Galileo School For Gifted Learning in Sanford

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education, and using 2025 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Florida Department of Education.

Posted: May 20, 2026

Galileo Skyway has been a wonderful experience for our family. My boys have attended for the last 6 years and absolutely love it. Galileo provides a fun and safe learning environment for them. I highly recommend this school to everyone.

Posted: May 20, 2026

Posted: February 3, 2026

Horrible school. I was only there for a year, and I already spotted all the flaws. Bad teachers, bad education, no medical attention, short recess, I could go on for centuries talking about all the flaws. This school is just terrible.

Posted: February 3, 2026

Posted: April 22, 2025

My kids and I love Galileo Skyway. The teachers and principal are great. I am well informed with weekly newsletters and the nurse contacts me if my child visits the clinic for anything. There are many fun extracurricular activities to choose from. I would recommend this school for any family.

Posted: April 22, 2025

Posted: January 20, 2025

I've been at Galileo (Riverbend) for nine years. If you're thinking about sending your child to Galileo pick Riverbend. Skyway's full of horror stories. The elementary is pretty great, however the middle school needs a lot of work. Also, nine years is a very long time to be in one place. I wouldn't recommend the middle school, but leaving after 5th is hard. The main issue is their inability to challenge kids. Why am I spending more than half the day waiting for my classmates to finish, while I'm doing nothing. They have a lot in place to help under-achieving, but over-achieving slipped their mind. For a gifted school, the gifted students need some work. They need to learn to accelerate students and figure out a way to make classes of similar abilities. Why is someone is still can't read at in middle school with someone who's passing with flying colors?

Posted: January 20, 2025

Posted: September 2, 2024

Galileo has been a wonderful experience for our family. The teachers are exceptional and have made a positive impact on our kids' education. We appreciate the school's focus on both academics and creating a supportive, family-like environment.

Posted: September 2, 2024

Posted: September 1, 2024

Were so grateful our son attends Galileo. Hes beginning his 4th year at Galileo Riverbend, and were thrilled with our experience thus far.

All of his teachers have been tremendously caring and attentive. The teachers differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs of students, in the form of both additional and additional challenge/acceleration. Learning is often hands-on, small group, creative, and project-based, which our son loves.

Galileo Riverbend is a wonderful community, and the school feels as if its a family to which our son (and we) belong. There are many family-inclusive events on campus throughout the year, and community service opportunities allow us to give back to the school and show our appreciation.

Most importantly, Galileo prioritizes teaching good character and kindness. It is important that my son learns to be a good person as he grows academically, and Im so incredibly thankful that his school is helping we parents raise good, kind, people.

Posted: September 1, 2024

Posted: August 31, 2024

My kids love going to school everyday. I love Galileo for many reasons from the family atmosphere to the way I feel kept in the loop with newsletters and emails.

Posted: August 31, 2024

Posted: August 30, 2024

I have 3 children who have all attended Galileo (Riverbend Campus) since kindergarten.
Our oldest child was not picked through the initial lottery, and we were #10 on the waitlist for the 2019-2020 school year. We received a call about a week before her Kindergarten year began and were offered a spot. We are SO THANKFUL that we got in! Our experience with Galileo was fantastic from the start.
What sets Galileo apart from public school is that I feel like my childrens education has been adjusted to fit their exact levels. There have been times that my children have been a little behind their peers and received additional practice on things, and times that my children have been moved up to higher levels of learning than their grade level. This has always kept them engaged with the learning process not too hard and not too easy! I have a high-achieving student and a student who really works hard to keep up, and they always feel comfortable with the workload.
This school puts a heavy emphasis on communication. I always feel like I have a clear line of communication from my childrens teachers, as well as a school-wide newsletter that is sent weekly. There are so many reminders and calendars that it doesnt take much digging to find what you are looking for! Any time that I have reached out to the school administration or front office with requests I have also received quick responses. They are very professional, yet also very caring! It amazes me that almost every adult in that school knows my children by name.
I am so impressed that the teachers, coaches, and administrators really get to know each child. I swear by the second week of school everyone knows all of the kindergarteners already!
OH! And the carline is amazing!! Its about as quick as the Chic-fil-A drive thru and makes pick-up and drop-off super quick and painless!
Overall, I am very happy with our choice to attend this school. My only compliant is that they do not yet have a high school option available! We would LOVE to be able to attend through high school instead of just through 8th grade.

