South Ocala Elementary School

1430 Southeast 24th Road

School District

Marion
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 May 13, 2022

My child went here for a year, over summer I had to teach him MYSELF to keep him on track. I don't recommend going here.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2018

My daughter started in the middle of the school year. I was not allowed to go see her classroom or meet her teachers when she started. She is a good student, never in trouble, never spoken to, behaved in class, showed up and did her work daily. She came in with her hair colored blue/green one day (which she wanted), 13 days before the end of school and they took her out of class in front of everyone, humiliating her and sent her home. You would think they would be more concerned with bullying, drugs, gun violence, anything but hair color. They refused to let her return unless she changed her hair color, which we refused, she loved her hair. So I picked up all her work and she left school. They didn't care, all they cared about was that her hair was not brown. They said it was "distracting". I brought up the two boys in her class who continuously kicked her chair, tapped her on the shoulder and "distracted" her daily. This also didn't matter. All they cared about what her hair. It was a terrible experience and my daughter was happy to not return to this school.
Submitted by student on March 07, 2017

As a parent new to the area. Communication between myself and the teachers is key. I must say no communication between me and my son 5th grade teacher. I called left her a message. A week later not one call back. I called the school to request for early pick up. And was told to be there by 1:30pm. Not before 1:30. Arriving 3 minutes later due to traffic. Was told I could not get my kids. No explanation just policy. I want to know how is it policy to hold your own kids in a school against parents request. I will be contacting the school board. The front desk personal was short with me. She has never displayed a welcoming or warm environment. Have I been explained on the phone to come before 1:30 and not at 1:30. Would have made a difference. The open lines of communication is not thoroughly available. My kids will not be returning to this school next year. As a parent that cares about my kids progress at school. And doing my diligence at home to support the teachers. And little to no communication. It's apparent to me this is not the right fit.
Submitted by other on May 18, 2016

I was hopeful about my child starting Kindergarten at this school. It is now the end of the year and can say I was extremely unhappy with the way this year has gone. There were many not so great substitutes throughout the year and I felt uncomfortable about who I was leaving my child with more than once. They did not go on a fieldtrip because the forms were not sent to administration on time. My child got lice and I had to go to the office to make them check the students in the class because they did not send the nurse to check after I called. They send the children who have even 2 excused absences during 1 quarter to an "attendance club" instead of their STEM club on half days. (Who ever heard of punishing a child for being sick? and one of the absences was from the LICE!!) I could go on and on... I voiced my concerns to administration and felt like I was given the "Well, that is our policy" lecture. We will not be back next year and decided to pay for private school. Our public school system is just sad.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2015

Trying very hard with this school. Many excellent teachers but there are some teachers that should NOT be teaching. When approaching administration and most importantly the Principal you hit a wall. I mean that literally no response no reaction nothing at all and certainly no plan of action for improvement. More than anything what you get is this overall sense of Principal way or the highway. Ultimately the Principal is responsible for the school and the teachers they hire. So with a grade of C and some teachers that yell and belittle the children I would like to know how this will fare in the months to come. Marion county educationally is poor in comparison to other counties, this school's administration is not supportive of the ESE programs and you will have to fight for absolutely everythinng. Not sure what the other options are out there, but I am very disappointed in this school and it's administration that loves to spin wheels.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2014

As a family we only have great things to say about the school and staff. Our son is disable attending pre K and the attention, patience, love and guidance he receives from every member of the school team it is mesmerizing. From staff members to teachers... I was very afraid at the beginning but now I know he is where he needs to be. It is safe, friendly and every aspect of basic learning skills are addressed. Thank You All!! Toro family
Submitted by other on May 08, 2014

Racism runs rampant in this school. Bullying issues are never addressed teachers giving students grades instead of them earning them