Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida

“We moved here this year and my son started third grade. We love the school. We love his teacher and when I called the school at the beginning of the year to jump on a reading problem he had, everyone seemed to jump at the problem and do their best to help him. He has come so far already. My only VERY SMALL issue is he was placed in a class that had a very large number of special students. (for lack of a better word). After looking at the other third grade classes, I just wished they had been better split up into each class. I will leave it at that not wanting to hurt anyones feelings. Overall, we are very happy and looking forward to next year!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school...if you never need any support from staff, or your child never has any learning style difficulties. Expect to be on your own. Willis is a much better alternative.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm very disappointed with the new administration. Failure to rectify situation concerning child's placement. Bad environment for a child to learn. It is a sad situation for what had been a good first 2 years at this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is a kindergartener this year and so far we are very pleased with the school. The facilities are excellent, and we really like the engineering program. We find the atmosphere is very warm and friendly. Both teachers and students made us feel right at home.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“this school is great. it is like a mini college inside.. it is soooo nice.. my daughter loves it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“McNeal Elementary is a great school! My son started the first year it opened and the staff and administration handled the overcrowding very well. The principal has created an exceptional learning environment for the kids. The teachers are outstanding! I would recommend this school to anyone.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader at McNeal and have had 4 years of quality academics. The majority of teachers are of a very high quality that both parents and kids appreciate. Over all test scores are always among the best in the county and state. Good luck finding a parking spot during parental participation functions. School is in the middle of an upscale one of a kind community. Uniforms would be nice but I guess you can't have everything.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“3 of my 4 kids attend(ed) McNeal. It is a great school if your child is perfectly typical. If he/she is in need of services, either gifted or ese, this is NOT the place. No diversity. No program for kids with special needs. Very disappointing.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Leadership for this school is nonexsistant. Three of my neighbors kids were each bullied. Anti-bullying posters present throughout school, however a no tolerance for bullying policy is not enforced. All three children changed schools. Administration does not respond in a timely or serious enough fashion regarding complaints against staff. My children will not be returning to this school. Some truly good teachers who have to put up with a total lack of leadership and STUPID rules.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“New facilities, very organized administration and a staff that is keen on the safety of kids. We are delighted with our daughter's teacher and her effort to challenge our kid to excel.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“McNeal is a great school! The art & music programs are very impressive. The facilities are new, clean and wonderful. The sports program is also excellent and includes a family 'field day' activity for the students at the end of the year. Overall, the school is awesome.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent school, caring teachers, knowledgeable principal. They focus on students' individual abilities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children in Mcneal and i am very pleased with the school and teachers. My 4th grader did excellent this year. This was his first year at this school and he loves his teacher and she really cares about her students. Keep up the great work. I just feel that Mcneal could offer some more after school activities such as sports etc.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We moved from out of state midway through the school year, when McNeal first opened. We were not happy with what they had to offer in terms of gifted programs. Most shocking was the fact that they had nearly no text books! They had run out of money building the school. As with many public Florida schools, they also spend a large amount of time on FCAT preparations. This would be great if my child ever needed to know how to fill in bubble tests in the real world, but sadly they don't.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent teachers, strong exceptional student's education focus, principal is very supportive of parents.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is very overcrowded and it is only going to get worse. They are ade teacher building a new school to help, but it may be too little, too late. CHAOS! However, the newly hired teacher seems to be better and has experience. I have seen my sons reading progress alot. The fine arts program is excellant. The after school enrichment is also very good. My son has excelled with his art. The facility is beautiful. Wonderful media center and computer lab. Parents are very involved and concerned. If not for the over crowding, I would be very happy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“A great school. Teachers are really putting lot of effort. Very friendly staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“McNeal Elem. School doesn't give each child a fair chance to learn at the school, nor do they discipline fairly. When I attended school at McNeal I thought I was going to have a great education and a great time there. But McNeal was a big disappointment. Although the school looks like a nice learning enviroment for children of all races and nationalities; it's not what you would think.”
This review was posted by a former student.