Posted: August 30, 2024

Posted: June 18, 2024

My daughter has been going to Galileo for 4 years now and we have been extremely happy with our experience. Galileo encourages project based learning and incorporates real life experience into subject learning. My days has thrived in this environment.

Posted: June 18, 2024

Posted: June 10, 2024

As parents who have experienced both private and public schooling, we couldn't be more thrilled with our decision to enroll our son at Galileo School, Skyway for his 5th-grade year. From the moment we stepped into the school for orientation, we were greeted by teachers who engaged both the parents and students. The teachers were eager to get to know our son right off the bat, affording us the opportunity to share insights about him and what has helped him thrive in the past. Their attentiveness and receptiveness left us with great peace of mind.

The level of personalized attention and care that our son has received is truly remarkable. Teachers and staff have taken the time to understand his individual needs, and it's evident that they have personalized their teaching to help him succeed. The commitment and care demonstrated by the teachers surpasses what we've experienced in the private school setting.

The curriculum at Galileo School is top-notch, a great balance between core academics and wide variety of enrichment classes. Our son genuinely enjoys going to school and has excelled both academically and socially. We are confident that he will be well-prepared to transition into honors-level high school classes after 8th grade.

In summary, we have nothing but praise for Galileo School. It has exceeded our expectations and provided our son with an outstanding educational experience. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a supportive and enriching school community. Highly recommended!

Posted: June 10, 2024

Posted: May 30, 2024

Both my children have attended Galileo Skyway campus since their doors opened. The principal (Ms Nunez) is a thoughtful and dedicated leader who cares about the staff, the kids and their families. The education, care, competence and compassion my children received from their teachers and staff gave them the ability to overcome various obstacles in their educational lives and learn from the experience. My husband and I couldnt be happier with our kids education. Weve noticed that this school fosters their imagination with project-based learning, while other schools seem to have put that aside. Also, the PEAKS and pre-VET programs set the Middle school apart from other schools. It is such a relief in this crazy world to know that our son and daughter are safe and extremely happy in this remarkable institution and are eager to return to school after holidays and breaks.

Posted: May 30, 2024

Posted: January 6, 2024

My experience with Galileo School for Gifted Learning has been nothing short of exceptional. The positive impact on my three children goes beyond academics, shaping them into well-rounded individuals. The inclusion of volunteer hours has not only made parents an integral part of the learning process but has also forged strong connections among families. It's heartening to see my kids eagerly anticipating their return to school, even during breaks, a testament to the school's captivating environment. Galileo has not just educated my children; it has created an atmosphere where they thrive, grow, and genuinely love to be.

Posted: January 6, 2024

Posted: December 13, 2023

We have been having a very pleasant experience with Galileo Skyway Campus Sanford from day one. Outstanding and kind support staff and highly qualified, dedicated, and extremely responsive teachers. Galileo believes that all of their students have talents waiting to be discovered and the teachers and support staff help them find "themselves". Parent and teacher involvement is excellent. My child loves going to this school and looks forward to attending all the fun educational activities and field trips. Highly recommend to everyone.

Posted: December 13, 2023

Posted: May 20, 2022

Exceptional staff, every interaction my child has had with teachers and staff has been positive. There as been "tough" teachers who allegedly assigned too much work, but I see that as a good thing.
Thank You Galileo for your commitment to excellence, the perseverance in hard times and positivity that you share with our community.

-Proud Dragon Dad

Posted: May 20, 2022

Posted: May 19, 2022

I was bullied a ton when I attended this school, the teachers did nothing to help me out when I reported the incidents multiple times, they do not care about their students mental state. Do not attend here

Posted: May 19, 2022

Posted: May 17, 2022

My child was at this school for four years (K-3rd). Some of the teachers do not have any educational degrees. My son had a substitute teacher for 6 months with a degree in business and no teaching certificate. My kid had some challenges with math and when I contacted his teacher I received a basic reply - "He is doing great! Nice kid!" My child learned more using iXL and other programs than by attending his classes. For us, this institution became a childcare/babysitting facility. We left Galileo two years ago and we are so very happy!

Posted: May 17, 2022

Posted: May 3, 2022

So this is hard to say but at this school I was accused of bullying so overall this school is not very good but its learning status is good.

Posted: May 3, 2022

Posted: August 30, 2019

They had NEVER treated people right, and NEVER paid attention to bullying. I strongly recommend you go to your nearest public school because this school is a stink bomb.

Posted: June 30, 2019

Good involvement in the school. They seem to care.

Posted: June 30, 2019

And excellent choice to send my kids here. Lucy, Mia, and, Violet all love their experience.

