Heights Elementary School

15200 Alexandria Court

School District

of Lee County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for School District of Lee County

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 other on January 18, 2023

I went here and LOVED it. I was in the gifted program and the gifted teachers there are unmatched. There are ten classes per grade level, so all kids are rightly placed. All the teachers teach well, though I wouldn't recommend teaching there (it is very cliquey among the teachers). The other thing I didn't like about this school was the lack of diversity. Everyone there was blonde haired-blue eyed christians, which I found kind of annoying. However, the IB program is very cool and the opportunities here are mediocre, but its a great school.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2021

My child has been at Heights for three years now, starting in kindergarten. I have been and am currently a PTA member. I have volunteered at the school in several capacities since day one. I, nor my child, have had any negative experiences. The current principal, Mr. Palow, is exceptional. When a school has a good, fair, and strong leader for its principal you will find the staff and school to be the same. The teachers and administrators truly care about the success and safety of the children in their care. They want to see them learn and explore and become positive contributors to their communities. I cannot attest to the negative reviews from years past, I can only comment on the present. Heights is a wonderful elementary school and I’m very pleased that my child is thriving there even through these trying times (COVID-19). Five stars!
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2018

no! I had to go to the school 4 times, wrote 2 letters, called before I finally saw the asst. principal before I received any resolution. I* am looking at other schools.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2018

The school is an excellent school. I'm glad my child is there
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2016

This will be my sons 3rd year at heights. His first grade year was an absolute nightmare. The teacher punished him the whole year because he couldn't keep up with her "high ability" class. The issue is, I called the principal who informed me THERE IS NO HIGH ABILITY CLASS! All the classes are supposed to be doing the same thing! She was giving out extra work, ridiculously high A.R. goals, and calling me every two weeks complaining that he was behind. I spoke to the principal who REFUSED to switch him to a different classroom. Then I called the principal AGAIN about an issue in the lunchroom, which was not resolved either. This year there is a new principal, and I have already called the superintendents office about him. The parent drop off/pickup is a DISASTER. We are backed up for 20 minutes on Gladiolous and A&W because traffic is so bad, and when I finally get on the property to drop my son off, THEY MARKED HIM AS TARDY! Maybe the kids wouldn't be tardy if the damn school would get someone out there to direct traffic and fix that mess! NO organization, NO communication between the teachers and the office staff, and NO resolutions. I cant wait to get my son out of there.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2015

Heights is an awesome school! I love the IB program. I see there are other comments that are not so nice on here, teachers at Heights give their everything and its sad that some parents think teachers have to do it all, it first starts at home!!! Look at yourself before you bash an awesome school and staff, especially Mrs. Salko; she gives her all and it has shown...I applaud her.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2015

I think the teachers and the principal do not know how to treat children and parents of children with disabilities
Submitted by parent on March 01, 2015

My Grand daughter came from a very small school, an I thought she might have trouble adjusting, HA! She did better than me! She is an A/B student an loves this school... Job well done Heights :)
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2014

I think last four reviews was from same parent :) . I think you are so wrong or you just mad at school and you don't really care what you are writing . My child was at Heights from kindergarten and finished 5th grade . My child was happy whith Heights and still happy. I don't think we are rich family , actually we came here from another side of the world . How many times I had ask for help from Diane Salko she always helped me . One time it was middle of the summer break and I had a call school to ask some paper that dr asked and she answered the phone and said yes I can pick up that paper tomorrow at 11:00am and I came to school next day at 11:00 and got my paper. I had a meeting with my child's teacher and Salko was there too and after that meeting I learned that Diane Salko will protect teacher at the meeting even teacher have a mistakes. She will not count or talk about teachers mistakes front of parent or student . Next thing is in fact I know that if Diane Salko have no meetings ( most of the time district ) then she does parent drop off every single morning no matter how hot or cold and rain or lightning ....same thing whit parent pick up .
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2014

Heights is run like a military environment and the principal punishes children on a mass scale, not for individual behavior. Our children were coming home crying everyday and hating school. We are one of many families that have chosen to remove our children from this horrible environment because we feel that we have no alternative. The principal will not even speak with the parents. She completely shuts them out and has basically allowed for very limited parental involvement in the school. She is very mean to the children, parents and teachers. It is a terrible environment to be in as a whole. Be forewarned that if you ever have an issue with your child at school, she will make it about you and your child and the fault will be in your lap. Salko will never investigate a situation or accept blame for anything. Many families who have left are now working on documentation to be submitted to the board so that it is at least on record for everyone to see. Children should be in an educational environment which fosters love of learning and happiness. She needs to be removed from Heights so that the children can have positive memories of their elementary years, not nightmares!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2014

