North Broward Preparatory School

My child just started kindergarten at the CS campus. And I am not happy with it. I thought I was enrolling my child into a school that would fit the needs for my child but this is not at all worth the money. My child is constantly bored, the other children are out of control, spoiled. We are a down to earth family no matter the money involved and the other parents well lets just say snobs. My child will not be going here next year! We are looking into other private schools in the Broward County area. Do your family a favor and don't enroll your child here!
—Submitted by a parent

After a combined 18 years with NBPS- we are seeking alternative schools for our kids. Tuition is extremely high- especially in a down market. Our son comes home regularly and talks about the owner's Maybach (a $300,000 car) and how he leaves it running while he's inside. Do you think this is a bit over the top? The teachers turn-over regularly (othere schools in the area is where they go), discipline is a problem. They really do accept anyone who can afford to go there. Most kids are very privledged and the snobbery is obscene. Kids of 10 & 11 with Imacs and Iphones. I find it obscene. There are 'A' rated schools in our neighborhood as well as highschool programs where the grads go to top level schools and the programs is already an International Baccalaureate School- North Broward is 'trying' for this certification by 2012. Look elsewhere.

So sorry to say that we are leaving NB. When we joined the school community 5 years ago, the teacher turnover was non-existent. Now, it changes from year to year. No indoor gym, kids are outside at all times. No theatre for performances...all promises broken while the tuition competes with all other privates in the area. Lunch not included. From all appearances school is run for profit not for benefit of children.
—Submitted by a parent

Although my daughter is having trouble adjusting I think the school adminstration is great. Especially the online access and immediate connection with a teacher when needed. I can send an email and with in hours a response is normally received. No leaving messages at the front office and hoping it gets delivered.
—Submitted by a parent

They have finally gone too far...the tuition rates for high school are outrageous and unrealistic. They have now toped Pine Crest's tuition rates and North Broward's tuition doesn't include lunch or books, like Pine Crest does. Although my child has done well here and has only one year left, I do not think the tuition is worth it. Look elsewhere!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school. We have been part of the NBPS family for 7 years; they are both in HS. They have done very well academically taking Honors and AP classes. Tuition is high and many families get help from grandparents as we do. Music and performing arts programs can not be beat! Sports and other clubs/activities are readily available. It seems many people are put off by teacher turn over but this is a chronic problem in all schools in south Florida...Housing,Taxes and Insurance costs are through the roof (no pun intended.) This is not a NBPS issue it is an issue for all so. FL schools. I can not fault a teacher, administrator or family for moving out of state as many have done!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at the school and my oldest has been there for nine years. Overall, our experience has been excellent. The school emphasizes a family atmosphere while challenging the children academically. There are lots of extracurricular activities to choose from depending on your interests. Safety and security is a priority at the school and my wife and I feel very comfortable dropping our children off there each day. The school became part of a network of prep schools around the world two years ago and we are already seeing some of the benefits; from travel/study opportunities to cultural exchanges via the internet and video conferencing in the classroom. Lastly, the list of colleges and universities that accept the school's graduates is quite impressive. I highly recommend the school to prospective families.
—Submitted by a parent

Our worst fears came true when the original school was purchased by a lawyer, but it was good that he was able to put together the funding to purchase land and build an upper campus for the kids, and keep the tuition below that of Pine Crest as he promised at his first of so many of his too long speaches we all had to listen to over the years. Although the early years of the new campus were a bit 'green,' as any new school would be, it did get better, but then reached a peak and has been on a downfall ever since. Many of the original students left for other schools. Not enough to choose from around here so mine stayed on and graduated. Nice buildings, but many of the great teachers also left.
—Submitted by Phil, a parent

My children attended North Broward after several years we have decided to change schools. A non-profit school was our final decision where the administrators are focused on the children and not the bottom line profit.
—Submitted by a parent

