Durbin Creek Elementary School

Posted: January 27, 2026

This school is exhausting. While there are a few truly incredible teachers, they are consistently overshadowed by others who simply do not belong in elementary education. Candamio (K), Furlow (1), and Nicks (3) were especially disappointing. These teachers don’t just struggle—they break students down at their core.

Nicks teaches a gifted class, yet somehow manages to take a group of high-achieving students and make them miserable and resent school altogether.

I stayed in the DCE system far longer than I should have, and I’m relieved to finally be done. Endless emails, constant parent battles, and a staff culture that seems to care about nothing beyond test scores. Education should be about children—not just numbers.

Posted: January 27, 2026

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Posted: November 27, 2024

Excellent school! Top school in Fruit Cove! Recommend to all!

Posted: November 27, 2024

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Posted: November 13, 2024

A+++ school! My kid is EXCITED every morning to go to this school! Recommend!

Posted: November 13, 2024

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Posted: November 11, 2024

As a parent, I could not ask for a better school. Thank you to the school administration. Staff and teachers are caring and helpful.

Posted: November 11, 2024

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Posted: November 10, 2024

Thank you DCE for making my school experience excellent! Made many friends and learned a lot. My siblings are now happy there too.

Posted: November 10, 2024

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Posted: November 10, 2024

EXCELLENT SCHOOL! Very pleased with the school administration. Recommend!!!

Posted: November 10, 2024

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Posted: March 17, 2024

I don’t think you could ask for a better environment for your elementary student. This school has high achieving students, because of its amazing teaching staff. The administration is second to none, and the support staff is wonderful. We have thought about moving to a different part of the county a few times over the last few years, but can’t bring ourselves to leave DCE until all of our children have had their chance to get through their fifth grade year.

Posted: March 17, 2024

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Posted: August 30, 2023

We couldn’t ask for a better learning environment for our student! We are in our fifth year at DCE, and can’t imagine being anywhere else!

Posted: August 30, 2023

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Posted: February 13, 2022

Teachers try their best but seem to have 0 support. ESE and enrichment services are non-existent. Plans are not followed through. New Admin seem to only care about fundraisers, otherwise we hear nothing from them. My kids couldn't even recognize the principal..

Posted: February 13, 2022

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Posted: December 4, 2018

Very disappointed with DCE as a whole. Some teachers are great and some are horrible. Nothing is done for the teachers who lack kindness to the children.
The administration at this school is focused on their own personal gains, school ratings and personal friendships. There is a major lack of connection with students. Plans put in place to help the children are often not followed through with weather it be medical needs and/or educational.

There is so much dishonesty and unfairness towards both students and families that happens at this school that it’s sickening.

We have spent 3 years at this school and each year has been worse then the one before. We are relocating just to get away from this school.

Posted: December 4, 2018

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Posted: December 4, 2018

Posted: December 4, 2018

Very poor leadership, communication and lots of dishonesty to the DCE families.

Posted: December 4, 2018

My child never received the help needed and fell a grade level behind. The teacher told me it’s because my child is “lazy” and “doesn’t seem to understand anything”.

Many mornings I would have to console my child who was in tears about having to go to school and see this teacher.

*My child is back on grade level this year and enjoys learning.

Posted: December 4, 2018

Nothing is done about bullying, Nothing at all!

Posted: June 10, 2017

I had a great experience in K with one child and a bad with a K child and 2nd grade child.

Posted: June 10, 2017

Posted: June 10, 2017

Vice Principal did not follow through with what she said she would do for my child when I reported an issue. She said she would talk to my child and never did.

Posted: June 10, 2017

My child had a learning disability. I didn't feel the special ed teacher was bad but the support from the home teacher was very much lacking this year.

Posted: June 10, 2017

Reported bullying on my children and got a very mild response and didn't follow through with what the plan was to help my son.

