Sarasota Suncoast Academy

I am a parent of three attending SSA. Each one of my children are very different in personalities as well as capabilities. One struggles greatly with school but her teacher goes an extra mile to try different techniques with her to make sure she is understanding the information. This is not my experience with every teacher but I think this is similar in many schools. I think the administration handles situations wonderfully and the C.A.R.E.S. teached the kids lifelong lessons and keeps the disturbances to a minimum so the focus is on learning not disciplining.
—Submitted by a parent

My rating will stand let me clarify! I have given my child every tool, & I mean every tool! I have been in contact with teachers daily for the last year! We have been to doctors therapists etc. Excuses! Actually it is quite the opposite! Completely shows your lack of respect for other's opinion.This is an opinion forum for thoughts of the school. I am not the only one who feels this way! I know of several parents who have left and have similar feelings. I can respect your opinion but every child who has ADHD/ADD is different.Other options? are you aware of any public or charter school that caters to children with ADD/ADHD? Are you aware of any other school that offers options for kinestetic learners? Which most ADD/ADHD students are. I do not believe you will find one, I have looked! Hence why I feel there is no other option. I am a very active parent at this school as well, I attend everything from PT4SO meetings & events, volunteer in the classroom. As for another parent of an ADD child to automatically assume I am making excuses, is uncalled for and deserves an apology! C.A.R.E.S., interesting you don't follow your own 5 star school model for citizenship...
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't disagree more with the parent that posted earlier. I am a parent of a child who is ADD and has had my child at the school for 4 years. Because my child is "not normal" and because he has "special" needs for him to be successful, I have to be in contact with his teacher so that there is a united effort to make sure he gets what he needs. It is not the teacher's responsibility to do the educating of my child alone. When I spoke to the principal on our visit to Suncoast before we ever came, he gave us a tour and was very open about the situation. I remember when we asked about the best way to make him successful. He suggested that ther were many options. We asked specifically about medication and he pointed us to our peditrician. He said to find what our son needed and he gave this analogy... Would you send a kid to the plate in baseball without a bat or send him fishing without a rod? He needs what he needs. The social curriculum has been amazing for him and he has grown tremendously. It seems odd that in a district where most schools are A schools that you feel there is not another option! Maybe you have to stop looking for excuses for your child or yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

School is great for a child who is "gifted" I believe that this school while is definately great for a child who can conform, and who is above an average student will do well here. If you have a child who has ADHD or any other major type of learning disability be prepared to constantly be fighting for them. While some have stated that the review of 1 star was not fair they do not have a child with a learning disability so they have not had to deal with that aspect, and I am in agreement, if your child has a learning disability that could actually force a teacher to work harder, then this will not be the school for you! My child has an issue and I feel like they would just like to push us out of the school, but frankly there is no better option right at this moment, so I have to leave my child there. Like I said not a bad school for the average child, but if your child poses any issues, with a learning disability etc, be prepared to leave, it will pretty much be your only choice! They make it very difficult on you.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school! My gifted kid is always challenged here with so many teachers having their Gifted Endorsements. The teachers always come up with innovative ways to teach and challenge while being loving and compassionate. Communication is Outstanding here at this school!! The principal is always involved and highly visible throughout the entire day. The teacher leadership is very, very professional and always comes up with wonderful solutions. There are ActiveBoards in most classrooms allowing teachers to make creative and effective lessons that enhance and enrich. Caferteria is very well run and supervised. Parent involvment is fabulous as well with so many terrific things to get involved with. And test scores are the tops!!! Outstanding school and have loved it since kindergarten! and now going to 5th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I switched my child from a private Catholic school in Venice Fl to Suncoast last year. It was the best decision I have made regarding my sons education . The staff and teachers are truly commited to the students emotional and educational growth. Mr. Crump the principal is the most involved and visible principal I have ever seen, he sets the tone for the educators and staff who are all dedicated and commited to the sucess of all the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Hello parents. I am a mother of two who's children are struggling in a public school.They get A's-C's and my daughter has been getting a D in written communication on her report card. This fall my daughter may go into third and my son into fifth. They have been in the same school from the start, and receive ESE. I did have a tour at SSA, and liked what I saw. I'm just not sure switching schools will make a difference. Any input would be greatley appreciated. Thank You.

