Morikami Park Elementary School

6201 Morikami Park 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 June 23, 2024

Morikami Park Elementary School isn't a bad school, but there were some weaknesses such as the staff's response to bullying and the staff taking care of us. For example, when my son was in 4th grade, he was being bullied, so he wrote about what was happening and sent it to the principal, but, they didn't do anything to stop the incident until the very last day of school, when school ended. Also, when my son went to the nurse after getting hurt, the only thing they would do was just give them an ice pack wrapped in a brown paper towel. If you're or feel sick and you go to the nurse, you'll go home. Some of the teachers are mean and get mad over students not doing their I-Ready for the week, but most of them are kind great teachers who teach reading, writing, science, and math. Some lessons are good, but half of them are stuff that we won't use in life like writing a central idea. The campus is alright but they throw great events like parties, after-school events, and others. They also have a couple of after-school activities like cheer, dance, and others. The lunch was alright according to my son but is better than the average school lunch in the U.S., so I recommend you get the menu and if they don't like it, you can pack them lunch. They also have good field trips like Animal Kingdom(4th), Washington D.C(Safety Patrol), Museums, and others. Classrooms are also great for a learning environment. The uniforms are not bad but can be very expensive and the school is kind of strict with the dress code. During the day, they have Fine Arts, which are, Spanish, Mandarin, and Innovation Lab, which are all useless. But, they also do P.E., Art, and Music. During recess, they have 2 playgrounds, 2 fields, 1 turf of fake grass, and one basketball court with a backfield, which are all good. But, in 2020, they banned soccer and football because they were "getting hurt", but that's just how those sports are played. Otherwise, it isn't a bad school, but it's better than other elementary schools in Palm Beach County.
Submitted by other on December 15, 2015

My daughter is in 5th grade. Started off in Kindergarten. For fly by readers...this school is AMAZING!!!. If your child gets through the lottery then grab this opportunity.This school is a perfect platform for little ones starting off. A few things one should consider while narrowing down on a Elementary school.Principal - Very energetic, enthusiastic, cheerful.I have even seen her managing the car lines at times so that she can meet the parents.Teachers - Better than private schools.Cleanliness - Cannot get any better.Staff - Very co-operative, friendly.Discipline - They call it the Morikami way. Students are always with buddies never alone in school. Strict with uniform policy. Attendance and punctuality is taken very seriously as well.Homework - Just right amount so kids can get involved in extra curricular activities as well. Homework not done will not be excused unless there is a valid emergency.PTA - Very active and involved.Volunteering - Several opportunities and many school activities year round will keep parents involved with their kids class and staff.Pick up and Drop off - Very safe and strict policy. I have at times picked up my friends kids from their schools without prior authorization...That is not happening at this school.Clubs : Many active clubs to keep your kids busy after school as well.Languages - Spanish and Mandarin - Excellent teachers here too.What more can one ask for !!? Go for it.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2015

Teaching is very test oriented. Lot of distracting, unnecessary events.Misleading fame.Needs some update.Special language program is not a favorite.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2015

I love Morikami! My daughter just completed her first year in Kindergarten there and it was a great year for her academically. She is reading and writing beautifully, was challenged academically, had plenty of opportunities for involvement in extra-curricular activities and most importantly she is enjoying herself. I felt the teachers were very caring, and she had a great first year. They are strict - their tardy policy is a little extreme if you ask me - but I understand it's all toward the end of teaching the kids responsibility. There is a decent amount of homework nightly, but again, I'm pleased my daughter is being challenged. I think by the end of her time at Morikami she will be well-prepared for whatever middle school we put her in. Overall, we are blessed to have had the opportunity to have her attend this Blue Ribbon winner school!
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2014

First, this is my opinion which I am entitled to since it is a free country we live in and there is something called "freedom of speech." I send my child to this school and not the home school because I am choosing the "lesser of the evils." I have the right to send my child here because I pay high taxes and this is a choice school. With that said there is always room for improvement. Less teaching to the test and more teaching children in order for them to think, reason, and make good decisions is one of the improvements that would be a good one for not just this school but schools in general. Next, this school has too many students. A smaller school with smaller class sizes would be an improvement. Other parents that handle the opinions of other parents that differ from them in a mature and respectful manner would be another improvement. I think that school is better than a number of other schools but that is not saying too much. The parents that like to keep the same thing going without improvement are not progressive. Instead of attacking someone else why not put that energy into improvement. Also, research studies say homework in elementary school has no value.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

