Chapel Trail Elementary School

Posted: May 26, 2026

Unfortunately, Chapel Trail is not the school it once was, and the decline is very noticeable under the current administration. My other child attended here years ago, and there was once a clear sense of pride, structure, professionalism, and strong leadership that feels completely absent now.

The biggest concern is the administration and overall leadership. The tone set at the top feels disorganized, disconnected, and unengaged, and it impacts the entire school environment. Visits to the front office often feel unwelcoming and chaotic, and the level of professionalism expected in a school setting is not consistently demonstrated by administration.

Even important school events, such as the kindergarten ceremony, reflected this lack of leadership. What should have been a meaningful and memorable milestone for families felt rushed, poorly organized, and lacking energy or enthusiasm. Administration did not provide a warm or engaging welcome, and they did not even remain after the ceremony, which added to the impression of disengagement.

Overall, the school culture feels significantly different from what it once was, and it is disappointing to see the shift in leadership and organization under the current administration.

Posted: May 26, 2026

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Posted: January 22, 2026

Unfortunately, our experience at Chapel Trail Elementary was extremely disappointing and disheartening. As a parent of a child with special needs, I expected professionalism, inclusion, and collaboration — none of which we received.

One of the most troubling issues was hearing a speech pathologist refer to children with special needs as “not normal kids.” That language alone speaks volumes about the lack of understanding and compassion toward students who learn differently. My son was frequently excluded from activities because he was seen as “different,” rather than being supported and included.

Additionally, I received daily phone calls with various excuses asking me to pick up my son early. Instead of working with me to help him succeed, the approach felt dismissive and unaccommodating.

The team was not collaborative in any way, nor did they demonstrate a genuine interest in helping my child thrive academically, socially, or emotionally. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to feel that my child was viewed as a problem rather than a student deserving support and dignity.

I would strongly caution other parents of children with special needs to ask very direct questions about inclusion, staff training, and support before enrolling.

Posted: January 22, 2026

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Posted: June 4, 2022

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Posted: June 4, 2022

Great staff and great participation from parents super atmosphere located at A+ neighborhood

Posted: April 2, 2020

Amazing school! I have been impressed by the quality of the teaching and the positive and genuine attitude shared by the whole CTE community.

Posted: April 2, 2020

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Posted: May 2, 2019

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Posted: May 2, 2019

Yes, Excellent School. My daughter is studying 3rd grade and its an amazing school.

Posted: May 1, 2018

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Posted: May 1, 2018

My daughter has been @ CTE since second grade. She had one of the best teacher Mrs. Turco. Amazing teacher, this is not her job is her passion. She really enforced alot of homework ethics getting them ready for third grade.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Yes, excellent teachers my daughter has been in the schol for two years they are excellent caring teachers.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Posted: May 1, 2018

Mrs. Lipkins is a great principal very involved with the children and the parents.

Posted: May 1, 2018

Excellent school the best in West Pines..

Posted: September 1, 2017

Chapel Trail Elementary is an amazing school! The teachers are exceptional, their staff are always kind and their PTA Rocks!! Academically Awesome FSA Scores!! Truly "Best in the West"!!

Posted: September 1, 2017

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Posted: August 18, 2017

My child had a mixed experience at this school. However, overall, it's a good school.

Posted: August 18, 2017

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Posted: March 6, 2017

Teachers are very caring at this school. My kids are thriving and feel safe and supported.

Posted: May 4, 2016

My daughter is very bright but we had trouble with her handwriting. Mid year, she really neat, she reads well and enjoys school.

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Students are taught from an early age to support each other, bullying is not acceptable. Each student has a job to do, older students are supportive of the little ones. Mrs. Lipkins the principal is aprochable to parents and students. My little one just walked up to her and asked her to give her teacher a note and she came down to her level and said of course. My daughter felt confident and I know it's because she has made her feel that she is there it help. That is priceless.

Posted: May 4, 2016

Our daughter's experience at Chapel Trail has been wonderful. She has Mrs. Sanchez as her Kindergarden teacher. Mrs. Sanchez takes time to address her children's learning styles.
She works on their weakness and strengths. I would love for her to receive a teacher of the year award. Overall, my daughter loves her school. I would highly recommend this school to friends and family.

Posted: February 8, 2015

This school truly is the "Best in the West"! I am thrilled with the teachers, administration and overall cleaniness of the school. The office staff is warm and friendly and I always feel welcome to come volunteer! I'm proud to be a Gator Parent at CTE!