Posted: June 29, 2019

Our kids have attended here for 4 years and are very happy here. Their learning and growing in all aspects of basic life skills and knowledge are amazing.
The staff and teachers are hands on and know how to handle and deal with each student amazingly. The bond and relationships they created with the staff and teachers spectacular and very personable. The smiles on their faces when they go to school every day is priceless.
We are overall very satisfied and pleased with Galileo.

Posted: June 25, 2019

My oldest has been at Galileo since 1st grade. She has done very well here. We have been very pleased with Galileo and their commitment to providing a great learning experience.

Posted: May 13, 2019

Originally we were drawn to Galileo because their intent to let each student progress at their individual abilities and learning style. Understandably this also attracted students with learning disabilities. The real life reality, the gifted learning principles do not work for both extremes in the same classroom.

Posted: May 13, 2019

Ultimately we withdrew due to the school's inability to deal with bullying issues. I honestly felt the had programs attempting to teach bullying was wrong. They were ineffective. There are many gifted students at the school. They are capable of circumventing any anti-bullying campaign with relative ease and impunity

Posted: May 13, 2019

There is no homework per se. Projects will suddenly be announced with a near term due date with no advance warning. They rely on the student to inform the parent, which in our case, wasn't the best option

Posted: May 13, 2019

In six years of attendance, I only experienced one teacher I found regrettable. The turnover rate for teachers seems excessive, however I do not have any school to compare it to. A grade school teacher leaving after the school year has begun has severe consequences

Posted: May 13, 2019

Ultimately we withdrew our child because of what they felt was relentless bullying. The school interviewed the bullying students who denied their activities, and the school found no cause for further action. Worse, the victim was found guilty of school code violations by defending themselves. Not sure how the school was going to protect our child, we opted to withdraw

Posted: May 13, 2019

Grew too fast and the focus became fund raising

Posted: May 13, 2019

We felt it was a gift to be part of the Galileo family the first three, maybe four years. Unfortunately it all came crashing down. Perhaps it was our child's personality that became problematic, perhaps the school's focus changed from gifted learning principles to a need to succeed financially. They are building a second school only a couple miles away, their waiting list wanting to attend is that long. We sure loved Galileo at the beginning, but we left feeling betrayed

Posted: May 12, 2019

I constantly get blanket emails from my child's teachers stating that students are not turning in their homework (what little of it that there is). But since the kids know that there is minimal consequence for not turning it in, they just don't bother. The work ethic at Galileo is horrible.

Posted: May 12, 2019

It's like any school. Some teachers are phenomenal and others are just treading water.

Posted: May 12, 2019

There are some great kids at Galileo. Unfortunately, there is a large segment of Galileo students who suffer from a very strong sense of self-entitlement. The teachers seem to have given up on trying to get the students to treat others with respect and kindness.

Posted: May 12, 2019

Administration does not listen to parents. They have an agenda and they keep to it.

Posted: May 12, 2019

The first year was good, but it has gone downhill, ever since. I think the elementary side is decent but middle school really needs help. The core values at Galileo are admirable but not attained. My child is an emotional wreck at the end of each day but when I ask teachers what's going on they all tell me he is doing great. There is this huge disconnect between what the teachers see and what the kids are experiencing. It is not a good environment for students who are naturally shy and have self-esteem issues.

Posted: April 10, 2019

This is my son's third year at Galileo, and he absolutely loves it! He has been blessed with amazing teachers and support staff who create a fun, safe, and effective learning environment. He has developed a love for school, reading, math, and history. The other families also add value because you can feel a true sense of commitment to families supporting their students and their friends. That commitment to excellence, support, and inclusion can be seen in all areas and levels of the school and administration.

Posted: November 13, 2018

My kids are so happy here. They are learning and growing in all aspects of knowledge and life. The teachers and staff truly care and know my kids. We have been beyond impressed and are so grateful to have our kids have so many positive learning experiences.

Posted: November 13, 2018

Posted: June 14, 2018

Very little homework if any at all.

Posted: June 14, 2018

Galileo school for the gifted learner has been one of the most amazing experiences to happen to my daughter. She is in eighth grade now and the teachers and staff at Galileo have guided and walked with her the last few years to get her where she is today. I am so grateful to all of the hard work and talent that the Galileo school teachers have. If not for them I dont know where we would be. My daughter is happy and safe when she goes to school and always comes home with wonderful stories of learning .

Posted: May 1, 2018

They dont believe in homework and without the daily practice its hard to know where your child is struggling.

