Somerset Academy Boca East

Somerset Boca has been wonderful and life changing! My son really struggled in Kindergarten at an A rated school, and seemed to "fall through the cracks" and kids that learn from different teaching methods/ learning styles, dont fit in the "box" of mainstream public education. Somerset teachers, teach to different learning styles/needs (tactile, visual, etc). Our teachers and staff are dedicated and amazing. We also have a daughter in 2nd. They are both doing outstanding academically as well as in their emotional development and socialization skills. My children have found a renewed sense of self-confidence and really enjoy going to school each day. This school addresses the needs of its students, above and beyond academic. Love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I took a chance and decided to have our children leave their A rated school here in Boca last August. We couldn't be happier with our decision. Our kids have flourished in the small environment Somerset offers. Highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 2nd grader at Somerset Academy, she loves the school. Her teacher, Ms. Bowman is a sweetheart and is always willing to take that extra time to go over thing my daughter doesn't understand. The principal is very nice and approachable. The front office staff is very professional. I love the parent involvement and the small social events they have. It is a small school so everybody knows everybody which doesn t happen in a big public school. They have a lot of extracurricular activities but perhaps should invest in more PE equipment. My only concern is the security in the school, I hope the fence is installed ASAP other than that, Somerset is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

I am not impressed with this school. I registered for a lottery that was supposed to be open as listed on the school registration paperwork but it turns out it was actually closed. Why have all that paperwork before getting accepted? The campus is totally open and has no security. The teacher I met at open house seemed good but the front office staff can be rude. The principal seems parent friendly but is unprofessional. I had a conversation with her and she needs to learn how to be more diplomatic. I am not really a fan of charter schools but I was open to something different since the public homeschool was so bad. I am unimpressed. The lottery is a joke. I get the impression since you turn in registration forms there is alot of picking and chosing. I got an email that I waited two months for and I could not tell if it was acceptance or denial. That turned me off anyway. The email asked for help increasing enrollment. I thought it was a joke at first. If you are going to take tax dollars it should be fair and professional. Between charter, public, and private schools in this area I can see why Florida has such a high homeschool population. Not impressed!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 2nd grader and 4th grader at Somerset Academy Boca. We moved over from another pubic school here in Boca due to its overcrowding. We are thrilled with Somerset. Some of the benefits of this school are directly related to the smallness of the school, and the parent involvement that is not only accepted but encouraged by the faculty and staff. Also, although the school we moved from is highly regarded in the community, it was teach - test, teach- test, teach-test. At Somerset the students are required to demonstrate their knowledge in many other, more creative ways... powerpoint presentations, reports, experiments... even extra credit assignment opportunities. Great teachers, wonderful, accessible principal. Happy kids!!
—Submitted by a parent

The academics are ok, science is almost nonexistent and its supposed to be a science magnet school. 1st grade teacher is unorganized and talks disrespectfully to parents and kids. The biggest problem is there is NO security and the school and principal only make excuses. They have been promising a "security fence" all year stating that it is being held up by permitting since August (its February). No one walks the halls despite claims. I have walked on and off this campus without notice more times than I can count. Now, they are wasting their money on a company to make security recommendations. Seems to be for PR. The security problem is there are multiple points of entry and no security personal, fence, cameras, etc. They should take that money and get security. The temple on the same campus has their own security so obviously they are concerned enough to pay for it. There is a police officer directing traffic 2 x per day for 30 min. The school does not have any resources from their operating board and depends solely on parent donations. They do not even have a school clinic, PE equipment or art equipment- playgrounds are a mess. Could be a great school if they had any resources.
—Submitted by a parent

We have compared my son's work that he is doing at school against other area elementary schools and his work is ahead of what others are doing in thes same grade. My child is being challenged. Somerset responds to parent requests and we are very happy with our child's progress and workload. In regards to security, yes I do feel they could do a better job and I do hope that something is done about that in the near future as promised. If security is improved, I feel Somerset is a 5 star school that is great for that child that requires the extra challenge. By the way, my child is in first grade and my child likes the teacher and loves school. My child's only complaint sometimes is in regards to too much work.....that is not a bad thing. It's not just busy work....it's work that a child learns from. I would rather this complaint than my child being bored. I love it! Best decision I ever made!!! A lot of parent involvement!!!! Love the extracurricular programs also....sports program, art enrichment. amongst others..awesome!!! Before enrolling your child check it out and make sure it's for your child.
—Submitted by a parent