Suncoast Academy definitely deserves five stars! The teachers and staff at this school are amazing and genuinely care about the students. My daughter has attended kindergarten and first grade there so far and we have been incredibly happy and impressed with the school. In fact, I had a job offer out of town and I can honestly say that one of the biggest reasons I turned it down is because I do not want to pull my daughter out of Suncoast. I have done tons of research on other schools and I simply don't believe I can find anything as good.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is currently in kindergarten at Suncoast and we absolutely love it! We love that the kids work in groups rather than sitting at a desk staring at the teacher and the board. The classroom is very interactive. You do have to volunteer 20 per family per year, but that honestly isn't bad. We do not have a bad thing to say about this school and would greatly recommend it to friends and others.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is well-trained and highly motivated to giving kids a better, more individualized experience than they could have at a larger public school. It is a loving and nurturing environment.

I absolutely love this school! Wonderful attitude in all aspects. They have all their ' i's ' dotted and ' t's ' crossed. I know my child is safe and in great hands there, and also I'm confident in knowing he will be receiving the best education possible. THEY CARE!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The person who ranked this school with 1 star did so unfairly. I am the parent of a gifted child and feel their needs are completely met at this school. I would never consider sending my child elsewhere, and growing up in Sarasota, I feel I have a vast knowledge of what is available.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an educator and full time mom of five. I have to say that Suncoast Academy is the most loving school for my family as well as academically challanging. One of my son's has a learning disability and the teacher works with him to help him keep up with the class and excell. I can't say enough about the staff they are the best. This school really cares for the students and it shows. The responsive classroom approach has been great at teaching my children problem solving. I give this school a 10 without hesitation.
—Submitted by a parent

Suncoast Academy is a good school for the average student, but if your child has a learning disability or advanced or gifted this school can not meet your childs needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters at suncoast one in fifth and one in first it is a great school they have been in private schools all their lifes it is different but they are a very caring and loving school they love it and I do too it's not too much work so my daughters can have fun. It is the best school I have seen
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter that attends Suncoast and am overjoyed at how the school teaches my daughter. This school is for parents that actually want to be part of their child's education. We are all for spending 20 hours to help teachers, eat lunch with our daughter, or support the parent-teacher group. Mr. Crump, Mrs. Mills, and Mrs. Butherus greet my child every morning as they open car doors. There should be more schools like this one!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say I searched all over Sarasota to find a school for my Kindergarten student. I am so thankful we found Suncoast. It is really like an extended family. The teachers and staff are wonderful and my daughter could not be happier. Every morning they greet your child by name even with 300 students. She is learning more than just academics. She is building life skills like caring, responsibility, and discipline that I hope will take her very far. Thank You Suncoast.
—Submitted by Tricia Steinhoff, a parent

I love this school, the volunteer hours are kind of hard for me, but the education my child is getting is worth the 20 hours I have to spend during the year. After all as the staff says it shows my child I really care about him and the school. After all I can come have lunch with my child and get volunteer credit for it.Any day I come my child is overjoyed and excited. So I guess 20 hours is a small price to pay for the education and the care my child is getting can't imagine him being anyplace else.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who attend this school. Without a doubt the best school decision I could make for them. The staff is caring and dedicated - treating the children as if they were there own. There is a strong emphasis on character and social skills- it makes a difference. The education that my children receive from this school is wonderful. My children are not stressed out in order to learn and meet a test score. They discover a love of learning and are excited about school. Children of diversity (race, handicap, learning need) are welcomed here. It is a joy to serve this school- a mere 20 hours per year per family - even eating lunch with your child counts.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is an incredibly unique learning experience if you chose it for your child. As with anything you only get out what you put into it, so this is why volunteering is a requirement - rightfully! This is a public school done correctly, it just happens to be the charter variety. While many families at the school do attend church, there is no religious teaching or affiliation because it is a public school. What the school does teach is good morals and how to transfer knowledge, which is good because of the academic ability of the students. Also in todays world, you can be the smartest person, but to be successful you have to get along with others and be able to transfer and share what you know. This fits hand in hand with the CARES philosophy. School employees model and exemplify the CARES philosophy.
—Submitted by a parent