Ballard Elementary School

We are very unhappy with Ballard. We want to give them the benefit of the doubt because we do love Mrs. Sarah in the office, and her teachers that she has had. And we understand that because the school is low income and deserves more funding than schools in Lakewood ranch and other rich schools. Maybe new administration could help. they need to be better organized so events go smoothly instead of having parents waiting outside in the heat for over 30 minutes just to get in to take their kids to class.

Terrible school. My sister has attended Ballard since Kindergarten and is now in 5th grade. She HATES it and fabricates illnesses to get out of going. She's bullied by fellow students and even some teacher aids who should not be working with children. Ever since the new principal came in everything has gone even further downhill. She's enforced ridiculous rules and regulations. THEY NO LONGER HAVE RECESS!!! The only saving grace of this school is the few teachers who seem to genuinely care for the students.

I found that the administration of Ballard to be too focused on rules and test scores. The quality of the teachers was mixed.