Posted: May 1, 2018

My child does complain about other kids being mean during recess and the teachers address the concerns immediately.

Posted: May 1, 2018

My daughter seems to learn at a slower pace than some of her classmates however shes expected to perform at the rate.

Posted: May 1, 2018

My child will not return to the school next year. We have started looking at other options. Not only did I not agree with the teaching style but the concept of mandatory volunteering hours and constant funds raiser the school requires.

Posted: February 14, 2018

I would go there for there high school version I was a member as the first graduation class and most of us went to crooms everyone is closely knit like a family I high recommended sending your kids there.

Posted: February 14, 2018

They give you the work in class and if you don't finish it its your homework it rewards kids who understand the subject and stays longer with the kids who dont

Posted: February 14, 2018

Posted: November 15, 2017

Great. This school has been the best one I have gone to yet! The teachers are so nice, the students are also really nice, and there is always positive energy going around the school.

Posted: November 15, 2017

Posted: July 20, 2017

Terrible. Teachers are "certified" no education background. Base too much on testing and not classroom work. Stopped listening to parents. Have become a business to buy building. My kids learned nothing last year. Making skits and ask a friend instead of being taught math. Total chaos.

Posted: May 8, 2016

I go to that school and it is the most amazing school I have ever gone too in my whole life!

Posted: May 8, 2016

Posted: December 10, 2015

Awesome school. Best in Seminole County. Really takes a hands on approach with learning. Kids are not bored out of their minds. They are so creative in how they teach the kids. We have four kids there right now and everyone of them loves it. K, 1st, 6th and 7th graders. Slowly building a sports program too. Go Dragons!!!

Posted: May 10, 2015

A school with a very interesting set of goals. The staff are highly motivated. The full-time gifted coach/dean, Derek Cavilla, has explained his aspirations to be "the first openly gay Secretary of Education." The children get a lot of say in their day.

Posted: September 2, 2014

Galileo is definitely above the bar for public schools in Seminole County. The conundrum, though, is that many of the students attending have not tested as gifted. The lottery timing for new truly gifted students is such that it is very difficult for parents of prospective parents to gain entrance for a new student, particularly when siblings of existing students and children of staff are automatically able to enroll. One more thing: all teachers are required by the Seminole School Board to be certified as gifted teachers. Although the school initially advertised foreign language classes, they've yet to successfully hire a gifted-certified language teacher. Also, the principal is not trained or certified in gifted education, nor in elementary education. That is truly bizarre, and amazing that the school board will accept it.

Posted: August 2, 2014

My two oldest have attended this school since it opened. As a new charter school we experienced growing pains, however, the administration has always had the needs of the children at heart. They listen to the parents, teachers, and kids and quickly make adjustments to improve the school. The teachers work hard and genuinely care for the students in their care. Recently, a Middle School was added and I chose for my oldest to stay at Galileo. My youngest starts Kindergarten this year, so all three of my kids can attend the same school (something I never thought possible). The parental involvement is very strong and I can always count on the other parents to help out in the classroom or with my kids, just as I would gladly help out with their kids or in the classroom. Honestly, my kids are challenged daily with activities they enjoy and curriculum that is "just right" for their gifted needs. I tried other public schools before landing at Galileo and I can't imagine us leaving!

Posted: July 26, 2014

Galileo School for Gifted Learning is an absolute amazing school. My daughter has attended the school for two years and next year my other daughter and my boyfriends two kids will also be joining her. The teachers, principal, councelors, staff.... Everyone...they make the school fabulous. Treating all the students like individuals, teaching them according to how they learn. Constantly keeping things interesting with events and games, not to mention the Spirit Nights at Roller Skating rinks and other various venues. There really isn't anything I could say negative about Galileo.

Posted: May 5, 2014

This would great if you were already part of the school system, however it's not enough/falls short. Good luck moving Seminole County with gifted children. The application is due in January and the LOTTERY is held in March, to late for those moving over the summer with gifted children. Not only are children of siblings allowed spots in the school even if not identified as gifted, but so are children of staff.

Posted: April 8, 2014

I can't say enough good things about this school ! We are so grateful to the teachers, staff and leadership at Galileo. Our daughter has thrived academically and socially. The family environment and parent involvement is inspiring. We are truly one family, doing the best for our children and with their guidance and knowledge, providing the best for our children's future. This charter school is better than any public or private school.

Posted: April 1, 2014

We have had such an awesome and refreshing experience at Galileo. Their project based learning has helped my children really develop a love of learning again. The teachers and staff have a genuine love for teaching and the kiddos.

