Tuskawilla Learning Center

All I can say is Wow! Unfortunately I had to transfer due to my job and withdraw my daughter from an awesome montessori school. Luckily I found Tuskawilla Montessori Academy is a rare gem. Her two teachers are experienced and went above and beyond. Their enthusiasm was felt especially in the holiday play. My daughters teachers are creative in their homework assignments and I could tell they enjoyed teaching science because my daughter could retell her science lessons. The teachers even teach sign language! Anyways, this is the perfect school fr my child.
—Submitted by a parent

We have attended here for 3 years and it's upsetting to see the unfair characterization that some of the hard-working and well-credentialed teachers have received on this site by some clearly disgruntled parents. It's one thing to be unpleased, take your money elsewhere and provide an honest and objective review. Our child is impulsive/accident prone and we have never had safety concerns at TMA. They have a zero tolerance policy for bullying. A core part of their philosophy is peaceful behavior and respect towards others. I have seen this implemented on a regular basis. After much research, Montessori was the only method we could find that allowed our high achieving but overactive child to work daily at her own level and continue to excel. Her unique behaviors are respected and accommodated. Children often work independently or in small groups on tasks specific to their own work plans, but I have never observed problems with classroom management by the teachers, which is highly impressive to me. Ultimately, I would hope any parent would take an opportunity to read about how Montessori differs from traditional and visit the school before making any kind of judgement.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

A terrible Montessori experience. I do not recommend anyone consider this an educational experience. The only lesson learned here was that we had made a terrible mistake.
—Submitted by a parent

No star would be more appropriate, if it were an option. While parents of the lower grades seem to appreciate the education and environment, the middle school program leaves much to be desired. It's a chaotic and disorganized environment with no parental communication. A lack of supervision during field trips and at various points throughout the day lends to student safety concerns. The administration, all related, are dismissive of parents who bring concerns to their attention. I've never been more disappointed in an educational experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a prior middle school student. The people at this school are very nice but it's very disorganized and the rules only apply when it's convenient. There was poor communication, a lack of supplies needed to complete projects, poor time management on behalf of our teacher, which made it difficult to manage our own time. Grading was very subjective in many areas and favortism was obvious. I would not recommend this environment for any middle school student.
—Submitted by a student

A terrible environment with a lack of concern for student well being and safety.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great teachers and staff but the administration and curriculum are horrible.
—Submitted by a student

Seems very unorganized and lack of communication.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a former student of Tuskawilla Montesorri, having attended from young to the end of the middle school program. TuskMont's forte is with the preschool and elementary school programs, where the Montesorri methods are more applied and more relevant. Enrollment for the middle school program is significantly lower than that of the younger programs, primarily because of a lack of focus by the school on these aspects. (This may be because the middle school program is relatively new, and they're still struggling to find a proper balance for older kids and the Montessori methods at this age. The preschool and elementary school programs are exceptionally strong, though quality can vary depending on teacher. I would recommend asking to sit in on some classes first to get a feel of this school. Overall, I would recommend for younger grades and caution hesitancy for middle school.
—Submitted by a student

As a parent I would like to say that for over 20 years Tuskawilla Montessori School has provided the children of this area with a high quality education. This small private school offers a comprehensive academic education for children in Pre-K (ages 3 and 4) through Grade 8. Additionally, the teachers and staff nurture and instill the importance of achievement, leadership, social responsibility and values. Diversity is reflected in each classroom with students of various ethnic, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Directors and staff of TMA have helped to build a solid foundation for the growth of an academically diverse student body that functions together as one family.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Tuskawilla Montessori from age three until twelve and now both of my younger kids (age 8 and 6) are there. The attention, care and overall education they have received there is excellent. Some people believe the Montessori way is not for every child, I completely disagree with that train of thought. My three children are all completely different with individual needs and Tuskawilla Montessori has found a way to help each of them thrive. He now attends a Private Prep School in the area, is an accomplished musician and speaks two languages. Tuskawilla Montessori gave him the best possible learning environment. I would highly recommend Tuskawilla Montessori to any parent looking for a school that is completely focused on the childs best interest.
—Submitted by a parent