Beware of a very high teacher turn over. My son has been here the past three years and we have seen tremendous teacher and administration changes.The administration that runs the school has not figured out that the teachers are the heart and soul of the school, not the owner or the pretty campus grounds! They do have an excellent music and drama department, but you pay extra for fees for them, along with extra fees to play sports.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at NBPS and am thoroughly impressed with the care and individual attention that they receive. Their teachers always put in the extra effort for them. The online grading system lets me track exactly how they're doing and the teachers are always available if I need to talk with them. The result is that academically they're excelling. In addition, unlike any other school I've seen or heard of, NBPS is part of a family of international prep schools. So my boys have had the chance to experience other cultures in a fun and safe way. The real strength of the school is that it has well-rounded my children because of all the opportunities available to them and because the school takes an active role in fostering their development. That's why we're very happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school, one in elementary and one in middle school. I am always impressed with the great professionalism displayed by the administration in dealing with any issue and parent concern. Parents are treated with kindness and care as are the children. My children love this school, it's great academics and extracurricular activities. There was some teacher turnover last year but they have been replaced with even better teachers and administrators. The owner is a good man who has built a school that nurtures the child academically, psychologically, and physically. I am happy that my children are expected to raise money in order to belong to a sports team, this is good for their character. I am happy they are not treated like spoiled rich kids but future leaders.
—Submitted by Nancy Heise, a parent

No sour grapes here, my kids have done well at this school, however they will be leaving after this year. The school is mismanaged and diffuse. There is no clear leadership and the focus is clearly on money. They actually finance tuition now with interest. There are many students with identified behavioral issues that may pay more for the extra attention but are in classes with the mainstream students and quite disruptive. This school has seen better days. We plan to transfer to other schools. I am sad.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrific school. The few bad posts here don't do this school justice. I have had my children here for several years and the school had been advanced academically, beautiful and one of the most caring environments you could imagine. The school has had the same owners for the entire time my children have been here and it gets better and better every year. I would recommend it without qualification to anyone. My children love the school and so do we. The faculty and administration are strong and the only replacements I'm aware of have made it even stronger. Great academics, great extra-curriculars for both my athletic son and our artistically interested daughter. Some of these sound like sour grapes to me and not the wonderful school that North Broward is. If all the parents wrote here --- the ratings would be exceptional across the board.
—Submitted by a parent

We are NBPS parents with children at differing grade levels, interests and aptitudes for over a decade and it has been an excellent experience. The school is wonderful. Small class sizes, strong faculty development and hiring, high selectivity, effective character education and caring support for students distinguish this excellent school. It has academic rigor equal to or exceeding that of any independent school in the region with a nurturing environment. We have read the posts on this site and find the differences interesting. We can only conclude that the few uncomplimentary posts are from those who had to leave for economic, behavioral or other reasons and want someone to blame. The school they describe is not what our children experience every day. The 'facts' aren't right. The owners have been here for 12 years and have made this school great. Our children love the school and we are true NBPS fans.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is not what it used to be. The new owner has managed it like a business and the children and parents have suffered because of it. There seems to be a disturbing number of children who have behavior problems.
—Submitted by a parent

NBPS offers everything any student could want. The academic program is rigorous, the teachers are caring, and the climate nurturing. For any child who is there to learn and work, the sky is the limit. The teachers go above and beyond in so many ways. The PTA is outstanding. The faculty is experienced and professional. My children are thriving at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We will be leaving the school after seven years. NBPS used to be a challenging academic school with excellent teachers and enforced discipline. The school will accept any student whose parents can afford the skyrocketing tuition. The discipline problems are out of control. Parent involvement is good, music program is excellent. The P.E. program was good but the two coaches left with several other exceptional teachers this year. It has turned out to be a business and not what is best for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has been very poorly managed under the new owner, who only cares about building a bigger campus - not a better campus. The deteriorating academic programs, unreasonable tuition hikes, and the high teacher turnover have driven long time North Broward families away. The tuition $$$ were/are being spent on building new facilities without adequate parking to go along with them. The last two years have been very disappointing. Good news about the school - lots of extracurricular activities and parent involvement. The art and music programs are excellent - the finest in the state. (Wonderful, Caring, Teachers!! Hope they stay) The weekly PE classes were excellent, but North Broward has lost both PE teachers, so no comment on future athletic programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Coconut Creek Campus is out of control. Just a money making business. Both headmaster and lower school principal are gone as of 6/06. This past year we experienced total disorganization among the 3rd grade teachers. Discipline problems that were never addressed even after talking with administration several times. Two or Three hours of homework at an inappropriate grade level for an 8 year old. Curriculum was scattered and parent complaints were at an all time high. Many people are not returning next year. The school continues to expand and will accept most anyone that can afford $15 to $18 thousand dollars for elementary school. High teacher turn over and many not qualified and teach out of their area of training. They claim to be High Tech calling the middle school a laptop school. When questioned about how the computers are used and what kind of professional development they provide they are short on answers. The laptops are not used at a lesson plan level and not integrated into the lesson plans. It is all show and no product. Don t be fooled by the appearances and promises they make. The owner is just interested in filling his pockets.
—Submitted by a parent