Whispering Pines Elementary School

9090 Spanish Isles Boulevard

School District

Palm Beach
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 February 01, 2025

A handful of teachers and office staff are great (NOT the principal). The principal has often gone back on her word, and does not support teachers the way a leader should. Frankly, I am surprised she had not yet been reassigned. However, my son' s teacher, Ms. Ashley Caruso is AMAZING. She was able to individualize his accelerated earning, push him when needed, and foster his self-esteem. He had her for two years (3rd and 4th) since she was able to loop with the class. Now in 5th grade (different school), but reading at an 11th grade level and at a 9th grade math level. All because of her- she was able to guide him in a way that made his self-confidence soar, and challenge him without overwhelming him. He's a totally different child!
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2024

My kids enjoy every year in this school
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2024

We enrolled our son here mid-year. The teachers are so caring and helpful. Lots of activities both during and after school. Lots of things for families to be involved in as well. This gives the school an overall great sense of community. Highly, highly recommended. Also, not only are the people there terrific at their jobs they are also very down to earth.
Submitted by teacher on September 20, 2023

Everything people say about this school is true. It is a good school with great kids and a terrible principal. Barbara Riemer is an evil person who thrives off nastiness to her staff. She treats the teachers like dirt and will yell and belittle teachers and staff in front of other staff and peers. She creates a truly toxic work environment that you will not want to work in. She has multiple complaints against her to the district but nothing is done about it. She makes teachers quit in droves every year and never want to teach again because of her cruel and disgusting behavior towards her staff. She needs to work somewhere that does not involve interacting with other people because she does not know how to treat people in a respectful and professional manner. She is the true definition of a toxic leader. If you're a teacher stay far away from this school as long as Barbara Riemer is the sad excuse of a principal.
Submitted by other on October 20, 2021

I would just like to say that bullying is taken seriously as my son experienced it and it was promptly put to an end with consequences for the student engaged in that behavior. There was also a talk and kids came home with a "Be a buddy not a bully" art project. The new assistant principal who my son describes as very kind called me and we spoke for a while. She was genuine and reassured me that this will not happen again. It's a great school with a strong sense of community. And in covid times our kids are actually allowed to talk during lunch. I heard Morikami policy is level 0 (no speaking). Additionally our 1st grade teacher is very involved and detailed about our son's progress and in tune to how to grow his skills.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2021

RED FLAGS!!!!!!!!!! I do not recommend this school for special needs children, especially children with ASD. The current teacher is fresh out of college with no previous experience running an ESE classroom and obtained employment through an internal connection. The principle is overly aggressive at times and discourages private services for special needs children. There is no direct line of communication with the teacher and parent other than email. The students are mixed in a single ESE classroom ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade, and it is nothing more than a dumping ground for special needs children.
Submitted by teacher on April 29, 2020

Please stay away from this nightmare of a school!!!!!!!
Submitted by teacher on December 12, 2019

Not helpful, no support, no guidance, rude principal, hostile environment, toxic people, overall not good!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2019

The PTA is amazing, the office staff is kind and helpful, the teachers are good and fun. The ASD cluster is one of the best in the county! Everything is nice here.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2017

My daughter’s teacher Jessica Showalter has done an incredible job this year! Ms. Showalter has shown great professionalism and dedication to her students and her work! Ms. Showalter is very loving but at the same time strict, which helped our daughter to excel tremendously during her Kindergarten year. I am very happy with her work! The principal Ms. Riemer is very dedicated to her work and is running a tight ship, which is very much appreciated as well! Overall, I've had nothing but a great experience!
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2016

It's a really good school my son just entered there and he is loving it!!
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2014

This school is become a nightmare. As soon as I can afford to move I will. There is a lot of nepotism with the teacher and some parents. So, not all kids are treated equally. I will give you an example, they conduct award ceremonies and some kids are supposed to get awards, but they presumably make a mistake and a few kids do not receive the awards that they were there to receive. Imagine, how that goes with a five year old that's expecting his or her award (tears anyone?). It could have been a mistake, but that's just the general theme for that school. The principal does not even have an e-mail, right? Last time, I checked, we pay your salaries as a property owners, please address concerns like a professional!
Submitted by other on June 26, 2014

I'm a freshman in High School now and what can I say about WPES other than the fact that it was just the best experience I've had since I moved to the United States four years ago. I didn't know the language, yet my teachers and staff spoke in such a way that I felt as if I belonged. Turns out I've always belonged. Whispering Pines teachers and staff, thank you. I owe it all to you.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

This is a great school that offers different extra curriculum activities. All the teachers I dealt with were always helpful. My son did great and received very a good education, what made an easy transition to middle school.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2014

My son has been here for 4th and 5th grade. He has just flourished at this school. His teachers have been amazing, the staff is very caring and are willing to go out of their way to help. I am actually sad that he will be leaving for middle school this year. Overall he has had a wonderful experience and has made lots of friends. This school is wonderful and I am thankful my son has enjoyed his experience here.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2014

My child Bode, has been attending from K and is now in 2nd Grade. He has had Ms.Golumbe, Ms. Terrano, Ms. Modesto all are top notch teachers! Ms. Terrano even tutored him before class daily to improve his handwriting. He is ahead of target for his age and is doing well in school social and academically. The kids in class are well put together and come from nice professional families. I hate to give such a great review, because then all the snobby parents who lie about their addresses to go to other schools will rush to Whispering Pines. Currently it's not crowded and feels warm and welcoming - I want to keep it that way :)
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2013

My son is in Kindergarten and I like everything at that school but the people who work in the front office. I am sorry but they are kind of rude and don't know much what is going on regarding activities, entertainment and even scheduling. I had to call front office 2 times and they couldn't help. I feel sorry because the teachers are amazing and the rest of the staff too. My son gets home very excited about what he had learned. And he has being improving a lot. So thank you to the teachers.
Submitted by teacher on July 29, 2013

I am a teacher at Whispering Pines and find that a review to discredit the dedication of any teacher would be misconstrued as a teacher that makes little progress with the students. The teachers follow the process as set forth from the district to get students the help they need. If those that spend the most time with your children can't help and be appreciated than it is not the teaching that is the problem. Parents, teachers and the schools need to work together to get the children what they need! Whispering Pines has many families that go above and beyond to work with their teachers and the school to help their children, I wish more families could be categorized like this. The one family that can't appreciate it, will be sorry they didn't do more!
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2012

My son started Kindergarten this year, and we are very happy with the experience there. His teacher is wonderful... warm and responsive. He has learned a great deal there academically, socially, and also independence. He comes home every day with a great sense of confidence and excitement. The administration is good and they are very involved and present. Good experience all around!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2012

Great School. My son entered their 3rd. grade gifted program this year and I could't be happier with how fast he is learning. His teacher, Ms. Schuemann, is caring and seems to be firm when needed. Staff is polite and organized.