Lake Mary Preparatory School

Lake Mary Prep exceeded our expectations in our son's first year. It was not a glorified babysitter as we first thought it might be. The PK-3 program's curriculum and teachers were top-notch. They introduced several subjects and concepts in a fun and hands-on environment. The teachers treat the kids as their own and work with them and the parents to ensure their growth. My 3-year old's confidence in social situations grew exponentially in this first year (something that we and the teachers worked on). We plan on keeping him in LMP and hope they continue to exceed expectations in years to come. Thus far, we highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his first year at Lake Mary Prep and we are incredibly happy. He attended a highly accelerated preschool program elsewhere and LMP has continued to stimulate him with their wonderful academic program. It is absolutely incredible how much he has learned this year, how much he has grown and how wonderfully happy and excited he is to attend school each day. The administration and teachers are incredible and inspiring to my child. I am thrilled that my shy young son has found a place where he can thrive, learn, be challenged and feel safe and loved.
—Submitted by a parent

PROSPECT PARENTS PLEASE READ Our daughter attended LMP from September 4 through December 21, 2012. We withdrew her because LMP was not meeting her needs academically. Before deciding to attend LMP, I spoke to rep on and off for approximately one year. My main objectives were to have a strong academic program along with a nurturing environment. After taking a tour of the school and speaking with the rep we decided to enroll ##. LMP did offer a very warm environment; however it did not offer a strong Pre K 4 program. The curriculum that was offered was equal to Pre K 3. We understand that their program has a different philosophy; however in our opinion it s based more on a child that has not had any structure type of environment. Over the four months we spoke to her teacher on numerous occasions that our daughter was bored and not being stimulated. We requested additional homework, but never received any. Now LMP owes us over $800 and will not refund our money. They said we signed a contract. Really. It's Pre K for goodness sake. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE. THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT YOUR CHECKBOOK.. NOT ONLY DO YOU PAY TUITION YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ACTIVITY.
—Submitted by a parent

To be completely honest I moved from the UK and I went to the school for almost three years. I thought from reading the handbook and the website it was a good school. When I left on the first day I thought it was great, but after seventh grade, I had a whole group of girls who never excepted me, and the school teachers are very apalling. I finished going to the school in the year 2012 as a freshman. I will want to go back, only and if they get new and better teachers, not fresh out of college. There were many problems with one particular teacher, who was fresh and taught history, she would text during class and only teach us from videos she showed. Very appalling school, sugggest yoou don't sned your kids there if they are starting during the school year. Not the best social environment from what I've been through. I now go to Unionville High school in Pennslvania, and it is outstanding!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this school. The teachers, students and administrative staff are incredible. My son is so happy. He feels feels safe, cared for, respected and challenged. I can also say that he has been inspired...to learn, grow and think outside the box. His confidence in himself grows each day. I am thrilled to have my son at Lake Mary Prep and look forward to when my other son finally enters school as well.
—Submitted by a parent

What a huge waste of time and money! I too wish I could give it less than one star! I truely wonder if this is the only place these people could get a job.I doubt you could get worse for free down the road!
—Submitted by a parent

I wish I could give the school a lower rating than 1 star! On the positive there are a few good teachers that will go above and beyond for your child- in particular a math teacher in the upper school. However, most teachers don't care and arrive minutes before school starts and leave as soon as the last class clears out. The overall education quality is much lower than several oft he local public schools, but if you really want "prep school" on your childs' transcripts then... The school was bought out by Meritas several years ago and as other reviewers stated- it's all for money. Meritas is owned by Sterling Partners, an investment firm. Meritas exists to take your money and cares little further than that other than remaining far from law suits. Save yourself a headache and avoid LMP all-together as well, in my experience, as any other Meritas school!

Please take the time to read all the reviews! I wish I had! I also wish I had gone to other web sites that rate schools. I hope you learn from my mistake.
—Submitted by a parent

The Veterans' Day event was great! I can not say anything else was. We sure paid a large sum for an event we could have attended for free.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at LMP and couldn't be happier. The teachers are very dedicated and take time with each student to develop an individual plan for their learning and success. It has the feel of a small community school with a nurturing environment. My children are excelling academically and while no school is perfect - I am happy to make sacrifices financially to allow my children a great experience at LMP!
—Submitted by a parent

My sons have been attending the school since 6th grade. Highly recommended. Lots of extracurricular opportunities available. Nice group of kids. Strong academics. Participate in arts, music, sports, debate, and community service programs. Education can not be beat. if you want your child involved in school activities and given individualized attention, this is the place to be. It is the only place that I have seen where kids do not want to leave school. It could be 6pm and alot of the students are still hanging out at the school after their activities. IT IS A GREAT SIGN TO SEE A SCHOOL WHERE THE STUDENTS DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE.
—Submitted by a parent

Lake Mary Prep -NOT FOR THE GIFTED! Our gifted daughter went to LMP for 2 years. We kindly asked if the school would help us by minimizing the repetitive stuff for her, at least in the homework. The teacher and the head of lower school said yes to us but did the opposite to our daughter and refused that they started with agreement with us. They measure the kids on the number of books they reed and not on reading big chapter books, which pressed our daughter to put her level down for reading many too easy books instead of her interest in big history books. The principal ended up saying that LMP's program is not the right match for a gifted child. I am a gifted mom myself (member of mensa) and I can tell, that the staff at LMP obviosly don't even know what the word gifted means and the criteria of beeing hired on that school is not qualifications, but being family or friends to somebody who works there. But I believe some average families can be satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 6th grade at LMP. This is our first year. We could not be happier! Love everything about it! Caring teachers and staff, along with a fabulous education! My son loves going to school every day. Also, he's made lots of friends. We heard that once Meritas bought LMP the changes made were all for the better!! :) .
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with great programs. My son has consistantly scored 4 or 5 on AP science tests. In response to parent comment in October, you may get more choices at a 5000+ high school, but LMP delivers a nuturing and supportive enviroment that has allowed myshild to succeed and grow. I would recommend this school over and over again.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended 6-9th grades. At that point I decided to shop local high schools - I found a local "A" rated public magnet high school - it offered more classes (AP/dual enrollment,.etc) than this school. Also once my son started the public school I found out he was 1 year behind many kids in science... not somthing I had expected when I spent $13-$15K a year on his middle school education at LMP.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with a staff that really cares about your child. I would highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been here here for two years with my son at LMP. This school has a very dedicated faculty and they really care about the students. Dr. Taintor, who is the headmaster, is always eager to help along with the other administrators. This school rally feels like a family. If you are looking for a school that is well rounded, has amoderate tuition, not to high and not to low, I would recommend LMP.
—Submitted by a parent

Kids have been going here since 2001. Staff is very involved in students doing their best. Couldn't be any happier.
—Submitted by a parent

We could not be happier to attend this school. They staff really cares about the success of all children. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to go to this college prep school
—Submitted by a parent

Very helpful, small class size and the ability to work one on one with teachers. Leadership/adminstration has been strenghtened since meritas purchased. An excellent school getting better every day.
—Submitted by a parent