Ridgecrest Elementary School

1901 119th Street North

School District

Pinellas
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 11, 2023

My student attended both general education and the gifted program in this school for a year and a half. The teachers and administration were engaged, supportive and responsive.Some of the students (probably only around 10%) have difficult home lives, are disruptive, contentious and difficult to socialise with. The teachers who are able to maintain order have enjoyable classes and it isn’t hard for kids to learn, make friends and feel safe. My student had one of these teachers and also had one (substitute) that would not or could not maintain order. This second situation was more difficult and my student did not feel safe in class. Nothing was learned that semester. This problem is compounded by lack of funding for the school. Teachers could not be found and when hired, they left to take higher paying jobs at nearby schools.Luckily, we were able to test for gifted and leave the substitute teacher and rough classmates. The gifted program has amazing teachers and very smart students. It is an overall excellent program. There isn’t much homework in the gifted program and gifted students do not mix with the general education students. If this is the kind of program you are looking for, I would recommend it. If you want your child in general education to socialise with “regular people” then any child with a reasonable public school background should be able to attend here with few problems.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2015

IT has been GREAT so far. But at the end of this year, the problem we had was IGNORED by the PE teachers AND the Principal
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but really think about what you want for your child before sending them here. I have found my kid, now in grade 5 Spanish Immersion Gifted, has no time for anything but homework after school since the beginning of 4th grade, although I am constantly told my child is slower and unorganized and the work shouldn't take the 2-3 hours per night that it does. If you are ok with that amount of work, then send your children here. (I am pleased with the Spanish Immersion program tho....my child is bilingual now because of it) From what I know this is the best public school choice in the county, but it's hard to see my child so stressed out and with no time to be a kid. I wish my kid had time to focus on other things or just have down time or be a kid after school, but I guess that is what this school system with its standards and FCAT has wrought. Piles of work with no room for creativity, thought, expression and wonder.....ie childhood. :-(
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2013

I want to start off by saying this is our 2nd year at Ridgecrest with my son and my daughter will be joining us next year. I am a member of the PTA and I love being involved here at Ridgecrest. We have a very dedicated staff and the teachers are the Best of the best. We also have the gifted program here and it is amazing what they do with the students. We have many different programs here that we offer for the students and their families. Last year was very exciting and we are really looking forward to what this year has to bring.
Submitted by other on August 26, 2013

Ridegecrest elemantary has been a blessing for the families in our community. I am a Program Assistant for the Neighborhood Family Center in Largo which works with many children who attend Ridgecrest. The parents, staff, vounteers and children who all participate in the schools activities have done a wonderful job working together to make sure the children are ready and able for school. We work together also as part of a 360 program to help those who are struggling or need so need some tutoring. I am grateful to be part of such an outstanding team.
Submitted by teacher on August 25, 2013

As a parent and a teacher, I have had the pleasure of educating children at this school for over 6 years. My two children are a part of both the gifted and regular education program. Ridgecrest has a great sense of unity and the community truly comes together for all children.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2013

I LOVE this school's gifted program! Students work above grade level in reading and use the Everyday Math series which is considerable above grade level for Florida. Teachers are helpful and challenge gifted learners to meet their potential. Several enrichment activities are also available: Scratch Club, Chess Club, Mad Science, National Honor Society, and Band are a few offered.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2013

Love, Love, Love this school. Oldest child is now in fourth grade. Every teacher he has had over the last four years has been amazing. Getting a fabulous education in a nurturing environment!
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

Engaging and challenging. The teachers are extremely qualified and want the children to reach their highest potential. The gifted magnet program is developmentally age appropriate. Don't let anyone scare you, that has not experienced this school first hand, tell you your child might have too much work. Not true. No school can compare to the fantastic education received here. It is a wonderful, safe, and unique school.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

My children are in the magnet-full time gifted program at Ridgecrest. I have been very pleased with the leadership from Mr. Moss, his willingness to try new things and reach out to the community for help. The front office staff is always cheerful and willing to help. The teachers seem to really enjoy teaching at Ridgecrest and this year, I think everyone can feel a since of pride in our school. We've had great experiences with the teachers we've had over the years and I'm very pleased with the education my children are receiving. I think more parents would be involved if they knew where they where to help. The communication is getting better each year. I feel very lucky to have my children at Ridgecrest!
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

We just LOOOOOOVVVVEE this school. Our son just switched from a Charter school into the Spanish immersion program at Ridgecrest and we feel that we have finally found what we had been looking for. The program is challenging and the teachers are amazing. Now our daughter is on the waiting list for 2nd Grade also in the Spanish program. Ridgecrest gifted program really is incredible.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2012

Many of the reviews I read on this school are older. Our son is in the gifted program here. We transferred him from a charter school three weeks into 1st grade. An extremely difficult decision...we made the right one. He is engaged, challenged, and has probably learned more in the two months he has been here, then he would have in an entire school year at his old school. An excellent school.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2011

My son has been a student at Ridgecrest since kindergarten and he is graduating as a 5th grader this week. I have been extremely happy with the structured educational setting, the challenging curriculum and the positive learning environment. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and applaud the professionalism and personal attention the teachers, staff ,and administration give to all the students. The principal, Mrs. Benkert, has shown an exceptional sensitivity to the diverse student population. I have witnessed negative criticism because of the open-arms and open-heart acceptance of Mrs. Benkert and the high bar she sets for her teachers, staff and faculty to ensure all students are treated with respect and dignity. Such negativity is unfounded and unwarranted. At a time when the constraints, rules and regulations placed by government are strangling the limited resources, time and effectiveness of our schools, Mrs. Benkert, and Ridgecrest's teachers, staff and administration are to be commended for continuing to hold fast to the core of what teaching means. KUDOS to each and everyone one of you. Sincerely, Pamela Warren
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2010

I agree to you 100% . It is true for the gifted students and families as well .
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2010

MEAN STAFF front desk lady's are mean and snarl at parents one brunette thinner lady nice but that blond heavy set woman is flat mean to the kids and the parents loved telling her I was taking my kids out of that school! School only cares for the Gifted kids. My special needs daughter went here the teacher had never had a child like her it was just wrong my 1st grader got picked on and beat up. This school is in a rough area so if your kids are not gifted find a upper scale school. If your child is special needs then RUN FAST!!!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2010

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Submitted by parent on August 29, 2007

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