J. P. Taravella High School

Posted: June 16, 2026

After four years of quietly observing the trajectory of J.P. Taravella High School, I feel utterly compelled to state what has become painfully obvious: this institution remains fundamentally deficient in every measurable metric of excellence. As a family that prioritizes refinement, rigorous academic standards, and impeccable conduct, we find the administrative staff's persistently dismissive and confrontational attitude to be entirely unbecoming of professionals entrusted with developing the next generation. Furthermore, the physical infrastructure exists in a state of deplorable neglect, creating unsafe environment that completely lacks the basic decorum and prestige one expects from a proper educational establishment. It is exceedingly clear that the school’s systemic mediocrity has merely calcified into a permanent culture of administrative apathy; though I suspect the administration lacks the basic cognitive capacity to even comprehend the advanced vocabulary in which this grievance is written, making Taravella an absolute disappointment for anyone who values true discipline and distinction.

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 16, 2026

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: June 1, 2022

some kids that go here don’t have a single brain cell and are disrespectful and disgusting. the teachers are okay but the security needs to go they yelled at me for walking seriously? how would you like it if i yelled a spit in your face just disrespectful don’t work with students if your going to be like that. instead they should be disciplining the students that bully don’t say your a “bully free” school if you don’t do anything about people being bullied right in front of your face. and who even is the principal here i haven’t seen them around anywhere worst experience

Posted: June 1, 2022

Posted: April 25, 2021

In this, time and age of a Pandemic, contact with teachers parents and students is far less than ever. Therefore, when a teacher reaches out to parents regarding the success or failure of a child, it most certainly shouldn’t go unrecognized. Lara Musial AP Literature & English IV Honors, recently contacted me to inform me of the status of my Senior Graduating Student. Without indulging into the details of our parent to teacher interactions. I’d like to express how grateful I am to know that she is a loving, thoughtful and caring teacher who truly has the student success in focus.

Kudos to: Lara Musial
AP Literature & English IV Honors for being an awesome teacher.

Posted: August 17, 2020

Posted: August 17, 2020

Posted: August 17, 2020

Posted: August 17, 2020

I attended from 2002 - 2006. At the time, it was an A school. After one year, it became a C school, which had to do with redistricting students from underachieving public schools to Taravella. That's when things took a turn for the worst. The school leveled out at a D by the time I left. It was crowded. Teachers were tired. Although, my class had ivy league accepted students, high achieving students, and college-bound students, the following classes were struggling to reach the same level. Unfortunately, busing in students from lower income neighborhoods brought down the overall quality of schooling for everyone.

Posted: August 17, 2020

Posted: August 17, 2020

Posted: August 17, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Posted: February 5, 2020

Horrible school. Administrators do not care about the students and are definitely not interested in their success. I will not waste my time going on about why and who, but this school is not what I thought it would be.

Posted: October 10, 2019

Some of the administrators where helpful, not all as it should be.

Posted: October 10, 2019

The Principle has an issue of hearing & comprehending, but she has helped to the best of her ability.

Posted: October 10, 2019

Posted: October 10, 2019

On September 16th my son was hit by a car on his bike ride to school. From that point in time up until now I've had to go on an impossible mission to get his school work (which I have discovered there isn't much) and he's been badly treated since returning as he has 1 crutch to support him still to this point of me making this message.

Posted: October 10, 2019

After my son was hit by a woman completely distracted on Monday morning September 16th, 2019 @ 7:07 a.m. while riding his bike to school. I've encountered multiple negative, ridiculous, absurd, rude, disgusting, & down right heartless administrators. Including todays experience. I feel as of right now I have a language issue or barrier even though I speak plain American English that is clear & understandable. I reported all of my issues on Tuesday October 7th, 2019 to The Broward County of Accountability & Service Quality (It should be Equality) and then and only then did I get the principle. After Tuesday evenings conversation I thought the principle & I were on the same page but after today now I'm not so sure. I'm discouraged, upset, mentally & physically drained & I'm trying to get an understanding as to WHY this is happening to me.

Posted: June 29, 2018

i go to that school and the reason why there are taking away a class that I need is called learning strategies for ESE kid and they are taking that away it like another study hall but come on who helps u in study hall but with learning strategies u can get help with a teacher but like come on why are u doing this to an ESE kid don't not send your child here

Posted: June 29, 2018

Posted: June 29, 2018

i go to that school and the reason why there are taking away a class that I need is called learning strategies for ESE kid and they are taking that away it like another study hall but come on who helps u in study hall but with learning strategies u can get help with a teacher but like come on why are u doing this to an ESE kid don't not send your child here and an another thing is i have to fall a class to get help i mean why this school doesn't even care i have to fail a class to be put in an easy class i mean why it not far and it like no student left behind act i mean i fell left behind this school doesn't care at all

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

Posted: June 8, 2017

This school was a great experience when i was in. The staff are always trying to help you while giving there opinion to let you go further in life

Posted: February 7, 2017

My daughter and son have had great experiences at Taravella. My daughter's JPT experience prepared her to receive her Master's Degree in four years and our son will graduate this year.

