Somerset Academy

Our Child was at a Broward County Public Elementary School for Kindergarten and 1st Grade. During this time, we were told our child was above grade level and was doing great, however we suspected that there were issues with her reading and comprehension. We were told repeatedly that she was reading on 2nd grade level, even though she was in 1st grade. Within two weeks of transferring to Somerset Elementary, we were told there was indeed an issue with reading and comprehension and that she was below grade level in reading. For 2 years in the Broward County Public Schools her issues were hidden from us, when during this time we could have worked with her, but instead she fell further behind. The teachers and staff at Somerset have been instrumental in turning her around. She was put in specialized programs; there was continuous communication with her teachers and us. My child is now in 4th grade and is truly reading at grade level. Also, I am proud to say, she is an honor student at Somerset. She has worked hard, but this could not have been achieved without the commitment and dedication of the Somerset Staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of education is really poor in elementary. Some teachers don't explain lessons and don t check homework. It is all about submitting papers and exercises online and they don't check the learning process.... just the grade. My kid came from a good public school as an honor roll and ended up failing two classes and getting lost with concepts at Somerset. I had to hire tutors outside of school! They promote the school as one of the best with a nice image and cool website but good education is not in the program yet. Public schools in the area are much better. Be aware!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school!! I am so happy my daughter goes to somerset, she is in Kindergarden and her teacher is nothing but excellent, always on top of everything, sending emails, notes; I can see the improvement in my daughter. The principal Mr. Montero is always accessible, committed in every aspect of the school. Im glad.
—Submitted by a parent

An lot of overachieving students, teachers, and administrators! I feel fortunate to have my fifth grader son attending Somerset Academy. This school exemplifies what a school can achieve under superior leadership. Principal extraordinaire,Mr. Montero, is by far the most impressive principal I have witnessed. The elementary school has exceeded our expectations. The parental involvement is incredible as are the amenities and facilities.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Kinder this year at Somerset. After much thought, as to which school she should attend we chose this one and I am SO happy that we did. My daughter's teacher is great at communicating with parents. Every email I've sent her has been answered in much much less than 24 hrs. The curriculum is demanding and keeps my kid motivated. I am so glad that she's in this school !
—Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but praise for Somerset Academy. My daughter started kindergarten here last year, and has made remarkable improvements both academically and socially. She is even reading chapter books at a second grade level! The staff and administration are helpful, friendly, and organized. Looking forward to another school year at this excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

my kid begged to get out of this school and I sent him to a "rough" public High school nearby worried that we had made a mistake leaving somerset Acedemy (PP) high. Well, it was no mistake. The school has a lot of turn over in teachers, the security was allowed to "sag his pants" even though the uniform policy doesn't allow it for the students. Some of the "dance team" looked like 29 year old professional "working girls". The girls in particular just seemed way to "fast" . The public school nearby has provided a better education, more ap classes and more sports and clubs. We're done with somerset.
—Submitted by a parent

An abundant of overachieving students, teachers, and administrators! We feel extremely fortunate to have three children attending Somerset Academy. This school exemplifies what a school can achieve under superior leadership. Principal extraordinaire,Mr. Bernardo Montero, is by far the most impressive principal I have witnessed, yielding tremendous accolades for this school. My husband is an Attorney and I am a former teacher and we feel the school is affording our children top notch academics in superb environment. The elementary school has exceeded our expectations. The parental involvement is incredible as are the amenities and facilities. They have award-winning programs including: a Pre-Law Academy complete with a real Mock court room, a Pre-Med Academy, a Fine Arts Conservatory complete with a Dance Studio and a professional Martial Arts program. The school is constantly triumphant in all kinds of competitions...From debate events to athletics events. They strive to excel in ALL endeavors and activities, big or small. Prior to Somerset, our children attended an excellent charter school and private school in Weston. Somerset has undoubtedly surpassed both of these schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Somerset is not for the mediocre! If you or your child are driven to aspire to be the best, then this school is for you. The excellence begins from the administration and infused into teachers and curriculum. Head Principal, Mr. Montero aspires to be the best and it shows. He is involved in all aspects of the school and knows every family. Strong parent involvement enhances this special school. It is a unique charter school with Elementary, Middle, and High School in separate buildings but on the same campus. Our children look forward to attending school and we are confident they are receiving an accelerated education second to none.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been in this School for the past 6 years, and I have nothing but good to say . The Teachers are caring, nurturing, loving, patient, and really involved. The parent involvemement by far is the best. The staff is very responsive and helpful. It's almost like a Family, everyone knows everyone, which is why the students have alot of respect for teachers and other students. The higher the grade the more control the School has, which I think is great. The Teachers , principle, staff, and student Counselor really take parents concerns seriously and take the time to care and correct any given situation. Just like everywhere , there is always a bit of everything in any School, but I as a Parent have to say this is a great School
—Submitted by a parent

