Somerset Academy Elementary School South Miami Campus

My grandson, who is now seven and in his second year at Somerset elementary loves his scchool. Together with his parents we find the school excellent in every respect. The work load is heavy but that's life! The harder one works the more successful the end result .

We live nearby and I went in one day last year to find out more about Somerset to see if it would be a good match for our children. I was told I could not see the inside of the facility, or speak with any teacher - - not even on a tour. An admin assistant told me they had stopped doing tours/open houses because the demand was so high that "they didn't need to." I just don't feel comfortable sending my children somewhere 8 hours a day that I have not been allowed to see.
—Submitted by a parent

My three children attend Somerset Academy SOMI since it started, 2 are now in elementary and 1 in middle school. I could not be happier with the school. I had come from a private school and was a bit wary about the change to a public school and was extremely surprised by the quality of the teachers, very qualified, loving their profession, enthusiastic, prepared to give their best. The academics are demanding, but I'm all for it. I believe all my children are pushed to their full potential and when the time comes to go into high school they'll be at their individual best. The quality of the principal leadership trickles down throughout the whole faculty.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is a magnificent place to work! Our administration is outstanding and supports our professional decision making abilities. We are constantly encouraged to do our best and make teaching ours. As teachers enjoy learning and providing our students with the most effective and research-based strategies. We differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students while motivating them to do their absolute best. We believe that in order to succeed you must believe and constantly try. All students can rise to meet higher expectations. I love waking up in the morning and seeing my students and knowing that together we make magic happen in the classroom through innovative technologically enhanced projects and hands on learning experiences. Every day is a wonderful day at SoMi where learning is a pleasure and teaching is from the heart.
—Submitted by a teacher

We were lucky to be accepted into Somerset the first year. My child came from a very good gifted program in another school so we were a bit apprehensive over switiching schools. The school we came from lacked parental involvement. This School has been a gem for South Miami, the school is small and located in an industrial section of South Miami, but the leadership in the school is excellent. I was afraid the school would be too easy for my daughter especially coming from a gifted class. She has been excelling in every class. I love the bilingual program and I find that the homework is just enough. The teachers and assistants are fantastic and so is the staff. My only dissappointment is because of it's size, it does not appear that it will have a gifted program for the kids. We do not have a formalized PTA, but we do have a VIP Parent committee that is awesome. The involvement is pretty amazing. They are not equipped to handle special needs at this time. The sports program is among the best for an elementary school offering many sports and teams for the kids. I would recommend this school to anyone and I am so happy we will have a school to call home until 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

90% of students in bilingual Spanish program. We want our child to learn a 2nd language with strong academics, but there is too much negitive reenforcement. 85% of students can speak Spanish, and being taught at college level. Our child kept up with the over-welming amount of home work (2 X other Schools). Adding FCAT Prep with double H.W., our child now in 4th grade feels burned out with no free tme. SOMI needs more accomidation for non-Hispanic students like our child who don't have bilingual parents to help with Spanish. Students can feel alienated from their peers. Student population lacks diversity, and disabled students don't seem welcome. SOMI has no PTA with matriarchal class Mom system. SOMI has good teachers and asst teachers, but with so much H.W., students help grade quizes. SOMI is a good school that needs a PTA and more diversity with the Administration, and student population.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is Somserset Academy SoMi, a charter school (grades Pre-k 3 to 8). My child attended this school in it's first year for kindergarten/Mandarin program. I am very happy with the school overall and have no major complaints. Academicallly the school is about as good as it gets. It has all of the latest technology available for all students. Third grade and above are each given laptop computers for use at school. Smart boards in all classrooms. The music and arts programs need improvement but I hope with time this will come. PE is a challenge at this school due to it's roof top outdoor play area. There is a nice playground for the young kids on the ground floor outside. Starting next year there will be an all-day gifted program for select grades. The school lacks a large meeting area so most big school events are held off campus.
—Submitted by a parent