Ponte Vedra Palm Valley- Rawlings Elementary School

Posted: April 2, 2026

I am sharing this review in hopes that it helps other parents make an informed decision.

My experience, as well as others’, has been disappointing to say the least. For a school located in such an affluent area, the overall experience and standard of care has been a great disappointment.

Our primary concern was the lack of academic differentiation and support for students who are ahead of grade level. My child is capable and eager to learn, but instead of being challenged, she often appeared disengaged because the material was repetitive and not adjusted to her ability level. This was at times treated as a behavioral issue rather than an instructional one, which is incredibly frustrating as a parent when the root issue appears to be lack of appropriate academic challenge.

Communication and follow-through were also inconsistent. Concerns were acknowledged, but there was little meaningful resolution, which leaves parents feeling unheard.

I also had concerns about student welfare and supervision. I personally observed situations where children were injured (including a child with a broken arm), others who appeared consistently underdressed for the weather, and ongoing social issues between students that resembled bullying behavior. These situations raised serious concerns for me about oversight and the overall school environment.

Additionally, on numerous occasions I witnessed the handling of behavioral situations involving special needs students in ways that were deeply concerning. Having an autistic sibling myself, I understand sensory overload, and cornering a child who is clearly overwhelmed is not an appropriate way to de-escalate a situation. It felt less like support and more like containment, which was very difficult to watch.

We have since moved on to a private school in Palm Valley that feels far less institutionalized and far more child-focused. They address different learning levels through small groups and constant reinforcement to build self-confidence, and their learning model provides more meaningful child engagement through the Reggio Emilia approach. The teachers appear supported, engaged, and happy to be at school, which makes a noticeable difference in the classroom environment.

Every family’s experience may be different, but for us, the difference between the two environments has been significant, and the change confirmed for us how much the right school environment matters.

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Posted: May 7, 2025

I am deeply disappointed with our experience at PVPV Rawlings. My child has been unfairly treated, bullied by classmates, and consistently mistreated by his teacher. Instead of feeling safe and supported, my child often came home feeling anxious and discouraged. Every child deserves to be treated with respect and kindness by both peers and adults. Unfortunately, that was not our experience here. I sincerely hope the administration takes steps to improve how student concerns and well-being are handled moving forward. The teacher’s behavior toward our child has been unprofessional and, at times, demeaning—singling him out unfairly, speaking harshly in front of others, and failing to create a supportive classroom environment. No child should feel afraid to go to school or be made to feel like a problem for simply asking for help. Ever since Dr. Gates' departure, there has been a significant negative impact on this school.

Posted: May 7, 2025

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Posted: January 27, 2025

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Posted: January 27, 2025

Posted: January 27, 2025

This school is an absolute disgrace and a complete failure on every level. If you don’t care about your child’s safety, education, or basic well-being, then sure, send them here. Otherwise, stay far, far away.

The principal only cares about one thing: money. Forget about fostering a safe or supportive environment—bullying is rampant, and children are routinely put in unsafe situations without so much as a second thought.

If your child has an IEP, prepare to fight for their rights because this school doesn’t care. They flat-out suggested discontinuing an IEP because they wanted to funnel the funding elsewhere. It’s disgusting and shows exactly where their priorities lie—and it’s not with the students.

For divorced parents, you’re in for a nightmare. The school doesn’t follow court orders, refuses to communicate properly, and goes out of its way to exclude parents from decisions about their own child. They don’t care about your input and will happily go against your wishes if it’s inconvenient for them.

And don’t even think about asking them to hold medicine for your child. They refuse, probably because they’re not getting extra funding for it. Your child’s health clearly doesn’t matter to them.

The building itself is filthy and rundown, which perfectly matches their apathetic attitude. And instead of teaching kids to have good character, they push “brag tags,” encouraging kids to seek attention for basic decency rather than fostering real values.

This school is a joke, and it’s beyond me how it’s still operating. If you care about your child at all, avoid this place at all costs.