Not a top notch school at all! Our child was picked on and bullied all year and since the culprits mother was an OVER INVOLVED and over opinionated type with to much time and money on her hands the ongoing issues where never resolved. Diane Salco is terrible to talk to and try to approach with issues. She is uptight and rude and if she doesn't deem you to be a rich or wealthy family she will dismiss you like trash! Our daughter was light years ahead of others as mediocrity is the norm. School has misleading educational scores but that's because I believe they "teach to the test". Also had lunch at the school one time with my daughter and the lunch room was a free for all and I witnessed several teacher/staff yelling and raising their voices at students. Ok I guess for the average student just going through the motions of school being a part of life but in no way conducive to students with higher aspirations looking to challenge themselves.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2014

(cont. from below) The parents are rarely invited in the school for events. I can understand why after going to "student led conferences." While there, I heard a lunchlady yelling her head off at a child. Also, forget having a standard parent-teacher conference- our conference consisted of reading self evaluations our children had written and then parents filling out the same sheet. The teacher provided no feedback or insight. It was just another one of their lazy shortcuts. Morning drop off is a nightmare. You have a 15 minute window and half of that time only half of their new "traffic pattern" is available, meaning many people have to make a dangerous U turn on Gladiolus, not to mention increased traffic at the children's crosswalk. The staff is rarely outside directing traffic, only 1-2 volunteers. My child has only had 4-5 science lessons all year. They have almost exclusively focused on math an reading. I can only assume they are "teaching to a test." I have already taken the steps to remove my child from Heights. I only regret that she has 2 more months to serve there.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2014

Diane Salko has 0 people skills. She demoralizes her staff. I know several great teachers have left because of her. She cares about scores and attracting wealthy families, not children learning.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2014

We checked out a lot of schools before moving from Nashville to Fort Myers in 2013 and Heights was our number one elementary school choice. Excellent staff, our son is challenged in both the regular and gifted programs, the facility is great and the learning environment is top notch. Ms Salko and her team have done a great job with this IB World School.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

Very good school, everyone nice and friendly. Mrs Salko she is the best ,she really know how to make work teachers and students . My son was from kindergarten, this year he finished 5th. As a parent I am very happy with school and staff . If you have any question one phone call or e-mail to school and you will get help immediately . My son was very happy to be at Heights . He loved every teacher he got.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2013

We are very happy with Heights Elementary. We moved to FL from a small town in MN and didn't know what to expect at such a large school & we were overwhelmed with the school choice situation. My daughter is in her 2nd year at Heights and is doing very well. I will be sending my other daughter next year for kindergarten.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2012

This school is one of the worst schools that my child has attended. My child has encountered bullying from the same group of girls since the beginning of the school year, and it continues to get worse. Per her teacher, Mrs. Wendland, she is unaware of the bullying, but then she contradictorily admits that it happens mostly at lunchtime. I have spoken to both Mrs. Wendland as well as the principal since my daughter first began telling me about the bullying and 6 months later it is still going on. Absolutely disgusting behavior from many of the students attending this school.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2012

Love,love,love Heights!! We have been a Heights family since 2008 and cannot be happier! I have had three of my kids at Heights so we have experienced everything this school has to offer. All the teachers are very involved as are parents. Heights is better than the private school my children attended prior to moving to Ft.Myers-They are THAT good. My younger two children are at Heights with one graduating next year and I am very sad to see him leave an excellent school like Heights (the middle schools & High Schools leave much to be desired here in Ft.Myers). If you can get your kids into Heights you will be very thankful!!
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2011

Still loving Heights after being there for four years now. I couldn't ask for more caring and engaged teachers. My child loves this school and it's staff. The parent involvement is phenomenal! PTA and the Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) both work hard to make this school the best in Lee County. If you are considering a public school instead of a private school the IB program is what got me leaning toward Heights.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2011

We LOVE this school. My daughter transferred here after KIndergarten from one of the "best" schools (rated a 10) in the district, and we couldn't be happier!! The teachers here are amazing, and my daughter has learned so much more, and seems to be ahead of the students at her old school. The IB curriculum has encouraged her to be well-rounded, and despite the number of students at the school, she has always felt safe, and well-cared for. Her first and second grade teachers are two of the best I have ever seen teach in the 12 years we have lived in this district. The Principal and AP are very professional and have a handle on any issues that come up. I am very proud to be a Heights parent!