Waters Edge Elementary School

21601 Shorewind Drive

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 January 28, 2024

Water's Edge Elementary is an absolute gem in the world of elementary education. From the moment you step onto the campus, you can feel the positive energy and passion for learning that permeates every corner. The dedicated teachers and staff go above and beyond to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for their students. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to challenge and inspire young minds, while also fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. The school's commitment to excellence is evident in their innovative programs and extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education for every student. Water's Edge Elementary is truly a place where children can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2023

2 of my girls have attended this school and we could not be happier with the experience. Its like a big family. Absolutely love WEES
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2022

My twin girls attended Water's Edge in the gifted program starting from kindergarten. They loved coming to school everyday and the teachers, staff and aftercare counselors at the school. They also went to summer camp there for 4 years and participated in various clubs offered like STEM and gardening.Don't believe these negative reviews as this school successfully prepared them both socially and academically. Both twins were straight A students at Don Estridge High Tech Middle School and got accepted to FAU HS. Moving to Boca Falls from Chicago and enrolling them here was one of the best decision we ever made. They've made life long friends of diverse background and ethnicity, from different walks of life, with grounded upbringings.Parents need to be involved and kids need to put in the efforts.. this school provides top-rated education, a fun environment to learn and student development... By the way, kids will be measured on test scores the rest of their academic career so I would not enroll them in any school that doesn't help them be comfortable taking tests. No, they don't just teach FSA material...ridiculous!!!!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2018

It's a good school overall with a number of dedicated staff members. The music and art programs are great and the number of after school clubs offered by the staff is amazing. However, I believe there is a disproportionate focus on the FSA. Even though this is a STEAM school which means that there is one extra special, science in the classroom is quite lacking until 5th grade when there is a science FSA. The amount of homework you get will be all over the place depending on the teacher. We'll have to wait and see how the new leadership impacts this school.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2017

Terrible experience. Moved from out of state expecting this to be an "A" rated school. The gifted program is adequate at best. Overabundance and reliance on standardized testing as a means to educate. Rampant bullying and students are disrespectful. Not a good enviroment at all. Check another school out before sending your kids here - lots of these "5" star reviews are inflated and manipulated by the faculty for perception.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2015

The school is great The problem are the attendants at administration office. They are always with bad humor! They does not have patience to explain and provide information to the children's parents!
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2015

Waters Edge is a GREAT school and they continue to do GREAT things for our kids! My child had a great experience at Waters Edge and I would not think of sending him anywhere else. The teachers go above and beyond what's expected to ensure the children are learning the curriculum, they not only enrich when needed, but tutor students before/after school to reteach skills and Administration even tutored students. There have been changes from the State as far as testing and that's not something the school can alter. There have been changes from the County as far as the report cards/grading and that's not something the school can alter. The children are learning, they are happy, they enjoy school, they participate in many school clubs, they attend field trips, and have dedicated parents that support them along the way. As far as previous posts, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but perhaps people should attend the parent meetings held at the school in order to understand what's happening with the curriculum and overall testing before blaming the school, the teachers, and Admin. I have to say, they DO care about our kids and they DO want ALL of them to succeed.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2015

It should be known that this school is really just for gifted kids. In fact, they are bused in from other schools. IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT GIFTED, THEN DO NOT SEND THEM TO THIS SCHOOL!! The focus is only on the gifted. What they will do with your ungifted child is to teach them how to pass the standardized tests by giving them sample, after sample. They will only teach material that is on the test, and skip over the rest. There is no spelling or vocab tests to help with their reading and their new grading system and reading curriculum is a joke, which is why any review prior to 2014 should be disregarded because of the many recent changes. My child is now due to graduate, even though his report card indicates he is not on grade level (he was when he entered the school from a private school). They will just keep promoting your child (no child left behind!) because only 3rd grade is the retention year (good reason, huh)? I have finally decided to homeschool my child because this school had so grossly failed to prepare him for the 6th grade!
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2015

If you are interested in a school that is only teaching for successful standardized test scores, then look no further. There is no educational innovation here, just turning your kids into test taking robots. Nearly the entire year is spent preparing students for these standardized tests (FSA). The Common Core curriculum that has recently been implemented is a joke. Which seem to be a common theme for Common Core not just here in FL, but around the nation. Think of, "lowering the bar" to ensure greater success by more students. The gifted program here is very lacking. I am fortunate enough to have had an older child in a public school gifted program in the Northeast before moving to Florida. It is a night and day difference when compared to the GP at Waters Edge. This review probably speaks more about issues with most public school systems in general, but that is a whole other conversation. Having two children in this school I am just trying to convey my own experiences and thoughts related to Waters Edge. I am seriously considering private or home schooling at this point.
Submitted by other on December 06, 2014

