Imagine Charter at Lakewood Ranch

ONE OF THE WORST SCHOOLS IN MANATEE COUNTY! IF I COULD GIVE THIS SCHOOL ZERO STARS I WOULD. THERE IS NO DISCIPLINE IN THIS SCHOOL AT ALL. THEY HAVE STUDENTS WHO BEAT UP TEACHERS AND BREAK THEIR FINGERS AND ALL THEY GET IS A 10 DAY SUSPENSION. THE ELEMENTARY GRADE TEACHERS ARE AWESOME BUT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE AWFUL. TEACHERS ARE HAVING AFFAIRS AND MY CHILDREN ARE COMING HOME AND ASKING ME WHAT IS GOING ON. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE PRINCIPAL IS TOO YOUNG AND IS NOTHING BUT A JOKE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS SCHOOL!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough good things about this school. No school is perfect but this one has come close for us. We have attended the program since it opened 4 years ago and my 2 boys have received a quality, individualized education in a strong character building environment. They have been allowed to grow as individuals as well as develop a respect for others. The principle and staff have always listened to all concerns and suggestions with an open mind and a willingness to continually improve their program. We highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not understand the review from the woman who fell at the school. Its obvious someone who has no insurance and is looking to force the school to pay. (hope your not teaching your child that trait) I think the school is great and would recomend it to anyone who will listen
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter entered the Praesto Academy as a 5th grader in August, 2011. Her teacher, Ms. DeSena was excellent. The school lacks a sense of focus and the Middle School children are out of control. We recently withdrew our daughter to home school her. Also, if you're volunteering at the school be aware of the poor insurance coverage. I slipped and injured my back and knee in the front lobby. The school refuses to cover my injuries in excess of $15,000. My back surgery will be in excess of $50k and my knee surgery will be $5-7K or more. I was dropping off ISLWR clothing at the time of the accident. The parent company is more interested in doing whats best for the school as the injured suffer. We were so pleased last fall, now we know why so many teachers, staff and students have left. I'll be shocked if the school lasts more than a few years unless there are major changes. I would avoid entering the facility at any cost. Stay in your car. Leaving Gene Witt was the worst mistake we've made as parents!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been going here for two years and loves it. Her teachers are great. She is learning a lot. I am happy that she keeps the same teachers and classmates for three years.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great. I had two sons there and now have only one as the older one went on to high school. The kids at the school are the best buch of kids you can find in a school setting. The sports program is getting MUCH better and the quality of the education that you receive is second to none. I have known a few parents whose children have had a hard tiome at the school but thos e same kids hav ehad just as hard a time at the next school and the next school they went to. I would highly recomend this school to anyone
--Submitted by a parent

N.Y. RESIDENT COMING BACK FOR PRAESTO ACADEMY/ lakewood Ranch!! We moved to Sarasota this past Summer (2011) JUST to attend the "national recognized" Gifted school "PINEVIEW".. only to see that this "unhealthy,stressful, inhumane" school was definitely NOT what we were looking for; eventhough my child had no difficulty keeping up with the advanced work, and as a result we took our child out after only a few months. In addition, my husband and i definitely do not care about "status" - as we found out soooo many Sarasota parents do. We also met so many "real" parents that would never send their child to PINEVIEW GIFTED SCHOOL...for the same exact reasons as us. So, with that being said..... We cannot wait to start the PRAESTO ACADEMY @ IMAGINE SCHOOL IN LAKE WOOD RANCH, FLORIDA!! Yes, were coming back with "bells on"! Allison McCrann - Long Island/NY
--Submitted by a parent

I cant say enough great things about this school. The project child style has helped my one child. My other child has been in the Middle School since it started. The safe and smaller environment has helped him excel in so many areas. All my kids have a confidence that they would have not developed anywhere else. The focus on character is wonderful especially at the MS level. Every year they get better and better!
--Submitted by a parent

Imagine School of Lakewood Ranch has been an amazing experience for my daughter. She has been there for three years and has loved all of her teachers. The teacher will go out of there way to help out in any way possible. It is a different type of school than a regular public one, and it does require more involvement and commitment from both parents and students. The more involved you are with the school the more you will get. The quality of education provided at this school to my daughter is excellent. We could not have picked a better school for her.
--Submitted by a parent

It's like getting a private school education without having to pay for it! We transferred from an A school in the area, and were so happy to have a staff that actually listens to the parents. It is a different type of school than a regular public one, and it does require more involvement and commitment from both parents and students. But the more you put in, the more you get out. If you are a lazy or disinterested parent, don't come here because your child will not succeed. But if you are willing to step up and be involved in your child's education, Imagine offers opportunities you just can't find in public schools.
--Submitted by a parent