Calusa Elementary School

2051 Clint Moore Road

School District

Palm Beach
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 03, 2024

This school reminds me of a WW2 prisoner of war camp. Parent participation is not encouraged
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2023

Principle, staff and all the officials of this school are disrespectful, and would need a basic education on manners. They do not know what education is, and they are center focused, closed minded people. Please do not bring your child there - because children there do not study - Calusa doesn''t care about teaching our children. Calusa staff cares to fight with parents more than to do their primarily job and educate.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2022

Never had a problem with the school until this year. The new principal is a piece of work and the staff seems to like talking about students personal information a lot. Very unprofessional.
Submitted by other on September 20, 2016

My son belongs here! Super nice campus, great education, and he is thriving academically. It took us some time to get him there but with the help of his teachers, support teams , tutors and myself we are now above average!
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2016

My kids have attended this school for the past 4 years. The teachers are absolutely amazing. We have not had a slightly bad one yet. They have all exceeded my expectations. My kids love it, they are safe and well cared for. The education that they are receiving is unbelievable. As I have many friends with children in local private schools I can honestly say after looking at what those kids are doing, Calusa is actually at a higher level. Private school education in a public school. We are so lucky. Shout out to Ms. Scharf (k), Mrs. Messinger, Mrs. Lewert and Mrs. Scharf (3). LOVE THEM ALL!!
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2014

Calusa Elementary is a top notch public school. My son will be entering 4th grade and has been there since kindergarten. As a family we have loved every one of his teachers. The love and care for the students is self evident. We are very fortunate to be part of this family.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2014

I'll piggyback on the previous comments and add that the entire gifted program at Calusa has been top notch. This is the first year Calusa has an official full-time gifted program, and it has gotten off to a great start. Ms. Shore, Ms. Mulqueen and Ms. Scharf put together a super curriculum that made kindergarten a home run. And in our house, we happen to like the amount of homework. The homework has been a valuable tool for strengthening and extending our child's grasp of the lessons. It also sets an important standard of hard, studious work moving forward. Sure, they are only kindergarteners, but that shouldn't be an excuse for coddling them like it's still preschool. Anyhow, Calusa is a true gem in our community. You get an A+ principal, excellent teachers, and a more diverse, less sheltered environment than you'd find at a private school.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2014

I have to agree with another mom on here, my son transferred to Calusa two months into Kindergarten and Ms.Scharf is a blessing! We switched our son's school so he could have the educational support he needed and Ms.Scharf provides such a caring loving environment. Our son comes homes everyday with new stories of what a fantastic day he had and whenever he speaks of Ms.Scharf he shares in his own way how supportive she has been. We get regular emails from her updating us on important events and sometimes she is just sending us images of the kids when they do something unique and special. While I am not a fan of the amount of homework the gifted programs has I know that the school has to give it to keep the children on track for each progressive year. Ms.Scharf prepares them so well and makes the learning experience fun! Also the security here is great, the principle and vp as well as the entire team are always out directing traffic and helping the children get to where they need to be. I am so glad we made the jump to Calusa and honestly I hope next years teacher is just as supportive as Ms.Scharf! Her positive leadership is much appreciated!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2014

My daughter started K this year with Ms. Scharf. She is warm, kind and responsive to all of questions and requests. My daughter and her classmates LOVE her! I am very impressed with how involved the Principal and the VP are. I have not gone to the school ever without seeing on of them out and about. Mrs. Wyatt is out at the gate every morning greeting students and kids. She even does special rewards where she eats lunch with the kids. Mrs. Wyatt is on lunch duty everyday! That is serious dedication for a Principal! I cannot say enough about wonderful the school and it's teachers are. They have helped to set the stage for my child to love school! Thank You! You have made an impact on these kids that will positively effect them for years to come!
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2013

My child started kindergarten this year and I am overjoyed by how fantastic the experience has been so far. His teacher challenges him everyday, his math and language skills have skyrocketed, he is reading better than I ever thought possible at his age--and he loves going to school! There is an atmosphere at Calusa that is both nurturing and academically rigorous at the same time. It seems to be a terrific balance.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2013

