Wilkinson Elementary School

3400 Wilkinson Road

School District

Sarasota
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
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 August 15, 2024

As an alumna of Wilkinson Elementary School (Class of 2013), I can say with great certainty that this school has improved since the last time I've attended classes there.The teachers I've had the pleasure of working with during the Youth Experiencing Art (YEA) Program in 2023 were friendly and seemed to have interacted with the kids quite well.I've had my fair share of bad experiences at this school in the past, but WOW has this placed improved since 2011-2013!
Submitted by other on August 07, 2024

I was a volunteer for several years at Wilkinson as it was under the leadership of Susan Nations. I worked both inside of classrooms and at special events such as the used book fair each year where students can buy nearly new books for 50 cents each and at the fall festival which is a wonderful family event for the students. The teachers at each grade level volunteer and make up a fun booth with prizes for the fair and they work the booth the night of the festival. The money received goes back to each grade level to be spent on something educational for the children. For example one grade decided to use their proceeds for a field trip for the students. I personally have never heard a teacher complain about their involvement in this event even though it is more work for them; they are excited to be a part of it for the children. I have seen Teachers/staff at the school working with students and with each other. I have seen sharing between teachers, I have seen special things done for/with the teachers by Mrs. Nations and by the resource people providing help to the teachers and the students. I have personally worked with different teachers over the years both inside and outside of the classroom and observed excellent teaching and excellent use of their volunteers. Mrs. Nations has reached out and has many business partners for the school that provide many needed resources for the children personally and for the school. Take a look in their Courtyard....see the butterfly garden and all of the other wonderful learning areas provided through these partnerships right in the Courtyard as well as through sponsoring learning activities through the classroom. Mrs. Nations is one of the hardest working principals I know....she arrives at school early to get set for the day and leaves late to make sure all has ended well and everything has been taken care of. Test scores don't tell the whole story....Wilkinson school has had an influx of students having to learn the language as well as make progress in each subject....these students are to be championed for what they are doing and helped to achieve to their potential and this is what is happening currently at Wilkinson School. If you look for the positives at this school, you will surely find many worthy of sharing with others and a school that loves and serves the children that attend there and want to communicate with the parents to the point that they send all written communications in THREE LANGUAGES.
Submitted by other on January 23, 2024

Working at the school was interesting. They’re the most unwelcoming when it comes to staff. Teachers and administrators. The assistant principal is LAZY! Many teachers are lazy as well when it comes to teaching and discipline. The office staff were a joke! It’s adult mean girls at this school and it’s embarrassing. I hope the staff can remember they’re serving children at the school not egos.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2022

If I could give this school a half star I would. I have felt nothing but discrimination since day at this school. Every day there is a different problem to deal with. Every day there are police targeting parents in their cars as they drop off their kids. Almost every day a parent is pulled over in front of the school and everyone. Every day numerous staff member are telling parents what to do as if they are exerting authority over them, only for the parent to be told something different with another order barked at them for following the last staff members instructions. As far as my child goes she is scared to go to school every morning and is not happy when she comes home. Do not send your child to this 3 of 10 rated school.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2021

I love this School My Son does too.I agree the place is bad BUT ITS OK LOVE THIS SCHOOL
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2018

Before mrs. Nations came on, would recomment school. Not now.
Submitted by other on March 14, 2016

Have a son on the autism spectrum. We have unfortunately had to move around alot, which is a detriment to him. He has attended Wilkinson for kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade. When we are in Sarasota we make sure we are in Wilkinson district because he thrives at this school. I have no problem with his IEP that was already in place from a different state. He has always had great teachers that go over and beyond, especially Mr. Hashey, and Mrs. Scotese. I have always felt welcome as a volunteer or visitor. Yes there are rules in place for security purposes, I am happy they are doing there best to keep my child and everyone else safe. Thank you to all the Wilkinson staff for many great years.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2015

Great community feel from this school. Started at Wilkinson in kindergarten with Ms. Scotese, whom has set the standard to which all our child's teachers are to be judged. Fortunately, they all seems to teach to the same standard. Caring and considerate teachers that make learning fun and really work to engage my child. It doesn't stop there however, I've come to feel like the staff have become part of an extended family, especially principal, Mrs Thomas. On numerous occasions she has personally accommodated any issue I have had in a way that has been above and beyond what is expected. Couldn't say enough good things about this school.
Submitted by other on July 13, 2015

Lack of communication with parents still have not gotten my sons FSA results his report card did not state weather he has passed or not
Submitted by teacher on September 01, 2014

This school, from our experience, was fine for our daughter who had no learning or behavior difficulties. For our son, that was diagnosed with ADHD, it was a different story. Most of the teachers we encountered did not have experience or training to deal with him, They were also overwhelmed with high student/ teacher ratios. They did try, although a few made him feel shameful. That was unacceptable. Even with his diagnosis they were very slow to provide help, including an IEP. He fell very far behind, which further hurt his self esteem. We withdrew him and he is doing great now. He is even an advanced reader and he loves math. The school environment made all the difference in this case. Sadly, the principle did not prove helpful during the process. The administration and office staff acted overwhelmed and extremely stressed and often rude when I had to communicate with them. Sad, really. There are some great teachers at this school.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2014

