Curtis Fundamental Elementary School

531 Beltrees Street

School District

Pinellas
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
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 July 25, 2018

My son started kindergarten at Curtis and we love it there. His teacher was very supportive of him and helping make sure he is successful. I truly believe that if he had gone to a public school, he would have fallen through the cracks. I can not say enough nice things about this school and all the resources they've provided us with!
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2017

Our kids have been at Curtis since kindergarten and it is a truly amazing school! The teachers and staff really care about all the kids and strive to make sure they succeed. The fundamental system isn't for everyone, as it does require accountability (for both students and parents), strong involvement and following the rules. Our son has adhd and we feel this structure really helped him through his academic struggles, which Curtis accommodated and helped him succeed. I couldn't have asked for a better school!! We are sad to see the principle, Ms Metz-Easly leave though!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2017

I feel like the last reviewer saying it was only good for a robot is spot on. I had the exact same thing happen with my 2 children that attended for 3 years and I'm only sorry I kept them there that long.
Submitted by other on November 12, 2016

Good school if your child is a robot. They seem to have little tolerance if your child does not conform to their strict guidelines...and Im not just saying for just outright behavior problems. My child has some special needs and I felt that was dismissed and they insisted it was just his behavior (despite medical documentation showing otherwise). There are definitely some good teachers, but some seemed burned out and like they had lost the passion to do their job to help ALL children. Ultimately took our child out of this school and that was the best decision, as our child has done great elsewhere...and no longer has stomachaches and anxiety about going to school.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2016

I have two sons who have been in this school since kindergarten. We are a multiracial family. My husband has a son from a previous relationship who is white. We applied for all of our children into the lottery back in 2009 and were very lucky to receive a phone call stating that my stepson who is the only white child in our household was accepted. I informed the administrator that he has two younger brothers on the list and reluctantly, she added my younger sons on the list. It was fair due to their sibling preference policy. Now I hate throwing out the race card because we all just need to move forward but when racism is blatantly in our faces something must be said. Of course we sought this school out for its high ratings and feel that our children will be around students whose parents were competent like us. Lets face it, schools in poor, crime neighborhoods don't perform well and worst, the children are angry and problematic. That is not a race thing, it's a class thing. You don't want your children going to a school full of "white trash" either due to heavy drug use and more neglected children. Educated black families understand this and want their children to have the best educational opportunities as well through a fundamental environment. However, Curtis white student enrollment is nearly 80% while black/other enrollment is a measly 8% and this is a lottery???? Now there are plenty of black families in close proximity that can easily transport their children. But there is an overwhelming response from white parents sending nasty emails to the Pinellas County Board of Education stating that they do not want their children going to school with black children. This highly conservative school does not hide that diversity is watched and scrutinized closely. My white stepson has not had problems at all navigating through the system even with struggling grades and typical boy mischief behavior...he received very little warnings. Now my biracial children are tormented with warnings for things such as not completing the homework assignment in the right notebook (even though exact assignment was still completed at home on separate sheet of paper and signed). Teachers have even gone as far as to handing them incorrect number of warnings exp. giving my son a 2nd warning when is was his 1st. This is serious!
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2016

After two years at Curtis, we chose to leave prior to having another child enter the school. Curtis is the perfect school if your children are perfect. That said, if your child needs any additional support or understanding, go elsewhere! Save yourself and most importantly, your child, the heartache of feeling that they are not a good student. You will not find flexibility or the focus to help your child succeed at this school. The focus is on the rules and regulations.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2015

I'm pretty sure the parent that wrote the 11/23/14 review should have gone to Curtis! It's MORALE, not moral. But more than that, I have found it to be completely the opposite. I think the staff and the principal especially put the needs and concerns of the kids and parents before the teachers or themselves. May not be great for MORALE but happy & well behaved kids = happy teachers. This is a great school, it wouldn't have a 500+ name waiting list if it wasn't. People who can't or don't follow rules don't like it, check your self entitlement at the door, the rules are the same for everyone.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2014

The principal told me that the moral of her staff is more important than the education of the children. I thought the principal, and teachers are there for the kids. Let's speak up for our children and let's not keep any child's education behind. Let's show them that we care.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2014

My children have attended Curtis since K. I am a teacher myself, at another elementary school, and wouldn't have them anywhere else. Both of my children have become responsible, caring, and excellent students through Curtis. My children have been challenged through the gifted program which in my opinion is top notch. Teachers really do care about the children there and are dedicated professionals. We are proud of the successes that we have achieved both academically and in the community. The facility is always clean, well maintained, and secure. As a working parent, I do not get to volunteer as much as I would like, but I am never treated any less for it. There has not been a single minute in the past 5 years that I have wished for some place other than Curtis for my kids!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

Great school, great teachers and principal. I feel that the support we have from the school as a whole is more than I ever dreamed of. I have had experience with home zone school and it doesn't compare to this school at all. I am so thankful that we got in on the lottery system. I would never second guess the fundamental way. Having to comment to being 100% involved is a great thing. If you can't be committed than this school is not for you.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My two children are at Curtis Fundamental (5th and 3rd grades). We could not be happier. Teachers are really dedicated to students' success. They go way above and beyond their responsibilities. Love the tradition of monthly Open Court, where students accomplishments and positive character traits are celebrated.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

As a single minority Mother it was important that my child was able to transition from out of state and not feel lost in such a different environment. I was excited for my Child to attend Curtis but I have to admit I was concerned. Now two years later we have met so many parents and families and the staff and Admiistration are awesome..I'm blessed and thankful I found a school that is commited to education #proudsinglemom
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

This is our 4th year at Curtis, it's an amazing school!! The teachers and ataff do such great things, my children love going there!!
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

Ever since our daughter started at Curtis her kindergarten year, we realized how lucky she was to get into such a great school. The teachers and staff go above and beyond to encourage the students to succeed. I believe that she will be able to grow and flourish with the education she continues to receive.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My child is in kindergarten at Curtis. We love it. Everyone is so nice, the teachers, staff and parents. My daughter is learning so much and has a great teacher. She is so excited to go to school and learn everyday. We are so happy she got into Curtis.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

I currently have 3 children attending Curtis Fundamental. I couldn't say enough good things about this school. The teachers are great and the principal is very involved. Most of the involved parents are a positive contribution to the school. Some parents may not agree with the guidelines, but they do ensure equitable treatment of the children. My kids love Curtis Fundamental.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

I am so glad we won this lottery! My daughter loves her school and we love her teachers. Wonderful place and staff really care and go above and beyond. This principal has a love for her students that I have not seen elsewhere. wish all schools were like this.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

This is our first year here at Curtis and I cannot say enough good things about it. One of my favorite things is the sense of community and family. You always feel like you are welcome and heard.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

Curtis has the greatest teachers who really care about our kids and want them to do their best. Coming from a parent with a child with learning disabilities, they have supported both my daughter and me as we worked together as a team to help her to succeed. If it wasn't for the support or the teachers and staff, she wouldn't be the student she is today. I know she will succeed because of them.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

My child is in his 2nd year of attendance at Curtis. We have been impressed with the professionalism and tenure of the teachers and administration. We feel that Curtis is providing him with an excellent education and that he has both teachers and a support staff that is very caring and attempts to help every child grow. My husband and I are very pleased with the education at Curtis Fundamental.