My son transferred there from a Montessori school in Delray and boy what a huge difference! The change is so much for the better! The Principle is great. the teachers are great and seem to like there work. A complete opposite of what we left. My son went from hating school, dreading aftercare and not doing very well academically to getting Honor role and really enjoying it. I am so thankful for Calusa!!! It goes to show what a difference a good school can make :)
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2013

Calusa elementary is a well run school. The principal, Ms.Wyatt, knows every child and really cares about her students. My daughter has gone to Calusa since kindergarten and is going into 5th grade this year. Every teacher has been terrific and a great role model for her. The parent who feels like the school is run like a military fort obviously doesn't believe in good behavior and as far as the dress code I'm thankful she enforces it even thought it still falls deaf on some kids. We are truly blessed that we have been able to send our daughter to this school and will be VERY sad on her last day.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2013

Calusa is definitely the BEST kept secret in Boca Raton. From staff to parents, everyone works together to make this school an AMAZING place to be. The principal, Mrs. Wyatt, it very approachable and really cares about each and every student. The teachers are top notch and really do love their jobs and their students. my favorite thing is that they allow and encourage parent involvement. (I love being able to know what's going on at my kids' school). I feel very lucky to have my children attend the #1 school in Boca!
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2012

WELL RUN AND DECENT SCHOOL. The Principal, Mrs. Wyatt, is so organized, just what kids need at this age. Mr Wotton, the Assistant Principal, is an asset to Calusa. Teaching kids is a talent and Calusa has managed to acquire precious gems. If your only complaint is the long car loop line then park your car and walk, you probably could do with some exercise.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2012

Extreme disappointment. The principal runs the school like a military fort. You can often hear her barking orders at the students from her microphone while they eat lunch. She's more concerned with dress code than with promoting independence and self reliance in the children. Everything needs to be controlled and manipulated to her liking. Numbers are her importance and thus scores seem to be the only thing that makes this school tick. The students look miserable in the car loop line. Just disappointing.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2012

Unfortunately, I don't share the same opinion as many other parents at Calusa. If your considering moving to Palm Beach county, regardless of the 'A' rating, all of the schools are not an "A". If your coming from out of state,( as many of us have) rethink your childs needs. If education is a priority, if there are special needs DO NOT move to palm beach county. In comparison to other FL schools, I'm sure they're great. If affordable- send them to private school. Which is what ALL of my neighbors do. I should've seen that as a warning sign. I'm dealing with an inexperienced teacher & a Principal that seems to "cover" for the poor decisions made by her staff. I am having quite an awful experience with Calusa, considering hiring an attorney to fight my battle. This year has been emotionally taxing on my family.
Submitted by other on March 06, 2012

I am a student now in middle school, i miss it and it's a really big change from a middle school to a high school. in 5th grade my teachers where Ms. Orork (spelling?) and Mr. Lewert. They were wonderful. There were many experiences like Wasshington DC and Epcot! All my friends went to Omni and im at Boca Middle so it's different. I really do miss Calusa really bad and I want to visit it to see my teaches but i never get the chance because my school gets out at 4:00 (with school basketball team 6:30) soI never do. Recently Ms. Lefler passed away and she was a great childrens music teacher. She put together all the performences (president's show, kindergarten show, plays, ect.). I posted a comment earlier in the year but it didnt show up so im posting this one simular to the last one. I think for the events they have to understand that 4 and 5 graders (well atleast most) arn't into little kis stuff anymore. all in all ita a great school
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2012

Great School! We unfortunately had to move so my children only attended one year. The principal Mrs. Wyatt is very involved. I loved that she had lunch with the kids as a reward for good behavior. The story book parade is soo cute during Halloween. Second grade teacher Mrs. Gabso and Mrs. Martin Kindergarten are awesome. My kids really excelled in this school. Love the Calusa High Fives!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2011

One of the best schools in Boca Raton. The student body is diverse and much like the real world. Great school if you want you child in a well adjusted down to earth environment. Something hard to find in Boca Raton
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2011

Calusa is the best kept secret in Boca Raton. The admistration is terrific. The teachers really care. We have been at Calusa for 5 years and my kids have a great bunch of friends, many who live in our neighborhood which makes it great for play dates!