Posted: April 18, 2022

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Posted: April 18, 2022

School is great. Of course, not perfect... maybe some teachers are perceived to be better than others; but isn't that a preference. And yes, I'm sure there are bullies and not every situation gets addressed. Just like at a restaurant; it's how they deal with the problems that is most impressive. But when confronted with adversity isn't that a learning experience for you and your child? Dealing with life... nothing is every perfect, but this school has the resources and the teacher / parent support to come pretty close.

Posted: April 18, 2022

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Posted: October 14, 2018

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Posted: October 14, 2018

This principal lets teachers do what they want to do. there is no rubric for them.... and no requirement to ensure equality of access and opportunity for all students.

Posted: October 14, 2018

Posted: October 14, 2018

Posted: October 14, 2018

We enrolled our children in Maths online from PVPV. they became Honors students immediately. What a difference it made to have teachers who are fun and make math fun and are supportive and structured with great resources, and comply with an IEP. Should have taken them out of all the other subjects too. Bullying is rampant and the school denies it. Your child is more likely to be made fun of than have fun. 'reprehensible' behaviour by school towards students with IEPs.

Posted: October 14, 2018

Posted: May 1, 2018

They need to pay more attention for these students.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Terrible. There is always 1-3 bullies in each class and the teachers know this yet let them get away with their behavior as it looks bad on the school

Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: May 1, 2018

It depends on what teacher you get. Some of the teachers are very strong, have great experience and enriched learning while others are no good and all about fun only this is not fair for the students that get these teachers and are lacking in learning

Posted: May 1, 2018

Most teachers allow students to get away with bulling in this school. When a parent complains they just turn the other way. There is no consequence for bullying here. So the entitled children get away with their actions.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Since Mrs Van Housen became principle here.

Posted: May 1, 2018

This school is academically great! The real issues with this school is that not all the teachers are well fit for the job and lack experience. There is a lot of bulling in this school especially from students whom are entitled and spoiled by the parents. To be fair to the school I must say that their has been progress since Mrs. Van Housen is the principle here

Posted: April 12, 2018

It depends on the teacher you get some are amazing. Some need to teach at an inner school for a good dose of realtity teaching. I think they should have to rotate around the county. They will TUTOR your student for $45-$75 per hour at the library or your home, see they can't at the school it's conflict of interest so they are more than willing off site. If the school was so good why are most of the kids getting tutored in GRAMMER SCHOOL!!!

Posted: April 12, 2018

If they don't get what they want the will bully thier way to get it and clicks among the kids and parents rule the school. FAKE. FAKE and some of these kids will be on broadway, jail or Nasty CEO's.
THE BUSES ARE THE WAR ZONE THESE KIDS ARE LET LOOSE! Ever wonder why the car line is so long because the bus is not supervised and a scarey journey home for most kids.

Posted: April 12, 2018

The new principal is good but she has her handsful with left over problems and a culture that Ms. Furness created the bully school. THe assistant in the lower school is leftover and still runs the school like a queen bee. They just need to clean house.

Posted: April 12, 2018

if you pay for the tutoring your child will achieve, other way of differences is the gifted classes do excell for those kids but they are also being tutored.

Posted: April 12, 2018

The teachers are bullys, most of the parents on the PTO are bullys, and it's you're either in or out. The handful of chosen children get all kids of things a breakfast reward and they even had a race in St Aug. that was not public knowledge and it was said only if your kid was a kid of charator you would know about it. Guess what kids went the chosen one's that can do no worng the actors and the true deceptive child that are sweet and perfect infront of adult and to thier peers are mean as snakes! Thick as theives the kids you just have to wonder about...

Posted: April 12, 2018

Some years its good other years it's bad. The bothersome thing is that parents all complain among themselves but never do anything about it because they don't want to be the one that dare said something. Stepford community, keeping up with the jones, new money no class.

