Gorrie Elementary School

Love Gorrie ...we live close and enjoy our children attending this school.

I pay five figures in annual property taxes to live in this A+ rated school district, so I have a difficult time entertaining private school options in order for my children to have a better education... but that is exactly what I find myself doing in year #3 at Gorrie. The faculty is very unreceptive to change, suggestions, and constructive criticism from parents, so there's really nowhere to improve from here except by going private.

Amazing school! We have loved every teacher at this school we have had. The principal and staff are always open and available for anything you need. The PTA is phenomenal and puts on amazing events. It is so easy to be involved in the school and everyone is so welcoming and inclusive.

pros: good teachers, great community support and parent involvement. Highly affluent area..ie lots of private funding for the school and the arts have remained when other schools have cut back. Violin is part of the curriculum which my daughter really enjoys. cons: This school is the best in this area but below the national average. Obsessiveness about the FCAT and pressure on students to perform well. Very structured with busy work (papers) . So many other ways to be creative when teaching. I dont see fostering of a love of learning or non traditional avenues. I would like to see the school grow in these areas. The principal seems more concerned about appearances and status than getting to know the students or parents. After 2 years seeing her every day, she asked my husband and I if we were there for the preschool tour. There is a small area in north hyde park that the school pulls from that is lower income. There is a severe dichotomy of the "haves" and "have nots" . Not a lot of diversity. Lastly, safety is a concern with Gorrie being in a historic district. Anyone could easily hop the fence and get right into the school. No locked doors that require entry.