Research Joseph Williams Elementary School Public Schools in Gainesville, Florida

“The magnet program is wonderful due to the quality and dedication of its teachers. However, ther drawback is that the program is definitely a 'school within a school.' If you don't know, Williams is in the poorest part of Gainesville (high crime area, etc). For the magnet kids, there is little interaction with the 'regular school population' and when there is the magnet kids are sometimes verbally bullied. I noted this on an internal review of the school. There are also no after school sports for the kids and the only clubs are chess ($100 a year) and engineering (grades 3-5). I miss the 'neighborhood school' atmosphere of other elementary schools; in that way, I feel my child is losing out, but he is definitely getting the academic quality he needs (and we want for him). There are better schools for regular programs, tho.”

“My child has been attending the magnet program at Williams for three years.It is like no place else!ALL the teachers are outstanding (regular and magnet)Afterschool, music, Spanish, Pe, THEY'RE ALL WODERFUL.”

“The principal is wonderful along with the teachers.”

“I would rate their academic program as excellant. Music and art are encouraged. Higher levels of parent envolvement are present.”

“Williams is a great school that really cares about each student. Most teacher are trained right here in Gainesville at the University of Florida.”

“My son has been attending Williams for 3 years. In this time, I have found that the teachers are not only very concerned and supportive of both children and their families, but also enthusiastic about their job and the importance of their role among the kids, their families, and the community. Williams has some of the nicest teachers I've seen in more than one country--Mrs. Latsko and the P.E. Coach among them. Thank you for generosity, teachers from Williams!”