Pinecrest Preparatory Academy

This school has changed for the worse in the last couple of years. Some teachers have lost their passion and it shows. Just a major disappointment all around. Teachers are not reaching the kids and the FCAT scores prove that. I will be moving my kids to EKB- one of the top schools in the Kendall area.
—Submitted by a parent

PPA is a school for those of us who want our children to be leaders. The teachers and administration have very high expectations for the students, all of which I am in favor. Perhaps the homework load is demanding, and the curriculum demanding, but I prefer that. I know my children are getting a solid foundation that will carry them over to middle school and beyond. Mrs. Santana and Dr. Ferrand have done a superb job preparing my eldest for middle school. She has been placed in advanced classes and keeps up with the load, all thanks to those two wonderful ladies. I highly recommend this school to anyone and everyone who wants their child to be challenged.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has Pros and Cons: Pros: -Good education -Parental Involvement Cons: -Very small classrooms with too many students (tiny classroms overcrowded with 24+ students since Kindergarten) -Some teachers seem not to enjoy teaching and are very cold with their students. -Principal is NEVER available, you'll never see her in the hallways with the students. -Music, Art and PE are always cancelled because if the teacher didn't have time to complete the lesson plan they will cancel special area classes. There are better schools in the area, we are happy that we moved from PPA to a public elementary school with wonderful teachers, great administration, excellent curriculum and special area classes.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree to this message, my daughter also started to the school and she has Mr.Acosta for 4th grade. When she was done with the first week, she told me that she is impressed with the school. If she loves it, I do too. Go panthers!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst charter school in the world. The teachers have little experience and the rooms are crowded with 25+ kids. There are no teacher assistants, two comps per classroom, and special area classes are always canceled. They only care about the supply donations and are always asking for money. I took both my kids from this school and they are happy in a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

It was a good school, but for the past couple of years, it has gotten worse and worse! I pulled out my little one mid-year and registered her at Ethel Koger Beckham Elementary, an A+ School.. What a difference! I had heard of Pinecrest Prep, but after a couple of years there, not impressed at all. Over rated!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is like a private school without having to pay $10,000/year in tuition. The teachers are extremely dedicated, working countless hours to make sure their students are well prepared for state exams and meet grade objectives. I have three kids in the school and one child in the middle high. I can tell you that it is a highly academic school. It is not a school for parents who have low expectations for their child. The teachers set high standards because they want their students to succeed. Unfortunately, some parents cannot admit when their child has a learning disability and instead try to force the school to lower their standards for everyone so that their child does not appear to be the low one.
—Submitted by a parent

Por fin se termino este ano escolar! Mi hija ha estado en esta escuela desde Pre-K y siento decir que este ano fue el peor. Le toco la maestra Mrs. Santana. Es una maestra sin compasion y de personalidad amarga.. Creo que Es tiempo de retirarse. Que se preparen los que le toquen. Tareas hasta las tantas de la noche. Tuve que sacar a mi hija de las clases de baile. La maestra de por la tarde Mrs. Ferran no enseno Estudios Sociales en todo el ano. No le recomiendo a nadie esta escuela, ya que no prepara a los estudiantes tampoco. La directora ni la sub directora estan disponible y se tardan semanas para contestarte. Horrible!
—Submitted by a parent

After two years in the school, I realized many things I dont like about it. First, security is poor. Anyone can come in in the morning or at dismissal and grab your little child's hand and walk right out. Not safe at all! Try setting up an appointment with the principal or the assistant principal to express a concern. I had to wait two weeks before either one called. The U.S. President is more reachable. Many young teachers without experience and the cuRriculum is just like Dade County Public Schools. No big deal at all!Same books and all! My son tells me that the laptops, which they talk so much about, are missing keys and many broken. There are many A+ schools in our community that don't require the 30 volunteer hours ($150) and have computers in the classrooms. Not impressed at all, so I'm taking both of my children out!
—Submitted by a parent

PPA is an excellent school. My kids have progressed in a short time. Teachers and staff are very supportive. The curriculum is great.
—Submitted by a parent

PPA is a wonderful school. The administration is very helpful and supportive. My son, has progressed nicely, being taught by exceptional and warmhearted teachers. The teachers are very involved with the students and keep them engaged and challenged. The school provides the latest technology for the students to enjoy. I also enjoy that the parents are highly involved in the school with their children. It's a safe haven and I feel comfortable leaving my son at PPA every morning knowing he's getting a great education with great teachers. We are extremely happy with everything the school shares with all of us.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. The teacher's are extremely dedicated and the students are very nicely mannered.
—Submitted by a parent

PPA is an amazing school. It is has exceptional teachers and staff. It feels like a private school in the sense of it being small and offering so much, but at no cost to the parents. The kids have top notch materials and have access to the latest technology. The parent involvement is like no other. We give so much and get so much in return as well. I have two children in the school and have no doubts that I have chosen the best school for them. Keep up the good PPA!
—Submitted by a parent

This school reinforces the traditional values that have long left our public school system; building good moral characters while providing an excellent education. As a vigilant parent of a student at Pinecrest Preparatory Academy Charter School, I attest to a well run, well managed charter school that persistently strides in improving students academic achievements while providing a sound learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Working at PPA is an experience like no other. As a professional you can be part of an amazing team of people that work together and strive to accomplish the same goal- student success. Students have fun learning and participating in all of our school events. PPA provides its students with a large variety of resources in technology in order to improve on their education AND they can actually use...more than 10 students at a time!
—Submitted by a teacher

At Pinecrest Preparatory Academy, student achievement is their priority. As a parent of 2 children that have already graduated from PPA and another one presently enrolled, I believe the teachers and staff at PPA help the students develop extremely strong academic and character skills.
—Submitted by a parent

Working as a teacher at PPA is an amazing experience. It truly is an honor to work here. The staff, administration, teachers and parents are all involved and work together as an effective team. The children are given ample opportunities to learn in various ways by using different teaching strategies. The students have so much extra technology that other schools do not have such as the promethean board, computer lab which is utilized, and labtops that each class is allowed to use!!
—Submitted by a teacher

PPA is a wonderful school! It offers a safe and positive environment for students and staff. All teachers at PPA are hardworking and take pride in what they do.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am very disappointed with PPA. The classrooms are extremely small and overcrowded with children. This makes learning nearly impossible. Also, there is only ONE computer per classrooms. In regular public schools students have at least four computers, which makes me think that students can't use the computers for small reading groups. The principal claims that they have a computer lab, but student dont go to the lab everyday. Also, if your child has special needs this is not the school for your child. I dont think the building nor the teachers are up to part to my expectations. Other schools in the area offer way better accomodations.
—Submitted by a parent

Pinecrest Preparatory Academy is a great school. They plan events centered around students that further enrich their education and encourage parental involvement in the classroom. We had a lot of choices for our child for kindergarten and we are so glad we chose Pinecrest Prep.
—Submitted by a parent