My experience with Winding Waters K-8 was deeply disappointing and ultimately led us to remove our…read moreson from the school. As the parent of a child with autism who was placed in a self-contained classroom, my two biggest concerns were safety and education. Unfortunately, in our experience, the school failed to provide either. Safety was our greatest concern. During part of our time at the school, Mr. Curtis was the teacher in the self-contained classroom. During that period, a serious safety incident occurred in which a student gained access to a teacher's prescription medication and required emergency medical treatment. There were also concerns raised regarding student welfare within the classroom. These incidents significantly impacted our confidence in the school's ability to provide a safe environment for vulnerable students. Unfortunately, safety concerns continued after staffing changes. During another incident involving my son, he was able to leave the classroom without appropriate supervision. At that time, the teacher was Nancy Williams, who remains employed by the school. As a parent of a child with autism, this was extremely alarming. Student safety should always be the highest priority, and incidents involving inadequate supervision should never occur. Beyond safety concerns, there was a complete lack of meaningful education. The students in the self-contained classroom received little to no academic instruction. There were no visible lesson plans, worksheets, educational activities, or individualized learning opportunities. Instead, much of the day appeared to be spent watching YouTube videos. The children were not being challenged academically, nor were they being provided with the educational services they deserved. Equally concerning was the lack of inclusion. Students in the self-contained classroom were largely separated from the rest of the school community. They had little to no access to resources and experiences that other students enjoy, including the playground, library, computers, art classes, music classes, and meaningful interaction with their peers. These children deserve opportunities to learn, grow, socialize, and participate in school life just like every other student. Following the removal of Mr. Curtis from the classroom, there appeared to be ongoing instability with substitutes and temporary staff who often seemed unfamiliar with the students' needs and educational requirements. The lack of consistency further disrupted any possibility of meaningful educational progress. Every child deserves a safe learning environment, qualified staff, appropriate educational programming, and opportunities for inclusion. In our experience, Winding Waters failed to provide these basic necessities for students in the self-contained autism classroom. As parents, we entrusted the school with our child's safety, education, and well-being, and unfortunately, that trust was repeatedly broken. I sincerely hope significant improvements have been made so that future students receive the support, protection, education, and inclusion they deserve.

Nice school, nice principal. My daughter is in first grade and both teachers she's had have been…read morenice, but lack communication with parents of students. My niece is in second grade and same thing. Overall, a great school though. Field trips are always educational and the cost is usually low.

Just got hired at this fabulous school! The staff are so friendly and welcoming. The cafeteria…read morepersonnel are quick and extremely helpful! The IAs ride the bus at this school, but are rewarded with coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts around vacas. This school has Headstart, pre k VE, AND a huge ESE building with all elementary ages catered to. The programs are new and up to date with equipment and knowledge. Very cool playground for the intermediate grades that adds a great amount of exercise. I have never seen such a dedicated cafeteria staff! Rock on, Northwest!

We heard rough stuff about GHES, but eventually enrolled after a couple extra years homeschooling…read more Staff is great and approachable. Basinger is raising the school grade with her unmatched, unwavering tenacity. (Complete with so many smiles!) So, just try to filter bout 90% of the advice and reviews you receive about ANYTHING. Life is too subjective to take someone else's experience and assume it would be yours as well. Proud to be a Gator Family.

Principal Basinger was brought in to help the school get their grade up from an "F". She's going…read moreinto her 4th year with the school and they just achieved a "C" grade. Staff is great and really striving for the best for students.

1-2yo classroom; Lunch comes home untouched, juice and water comes home untouched, staff cut my…read morechild's hair (had never had first cut before). Staff relentlessly denies any fault regardless of evidence proving otherwise. Director has no remorse or accountability for actions of staff stating "what do you want me to do". Overall terrible experience. VPK staff and classrooms on the other hand; fantastic. Caring, work on individual needs with each child, play centered learning, very communicative. Would not send children under four.

EXCELLENT! I love their communication app and how they actually care about your child. My baby has…read moremultiple food allergies and restrictions, instead of pushing him off on another daycare they accepted him with open arms and are very diligent in keeping him safe. This is all a parent really wants when it comes to their child. I love Care-A-Lot Preschool and I am so happy to have found them. Most days he walks right in, no problem, not even a wave :) A huge bonus is the papers that come home everyday telling you what they ate ETC. Very helpful when trying to watch out for allergic reactions. I am so happy there!

Our son just graduated. Teachers were really good and there were few problems in the three years he…read moreattended there. Only complaint: they don't have an inside auditorium/gymnasium. Graduation, plays, concerts etc. are either in the cafeteria or outside. Cafeteria is nice but many people end up standing. Not enough seats. Too bad our anti-educational governor Slick Rick Scott can't send some money this way to ensure all schools have adequate facilities for the students, faculty, and visitors/parents. Aside from not having an auditorium Moon Lake Elementary School is top notch.

Nice campus with lots of trees scattered about. Not in the greatest of areas, kind of sketchy, but…read morethe people are friendly enough.

I love this school! Everything is clean, everyone is friendly. My 3 year old daughter loves it…read morethere and learns so much. I was a stay at home mom for 3 years, so leaving her for the first time was sooo hard. But everyone made me feel comfortable and her teacher Ms. Rosie is the absolute best! My daughter LOVES Ms. Rosie and I feel great knowing she is with her all day. I can't say enough good things about her teacher. I can tell Ms. Rosie loves the kids she teaches and it's more than just a job to her. I highly recommend First Friends on Landover

Absolutely love this school! The staff is amazing and the kids behavior and educational advancement…read moreis the proof. I look forward to all the special holiday events and function they hold for the students and the families. I would recomend First friends to anyone.