Posted: October 22, 2014

Chapel Trail is great! The teachers are amazing and the staff is always helpful and friendly. They keep you updated and involved.

Posted: October 20, 2014

This is an A+ school with A+ teachers and administration. Chapel Trail has a very safe and nurturing atmosphere. A great community to live in.

Posted: August 12, 2014

Im sorry this school has horrible ways of dealing with children. My daughter has ADHD. Instead of working with her they made her take a test and held her back in first grade. I am not sure if it is just the teacher or the school. This is just ridiculous.

Posted: October 23, 2013

Chapel Trail is a great school! My son has been in this school for kinder and first grade. The teachers are excellent.

Posted: October 14, 2013

I don't understand why there are so many charter schools in this area. This school is fantastic! Good public schools are not an option for most people who live in South Florida. Don't believe me? Check the Great Schools ratings for surrounding areas. We moved our family into this neighborhood which is pretty much in the Everglades, FOR THIS SCHOOL ZONE. My kids have attended this school for 3 years and LOVE it! I can't find one thing to complain about. It's worth every long drive to work and the higher price to live here. I also want to add that I am not one of those PTA totally involved super moms either, you don't have to be. BUT if you like that sort of thing, then you will fit right in here. The PTA is major. All of the teachers I have dealt with have been great but there are two that really stood out. Mrs. Robayna and Mrs. Reynolds. If you can get one of those teachers for your kids- you hit the lottery. They are very special and they LOVE the kids. My children will remember these women forever. I am sad that this will be our last year at Chapel Trail Elem. but because the area is so perfect we will be moving on to Silver Trail Middle which is also very highly rated.

Posted: May 7, 2013

Teachers, in general are good and open to the children needs. Principal and assistant principal are quite the opposite. They are distant and unfriendly with the kids, and parents. On several occasions they were dismissive and condescending. They are terrible leaders, and set a bad example for the staff at Chapel Trail.

Posted: February 14, 2013

I'm a father of two kids who currently attend chapel trail elem and my only beef with this school has been with the front office staff, i believe they lack professionalism and a good attitude, it's as if you were a bothered every time you have a concern or a problem and i believe it's the leadership were it starts. This unfortunately would've never occur with the previous principal Mr. B cause he would interfere in every issue that would happened at that school, the current staff is lazy, rude, unprosseional and lacks customer service education. I love the teachers there, like i said the staff is a reflection of the principal disorganize nature. I'm a big supporter of our teachers, classrooms and schools in any way i can but this school or principle should definitely retrain the staff.

Posted: August 7, 2012

My family s experience, thus far, I can only say that I am very satisfied with Chapel Trail Elementary, its teachers, principals, paraprofessionals and parental community. My child is happy, positive, has made lots of friends, and is enjoying her overall school experience. My child is going into first grade already reading, as well as in math adding in single and double digits. My child s academics and view of school are only a reflection of Chapel Trail s excellence and the parent/teacher support and interaction that is implemented.

Posted: May 21, 2012

My children have been attending this school for the past 3 years.They have blossomed, both academically and socially. Fantastic teachers and support staff. The principal and assistant principal seem detached, and at times, hostile. I have personally had no conflicts with them, nor have my children. They could use a refresher course in Personality 101. The teachers, I will say again, are top notch!! I would love to see more parents involved, both in the classroom and with school activities/functions.

Posted: November 29, 2011

The teachers and everyone is very nice and respectful. I cant say the same thing regarding the assistant principal, Mrs Coachman, she has a very bad attitude and does not know how to be polite to parents and students. From my experience with her, the school could do without her rudeness.

Posted: October 16, 2011

Let me just say my point based on experience as a student there, realizing their thoughtless flaws. Do they put your child in their appropriate learning level? Nope. Do they try to resolve bullying taking place at the school? No! Do they have teachers who make the kids feel that they will be able to do well in school? Absolutely not. If your child was a student who had no friends to socialize with, would a teacher ask your child's fellow students to give your child company? No such thing. If your child needed something (whether it be a bathroom emergency, a medical emergency, or an injury) will the staff always provide that for your child when needed the most? They don't give a baloney unless a bone is broken. So if your child has had bad experiences with bullies, CTE is a no-go. If your child has sensitive feelings, then this school will hurt their future self esteem.

Posted: September 27, 2011

its a great school only if you are hispanic..but if you are a different culture, then your kid is in trouble. very insensitive faculty, who are only aware of their hispanic culture.