Posted: September 15, 2013

I feel so lucky that my child attends Galileo. Galileo is a beautiful blend of home school, public, and private school kids who parents have the same desire to have the best education for their children. I was looking for a school that believed in acceleration and differentiation, who believe in teaching deeper & boarder. Not just harder work sheets. I love that that my child has two specials a day. My child loves that SHE gets to pick what SHE wants to do after lunch...will it be Legos on Monday, crafts on Tuesday, recess on Wednesday...it's her choice. The real heart of the school is Project Learning and Creative Productivity. This is where your child gets to apply their knowledge, create & present. It will blow you away every two weeks when it repeats with a new theme. I am a parent who has been here from day one, believe me they have had their "growing pains". This is a school that listens (and requests) parent input. My voice is heard! It's amazing that Galileo scored #1 in state in FCAT their first year & second year. It just shows if you teach to learn, you will succeed and have happy learners.

Posted: August 26, 2013

My school is Galileo school for gifted learning. This year they have started a club after lunch of different things the children is interested,like soccer or Skylanders, or musicetc. It gets kids that is interested in the same thing friends since everyone in school eats lunch together. It is good so they have their club meeting at lunch for their club

Posted: August 8, 2013

Galileo school for gifted learning is the best school for gifted kids or any kid . They teach so kids understand the material, when they get it it isn't repeated over and over they move on and teach new things so the kids are never bored there is always new things to learn.

Posted: July 28, 2013

Galileo is an amazing school! Although the school is designated as a gifted learning school, your child does not have to be gifted to attend. The teachers and staff are wonderful and have your child's best interests at heart. My child loves going to school every day and is excited to learn new things. The combination of hands-on learning and technology is just what I was looking for in an elementary school. Extra programs give the children the creative freedom they need. They strive to meet the individual needs of each child. It truly feels like a family. Parent involvement at the school is impressive, much more than I had expected. Overall it has been a great experience so far. The third year of this school is just about to begin and I'm looking forward to all of the new things that will be taking place. Proud to be a Dragon!

Posted: April 28, 2013

Galileo is a great school. However, we are extremely unpleased with the current principal, who seems to believe she can make the rules as she sees fit. The school will be much better off when she leaves and the board will be able to find someone more suitable and less interested in pressing her own personal agenda.

Posted: March 1, 2013

Every child is different--and parents have varying beliefs about education. School districts are offering parents more variety than ever. Magnet and charter school options give parents a better chance of finding the right fit for their family. We choose Galileo School in Sanford. We have very high expectations when it comes to school, especially at the elementary level. We believe strongly in a "whole child" approach to education that focuses on social, emotional, and academic development. I feel that my children aren't "lost in the shuffle" at this school and that the teachers, counselors, and administrators are truly striving to meet their individual needs. This charter school is only in its second year, so there are certainly areas that could be improved. However, this is the case with any school. My children get up excited about school each day. They have frequent opportunities to engage in hands-on learning, and they get the chance to be kids! Cooperative learning occurs often, and teachers use technology to improve instruction. While the curriculum is accelerated, I find that they aren't overloaded with too much homework, leaving time for outside interests.

Posted: November 26, 2012

What a wonderful school for gifted students. But please note, being gifted is not a criteria at all. Therefore gifted children who is in serious need for gifted education can be rejected for admission to give room for average students who don't need this as much. They use a lottery for the yearly admission and a waiting list during the year with no priorities for the truly gifted children in need.

Posted: October 19, 2012

So excited that my child goes here! This is a great school who believes that "teaching to the test" is not the way our children need to learn. We need to teach our children what they need to know, THEN they will be able to pass any test. This past year was the first year for this school and all of our students SOARED on the FCAT. They got first place in the county for every section of the FCAT with the exception of 2 area, one where they tied for first (so they were still first) and one where they missed first by 2 points I believe. Definitely glad that we are GALILEO DRAGONS!

Posted: July 9, 2012

Some bumps along the way in year 1, but happy with the results in the classroom and committed parents to making it a success

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Groves	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Port Orange	FL	26.5 mi
2	LPGA International	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Daytona Beach	FL	28.7 mi
3	Opal Hill	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Daytona Beach	FL	29.2 mi

Base	Distance
Orlando Naval Base	13.9 mi.
Cape Canaveral Air Station	44.1 mi.

Galileo School For Gifted Learning

Sanford, FL 32771

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Galileo School For Gifted Learning

Sanford, FL 32771

School Ratings

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