School of the Suncoast

We enrolled at the school about 5 years ago, and have really grown to appreciate all that it has brought to our family. From the fantastic teachers, to the diverse curriculum, to the like-minded parental support, it has been a great experience for the whole family. Most importantly, my children are getting a well rounded education that will serve them well in the future. An education that embraces creativity, imagination and social skill unlike any other (particularly the public system that implements one miserable policy after another - what a mess). For us, there is no going back.
—Submitted by a parent

Suncoast Waldorf has provided a wonderful, nurturing environment for our daughter for the last 3 years. As a 'retired' public school teacher myself, I was searching for a more well rounded approach to education. Memorization for the sole purpose of taking a test was not my idea of healthy learning. From the moment we stepped onto the campus of Suncoast Waldorf I knew we found 'home'. The children we respectful not only to us but to each other as well. Upon visiting the classrooms I found the kindergarten environment to be exactly what it should be. Soft lighting, a warm inviting atmosphere and children building forts, wearing costumes, painting and making bread. It was a complete sensory experience. The upper grades were even more impressive. Chemistry being taught in middle school and children understanding it as they were 'living' the lesson and not just memorizing it. Excellent School!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Graet School, nuturing enviornment. They have a strong curriculam, with attention to the arts. I highly reccomend it.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been in this school for several years and is flourishing. The academic curriculum is strong and the music, arts, drama and handwork is outstanding. The teacher/child ratio is excellent and the atmosphere is one of respect and joy.
—Submitted by a parent

My child tried this school as he entered fifth grade. We found the children and parents had feelings of 'I'M better than you'. The lack of curriculum was a diappointment. They do give daily lessons in music and art. Their basic concept of children learning social skills drew us to the school; but their lack of a strong administrator and a very self absorbed teacher had us leaving the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is well know for the art and music it provides. The teacher student ratio is said to be goood.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs doesn't apply as there were no academic programs. The school is not a non-sectarian establishment as they espouse - the lessons are based on a Christian sect's teachings, and the Bible is used heavily in the classroom. Parents are *required* to volunteer large amounts of time at the school, and when they cannot, they are forced to make large financial donations. We pulled our daughter out in first grade; the school should house pre-K to grade 6 at this point in time, yet they do not (which indicates the resounding failure of the 'academic program'). The school frowns on TV and advertising, yet they use the children to advertise events scheduled to take place on the church grounds (Unitarian Universalist - they rent space from the church).
—Submitted by a parent