. I would check the website &/or call the school. Unfortunately I don't know anything about the other schools