Posted: June 10, 2017

Posted: June 10, 2017

Overall I'm not overly satisfied with the school. It does feel like cattle and your child is a number. The teachers lack support. The leadership doesn't follow through. This year was a big let down.

Posted: June 7, 2017

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Posted: June 7, 2017

See review - run if your child is dyslexic

Posted: June 7, 2017

Big problem with bullying, ineffective response from administrators.

Posted: June 7, 2017

Pulling my kids out of DCE was the best decision that I have ever made for their education. During our one year there, we felt like cattle being hauled through convoluted common core curriculum and high pressure standardized testing. Math was a particularly confusing area where we found ourselves reteaching after school. My children were stressed by expectations, pressure and developmentally inappropriate curriculum. The teachers teach to test, not test to teach.

I must also mention that this is NOT a school for a dyslexic child. I had one foot out the door after discussing my child's needs with the ESE teacher at our first IEP meeting. I use the term "discussing" very loosely because this teacher interrupted and spoke over me each and every time I opened my mouth (often before I even said a single word). The teacher authored the IEP in advance and refused 99% of my requests and input at the meeting. As a parent, I felt bullied and it was clear to me that it was her way or the highway. She also sat down at the table with my child and me at lunch one day and loudly "discussed" (more like talked at me) whether my daughter would be retained at the end of the year. Privacy was of no concern to this teacher, but more importantly neither was my child's feelings. My child heard every word that she said and completely shut down after a lengthy anxiety attack.

I had both feet out the door after the second IEP meeting where the Director of ESE from St. Johns County attended (Lisa Bell). She engaged in a heated argument with my private psychologist (shouting was involved). Ms. Bell appeared more interested in a personal issue with him than in my child. At one point, she vehemently argued with me over using a simple sticker chart to motivate my child to speak louder (she also completely ignored two teachers who were in agreement with me). But the most shocking and memorable statement from Ms. Bell came when she dismissed my child's problem with anxiety as an issue that "all quiet children have." She refused to acknowledge anxiety as a genuine problem that interfered with my child's academic potential. I was astonished by her coldness and unprofessionalism.

This isn't a school for a child with a learning difference or a parent who wishes to be involved.

Posted: June 7, 2017

Posted: August 26, 2015

My daughter was in the very first kindergarten class when DCE was just built back in 2003. She is now a Senior at Creekside High and has received nothing short of a phenomenal education. My son just graduated from DCE and is now at Fruit Cove Middle, another great school. If you are reading some of the negative reviews, all I can say is those people need to get a friggin' clue. Is everything always perfect? No. But, compared to almost any of the schools in Florida, DCE and all of the other schools in the 32259 area code are nothing short of the best. You won't get a better public education, and probably not any better of a private education. The schools are tops, the teachers and administrators are among the best and the schools are safe and among the best academically in the state and the country....additionally, this area is a great place to raise a family...great churches, sports programs & competition, and parent involvement and volunteerism is of the highest standards....Don't believe some of the negative comments, it truly doesn't get much better....

Posted: August 26, 2015

How much homework your child will have will always depend on a few variables...some teachers will certainly give more homework than others but some children also have less homework because they work faster or are more disciplined in getting it done when they have free time in school...I don't think it has ever been too much for either of my kids...and, for the most part, teachers seem to be fairly good about not assigning homework on the weekends, which I think is a good thing....5 days a week of school is enough...we all need a break from work...days that we can truly get some relaxation

Posted: August 26, 2015

A key program for St. Johns County schools is "Character Counts"...there are 5 pillars like honesty, respect etc....Great schools, teachers, administrators and parents....You'd be hard pressed to find better schools anywhere in the United States...

Posted: October 24, 2013

Durbin creek is a outstanding school. My son is not a reader! Hates it, to say the least. The school is very aware of his struggle with reading. While I really hate hearing about the things my son is not good at, I do like the fact they take notice and take couple of steps to help. The school does have a great extended program ran my Ms PVH & she is awesome with the students. I would personally like to see more educational after school courses offered. My daughter is the opposite, she can read 10 books in a week, however needs extra help with other subjects. With two working parents it is very difficult to find tutoring or extra help. Opition extra academic could help the students & PTO.