Posted: April 12, 2018

paper work on top of paper work and computer home work so you better allow your child access to the computer so they can play homework games. But right before FSA testing the packet of prep testing comes home in force, it's not the SATS people.. no it's so the teachers get bonus pay at the end of the year.

Posted: January 11, 2018

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Posted: January 11, 2018

The school is good academically but bullying is pervasive and not addressed as it should. The administration dismisses that the school has a bullying problem that way it won't have to deal with it. I would even say that it is encouraged especially in boys. Bullies are looked at as assertive, the victims are seen as weak. It is Lord of the Flies.

Posted: November 21, 2017

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Posted: November 21, 2017

Not sure why there are negative reviews.

Posted: November 21, 2017

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Posted: May 3, 2017

Good school, however in my opinion to be a great school your focus should be on the whole child. Students have enrichment classes (art,music,p.e) once per week. Lunch options are very unhealthy.
I hope the new principal will see and address these issues.

Posted: January 24, 2017

The new principle Mrs. Van Housen has made a big difference in the school. There has been wonderful new changes. She truly cares and focuses on the students needs. She is right on target as to what she is doing for the school. We are very happy she is the new principal of the school. She is so sweet, attentive and always talking to the students. In the short time she has started she has done major improvements to the school including removing bad teachers, being 100 % involved in the school for the children, make overs including brand new playgrounds which has been in need for years already.
Highly recommend this school now that their is a new principle!!!!!

Posted: March 17, 2016

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Posted: March 17, 2016

The teacher plays favorites in class discourages student participation and hates being corrected when the math being taught is incorrect

Posted: March 17, 2016

Extremely incompetent teachers - who are not pulled up or trained. Principal refuses to take any feed back to get things on track. Awful values taught and rampant bullying. Grades on standard testing are ok only because teachers are doing the actual teaching at home. Very disappointed this academic year and the worst year my child has had - been bullied by kids in class and teacher screaming in class and ignoring parents emails to meet.

Posted: March 1, 2015

The school needs major improvement. My kids are in both PVPV as well as in Rawlings building and let me tell you that for this school being in Ponte Vedra, it needs a lot of changes. For starters the teachers. Not all teachers are hands on and caring. The students are rude, uneducated and a lot of mistreating other students go on here. The principle seems to only care about statistics and exams. The school campus needs a make over. For all the money this school raises and is donated to by many rich sponsors it needs to be cleaner, newer playgrounds, new fences, new roads as the current ones are full of cracks, and new and more technology in every class. Like their saying Read, Read, Read needs to be changed to Fix, Fix, Fix. The students deserve better.

Posted: February 3, 2015

We have 3 children enrolled here. One @ PVPV and two @ Rawlings. Have found staff, teachers, administrators all to be excellent. The extra resources are a bonus. Additional subjects, too, like art, music, etc. seem to have very qualified teachers, as well. My kids love it and they are all doing well. The focus from the teachers seems to be preparing the kids to be successful, especially as they prepare them for middle school. The only thing I notice is that other parents don't seem to put in the time and effort to ensure that their kiddos do their homework. Kind of surprising that the parents aren't as hands-on as I would expect.

Posted: November 20, 2014

We were thinking of moving but it would require us to change to PVPV/Rawlings. I know many parents who have children there and are happy. I did not like the other parent comment stating: "the other PVB school, Ocean Palms, is doing a good job, but not great". That could not be further from the truth. OPE is a fabulous school, outstanding staff, highly educated principal and teachers, involved and supportive parents, in a kind, compassionate, loving, generous, fun and academic environment. They focus on the whole child and the community and always do service projects to help others. I love the school so much, that we won't move until all my children are finished there. We came from a private school and Ocean Palms, is the best thing that has happened to this community and our family. We are proud to call it our school. Happy kids make for successful adults. When you love school, you love leaning, and you can't lose. Please refrain from comments about "the other PVB school" and be thankful we all live in a community with such high standards on education and two rated 10 great elementary schools. Lucky kids!

