Somerset Academy Charter High

Principal works out with the teacher exercising which makes it harder to communicate with either some of the teachers or the principal. Teacher leave when they find a better job that is part of the Florida Retirement System (Pines Charter). Thus, a high turnover rate, lots of students take public transportation from North Dade County to attend school here. Some teachers are dictators and can not teach. They are fresh out of college and give lots of busy work, but do not teach!!!!!
—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 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. 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

I am the parent of two children who have been attending Somerset since elementary school. Sticking with Somerset as they went through their growing pains was well worth it for me. My daughters have grown both socially and academically with the help of Mr. Montero (the school's principal) and his staff at Somerset. Mr. Montero knows all of his students by names and faces, not by numbers or statistics. The students don't get lost in the shuffle as they do in larger public schools where they could easily even leave campus and never be missed. All who leave Somerset, whether they care to admit it or not, do well in whatever their endeavors are. The desire to do well is contagious at Somerset, and this is what the students take with them. The friendly competition and desire for success among the students at Somerset is very impressive.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is excellent mainly because of the involvement of the Grand Master Mr. Montero and his Principal Ms Kaye. It is wonderful to see them walking around the school they have a watchful eye, all the kid know and 'LIKE' them which is even more astonishing. IT Programs like Cognitive Tutor, Accelerated Reader, STI, School notes closes the loop between parent, student, teacher, administrators, school and home. I had 3 older children before my 2 youngest attended Somerset I can only compare it to other Prep Schools I attended and my olders attended. With one exception the administrators and teachers.!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of an elementary student and a highschool student. Both of my children love the school and would not consider going any where else. The schools sports teams are solely funded by the parents or the childs sponsor. The school does not get funding for sports from the school system, despite this set back, I have to say Somerset has the BEST teams! 2008-2009 District champions JV Base ball! My son this year chose to play foot ball and loves it. Sports gives the student a feeling of belonging. The students respect each other and staff. The principals in both the Elementary and Middle/High are TOP NOTCH! This is not a JOB for them, this is their family, they care about their family, their home and ALL of the kids! Check them out at the next foot ball game sporting school jerseys! I love Somerset!
—Submitted by a parent

Mr. Montero and Ms. Bernal have truly made Somerset Academy great for us. They are always so visible and not only answer all questions, but follow up as promised. Mr. Montero is at every event and they are both so approachable. I am also impressed with the teachers quick responses to any concern that I may have regarding my daughter. Just being able to communicate with the Principal, Vice Principal and staff at Somerset makes all the difference in the world. That Mr. Montero - he does not pass the buck. If you address him with a problem or a concern, you can bet your life that HE will be the one to get back to you. That too has impressed me tremendously. My daughter loves the school - a happy child is a motivated child. The academics, the schedule, the clubs - so far - Love it!
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is an awesome school, my son has been in Somerset since 1st grade and is now in 9th, it is a small school with an awesome headmaster that know all the students by their names, excellent in academics, and the best thing is I have an elementary student and a high school student and they are both in the same school, same location but different buildings. they are very strick with uniforms, no earrings, no long hairs, shirts have to be tucked in at all times. It's like having a private school but free, all we need to do is give 30 volunteer hours wich is nothing. I LOVE SOMERSET...
—Submitted by a parent

I was extremely dismayed after reading the former valedictorian's input. In contrast to her libelous words, I feel the need to stress that I give this school credit for everything that I've become. My teachers, such as Dr. Allen or Harvard Graduate Mr. Meyer, were unparrallelable in the education they offered to me, even now at the University level. Our Principal, Mr. Montero, served as a personal mentor for several students, including myself, and made of us the great people we are today. Of the 7 AP classes I took at Somerset, I passed 6 of them, with 4's and 5's, an achievment I owe dearly to the staff. Classrooms and clubs were more than well resourced, as I recall frequent and well done labs in my science classes and a large scope of resources for the SGA to exploit as well. Without question, this is an amazing school.

My child has been attending this school for many years and I have seen her become a wonderful young lady. She loves school and her teachers. The school does not have all the bells and whistles that large public schools have but it has something more important things; administration that cares, teachers that actually teach and most importantly an environment that allows open and honest dialogue. I am proud to be the parent of Somerset Panther!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two students at Somerset Academy. As a professional in the medical field this school offers their students the opportunity to analyze, create and problem solve in all areas of studies. Their staff and parent involvement in the everyday activity of the students is outstanding. This school continues to improve its' standard of education yearly and their staff is readily available. I challenge ever alumni with this quote'If everyone gives back a little we will have enough for everyone'.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at this school and I have been here since 1st grade. No, it doesn't have a huge audotorium or several sports fields, but it feels like home. I can't see myself going anywhere else. There are tons of good teachers, and let me tell you, this school has improved. I love the administration. They mean business, but they care. You get to actually interact with teachers and administration. Lots of clubs; I am in many. It's really a great school and I like it alot. The academics are great. I really do love Somerset.
—Submitted by a student

there is big family working together to help students achive their goals.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a recent graduate from this school. (I was valedictorian and I am now attending Duke University). Unfortunately, I cannot give credit to this school for anything that I accomplished during my years in it. The teachers were not prepared at all, the administration did not care about solving any of the problems, and we did not have enough resources in the class room. Take it from an AP student who had to teach herself everything because the teachers couldn't, put your child in a public school instead.

Somerset gives off a great small community feeling, but its does not have all the same amenities you might find at a regular high school (gym, auditorium). Some of the teachers are a little young and inexperienced.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Somerset for years and loves the community feeling. The staff works so hard to ensure that the students are successful. The teachers and administrators truly care. The school is becoming better each year!
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs available are, at best,acceptable. Although, to be fair, since Principal Montero took over, we have seen a slow improvement in the extracurricular activities as well as music and sports programs. The school still lacks stronger language and reading programs. Since this school is still in its infancy stage, parents can expect alot of disorganization and a lack of structure.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends this school and I see a great improvemnent in his reading and math skills. I would definitely recommend this charter school.
—Submitted by a parent

I've lived in broward county for 30yrs,and my chilrens'ages range from 35yo to 16yo. I have never expierienced such a high quality of commitment and availibility of parent and teacher involvement and cooperation.
—Submitted by laurie, a parent

The best teachers have gone (McCann, Swing, Garays, Machado, Bacallao, Slutzkys, Curtis). What does this say about how they feel about their own school they taught for? When the best leave, it's time to reconsider new options for your child which is the best to you.
—Submitted by a parent