Posted: February 6, 2013

Came from a different school district two and a half years ago. When moving to the area we researched schools and bought in our neighborhood so our child could go to Durbin Creek. The first year was wonderful, had a first year teacher who was excited and my child really enjoyed herself and learned a lot plus a terrific principal. The second year was again pretty good with another 1st year teacher but not the same enthusiasm as the 1st teacher and a change in pricipal seemed to have a negative impact on how the things happened at the school. Year three has been disappointing to say the least. The teacher is out quite a bit. My child complains they don't go to recess on time and they don't do much of the mileage club, which she loves (still getting good grades though). Teacher three is running the FCAT drill which really makes me wonder in the long haul what my child is missing from her education. The principal has been non-responsive with concerns I've had, however, the assistant principal deserves kudos with how she handles issues. They do have an extended day program as well as after school programs that are outstanding. Just love the staff who run the programs.

Posted: December 21, 2012

I have put two kids through Durbin Creek Elementary and my third child has two years left. It seems that many of the negative comments are coming from parents whose children are in transition from other places because I have had a very positive experience. I can't spend a lot of time at the school, but I communicate regularly with the teachers and find them very responsive. Some teachers were a little heavy with the homework, but we survived. My children have been well prepared and are doing very well in middle and high school. The FCAT is a pain and it bunches the school year unnecessarily, but we all know why it started...parents complaining that kids were being promoted who couldn't read or write and we got a one size fits all solution. The budgets have been hurt by the decrease in property values, but the district seems to have been quite responsible in handling that.

Posted: September 25, 2011

I would have to agree with the previous posters. Although an 'A' school according to 'objective' standards, the sole focus of the school is on FCAT scores and making the grade. Teachers, who could be fantastic, are made into data recorders. The content in math and literature is watered down and nonsensical, the majority of questions come in the form of low level multiple choice prompts. My child is only asked to bubble in answers to most math questions rather than to actually obtain an answer. Many of the questions can be answered correctly by a child who is need of serious remedial help. The FCAT scores give an illusion of true learning, but in reality represent a lowering of the bar. In addition, most of the focus is spent on the students who have not yet met grade level FCAT standards, but are able to meet them with ease. Those who have the skills already languish in a environment full of testing and re-testing. Those in need of assistance get a some extra assistance, but would probably benefit more from a richer environment where testing wasn't the sole purpose. On a more positive not, there are some wonderful kind teachers here, if only they were more free.to actually teach.

Posted: June 23, 2011

We moved to Durbin Creek from another in county school, and I am very disappointed. It is BEYOND overcrowded, there are the annex in the back, where at one point we witnessed a trial run of a severe weather drill that took more than 20 minutes to get the annex children into the halls of the original building. It feels cold and unfriendly. Seems to be more focus on PTO than anything.My daughter has always been a wonderful student. She LOVED school, had wonderful marks on her report card, and great feedback from her teacher. This year was completely different. She had several not good marks on her report card, her teacher didn't seem to care much for her, and they were treated more like soldiers than students. She got up many days sayinghtat she didn't want to go to school, that her teacher wasn't nice, that she wanted to stay home, etc. We made sure to ask that this wasn't a problem such as bullying, and she said no- it is simply the class and the teacher. It made me so sad to see her lose her zest for learning. She no longer likes to read anymore, and 3 out of 5 nights a week were spent with her in TEARS over the amount of homework she had. I really hope next year is better.

Posted: May 26, 2011

I did not love the first year we have been there. My daughter is in Kindergarten and I have felt that the school was not a happy environment. They even make the kids sit boy/ girl in the cafeteria during their only free period that they are allowed to have a friend to talk to. My daughter is a good student and never got in trouble, but the children around her did and it brought her spirit way down. She spent many mornings not wanting to go to school and saying it wasn't a fun place to be. In my opinion Kindergarten should still be a lot of play, happiness and fun. There is a lot of life left for seriousness. There are also MANY ways to be taught to learn through playing and having a good time doing it. We are looking into other alternatives for first grade.