Posted: May 27, 2014

The school is so Deceiving..Fake Fake Fake is all I can say! This school is full of problems and Drama. Full of uneducated children who's parents just buy them off with materials and so they go to school thinking they are entitled to treat all other children bad and this school does nothing about discipline. The parents (mothers) are all snobs and think that they are the best and queens of this school. Administration does not do its job well at all. This school is pathetic! They are all an act, and full of drama. It is a shame how this school located in beautiful Ponte Vedra is a total waste. There are many, many parents in this school who share my opinion.

Posted: May 26, 2014

PVPV is a school not a play center or CC. These children enrolled here for the most part have plenty of time to play and be tended to while out of school. PVPV has a focus on learning and preparation for middle school. The students coming out of PVPV are better prepared than most in the entire state. That is the job of the teachers and staff and they do it well. Many of the parents are not used to be told something different than what they think is right, perhaps because most are high achieving in their professions. Ponte Vedra mothers are never wrong and have a lot of influence in the community to make a point when they feel to do so. Teachers are in a bullseye if they are not doing as told by these mother. That makes it a challenge to teach. Regardless Ms. Furness are, Ms. Fairness as i would say, keeps everything in order and the results are proof. The other PV school Ocean Palms does a good job but not a great job.

Posted: January 21, 2014

A handful of bullies in this school. Administration does absolutely nothing about this!! It is unbelievable how this school has tolerance for these children who get away with this on a daily basis.

Posted: November 5, 2013

Terrible elementary school. Had to transfer my child to another school. Feel bad for the students that go there.

Posted: November 3, 2013

We all can have experiences that turn expectations into disappointments. However, dedication is a top priority at this school. I find that when voicing concerns issues are addressed and corrected. For myself, my children were nurtured and equipped with a love of reading that will stay with them throughout their years.

Posted: November 3, 2013

We can all have expectations that turn into disappointments. However, I have found that when voicing concerns issues are addressed and rectified. My children were nurtured and equipped with a love of reading that will stay with them throughout their years.

Posted: October 14, 2013

Unsatisfactory School. This school is fake in everyway. Most teachers and administrations are all about their looks and money. Poor attention to students and the real issues that go on in this school. I totally agree with the real reviews below unlike the ones that were written by the teachers helpers and administration.

Posted: October 11, 2013

Poor Discipline in this school. Needs a make over with New Administration and Principle. Doesn't have Priorities in check! This school is all about FCAT scores and the rest down the drain.

Posted: October 8, 2013

We moved to Ponte Vedra 6 years ago and chose our home based on the location of this school. St. Johns Co. schools are ranked #1 in the state and PVPV is ranked #6 in the State. The leadership here is outstanding. Kathleen Furness, the principal, is one the most professional, caring, motivating, and strategic leaders I have ever met - in both business and education sectors. She works seemlessly with the staff, the County, the State, the parents, the PTO , and the community to get her school all it needs to be the best. At times there are between 700-850 applications sent in for a single open teaching position so the school has the opportunity to hire the very best. My 13 year old went to PVPV from 1-5th grade and has since gone to a highly academic private middle school. She was the only PVPV student to go to this new school and in her 6th grade evaluation, they saidshe was THE MOST prepared child to enter their middle school that year. I credit PVPV with getting her to that point. I can't say enough great things about this school. Get involved, be flexible, and communicate in a positive/constructive way and you will have a terrific experience as well.

Posted: October 8, 2013

PVPV Rawlings is providing a wonderful learning environment for my children. My children are fully engaged in the learning process, thanks to the excellent teaching skills of faculty. Reading is a top priority, as evidenced by my kid's reading ability. The principal runs the school effectively and is able to plan for and implement school priorities, while also handling immediate school needs that may arise. The PTO brings in extra funding to keep this school up-to-date with curriculum, technology, safety and other needs that may arise. There are many volunteer opportunities at the school, providing families with a great way to get involved in their child's education.

