Gorrie Elementary School

705 West De Leon Street

School District

Hillsborough
Grade

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 June 07, 2024

The culture within this school is a direct reflection of it's leadership. The outgoing principal has a consistent track record of prioritizing fund raising over fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement and it is apparent in the attitudes of both the faculty and the parents. Most teachers do the bare minimum and parents are hit up on a weekly basis from their 'homeroom mom' for financial contributions - the most grotesque example of which is a strongly encouraged financial contribution to their homeroom teacher in the form of an end-of-year monetary gift. The socio-economic profile of the students who attend this school is what keeps the school off the 'consistently underperforming' list. Put this school and it's outgoing principal in a less privileged zip code and it would be a complete failure. It is well past time for the leadership and faculty at this school to do some serious soul searching around what it means to serve as an educator. Families that live a few miles West are fortunate to experience what a public school in S. Tampa should aspire to be. Parent of 2 children who attended Gorrie all 5 years.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2023

I'm really impressed with Gorrie Elementary School because of its dedicated and experienced teaching staff who go above and beyond to ensure students receive a quality education. They foster a safe & inclusive learning environment. They also have a well-rounded education through a variety of extracurricular activities and programs makes it a standout choice for our family.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2023

I can confidently say that it's an outstanding educational institution. The school's commitment to nurturing both academic growth and personal development is truly commendable. The teachers and staff create a warm and engaging environment that encourages children to thrive. From innovative teaching approaches to a wide array of extracurricular opportunities, Gorrie Elementary goes above and beyond to ensure a holistic learning experience. The strong sense of community among parents, teachers, and students further enhances the overall educational journey. I feel fortunate that my child is part of such an excellent school that truly prioritizes their success and well-being.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2019

Love Gorrie ...we live close and enjoy our children attending this school.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2017

I pay five figures in annual property taxes to live in this A+ rated school district, so I have a difficult time entertaining private school options in order for my children to have a better education... but that is exactly what I find myself doing in year #3 at Gorrie. The faculty is very unreceptive to change, suggestions, and constructive criticism from parents, so there's really nowhere to improve from here except by going private.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2017

Amazing school! We have loved every teacher at this school we have had. The principal and staff are always open and available for anything you need. The PTA is phenomenal and puts on amazing events. It is so easy to be involved in the school and everyone is so welcoming and inclusive.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2013

pros: good teachers, great community support and parent involvement. Highly affluent area..ie lots of private funding for the school and the arts have remained when other schools have cut back. Violin is part of the curriculum which my daughter really enjoys. cons: This school is the best in this area but below the national average. Obsessiveness about the FCAT and pressure on students to perform well. Very structured with busy work (papers) . So many other ways to be creative when teaching. I dont see fostering of a love of learning or non traditional avenues. I would like to see the school grow in these areas. The principal seems more concerned about appearances and status than getting to know the students or parents. After 2 years seeing her every day, she asked my husband and I if we were there for the preschool tour. There is a small area in north hyde park that the school pulls from that is lower income. There is a severe dichotomy of the "haves" and "have nots" . Not a lot of diversity. Lastly, safety is a concern with Gorrie being in a historic district. Anyone could easily hop the fence and get right into the school. No locked doors that require entry.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2013

We have 2 kids in this school and it has been top notch from day one! It is the best public elementary school in Tampa. The teachers are engaged and positive. We have a separate Foundation that supplies resources for the school that other Public schools do not have. The Principal is smart and driven. We recommend this highly!
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2012

My daughter started here for kindergarten and had a horrible experience.The teacher she had first off never smiled and just always looked like she hated her job. After the first few weeks my daughter started to cry at the very thought of going to school. We discovered that the teacher was yelling at the whole class and at my daughter. In one case my daughter asked the teacher for help with something and the teacher had her change her behavior card to yellow and my daughter then said she didn't understand the the teacher turned it to red. My daughter was horrified because she had never been in trouble before.. The teacher also erased her journal 5 times in one day saying she could not read the hand writing. She completely humiliated my daughter. When we went to the principle for help she did nothing. She said that she sees nothing wrong with that teacher. But I know for a fact that teacher has had many many complaints. My daughter had to go to therapy and I pulled her out of this school.
Submitted by other on November 08, 2011

The principal is 1st rate. The FMM lets Gorrie park in our lot every day but the 1st Fri monthly. Our aud max 385 is available for Gorrie FMM 809 W HORATIO ST TAMPA, FL 33606-2230 Apn for Membership Date: I hereby make application to become a member of the Friday Morning Musicale. $30.00 dues to accompany application. Active Members consist of those who appreciate the significance and importance of music and related arts in American culture, and may appear on programs when requested to do so, and will serve as luncheon host or hostess at two meetings, and will participate in all fund raising activities approved by the membership. Name: Address: City, zip: Phone with area code: Email Address: Interests (instruments played, voice, dance, etc.): Endorsed by: CN BN Please list information about your musical background, interests, and experience. I would like to serve on the ___ committee. Some examples of committees are: phone, lunch, fund raising, yearbook, program, guest book, chorus, piano accompanist, etc. Please make your check payable to the Friday Morning Musicale and send it to Dr. Carolyn D. Nicholson 2604 W JETTON AVE, TAMPA, FL 33629-5325 (813) 259-1438
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2010

I feel this school deserves a 4 out of 5. It would be hard for me to give a 5 because I believe that there is room for improvement. I have a first grader and a 5th grader here. We have had a very good experience every year except 4th grade. Her teacher did not send one email or update her website the whole year. Poor communication. This year is much bettter. The thing that puts Gorrie ahead of other schools is the parent involvement. This school has parents that make up for supplies and resources that the district doesn't provide. I find the children humble and very well-behaved relative to the affluent area from which they come. Most of the parents of these children have at least one parent that works outside of the home who are sending their kids to public
Submitted by student on March 27, 2010

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Submitted by parent on December 06, 2006

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