Posted: April 26, 2011

This school is overall a great environment for children. But, if you have a child with ESE needs, the ESE program is understaffed, underfunded and the environment is very difficult on the kids. I had to pull my son out of the school and put him in a private school due to the bad experiences and his diminishing confidence. Without the proper funding and teacher assistance, this won't change. My daughter still attends and is finishing up her first year. It is a bit sad to see that the kids are pretty much spending the last three months reviewing the year and the kids are really bored. We should be pushing our children to achieve and learn more. To me, this is the greatest problem with public schools today. We settle for the minimum standards.

Posted: April 25, 2011

Excellent school - uses differentiation to teach to each student. The parent involvement is second to none! The principal is a fantastic leader!

Posted: May 2, 2010

THe staff, the teachers and the parents truly work together for the benefit of all the students.

Posted: April 29, 2010

They have some of the best teachers in Jacksonville, FL!

Posted: April 28, 2010

The teachers and staff are wonderful!!

Posted: April 28, 2010

everything about the school is great...I have one older child that has moved on and one starting kindergarten this year. I was very impressed with the tour and the kindergarten classrooms....

Posted: April 27, 2010

Durbin Creek is an amazing school with a wonderful PTO, fantastic staff and great families!

Posted: April 27, 2010

Dubin is a fabulous school! I have a handicapped child and they meet all of his needs! What a great place with great Teachers!

Posted: April 27, 2010

Durbin Creek is an amazing school. The teachers and staff are supportive and caring. Everyone works in the best interest of the children!

Posted: April 27, 2010

The Teachers/Staff are dedicated and focused on the needs of their students and promote parent involvement. Students are challenged to do their best, demonstrate character and are recognized and praised for it.

Posted: April 27, 2010

The teachers and staff makes Durbin Creek a great School!!

Posted: April 27, 2010

Very helpful with assisting with the education of a child with disabilities. Very friendly and understanding staff.

Posted: April 27, 2010

It's a wonderful elementary school that has caring teachers & parents. Most of the children that attend live in the same neighborhood so it's easy to have friendships.

Posted: April 26, 2010

Durbin Creek Elementary is an awesome school that strives to meet every kids learning needs. They also strive to create a fun learning environment with really cool activities such as 'Snow Day'

Posted: April 26, 2010

You can't find a better elementary school in St. Johns County. The teachers are dedicated to seeing students succeed in any way they can. Parent involvement is stellar, and our PTO supports the school in so many ways. Students are challenged to do their best, believe in themselves, and demonstrate character. Technology use is highly valued and infused throughout the curriculum. The Durbin mascot - an Explorer, is appropriate through and through.

Posted: April 26, 2010

My daughter is in 3rd grade at DCE. I have loved every teacher she has had. They are exception and go above and beyond to help the children excel. These teachers truly care about the children and helping them learn to the best of their abilities.

Posted: April 26, 2010

Durbin is all around top notch in every area. The school has wonderful technology and the curriculum meets the needs of each student. The parent support and special programs really help the students and school excel. The administration keeps an open door to teachers and parents.

Posted: April 26, 2010

Top elementary school in Florida! Great teachers, great staff, great kids!

Posted: April 26, 2010

The level of talent and commitment at Durbin Creek is AWESOME! My son is receiving the greatest elementary education in the state!

Posted: April 26, 2010

Parents are so involved and teacher strive for the best for the children.

Posted: April 26, 2010

We've been with Durbin Creek Elementary since it opened and we love it. The parents care, the teachers care and the administration cares!

Posted: April 26, 2010

because it does an excellent job at making my daughter feel comfortable, welcome and to feel as brilliant as she can possibly be!