Posted: October 8, 2013

Our school is one amazingly enriched environment. From the highly skilled teachers, the print rich atmosphere and the technologically advanced classroom the students are surrounded by outstanding education. The students engage in hands on experiences and higher level thinking activities. As a parent, I am impressed by the safety measures in the school and the amazing opportunities that my child is afforded daily. The loving environment is safe and nurturing. The families donate time, talents, and energy toward improvements yearly. This is one well run place and it produces great leaders and leathers.

Posted: October 8, 2013

Ponte Vedra Palm Valley- Rawlings Elementary School is a model of excellence in teaching, student involvement, technology in the classroom, parent involvement and community partnerships.

Posted: October 7, 2013

Our family moved to St. Johns County 2 years ago based upon the reputation of the school district, and PVPV/Rawlings has met every expectation for a fantastic elementary school and then some. The teachers are top-notch, and the school is run as a forward-thinking, creative business as well as an educational platform. The children at this school receive innovative and fresh technology, media, and learning tools that compete with any new school, hands-down. We are thrilled with our experience at PVPV/Rawlings, and proudly endorse the school and the entire staff.

Posted: September 25, 2013

this school has more kids in portables than they know what to do with their scores while ok for florida are not good compared to the national scores...

Posted: September 25, 2013

AWESOME!! It is the best place for a great education1 Terrrific involved PTO, community supporters and staff!! WE moved to St. John's County when we moved to Florida after looking at the school first. Definately the best!!

Posted: September 1, 2013

I am welcomed in my child's classroom, the teachers are highly responsive, and twice-per-year conferences for all students ensure a constant parent-teacher-child loop. As a teacher at another school, I can confidently speak to the amazing environment of PV Rawlings. I have had two children move through this school, and each unique teacher has been a gift to our family. My kids have formed MANY down-to-Earth friendships, and I have not experienced the snobbery mentioned in previous comments. We are highly blessed to be at PV Rawlings.

Posted: July 10, 2013

My daughter is about to start her 4th year at PVPV Rawlings and we have had nothing but a great experience there. As with any school, there are some "just OK" teachers, but most are fabulous. Teachers WANT to work in St Johns County and at PVPV/Rawlings, so they are able to pick from the best. The administration, although maybe not warm and fuzzy, are responsive and available. As a parent, there are many opportunities to get involved and it's definitely encouraged by the school. Although it's a large school, I never felt like my daughter was just a number. The 2 campuses give it a smaller feel and make it easier to manage the 1200 kids who attend. I've read some negative reviews, but from our experience over the past few years, my opinion and the opinion of all of my friends and neighbors is that PVPV/Rawlings is a great school overall.

Posted: May 2, 2013

Best school ever. My daughter loves going to school. Thats something I was never able to say. The teachers are very caring. You could not pick a better school than this one.

Posted: January 8, 2013

This school is only focused on it's scores and not on the students themselves. They don't do anything about bullying, correcting teachers or making sure your child is getting what they need to be successful. They need a certain number of successful students to keep up their scores and the rest they brush under the mat. If you try to work with them to get them to help your child, they will do anything and everything to push you out of their school. They don't care if they sacrifice your child as long as their overall scores are high. So if your child is above level, you will be catered to. If you have a ton of money to donate in addition, you will have the best of it all. If your child is average or below, find another school because you will all lose if your child attends here.

Posted: December 5, 2012

It appears Furness has one of her cronies posting on her behalf. Be very careful if it rains you may drown. A Fortune 500 community? In case you haven't noticed PVPV is not a business it's an educational facility supported by tax payer dollars. Queen Bee should redirect her focus on improving the methods of teaching and less on getting her hands in your pocket. Will parents be privy to the survey results?

Posted: December 4, 2012

All of my kids went through PVPV and the experience was excellent. Teachers ranged from average to excellent, with none below average. While some were exceptional, none were below average. The principal was superb. While we had few reasons to see her, the times we did were always a good experience with problems solved quickly and appropriately. She knew all the kids, and all the situations common to the school. She's one of the best administrators I've come across. Parental involvement was great and enthusiastic, adding much to the capacity of teachers to teach. Overall, PVPV is an example of excellent public education and for my kids, a great experience. I can highly recommend the school and believe it is the equivalent of the best of the private schools in the area.