Hi. I am a former student of WEES and it changed my life. I transferred here from another elementary school into the gifted program in first grade. I made all of my friends here and now I am in eighth grade. Great teachers that care, great specials, great people and a great curriculum. If your a parent and reading this, please let this show you that this school is great. Coming from a former students perspective, your child will love it there and have some great memories.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2014

We just moved here from out of state and came from a very highly rated school. So far our experience has been HORRIBLE. Starting from the first phone call to the school to get information about how to register my two Elementary aged children. The person who answered the phone was rude and unhelpful. I finally gave up and called the county office. My younger son cried every night the first three weeks of school. "Curriculum night" consisted of the teachers telling us what would be the same as last year (which meant nothing to me as we were not here last year) and using a lot of acronyms we are not familiar with as we just moved here out of state. I keep having people tell me what a great school it is, but everyone except my older son's fifth grade teacher and the after school care (ATB) staff has been rude, unfriendly, and UNBELIEVABLY unhelpful! If this is what passes for a highly rated public school in FL, I am worried we made a mistake moving here!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2014

my daughter went to water's edge elem from 1-5th grade. In kindergarten she was at del prado elementary. I have to say water's edge elementary is like a well oiled machine. Starting from the time I dropped her off to the time I picked her up. Most of her teachers were excellent. When I saw a previous post, I was surprised to see that someone would take their child out of an excellent public school and into one of the most expensive private schools around. She is lucky to be able to afford that option, but as a teacher myself, I have to say water's edge elementary is the best education (public or private) that they can give their child.
Submitted by other on August 13, 2014

I find it interesting that when I began researching this school, the most recent posts where mainly on the same day or within a couple of days from the August 3rd posting. I began inquiring and found out that the principal requested that the PTA write reviews because there were some bad reviews that had been written previously. No school should have to resort to that level for a good rating or review.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2014

I looked at this site before my daughter started school. Now she has almost completed Kindergarten so I thought I should leave a review here... She is in the gifted program. We could not be happier! I was worried about the transition from preschool, but the teacher has been amazing. Loving, caring and great at teaching too. My daughter has learned some amazing stuff this school year. Writing like a "big kid", some pretty advanced math and reading of course. She loves going to school. Agree with other reviews that the staff are always friendly and the principal does actually seem to know everyone by first name. I was shocked when she said my daughter's name in the morning one day... The teacher always replies to email straight away if there is an issue. No bullying that I have heard of or seen. My only issue is that lunch is very early for K. Apart from that we love Waters Edge! Anna Firestone
Submitted by other on February 22, 2014

I have been in this school for 5 years this is my 6th my teachers are awesome and very supportive. Next year I will really miss this school it is a great school between all the friends I have made and all the learning I catch up on every day I will never forget this school!
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

This is the second year of my son on this school and he is loving it!!! Great teachers and vary positive environment.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2013

Ten new "parents" comments in two days...hmmm...someone trying to fix this rating? Perhaps staff? And parents "choosing" a public school is interesting. Our daughter was in gifted kindergarten to second; the curriculum was the same. School didn't know what to do with highly gifted child who also had a learning disability. Our daughter thrived this past year at St. Andrews- so much friendlier and pleasant experience.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

Both of my children attend Waters Edge and I couldn't be happier!!! From the teachers and administrative staff, to the parent and PTA involvement, It's an amazing school!!! I would highly recommend this school to anyone !!!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

Since day 1 at Waters Edge Elementary my son and I have had great experiences! Starting in kindergarten and now going to 5th grade the time has flown by! The staff has be friendly and always make my son comfortable in knowing that someone is there that he knows. I also am relieved that there is someone my son can go to if he needs to, he is never alone. The activities the schools has throughout the year are a great way to bring the school together no matter what grade. They are also involved in the community through the PTA, the parents at Waters Edge are always there to help and they do so in a lot of ways! My family has made many friends at Waters Edge and are happy to be apart of it!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

My son will be starting his third year at Waters Edge Elementary this year. We LOVE this school. The principal knows the kids by name and I always willing to stop and discuss whatever is on your mind. The office staff is first rate, always willing and able to answers questions and help out in anyway they can. The teachers are great! My son has loved his teaches each year. The teachers take the time to be involved in all aspects of the child's development. Communication with the teachers has been wonderful! Truly a great experience. The PTA at the school is second to none. The PTA has so many events for the kids, it really feels like a community! Waters Edge is a wonderful experience. We are very happy that we chose this school.