Morikami Elementary was described to me as a place everyone wants to be: the teachers and faculty, the students and parents. I have absolutely found this to be the case. This is my family's fourth year at Morikami. We are extremely satisfied here. My son tested gifted but on some good advice, we felt it important to attend to help him be well rounded, immersed in the IB program and to experience all we could here. We have never looked back. As we prepare now for the FCAT for my oldest, of course there is talk about "teaching to the test" but guess what? The information is real life and an important component of learning: math, reading and reading comprehension with writing. I'm OK with that! My second child is an average student but struggled with reading and her teacher addressed where we were, where we needed to be and put a plan in place to achieve it. And she is doing it. I am thankful for my children's learning, experiences, friends, their teachers, and they are safe and happy every day. Further, I am very impressed with the level of parent involvement. . People are happy and proud to be here. Apply if you can, take it if you get it.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2013

For those parents complaining about the school, remember that this school is a CHOICE school. You made the choice to be there. You are more than welcome to leave the school and go to your home school.
Submitted by other on September 21, 2013

I hate how parents are saying they hate the school, it's in my opinion totally rude to put it on the internet!!! Just take your students out of the CHOICE program you put them in and try a different school!!! Now, in my opinion, I loved morikami!!! I am now in 7th grade, but I went to morikami from Kindergarten all the way to 5th grade! I loved all ofmy teachers! Esspecially Ms. Sanford when I had her in 3rd grade!!! She was the BEST!! & all my teachers taught me everything I needed to know for middle school!! When I was in 6th grade, all my teachers were surprised with what I knew! While other kids didn't know how to do anything!!!!! So I rate this school a 5 with all my heart!
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

The review below saying they declined a child with ASD sounds like bologna. I have a child on the spectrum there and he has all the necessary accommodations to ensure he does well. I know there are several children on the spectrum there. However, depending on how severe your child's condition is, this may not be the best school for him or her because it is a very fast paced and demanding school. It is a public school, it is indeed a lottery program. I knew nobody at that school when we got in and I don't socialize much with anyone there. I applied via the choice program online and yes, it is hard to get in because hundreds of families apply. The teachers are very caring, as is the entire administration. I appreciate that the staff communicates with me frequently and via any and all means necessary (text, emails, calls).
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2013

This school is very clicky- the parents not the students. It's rediculous, if you don't have the time to volunteer like every day and brown nose the teachers and admin then you don't belong here. They made me decline my entrance for my ASD child because THEY don't take THOSE certain TYPE of kids. Is it really they can't accommodate or they're just to lazy with pre-conceived notions of discrimination. They didn't even give my Aspergers child a chance. Shameful... I was in tears, so now I have two kids at two different schools. The IB program is great and impressive. You have to work hard or you don't make it. It shows that they only want the cream of crop at this school.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2013

This school is for people that have friends in the district so that they can get into the so called "lottery." It is for those parents that are too cheap to pay for or can't afford private school. They use standard textbooks just like every other public school even though in the orientation the principal will say they don't use standard textbooks. They don't use standard tear out workbooks pages either but they are just computer generated workbook pages. Parents are involved but I think it is to the point of being overinvolved at times. Some teachers are nice and some are downright nasty just like at any other school. I just don't see all the "bragging" points that this school is promoted upon. It is a newer school and ok inside. Good test scores but if you pick and choose students that is not a shock. I am just not impressed. School is average overall. You can find the same thing at many schools. It just depends upon your location. I see why Florida has such a large amount of homeschoolers.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2013

We are very happy to be at Morikami Park. The fact that the school is part of the IB foundation is great, as it ensures that the education provided meets international standards. The 2 languages (Spanish and Mandarin) are a great opportunity for my child to learn. Our kindergarten teacher was wonderful and my child ended the year reading, writing, adding and subtracting. The parents I have met have been great, as have been the kids. I am looking forward to more years at Morikami!
Submitted by other on June 05, 2013

i am a 5th grader moving out next year. Morikami park is probably the best school in the state. the teachers are phenomenal!!! i love the playground and the space outside. there are tons of super nice kids to befriend and always the very lovely guidance counsoler to speak with if you need help with things.everything is great except the after care. "saac" (abbrieviation) is not something to enroll your child in. first of all there is the excrusiating noise in the cafeteria. also if you dont bring a book to read and you finish your homework they literaly PUNISH you with note home!! and when we go outside they seriously only let you go 100 feet away from the counsoler. the after care staff always goes where the boys want to go and us poor girls have to sit out in the hot sun doing nothing while sweaty boys jump around play basket ball and have fun. oh and dont forget when they "accidently" drop the ball on your head. i dislike the aftercare only but everything else is fine :)
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2013