The truth is this school has yet to achieve effective contol. Everything is incredibly disorganized, and i often find myself thinking "how could this possibly meet the requirements to become a school?". As i feel the teachers are truly amazing, the administration is lacking. it seems like a group of friends just decided to take on the role of governing the school without taking it seriously, they are all 'pals'. And i can assure you that they in no way follow a normal protocal. if the entire administration were to be fired, and replaced that would be the key to making this school a succese. I am a student, so i experiance this first hand. As im sure youve read in a couple of the reviews this s'hool is like a family, which is true, but a few of the students are favored by the office employees, they dont know where to draw the line. Some of the favored students have gone as far as complaining about some teachers enough to get them fired. Ultimately i feel the lack of effective decision making on the administration's part is preventing the success that should be taking place. I honestly have no idea how the school board can deem the administration fit to handle a school.

This is my kids second year at this school and I'm hating it. My kids have been dumped into classrooms with 28-35 students. this is really ridiculous. The teachers can't teach effectively because of the overcrowding and they don't encourage the kids to take home books to study. Really ridiculous again. There's no organized sports available for elementary students, and God forbid if your child wants to join a team, the Atheletic Director won't even pick up his phone to answer phone calls. There's hardly ever anyone available in the Elementary and Middle School office to answer questions. It's a joke. Can't wait to transfer my kids to another school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Somerset for 2 years, and he loves it. The teachers, staff and VP are always involved with patient, respect and love. It is a healthy environment for a child to learn and grow.
—Submitted by a parent

Is the first year in this school and my son loves it, his teacher is so nice and patient. All the staff are very kind, they maintain a high discipline.
—Submitted by a parent

my children hhave been at somerset for 6 years. love the school, teachers and all the staff. love the fact that somerset academy is an accredited charter school.
—Submitted by a parent

This was my daughters first year and we love it. The teachers are all active. Ms. Kaye is an amazing administrator who interacts with the students and children well. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my kids in the High and Elementary schools...nephews are in Middle as well. My daughter has been there for 5 years and it was the best decision we have ever made. The principal and vps are amazing. They know the kids by name and treat them w respect. They teach them, not only the curriculum, but also how to treat others and have a no-nonsense style. Sure, there is always room for improvement but thats at every school, work, organization...nothing is ever perfect. How can anyone prefer a huge public school where your child is just a number when you can have a school where every child counts as a person and the staff cares for each...I am sure if the staff was not helpful, then it must have been a reaction to how they were being treated...some parents can be rude and offensive.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe the school has great leadership starting from the principal. The teachers are great and the security in the school is improving. They currently installed cameras all around the school. Which makes me feel safer for my daughter. The school also offers extracurricular activities for all ages. They offer a great Judo program after school plus other sports to all ages.
—Submitted by a parent

Somerset Academy offers small classrooms, large class sizes, and outdated curriculum to its students. Administration is hard to reach and is not very friendly when you do. Most of the teachers are nice, however there is a constant turnover rate every year leaving only a few veteran teachers. I pulled my son out after two years and am very pleased with the nearby public school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been with Somerset Academy since my 9th grader entered 1st grade. All my children are attending and have had great teachers. I am proud of the prestigious SACS Regional Accreditaton Somerset holds. Keep it up!
—Submitted by a parent