Tuskawilla Learning Center

NOT GREAT. My child was in 4-5-6 grade last year, and is now at least a year behind in math. Was doing more advanced math in 2nd and 3rd grades than at TMA. Classroom disorganization, lack of communication, and an administration that goes out of its way to let parents know the school is a business, first and foremost. Look elsewhere for your children. Now that my child has started at an A rated public school, I see what a costly and truly unnecessary mistake I made. Alienation of arithmetic! Spanish class... a joke. Band... not so much. No real musical training goes on unless the student's already advanced. Low student-teacher ratio... nope. Classroom size of 21 vs. the 22 child cap in public elementary school. It's easy to post here, and I suspect that the glowing posts may be administrative plants, esp. the ones referring to the administration. To the good side, some teachers/staff were caring, + some interesting field trips. And I don't think my child lost IQ points outright. Skill loss yes; curiosity, critical thinking, love of learning (somewhat) nurtured and still intact. Highly suggest you reconsider if you're evaluating this school for elementary child.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic! I love the family atmosphere. In fact, my husband wants to move and I won't let him until my youngest is finished with 6th grade and he's only 4! I have two complaints....they need a high school program & a more organized communication program. Sometimes I get a one or two day notice on needed party supplies or upcoming school programs. Unlike public schools, all responsibility falls on the child.(Which is great!) If you are looking for an overly structured, rote memorization type of education for your child, this is not your place. If you want a self responsible child who is allowed to be curious and learns from many different platforms, then this is your place!
--Submitted by a parent

We absolutely LOVE TMA! Our son has been there for 2 years in Mrs. Fisher's class and we've seen him excel. He also is part of the extended care program as we both work out of the home. We are big supporters of the montessori education and hope and pray we will be able to continue to be able to afford the tuition. We receive regular emails from the teacher, school, newsletter, and I also keep up with all the activities via TMA's facebook page. The entire staff is tremendous and we are proud of our son's montessori education!
--Submitted by a parent

Great teacher and student body, the main problem is administration the lack of communication is how they monitor parents. I have had my daughter here for 3 years and she loves it, I had her take the FCAT in previous years and she always scored high so the education is above par. She has been in 2 building and is moving to the upper school next year. There is plenty of opportunity for afterschool activites also. The positives far out way the negative.
--Submitted by a parent

I love TMA. My kids have been there since 2 years old with Mrs. Knight who has been there forever and so have the other teachers. The administration has made a great environment for their teachers and families that they never leave. We are staying all the way through. Can't wait for the middle school progam. I hear the group work makes them great thinkers. I may not agree with everything, but what family does! I love how the administration sticks to the montessori methods.
--Submitted by a parent

Horrible on so many levels there is not enough room here. Look elsewhere for schooling your kids. I agree with every negative post already here and could add a list of my own. Spend your money somewhere else...I'll leave it at that.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of four children at the school, I cannot begin to describe how pleased and amazed I am with the program. My children not only learned the English language in a matter of a couple of months, but fully developed the culture in America rather quickly as well! They now are YEARS ahead of their cousins in local public schools. I recommend Tuskawilla Montessori tto any parent(s) who seek the best education for their children.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm glad we found this school! My daughter started reading at age 3 and continues to blossom academically. In Pre-K/Kindergarten, she became proficient in Language Arts, Geography, knowing all states in the US and identifying all of the Caribbean Islands. She started addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. She was reading at a 4th grade level and loved chapter books! The curriculum is challenging and engaging for her at the same time. She has a strong foundation that will take her anywhere. The staff is so passionate about teaching children. I know my child is in good hands when I drop her off in the morning. Everyone is so centered on the children and make the environment as positive and productive as it can be. I can't afford NOT to send her to this school!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has really blossomed under the Montessori school. The hands on learning, interactive materials, and fantastic teachers have ignited my child's desire to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

AMAZING! I leave the school everyday in goosebumps of amazement at my daughter's experience at the school. She comes home everyday telling me more and more about her teacher and all of the fabulous adventures she shares with her students. My daughter has never had a particular liking for her schools, but our decision to come to TMA two years ago has been one of the greatest decisions we have ever made! I vehemently suggest TMA for its strong curriculum, low student teacher ratios, and amazing faculty and staff.
--Submitted by a parent