Morningside Academy

This school is all about politics, and weather or not you work for the school, those are the kids that get the attention, the awards, and the "extras". Don't get me wrong there are a few great new teachers and staff who are oblibious to this but they will soon find out as there are so many kids that are left out of the special attention they deserve or awards they should have recieved had ther parents work for the school. I was witness tonight to awards that kids did not get tonight only because their child was not returning for the next school year because of financial burden or because they chose a better school for there child. I now see why they have had a declining enrollement for the past 4 years. How do you tell a child that yes you were better at that or you should have got this when all they see in their eyes is $$$. To start you child out in a private school, this one is good, but when they grow up and need middle school setting, this is not for you. You are better off moving to Martin County.

Morningside Academy is a terrific school. They have dedicated teachers, administrators and staff who truly care about the success and well-being of their students. I am confident that my own children have been thoroughly prepared to excell in college and deal with the demands that life brings. I have been very happy with the instruction my children have received and with the school at all levels.
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: Computers, Spanish, Music, Chrisian based education, parent involovement Cons: Favoritism, Perfectionistic, aloof office management, all about the money when it comes down to it!
—Submitted by a parent

MA is a truly wonderful school. The academic program is far above anything I have seen in this area, the teachers and staff truly care and nuture each and every child, while at the same time molding them to be responsible individuals with an emphasis on their spiritual character. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.

I can't say enough about MA, it is a wonderful school, with the most wonderful careing staff anyone could ever imagine.The teachers,and staff are unbelievabe !!!!!!!! You know when your there, that the children are truly cared about and that is something that can't be bought. I thank God daily for them !!!! The standards that the children are held to are high, but isn't that what its all about? Don't we want our children to be held to high standards, it builds their character and values. The love and support that the students receive is incredible, and undescribable. I can't say enough about Morninside Christian Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

There are things I really like about this school and there are things I really dislike about this school. Things I like: my son is learning a lot, far above the public schools. Things I don't like: it seems they want money all the time. Every time I turn around I'm handing money over to them for something: fundraisers (tons of them), field trips, school uniforms (which are way overpriced), lunches (also way overpriced), art projects, class projects, etc. Also, no bussing system. So if you think you pay the overpriced tuition and that's it, think again, nothing is included. Like if you forget to turn in the money on time for an art project, then kid just sits there while everone else get to do it.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a good value at all. Do your research before you enroll your child. Some of the kids who attend public school after attending Morningside have a hard time adjusting to public school. They become too sheltered. Which may sound like a good thing, but the kids do have to eventually live in the real world.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 4th year at the Academy and we love the school and our teacher. She is the kindest and most knowledgable teacher we have had.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend MA for the five years. I have been nothing but pleased with the school the entire time of their attendance. My children love going to school. They feel loved and cared for by their teachers(even my teenager). The academics are wonderful and spiritual atomosphere is real and personal. Everything runs smoothly. There are many different athletic opportunities at the upper school as well as orchestra, drama, yearbook, and computer. This year I am very happy that they will be offering dual enrollment classes at no additional charge for 11th and 12th graders. They offer much more than other private schools in the area. At the lower school, they have Spanish, orchestra, choir, drama, and will probably be adding a chess club this year. My children's class sizes have been around 20 every year. My children will be staying in this school until they graduate.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school and our daughter will continue there for 3rd grade. Unlike public schools, she can celebrate Christmas, Easter, and other holidays. Computer, Spanish, art, music, PE, violin (optional) & chapel are part of her regular curriculum every week. She takes piano lessons too. Did you know MA sweeps 1st place almost every year in state competitions for violin, chorus, acting, piano, and speech? Their SAT scores rank within the top 10% of the nation. The upper school is in semi-permanent Modulars, not trailers, and a full size gymnasium with classrooms, large cafeteria, etc. will be under construction soon. Computers are in every class, the science & computer labs are being expanded & sports. The school instills values into the children, not overly strict practices. If you could see the children during assemblies or in classrooms, you would see behaved, well mannered, happy children.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not send my child to MA again (she was there or 5 years) ....it is not worth the money! PSL's public school are just as good. If you can teach the Bible and good values at home your child will be much better served in a public school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in Kindergarten and I can't say enough of how pleased I am with his academic success! I am quite involved and see from the inside how caring the teachers and administration are. With previous experience in Education I am extremely happy with the standards MA hold for their students! Tuition has gone up tremendously..however..you pay what you get for. I can't trust the Public schools to give my child the same education!
—Submitted by a parent

Morningisde Academy's Upper School is an absolutely terrible high school experience. The students sit in trailers (yes, they are trailers) for all their classes, the academics are very unchallenging, and the many of the teachers really don't put that much care into their students. There is little to none in spiritual growth, there is little to none in academic learning, and there is little to none in extra activities. I have no child in the Lower School, so I can't comment on the lower school part of Morningside. I would strongly suggest you look at others schools before sending your child to such a school. Don't be fooled by the Lower School, Morningside's Upper School is downright horrible.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, the school is amazing. However, their discipline policy is way too harsh. There is nothing wrong with disciplining children, but the punishment should always fit the crime. Furthermore, punishment for similar infractions should be equal across the board and all children should be dealt with accordingly- not the case at this school.

The upper school is very run down and far too strict. My child comes home every day complaining about how much homework he gets and how many demerits for 'shirt being untucked.' I would not recommend this school to anyone who likes seeing their child come home happy each day.
—Submitted by a parent

One parent mentions that 'the school is old and resources are non-existant.' Since when does age of a school have anything to do with the quality of an education? And resources...Every class in the school has at least one computer, and both campuses have computer labs. At the elementary grades students have computer science classes at least once a week, and from middle school up, students have regular computer science classes. My student has had classes in the semi-permanaent MODULARS (more than a trailor), and I've been perfectly pleased. The A/C units work fine, and my child hasn't ever had any complaints. Morningside is accredited through FACCS and AACS, and I couldn't be happier with my child's academy and spiritual growth! If you want an alternative to the public school system, I would recommend checking Morningside out.
—Submitted by a parent

For the amount of tuition that the school requires you would think that the teachers would reach out more to the parents and communicate to you if your child is struggling. Lack of communication and understanding forced us to look at another school for our child. Thank the Lord that we found a wonderful caring school in Ft. Pierce....Liberty Baptist. Liberty Baptist Christian School uses the same curriculum and the tuition is considerably less and best of all....my childs teacher is loving and caring!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Academics...good Music....singing or violin...that's it. Art program...there is none. Sports...(lower school)...none. Extracurricular activities...none. Parent involvement...very good.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in second grade and has attended MA since pre-school. She is reading at a 6th grade level and has beautiful cursive handwriting. Education is superior. Manners and discipline are important. Teachers are very loving but firm. This is an incredible school!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is old and the resources are almost non existant. Many of the students' classrooms are trailers. They are hot, stufy, and smell of mold. For the cost of tuition the children should have more updated resources and better facilities. Overall, I would not recommend Morningside Academy.
—Submitted by a parent