Gorrie Elementary School

Posted: June 7, 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.

Posted: June 7, 2024

Posted: June 7, 2024

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Posted: 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.

Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: August 10, 2023

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Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: 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.

Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: August 10, 2023

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Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: March 11, 2019

Love Gorrie ...we live close and enjoy our children attending this school.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Lots of homework sometimes too much, kids need a break sometime.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Love this school for my student, he seems to love it here as well.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Just do...everything seems to run smoothly...appreciate all the parental help.
Tons of volunteers and opportunities to help out if you want to get involved.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Posted: March 11, 2019

I have never had issue, with bullying but I feel if I did it would be settled quickly.

Posted: October 21, 2017

The assortment of teachers my children have had have either been completely stellar or lazy, entitled and sub-par... there is virtually no in between at this school and it's a crapshoot whether you will get a fabulous instructor or one who does almost nothing and has a nasty-nice persona.

Posted: October 21, 2017

Posted: October 21, 2017

The principal allows the other faculty members to do the bulk of her job for her, most especially her extremely arrogant and unwelcoming secretary Sue who treats most parents like she is quite above them. Suggestions are not welcome, and certainly not complaints. There is very little "How can I help you?" attitude and a tremendous prevalence of "Don't you dare make waves" attitude.

Posted: October 21, 2017

Most teachers at Gorrie will do very little to accommodate students who aren't grasping the concepts. They have learned they can be lazy and the school won't suffer much for the students who are falling behind because the demographic is very affluent and most children receive a lot of parent attention at home, making most of the children here better students who can carry the weight of those who fall behind.

Posted: October 21, 2017

Posted: 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.

Posted: October 21, 2017

The majority of parents at this school are college graduates (a great percentage with post-Bachelor degrees), and we often cannot figure out how to properly help our children with homework because the directions are either very unclear or completely absent.

Posted: September 1, 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.

Posted: September 1, 2017

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Posted: September 1, 2017

Posted: May 19, 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.

Posted: January 30, 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!

Posted: June 8, 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.

Posted: November 7, 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

Posted: October 4, 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

Posted: March 26, 2010

Posted: December 5, 2006