Palmetto Elementary School

12401 Southwest 74th Avenue

School District

Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Miami-Dade County Public Schools

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 March 30, 2024

This school is great. As a former student, I loved my elementary school experience. Even through covid learning was possible. The teachers are mostly kind. Some are strict but they make sure you are still learning. My education was phenomenal here. However, I felt like kids with more money had more “perks.” They were kinda favored with the teachers even if they weren’t good students. The mean kids/bullies always got awards. Every year, I was in gifted. Year after year I kept getting put with kids that were nice, but they weren’t gifted and that’s the truth. They always needed tutoring, extra help, etc. This is my only complaint.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2023

This is probably the best elementary school in Miami, including private schools when all things are considered. The principal is phenomenal and runs the school like a true leader. I very much appreciate the staff and teachers that work tirelessly to provide the best education and support possible. My only complaint is the HOURS of homework given to the students every night. They are quick to say it’s only supposed to be an hour but when you add up iready, reflex and IXL then add the regular math, spelling/worldly wise, social studies, science and then the expectation that they are supposed to read so many AR books… it’s WELL above an hour, it’s about 3-4 hours a night most days. That seems too much for kids that are supposed to have time to play and just be kids after school! Research shows time after time that homework is not beneficial at that level. I feel sorry for kids these days, but it’s everywhere.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2023

Superb school, wonderful administration, high test scores, amenities & parent involvement like a private school, and they have a club for dads! Couldn’t ask for a better school, absolutely the best!
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2020

Our second grader started at Palmetto Elementary school this year mid covid pandemic. The school has done a phenomenal job at handling the challenges of the K12 system. The teacher quickly adapted and changed her plan and the children were actively engaged in learning by the 3rd day of school. The teacher communicates daily with parents and it is clear she is passionate about her work. My son loves the art teacher and I witnessed some of the instruction which I found to be very high quality and engaging. Our middle schooler was accepted at a k-12 and unfortunately we will be leaving this amazing school in order to keep them together. We will miss it for sure and highly recommend it to any parent.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2019

My son has been in this school since he was 3 years old. This school has been the best experience for my son and for me. The teachers and everyone in this school truly care about your children. Keep up the good work!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2018

Excellent. I have fours kids and I am very happy to have them all in this school.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2017

I would rate it excellent. This is a top notch school. My son and I miss it. I think PES has got all the right stuff =) Maybe we will find our way back its one of the main reasons we miss Miami/Pinecrest.
Submitted by other on October 07, 2016

It's the second year for my son and we have had a great experience! The teachers and activities they have for the VPK and Kindergarten program is great!! The parents are very involved and the kids have many incentives to love learning and do well in their classes!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2016

Both my kids have been in this school since Pre-K. My son will be going to High School, and my daughter will be going to Middle School. This school has amazing teachers, staff, and principal. I hear horror stories from co-workers on other schools. I am grateful for my kid's education at Palmetto Elementary. It is the best school.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2015

I am the mother of 3 daughters all of whom are graduates or currently enrolled. Palmetto Elementary is an outstanding school with remarkable teachers and instructional leadership. The music program is outstanding and is responsible for planting and encouraging all three of my daughters' love of music and the arts. The school facility is impeccably well kept for a school over 50 years old. We have classroom gardens, an unbelievable media center and a new addition on the way which will include a state-of-the-art music and art facility. Literacy and reading are a cornerstone of our school culture and our kids read voraciously. The PTA is a very active and large organization that allows for all levels of involvement that meet the realities of today's busy parents. We love the diversity of the population and the community that results from being part of this school. Academically our children are challenged and have grown in writing, reading and math skills despite the challenge of public education and the standards and testing that goes along with it. This school is a gem and is what great American public education should be.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2014

We transferred to Palmetto from a private school in our old neighborhood because of the reputation. Yes, parents seem to be involved but that is about it. We originally thought the school was disorganized and that communication was poor. We thought to give it a chance but yesterdays open house was a disaster. Teachers had zero preparation, did not know the curriculum, communicated nothing about our children, are not trained in classroom technology and did not know the room mom's name (who seems to be the only good thing) and made sarcastic remarks about programs encouraging parent involvement during lunch and boy do we miss recess. Yes, we are disappointed. We hope to see improvements as the school year evolves but are not ruling out a change of school for next year. On a positive note, our child enjoys this school.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

THIS IS AN AWESOME SCHOOL. My children are involved with the many drama and arts programs including band and chorus. The school also offers orchestra and cheerleading. We are very happy with the PTA and its involvement in supplementing the programs and teachers. The teachers are also very dedicated and the principal has been a good leader. The school is focused on reading and the joy of the kids who go over the Rainbow, or who have perfect attendance or birthdays is tremendous. It is a community school and we have never wanted to go to the other school close by that has a "higher" rating. This school is smaller and we believe better than other schools, especially since the kids in the school are also in the community. My children have made lots of friends and are involved in many activities after-school as well. There is a sense of working together and we really appreciate the school and its administration.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2014

This is a great school, teachers are very dedicated and all staff is involved with the parents and community. My 4 kids have attended PES and we are very happy with their academic and school environment experience.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2013

Great school! The PTA/parental involvement is phenomenal. My children are both happy here which is most important.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2013

Our first grade teacher was great! we are looking forward to the gifted program for second grade. I was able to meet with a few teacher from second to fifth grade and the are great teachers. As for the principal, He need to be more involve.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2012

The academic program is good. Lots of parental involvement which leads to better students. I am very pleased with this school.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2012

I just withdrew my son from this school. along with 2 more kids in his class. Palmetto is great if you get the "right" teacher. We unfortunately did not. we left to another school after being in Palmetto for 2 yrs it was sad to leave but we had to. it was getting to stressful. The teachers we had for 1 and 2nd grade were not good teachers and the next teacher didn't care to teach so we left and 2 kids followed suit. no one listened to us teacher, principal no one. Good luck to all of you.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2012

My daughter attends the ESE Program at Palmetto Elementary as she suffers from hyperactivity. As such, I expected the teachers and staff to care for the well being and safety of the students in the program. However, my daughter has been bullied by classmates (both verbally and physically). I have complained numerous times but instead of dealing with the situation, the school has turned a blind eye and the bullying continues. The issue has gotten to the point where my daughter had to verbally defend herself from her attackers and she was written up for her actions (But her attackers were not). The staff needs to do a much better job in making sure the students (especially in the ESE Program), are under control. As a parent, I am fearful for the well being of my daughter. I cannot comment on the regular school and attention provided by teachers and staff members, but as it relates to the ESE Program the school gets a failing grade from this parent.