Have children in 5th grade and 3rd grade. Both children started in K. MPES is AMAZING!!! The teachers are caring, responsive and respectful to parents and students. The PTA is amazing. I wish MPES went through to 8th grade. My son is going into 6th grade after this year and I am sad he has to leave. If you are able to get in.....DO NOT DECLINE.
Submitted by other on March 06, 2013

As a grandparent, I am so impressed with the progress my grandchildren in kindergarten. And the after care program is amazing.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2012

My son graduated MPES last year. He got a 5 on his Math, Reading and Science FCAT and just missed one question on each section (so it was a nearly perfect FCAT, which is probably one of the top scores in Palm Beach County). He got a perfect 4th grade math FCAT (every question correct). He just started middle school at St. Andrews and they placed him in 7th grade honors math and accelerated Spanish). So far, he has gotten an A on every single middle school test and middle school is a piece of case. His MPES education rivals that of his peers who all went to the lower school at St Andrews (and paid over $120K for that same education). My daughter is doing equally well in 5th grade. This is an amazing school with incredible teachers who made meaningful and significant contributions to their kids lives. I have no doubt that my kids will go to top colleges and their education started at MPES!
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2012

Lat school year my child was a first grader at MPES.To the parent who posted Aug 9, 2012: I can tell you it isn't the students who are texting during class it's the teachers. My child was in a very large 1st grade classroom with 3 teachers. When the full time teacher did show up to work, she spent alot of time texting, emailing etc. My daughters end of the year portfolio had 9 pages of work. In kindergarden her portfolio was 6 inches thick!! Her homework was very limited. I can tell you she knows how to spell very diffucult words. She just can't write easy sight words, as none of her spelling was ever corrected on paper, just on spelling tests. The highlight of the art program was learning who Leoanardo DiVinci was. Never did art projects. PE in classroom or in bus circle.. Advised she be tested for gifted prog. by kindergarden teacher. By the end of kindergarden the school had never tested her. They tested her at the beginnng of 1st grade, she missed the gifted program by 1 point. The precentage of gifted students at MPES is 0. This is why FCAT scores continue to be high. MPES doesn't want gifted minds to leave the school. My daughter no longer attends MPES.
Submitted by other on August 17, 2012

Morikami is an amazing school. This passed year has been my last year at morikami and I think they did an outstanding job on preparing me for middle school. Now i head to a school much different from morikami. This year im going to odyssey middle school. The IB program is really cool. I would recomend Morikami to anyone as I enjoyed my 6 years at the school.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2012

Hey viewers! I'm a student at MPES. I am going into my last year of Morikami park elementary school. All of the kids are soo nice and are always on their best behavior. Ever since I entered the school, I have gotten AMAZING teachers. My mother is a first grade teacher at Morikami and she works harder than any average teacher at any school, along with all the other teachers at MPES. The principals us students have had are incredible and some of the best things that ever happened to the school. The academic studies given to me are beyond what anybody would think. All of the teachers are incredibly kind. For example, my past teacher gave the whole class personal gifts! Without the encouragement and effort of the teachers and staff, I wouldn't have gotten a perfect score in reading, one Q. wrong in math and a truck load of pride seeping into me when I saw my FCAT scores last year. This is not and average school, so put your kid in the lottery for this MPES!
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2012

I have been trying to make an appointment for a conference with the princaple since April 2012 and she has been un-responsive. I guess because she is more focused on tutoring kids for fcat or directing car pool traffic. This is a neighborhood school however there is no crossing guards or flashing school zone signs. The parents dfrive way to fast in and out of the school. This is very dangerous especially when children/parents are forced to walked to the school from the Lawton Chiles civic center. On several occasions I have gone in to my sons class and his teacher has not acknowledged I was even there due to she was too busy text messaging, The school uses the same resources and books as all the other neighborhood schools, the only difference is the parents run morikami not the administration. The parents are very clicky and you are judged on your financial income.