Cranberry Elementary School

2775 Shalimar Terrace

School District

Sarasota
Grade

PK, 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 other on November 14, 2023

Great support for early readers. Thank you, Mrs. Heiberger. Also, we loved the Family Night!
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2017

Both of my children attended Cranberry and I've never had one issue. Ms. Daniels is amazing, as are all the staff. Very proud that my children were able to attend this wonderful school. A++++
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2015

First of all I'd like to point out that Cranberry has over 120 kids in an ESE program. Children assigned to an ESE program are pushed to get an IEP- this gives the school money that is suppose to be used to provide support for these children, with over 120 kids in the ESE program at Cranberry, the program should be getting an incredible amount of money to use for their education. They failed to follow through on the ESE set in place. The Principle moved my child to an ESE classroom without first notifying us, she told me that she put my young child into an "older" ESE program to see how he handles being with the older kids. She also told me there was no hope in moving my child to a regular classroom because as she put it "teachers talk about problem kids, nobody is gonna want to have this student in their classroom" in addition to this she told me that my child really had no ailment and was capable of making the "right choices" and that my child was just out to "gain attention" because he/she didn't get their way. Ms. McCloud lacks the understanding of how to treat children with disabilities and social issues. I do not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2014

We love this school! The stuff is awesome. It might not be the easiest school but its one of the best!
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2014

Cranberry is highly rated for success and I am proud to be a parent of this school. Students may not enjoy school sometimes it can be hard but after being involved in failing schools w no uniforms I truly think this school is the best in north port. No school is perfect and sometimes students may not feel they fit in but the teachers ,principal and staff help make a school. I look forward to being a active parent in this school and love the caring yet stern atmosphere. The First Day of school they gave kids wrist bands to make sure each child was in correct lines and orderly fashion. The pick up policy seems to keep things in a orderly fashion. The principal seems to be very active in the halls and classrooms She is a Good Leader! We need more Principals like her.
Submitted by other on August 17, 2014

I was once a student at Cranberry. I'd like to mention that I thrived at this school, not as much as at my current school, but I still maintained AB. I at least have to acknowledge that fact. That being said, the environment was absolutely suffocating. I was never allowed to be an individual, no matter in dress or creativity. I still go to a uniform school, but the dress code allows us to at least individualize small things like socks and belts. Other than that, the stress put upon each and every student is horrifying. I learn quickly and fluently, but they still expected even more of me. My mother had to transfer me after nurturing me away from years for the umpteenth time that month. Some of the teachers barely remembered my name, let alone cared to ever speak to me individually to help with work. This system is poisonous, and definitely sets a child up for failure. I am now very successful in the charter school system, holding straight A's and becoming class representative for the ninth grade at my high school. So if you want your child to be pushed away from creativity and individual driven learning, then Cranberry is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2014

I could not ask for BETTER! I just asked both my children if they like Cranberry Elementary School. My son is in 5th grade and a daughter in 2nd grade which they both attend Cranberry. They like it very much but have an over load of work. They don't mind the work because they know it is part of learning. My son is an advanced straight A student and is now going to Pine View School(6th in the nation and 1st in the Florida School ranking) next year. Thank you Mrs. Pappas for your teaching abilities and all your personal attention. I have had some issues with other teachers for scolding. This is a no tolerant school!!! I live in this area so they can go Cranberry. I work 30 miles away in Sarasota. I will evaluate this school to be 9 out of 10!
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

School is outstanding. My daughter is in the first grade there and never has she taken so much interest. Love how they make sure to keep the parents involved as much as possible with all the events they have. Definitely a grade A in my book!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

I love Cranberry. I have a a child in kindergarten and one in 1st grade at this time and both of them are thriving academically and socially. I can tell all of the teachers that teach my kids care deeply about them and my children respond well to their style. As a parent I really appreciate Cranberry's commitment to teaching respect and I love their standards when it comes to the quality of the children's work. I volunteer whenever I can and I am always treated with open arms when I am there. I believe the principal is doing a great job of leading by example when it comes to showing children how to carry themselves in life. Both Mrs McCloud and Mr Carey are great leaders. A special thank you goes out to Ms Lang and Mrs Kemble for making my children want to become better students & citizens. No wonder these teachers are held in such high regard! I cannot thank them enough for the inspiration they have instilled in my children.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

I see a lot of complaining: Uniforms-my son is in fourth grade first year getting bullied would probable be more bullying if not for uniforms. FCAT-all public schools do it not Cranberries fault teachers are not happy about it either. Put voice on that in a large group to the right place. Certified teachers-All teachers have to be certified to teach. Today even subs unless your grandfathered in. Parent involvement-no body should say they can not get involved I have set on SAC board for four years and seats always half empty and only one meeting a month. Sign up sheets are sent home every year. Take the time to sign up and get PALS approved. Like I tell my son do you want to step up and fix a problem or complain and make a bigger problem. I have one complaint and that is stop rewarding a child that is disruptive 80% of the time and thinking he is going to change those kids need their parents made accountable. Remember they are still young kids. Kids that do generally listen are over looked because of so much focus on disruptive ones.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2012

There are two ways to view this school - It's academic results &/or It's child appropriateness. I have 2 children that go to Cranberry and academically - they are thriving. They are doing very well and are held to a decently high standard. That being said - I don't like this school. It has an amazing way of requiring each child to be in the little box they have deemed appropriate. I love the idea of the uniforms (I myself went to a uniform school as a child) and I understand that you need kids to seek out attention and be disruptive by using clothes, hair, etc to get attention. BUT - kids are kids and should be allowed to shine and little individuals. My daughter was reprimanded because she wore character socks one day.....are you kidding me - she's 7. Another thing that really shows how they feel about their school is the lack of any and all holiday parties. I was told by the principle that they "disrupt the learning environment" - SERIOUSLY! I wish I could completely explain why I don't like this school - but it is more just a general feeling. It's principle is cold and it ripples through. But, my kids do like it - but they don't know what is missing and I do....
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2012

A school where they hire teachers who are "not qualified to teach" so they say they have to break up the classrooms and move students around. Everything is based on the all important FCAT, including the schools grade, (thats not from parents and students liking the school). If your child does not fall into line he or she will be tested for everything under the sun, to try and be pawned off elsewhere. If their grades are not honor roll they will be constantly insinuated to be sent to other schools as to not effect the schools grade by the FCAT grade.This is a school where they think its ok for teachers to tear up drawings and stories students make. And any hint of individualism is to be snuffed out.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2011

I love cranberry school. I have seen a couple of comments about the Ass. Principal not saying things to parents. There are a lot of kids that go to that school, and he shows that he knows the kids by name, which means he has taken the time to get to know them. This is about your child, be thankful there is someone there that takes that kind of time with your children. All the staff at that school., shows how much they care. Some people have also written about to much stress on testing. Be thankful there is staff that takes pride in teaching your child, and they take it personally when they want your child to succeed. They also receive a lot of rewards for succeeding. I know some schools do not even acknowledge the effort children put into school.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2011

My son started Cranberry last year in the Pre-K program. I have to say they were wonderful with him. He LOVES going to school and just adores his teacher. For a child who NEVER interacted with children and was around adults the first 3 years of his life he adjusted wonderfully. Now as a mother of 2 I'm looking forward to the coming years with Cranberry. Elementary.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2010

Both principals are wonderful and teacher are to great school to attend in north port
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2009

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Submitted by parent on October 09, 2008

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Submitted by other on July 24, 2008

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Submitted by parent on March 01, 2008

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