This school has a real lack of a good leader the principal just rambles on and on at every event and never seems to know whats going on. The teacher my kids had this year and last year was wonderful I will say and I love she is very great teacher. I just think the problem as I have said is in the leadership there at Wilkinson they really need to get it together recently my son was somehow skipped over for honor roll he had gone from a failing student in the past to getting straight A's thanks to the 4 hours we have been spending daily on homework and they somehow forgot to award him with the other kids. I spoke with the principal and they did nothing to make it up to him he spend days crying thinking his hard work was not acknowledged. I also have seen my friends kids slip through the cracks a ESE child who kept a C average all year yet still retaining him for not passing FCAT when he wasn't given any extra time or help that is required per his IEP that the school setup. My nephew also attends here and his teacher has the parents actually creating every single homework assignment through out the year but using work sheets for classwork this is unheard of elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

My son has been going to wilkinson since he was 3 years old. He is now in second grade and I am sad to say this will hopefully be our last year. In the beginning the school was fine and he has had some great teachers, but this year is horrific! Every staff member is incompetent- especially his teacher!!! They switched his teacher 1 month in and gave us less than 24 hour notice!!!! His teacher constantly complains about petty things and just sends him out is the classroom, AND he is constantly bullied! Worst school... Nothing good to say. If your kid is advanced and a kind, sensitive little one- do not send your child here!!!!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

Awful school, worst staff! The staff in the carpool line are RUDE and make you feel lower than low. Constantly yelling in the loud speaker and barking orders at the children. My child had a great year last year and this year has been awful. I look forward to the day they can go to another school. I do not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2012

We love this school. Our son is in his second year there and the teachers have been wonderful. He loves it. The Principle Ms.Thomas and Vice Principle Ms. Deeds really look out for the children and are so helpful. Saftey is a priority and we wouldn't send our son anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2012

With the recent mass shootings that have no rhyme or reason, parents like me really appreciate the magnitude of care that Wilkinson school has taken to keep children safe, so for those individuals who have complianed about the strict security at the school please understand that it is FOR THE CHILDREN'S WELLBEING. Anyone is capable of harm, including affluent, poor or middle class so checkpoints are of benefit at any responsible school and I am thankful for Ms. Thomas and Ms. Deets taking their job seriously. Our son has been attending Wilkinson for almost 2 years and I am very impressed with Ms. Thomas' and Ms. Deets' (school principal and vice principal) leadership. This school has kept the children's safety as one of their main priorities, as should any school. It has not gone unnoticed!
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2012

I am thankful that this is our last year at Wilkinson. I have been with Wilkinson since 1999 with 3 children. The teachers are WONDERFUL, caring and welcoming. The admin, not so much for the past 5 years. I used to take pride volunteering but now I don't feel welcome. I feel like I'm a burden when I enter the office to ask questions. I constantly feel talked down to. The school is locked and it feels as if the statement is "You are NOT welcome". I can't even stop to roll down my window in the morning to pay a staff member a compliment as it's breaking the rules...even when the car line is not busy...you are waved by with a "keep moving, we don't care what your intention is..just leave". I recently drove my husbands car and didn't have a car tag, due to work I couldn't get there before 2:30 when the parking lot is blocked off and HAD to drive the car line only to be called out and spoke to like a public offender. They didn't care that I tried to do the right thing and that their rules were what kept me from doing what they needed. I was insulted in front of every student out there including my own son. I LOVE the teachers but the rest...not so much. :(
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2012

I was looking forward to watching my children thrive in the wonderful elemantary school that helped me become the person I am today, unfortunately this did not happen. My oldest is in 4th grade at Wilkinson this year and has had some wonderful teacher's throughout the years, however the Principal, Assistant Pincipal, office staff, and some of the teachers are rude, unaccepting of constructive criticisms, and do not keep the average parent well informed. Information regarding school functions is rarely sent home more than 24 hours prior to the event, I recieve mixed information depending on which member of staff you speak with, I have repeatedly been met with arguement when trying to discuss any of my concerns, there have been so many instances of aggrevation with this school but I am choosing to keep it civil and not mention any persons directly. I wanted to tough it out so my children could have long lasting connections with friends and stay in a familiar environment, but most of their friends have already transfered out. I am sad to say we won't be back next year.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2011

My daughter has attended Wilkinson for the past 3 years and this will be our LAST!. I must say most of the teachers are AMAZING! I mean that because they are the reason we drive 20-25 minutes to go there. The staff on the other hand is DISAPPOINTING!!! The main lady in the office is terrible. I called due to an emergency and as soon as I said my name and my child's name I was immediately put on hold before finding out the reason for my call...then sat on the phone for a good 2 minutes. The Prinipal and Vice Pricipal are not friendly and when you need to speak to them they are busy. I fully believe this school would be GREAT with a new principal and a warmer administration.
Submitted by other on December 01, 2008

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