Posted: July 26, 2012

The "Queen Bee" needs to go! She has crossed the line and runs the school like she is the CEO of a fortune 500 company and not a principle of an elementary school with actual real life children. She does not take kindly to any interaction with parents unless you are writing her a check (or are male-she seems to react to the dads (; ). She says the child is placed in the classroom "based on academics" and "does not take in account what the teachers say or what the parents say". However, in my experience and many others that is not the case. The kids are thrown into a classroom that their sibling had-not always the best choice as all kids are different. Unless your child places well on the FCAT or is very outgoing it's very possible that your child will fall through the cracks. If you choose this school PAY ATTENTION and be prepared for a battle! On the positive side, most teachers are great and most kids and parents love them. My advice is to work with the teacher first and foremost and hopefully the issue can be resolved without Mrs. Furness. If not, don't give in and be tough, thorough and to the point. I have a feeling there will be a change soon-parents have had enough!

Posted: June 1, 2012

Poor leadership. Staff is rude and lack organization and follow through. The principal is most concerned about preserving her position than providing good leadership.

Posted: May 30, 2012

This school has potential but suffers from an unauthentic principal and an unhelpful front office. Most teachers are o.k., but way too much emphasis is placed on the FCAT. If it's in your budget, I suggest you seek out private schools in the area; there are a few excellent choices.

Posted: April 2, 2012

I am amazed at the education that my children are receiving at this school. EXCELLENT SCHOOL! Top notch. St Johns County has the top schools in the state of FL and it shows. I am very impressed with our first year here!

Posted: March 6, 2012

I agree with the reviews here. While this school used to be wonderful, its gone downhill under a grim, scores-oriented principal. It's almost funny that all things fun have been deemed "unsafe" by the principal, no more 5th grade trips, field trips outside campus are rare (they bring the field trip to school), no family fall festival, no navy helicopter landing to celebrate giving program, its all gone. Principal has major problem with bullying in cafeteria and on playground Her answer is to show movies during lunch, and to refuse to meet with parents whose kids are being bullied. Volunteers are overly involved helicopter moms who don't like anyone new or different, their kids get the good teachers and the rest of us struggle by with teachers who scream. But if you really want to experience what PV has to offer, go to the Rawlings front office where the most unwelcoming office staff possible will inform you that the principal isn't available, nor do they know when she will be available. Even though its a public school,donations are expected and requested often yet $100,000 technology donation was deemed obsolete by principal 10 months after its purchase. new leader, please!!

Posted: February 20, 2012

Absolutely unimpressed by this school. Very little contact with classroom teacher (no newsletter, no emails) and my child who previously loved school now hates it. The school itself has been quite uninviting since the word go. My child transferred in October and the registration process was awful. No tour, no meeting the principal, etc. Made to feel quite unwelcome. Avoid this school if you can!

Posted: November 2, 2010

Administration and Most Teachers are more focused on themselves and money than in the students themselves. Fake and hypacrital as well. Only care about fcat and school statistics as well, rather than focused on all childrens individual needs.

Posted: October 1, 2010

My two daughters attended PVPV and received an excellent education. The teachers are warm and caring. However, the principal and most of the front office staff are simply rude and unprofessional. The principal needs training on how to speak and interact with both parents and students. Many parents feel the same way.

Posted: August 19, 2010

In general, the teachers here are very good. Unfortunately, they are shackled by a cold & rigid administration & cater to the politically connected. The principal, Kathleen Furness, is more concerned about her career than the needs of the individual children she serves.

Posted: April 28, 2010

Because the education there is very good. I've seen students who are there very culturally diverse and wanted to help others that cannot help themselves. The staff is very good

Posted: March 19, 2008

Posted: February 6, 2007