Mitchell Elementary School

205 South Bungalow Park Avenue

School District

Hillsborough
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 September 04, 2024

My kids both went to Mitchell for the majority of elementary school. It’s a beautiful school and most of the teachers are wonderful. Administration is snobby though in our experience and very partial to the families with the most $$ to donate to fundraisers. So sadly, the culture is very exclusive of kids who don’t come from upper middle class and wealthier south Tampa families. What was most unfair to my children about Mitchell was that the gifted program is extremely watered down due to private testing paid for by these families so that their average kids could be put in the gifted program. Kids who are actually testing on fcats (my daughter has had perfect scores 3x and all 5s and my daughter had all 5s) and obviously showing they are gifted are often not even tested because of how many privileged kids with average intelligence are passed into the program because their parents buy their way in. They never tested my youngest for gifted until we moved to pinellas county, and I knew he belonged in the gifted program since he was small. Now both kids have gone on to gifted programs in pinellas and are away from the toxicity of the south Tampa area. I should clarify not everyone there is this way, but many if not most people only care about status and material wealth in that area, which seems to be what has negatively impacted the culture and character of the school overall.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2021

My grandchild came home from Mitchell Elementary yesterday with a photocopied rejection letter. This is how he found out that he was not given any of the fifth grade jobs he had applied for. I have seen plenty of things in my lifetime—but a rejection letter from a school to a ten year old I never expected to see. It was needlessly cruel. We do not trust Mitchell to act in a thoughtful, nurturing manner. We are removing our grandchildren from Mitchell at the earliest opportunity and placing them in private school.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2021

My daughter only went here for fifth grade, but had a wonderful experience. Her teachers were excellent, so caring. Her test scores improved tremendously. There is a lot of love and kindness from everyone. My only regret is that I didn’t have her for more than the one year!
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

My daughter has attended Mitchell for all of her Elementary years. A loving and caring school filled with passionate educators. I would highly recommend Mitchell Elementary.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2019

It has exceeded our expectations thus far. We had strongly considered private school for the girls, but the VPK experience and discussions with parents' whose kids where ahead of ours convinced us to give Mitchell a try. We do not regret it. The girls are really happy and Mitchell is a great community to be a part of.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2018

My son has been a Mitchell Bobcat since the first grade ( he is now a 4th grader ) and I couldn’t be happier with his progress. As most first time parents we thought the best way to go was private school & picked what was considered a “prestigious “ one . We found out that was not the best case and pulled him out due to social and academic regression. We then made an attempt to try another school and had the same outcomes . Then Mitchell Elem school came & saved the day. Since being a bobcat our son has thrived . His literacy , math , and science levels are soaring . He loves going to school , reading , , and learning . He’s made some amazing friends and is what we consider a successful child. Mrs. Anderson the principle & Mr. Moon the assistant principle along with the entire staff have genuine love & dedication for all their students . Like one person wrote she’s as if she came straight out of a Mary Poppins book ! I’ve never seen one adult in that school not hold a smile daily . Parents & the PTA are also very heavily involved with parents always notified of every school event & doing their best to constantly support and assist . If you have the opportunity to have your child attend it would be the best decision you’d ever make as a parent . My only regret is not allowing my son to start as a kindergartner .
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2017

It is an amazing school with very caring and effective teachers.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2017

Wonderful school! I have many public school teachers in my family (in other states) and they are continually impressed by some of the activities at this school. Here is a quick list of things that make this school great:1 - Great teachers and staff2 - Fun run in the morning (students can run the track for 15 minutes before school and get marks on a card for each lap with a prize when card is complete) - great way to start the day for the kids3 - Spirit sticks - small fabric sticks the kids earn for various reasons and are hung on a key-ring from backpacks. These really motivate the kids4 - Wonderful parent involvement5 - Strings program6 - Many ways to meet parents - movie night, fall festival, golf tournament, annual fundraiserWonderful school!!
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2016

Mitchell has exceeded our expectations for an elementary school! The administration is top notch, and they truly care about each and every child. The teachers go above and beyond to make learning fun and engaging for kids. We are proud to be Mitchell Bobcats!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2015

I'm a proud parent of a 3rd grade transfer in the middle of the year to Mitchell Elementary school. The school is a dream with classic schoolhouse architecture, extraordinary teachers, and a principal that seems like she walked out of Mary Poppins! As a homeschooling parent of 5 years, I was very nervous and a bit skeptical about enrolling my 8 year old daughter in public school. However, the entire staff from the secretary to the coach to the cafeteria workers have made the transition simple, and my daughter loves going to school each day! We are very grateful to be a part of such a socially and academically enriching school.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2014

We are a military family and moved here when my daughter started kindergarten. She is now in 2nd grade and we are sad to be leaving this school. We have had nothing but wonderful experiences all around. The music/ violin program is outstanding. And the gifted program is excellent too. Although the school has over 500 students it has a small school feeling. You are greeted with smiles and kindness by all the staff every day.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2013

Wonderful experience! The staff is incredible and the individual needs of my learning disabled child is recognized. This is a public school that simulates a private school in regards to expectations, parent involvement, teacher qualifications and uniforms are easy to purchase at local shops. A must!
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2013

My child attended the school in kindergarten , and was rejected by the principle because of affidavit , when I went to registe for first grader she threaten to send a social worker out to our house to verify address , even with the proper document of proof of address, she was very nasty with me, I do not recommend this school, very disappointing
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2013

My daughter has attended since kindergarten. She's now in 5th grade. My daughter, my wife, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Mitchell experience.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2012

I have had a child here for 3 years, love the school and the teachers.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2012

I have a kindergartener, so I'm "new" in the world of formal schooling. Until Mitchell, I assumed I'd need to invest in private school. But, now, I save about $14-20K every year because my son is in a public school that is so well-run, organized and discliplined that it FEELS like a private school. There are no busses in and out, so all families live in the vicinity. It's a middle- to upper-class area of South Tampa but doesn't have a lot of airs or pretenses. Just good families. The concentration on student education exceeds my expectations DAILY. Some of the teachers are newer/younger and some are more seasoned. However, with strong leadership at the school, this has seemed to be a non-issue overall, and all faculty are held to equal standards. I'm thrilled we picked this neighborhood and qualify for Mitchell. I'd never move my child out of it.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2012

This is an excellent school if you have a gifted child or a child who does not have any special learning needs. If you have a child with special needs make sure to get to know the guidance counselor as she seems to be the only one to advocate for your child. There are some teachers excellent but the teachers who teach to the FCAT and do not know how to deal with special learning needs will not direct you to resources/guidance- you have to be an advocate for your child and go straight to the top
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2011

Very Disappointed in School. Pick up and drop off is complete chaos with parents acting like kids pulling in front when its not there turn, running the stop signs...its chaotic. Then after my child makes friends in class and gets to know the teacher. We find out our child will be moved to a shared class with 29 kids and two teachers because there are 19 kids in our childs class. So the solution is to put our child in a class with 29 kids and two teachers. This seems so wrong on so many levels. We are planning to put our child in a private school during the winter break so we can put the chaos behind us once and for all. I had heard such good things about this school but we have yet to see anything good.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2011

I have been a Mitchell Mom since 2004. Both of my children are students here and have been excelling since day one. The teachers are top notch and they truly care about their students. I am so impressed with their music/strings program, their art classes and their PTA. Overall Great School!!!!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2011

AWESOME school even though its a public school its ran as if its a private school i give this school all 5 stars due to the teacher involvement they really care about there students, the curriculum, the atmosphere.