Posted: January 25, 2017

Posted: January 25, 2017

Posted: January 25, 2017

Posted: January 25, 2017

Posted: January 25, 2017

Posted: January 25, 2017

Posted: January 25, 2017

Awesome school. Very happy tohave my son there.

Posted: November 7, 2016

The only reason why I give them 2 stars is due to their office staff. They are horrible and have no respect for the parents requests. They never try to meet you half way with even dropping lunch to your own child. My daughter drives and they would not even allow me to dismiss her from school to go home, even by me stressing i was out of town and could not make it there. They need to get rid of every office personnel there that has any communication with parents. Every time I have any type of encounter with them I have to walk away to calm myself down. They love to aggravate you, as if you were a minor. uurrggh cannot wait until my daughter graduates and my son will NOT be attending Taravella unless from here and then, there office staff changes.

Posted: December 13, 2015

Every since my daughter been at JP Taravella High School I have had no problems. Every staff there is very helpful and very nice!

Posted: February 12, 2015

As much as I'd love to give Taravella 5 stars, I can't. Taravella has amazing activities and clubs such as HOSA, JROTC, DECA, BAND, and Debate just to name a few. There are also many after schools sports with great coaches and staff such as Football and Cross-Country. Almost all of the teachers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable (the math teachers could be improved). Mr. Cerra (principal) is very involved and energetic about our schools activities. I can't give my schools 5 stars for a few reasons. The school is very dirty.There is a lot of trash around such as cafeteria food left in stairwells. There's not much of a dress code (no uniform policy) so many students dress provocatively. Students have sex on campus. The school has also become a bit dangerous. This school year there were two fires set by students in the same week. We unfortunately don't have the best security for example as students walk around smoking cigarettes or e-cigs and get away with it. The staff (such as the librarians and office workers) can be rude and unhelpful sometimes. Overall, Taravella is still an excellent school to attend.

Posted: November 16, 2014

i am being generous with one star, this school is terrible. there are so many fights and bullies in this school. i wish i could go to another school and not this one. i absolutely hate it here. the teachers and staff don't care about us students and don't even teach us anything. i wish i could get a better education because im not getting a very good one here at all.

Posted: November 5, 2014

I am so very disappointed. We moved before my son started middle school and we were careful to purchase a home in an area where my children would be able to attend a great high school. People have raved about what a great school this is, but I can not agree. I have found some of the teachers to be rude and uncaring (some of them downright hositle and/or crazy), administration borderline. We are now looking for a different school :(

Posted: July 24, 2014

My daughter goes to Taravella and the guidance counselor had no concern that she was failing math. Also, a girl at her school made up complete lies about my daughter and the girl told the guidance counselor the lies and believed the girl over my own daughter about stuff about my daughter. My daughter told me that her math teacher didn't teach her anything, that she just wrote notes on the board. Maybe the teachers and staff should pay more attention to students grades and help them pass.

Posted: June 2, 2014

Don't believe the hype. We bought a home in this neighborhood because people raved about the school system. We found out that they were a good year or two behind in both Math and Science compared to our previous school system. Parents don't have the same resources as they do in other districts, and trying to break through the red tape is an exercise in futility. You can do better for your child. Much better.

Posted: April 28, 2014

Although J.P.Taravella High School has some amazing programs in Fine Arts (Drama, Music, Art, etc) and Business (DECA, Academy of Finance), and some outstanding teachers, we can improve in our communications with parents. So many of my fellow teachers treat parents as the enemy, when in fact, parents and teachers must work TOGETHER for the success of our students! My parents are my greatest asset in helping me teach to the best of my ability. THANK YOU JPT parents!!!

Posted: April 27, 2014

So far, so good. Much better than middle school. Lots of clubs and teams for those who are interested. Diversified programs which enable the students to focus on their areas of interest and future careers.

Posted: August 2, 2013

Im a student and Taravella was a good school but for some reason it's getting bad and bad every year, the staff are starting to not care anymore, the students are getting rude, and the teachers don't teach how they use to teach. It's just not the same.

Posted: July 31, 2013

I am very pleased to have my son attend J.P.Taravella High School.Teachers and other staff is very professional and helpful especially Principal Shawn Cerra showing his very good leadership and safe envirment in the school. Also, i am thankful to Mr Price Debate Teacher doing excellant job.

Posted: August 26, 2012

Taravella was the worst school my child ever attended. Total lack of teacher communication and lack of concern by faculty. The discontentment of the staff is evident.

Posted: July 31, 2012

My daughter attends Taravella.. I'm very disturbed by their lack of involvement and concern about the students. I have on several occasions left messages and emailed her counselor with specific concerns, with no response. When in class it seems acceptable for students to sleep. When school was missed, I wasn't contacted. If it was an excused absence, she was told that it wasn't necessary to make up work, nor was past work explained. I'm terribly disappointed in the Broward County School District as a whole,having had to try to deal with them for 6 years now.