Bonita Springs Preparatory and Fitness Academy

We have kids in Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grades at BSPFA and have been very pleased. For us, it was between this school and Bonita Charter, and I think we made the right choice. BSPFA is a small school intentionally... <250 students vs. Bonita Charter's 1000+ which I like. The class sizes are kept small and all of the teachers are very much engaged with their students. The school DOES have a library (although it might not have in earlier reviews.) They have two sessions of math per day, one full hour of science each day, reading, and one hour of sports. Kids alternate with one week of Tae Kwon Do, Tennis, and Soccer. Good behavior is encouraged with "Dragon Dollars" which the kids can then redeem in the school store. Academic wise, it's a strong curriculum. We've been at an 8 rated school in NY and a 9 rated school in a different part of FL and I see no difference in terms of quality of curriculum or teaching here. Only negatives would be: no formal playground, just an area of grass for the kids to play with (although they have balls, hula hoops, etc.) 2) No formal art/music/foreign language programs. Art seems t be incorporated pretty well at the younger ages, though.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child started in Kindergarden and if she had not she would have been bussed to another community too far away for us not to be worried about safety and problems. The teacher was new,but great. The class sizes were small but I felt the teachers and leaders in the school were conscientious,caring,structured and aware. The teacher was always in touch with us and let us be aware of everything going on. There were fundraising activities,but I felt no more than at any other school. The day is long,but the children are engaged. I think this is a great school I certainly hope this school does not turn into another strip mall! I wouldn't be surprised though,especially in a community that rarely has any focus on any person under the age of sixty.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, I believe that this could become a very good one, but that is also a relative term. While I still do not believe in the State and national mandate about studying for exams (note FCAT), the school has to teach toward this (unfortunately). Our kids would be better off following the examples of countries such as Finland and hiring the best teachers with advanced degrees in the subject matter. Having said this, a well rounded education certainly is not about studying for FCAT scores. Instead a child also needs to be exposed to foreign language, art, music, philosophy, cultural perspectives outside the U.S. (we are becoming more global and our children will inevitably become part of this), and yes, even a chess club at the school. All these topics serve to round out an individual who is able to think and actually foster an intellect and use the brain in a capacity that allows for complex thinking on both sides of the brain. Test taking techniques and how to raise scores will never achieve this. Please take note and set an example for other schools in Florida. See what Finland has achieved in education and let us follow. We have fallen to "average". Hello Reform !
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started kindergarten at BSPFA this year, the staff has been outstanding, her teacher is an absolute blessing and we have seen our daughter flourish there. She has excelled at her math and reading and continues to do so. I would recommend anyone to come and actually get a feel of the school. Bigger is not always better. Our daughter is not a number, she is a person, and individual who is known and taught in a personal way. Yes, they are new and still building their library, no, there is not a "jungle gym" type of playground for the children, but there is a lot of physical activity and they are allowed free play as well. We all remember what that is right? When we used our imaginations and our friends to play. The PTO is very active in raising money for the kids and the school. Giving money to your child's school should not be seen as a burden, you are investing in their education. If there is a problem with them not having a computer lab, help out, you may not have money, but you can volunteer and support the PTO in their efforts to raise the funds. It is a growing school, and rather than bashing them, as the parents, we should be supporting their efforts.
—Submitted by a parent

we love this school so far. I love the fitness aspect and the principal seems to be nice. I like it better than BSCS.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started kindergarten at BSPFA this year and so far we love the school. Her teacher and the staff I've been around seem completely dedicated to making the most of the kids experience. Yes, it's a young school, and I see some areas that there could be more organization, but overall the hearts and focus seem dead on. I have not had much interaction with the principal at this point, so I can't speak much to her personally, but her staff seems great, so I'm giving her high ratings. I am sad that there is not playground equipment, but the kids play games at recess and don't know any different. There isn't a library at this point, but everyone is working hard to get one in place.
—Submitted by a parent

What an awful experience we have had at this school. The 8 hour school day is ridiculous. I have never seen a more unhappy faculty in my life and it goes along with the unhappy students. What kind of school doesn't have a kitchen in their cafeteria?? What kind of a school doesn't have a playground? This place is also seriously lacking educational resources. There is no library, there are no art or music classes, there is no auditorium, no holiday performances, no computer lab. Also, they have their hand out for money and supplies all year long. It seems like it's more of a "what can you do for the school"type of school, rather than a "what can the school do for your child" type of school. Get ready to shell out a few hundred dollars(per child) plus shipping and handling, for uniforms. Grey pants and embroidered shirts, black shoes ONLY, P.E. uniform, tae kwon do uniform , and don't think you can find grey pants or shorts at Target or Wal Mart. I think that their enrollment is probably 1/2 of what it was at the beginning of the year and I predict that it will keep falling until that school becomes a shopping center like it started out as.
—Submitted by a parent

Complete lack of organization in this school amongst its teachers and staff. My child had to endure a change of 3!!!! Teachers in one year! Absolutely uncalled for. Go elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent