Private Schools

We have had a wonderful experience at Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch. We looked at a number of schools for our daughters and were impressed with what Primrose had to offer. As an teacher myself, I wanted to make sure that my daughters were someplace where they would be able to grow and love learning. The VPK program has allowed our oldest daughter to explore her love of art, while learning about a variety of topics across all subject areas. I love that Primrose puts an emphasis on STEAM and has gotten her to love math and science. She is always excited to share what she has been learning about while using new vocabulary in both English and Spanish. Our other daughter was in the Toddler rooms. She has blossomed under the care of the wonderful teachers in both classrooms. We love hearing her talk and sign about what she has been learning in school. The staff at Primrose cares about their families. They know everyone by name, and you are greeted each time you come in. They are very open with communication and keep parents well informed. I would highly recommend Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch to anyone who is looking for a caring environment for their child.

Personally for the past thirteen years Pinnacle Academy is the only great school offered in Manatee County FL. for children with autism. New families and old that have an autistic child should look into this program before excepting a county based seat for your disabled child. The county is currently focusing on other important projects like building a grand high school in Parrish. They are planning to make one of the almost abandoned schools in a horrible part of town "the launching pad" as they put it but a dump zone as I see it for all disabled children. The problem with this is the school support staff has changed so many times that new parents and new county staff keep repeating the same empty statements to parents. As I just read under Pinnacle's parent portal that expense is a huge let down when working with the John McKay and private school seating. Pinnacle never hides these fees and the parent signs paperwork to include all information. I know dealing with medicaid, APD, DCF, Obama-care, med waiver, and even private insurance all these are fruitless and moneyless programs. I do not intend to knock other autism programs and give praise to some of the great county school teachers doing far more to help in the current upsetting situation. Manatee county officails that will not even comment to parents but make newspaper comments on the up coming Harllee school ESE/disabled children dump site. Pinnacle is open year around and if families take vacations they are expected to pay to keep their childs seat from opening just like any year around program and her wait list is extensive. The employees are far more educated and put through a very detailed type of training even after they have degrees with Dr. Ordetx and her specialized training. Im happy for my son to eat in the privacy of his five other peers and two teachers because of his sensory issues. If this is not what a parent wants they should communicate any and all questions to the director of any school! Dr. Ordetx is completely aware of every single need of every single child at her school! The problem is not what she charges to run her school with the best educaters and environment; the county school boards and state money given to parents through the John McKay Scholarship is unrealistly short changed. The John McKay does not pay for summer school, for unniforms, for bus transportation, or 1-1 therapy services! I know my autistic child needs summer school and I wish he had 1-1 therapy for him! Dr. Ordetx will tell you the truth about your child and even if it is not what you want or hope to hear! It can be gut wrentching because I know.....My son is very severe and I would not except this and fought all agencies but in the end my son is exactly what she diagnosed and projected! Blaming Pinnacle school or the expenses McKay does not cover does not constitute the real reason a parent walks away pissed off.....it's because we want her to fix our kids so they can be an active part of our home lives and society. For a few it can be done but for most children the safetly and structure becomes the parents best comfort. Thank you for reading this.... Candy Soehnel Parent/Advocate of Jack age 15 yrs.

There is no doubt SOSA is an excellent school with excellent certified teachers who genuinely care about their students success. I was a teacher at this school a few years ago and personally experienced the hard work and dedication from the staff. If your child is underserved and in need of a new way of learning (multisensory), give them a call. They will go that extra mile for your child. They also offer tutoring after school through The Reading Station. You won't be disappointed.

Best school in town!!

Went to school there

Get school looking forward for this year

Great school !!

I couldn’t be happier with this preschool! My little one has been going here for a week now and I absolutely love it so much!, he loves his friends and his teachers , Miss Katee is so sweet , caring and loving! We left another preschool and when I was ready to pick my little on up he would RUN to grab his things , no we cries and doesn’t want to go home because of how much fun he is having! As a parent that it one of the best feelings in the world! They love your child just as much as you do! Every time I pick my little one up he is ALWAYS clean and ready to go! Every Friday they have Pizza , I highly recommend this preschool to ANY parent! :)

Great management and a awesome school with great teachers!

This school has been a 2nd family to my daughter and I. They've helped us through some really hard times and shown us God's love. Great academics as well!

Our family would recommend Goddard School in Lakewood Ranch to any parent. our son attended Goddard for the PreK program and loved every minute. Josh and his staff not only care about the children's well being but also about enrichment, making each day a memorable one. It truly is the BEST program for children. Having experienced other local places, none compare to what Goddard has to offer. Thank you Josh, family and staff, our son is well prepared for Kindergarten. Sincerely, The Edwards Family

This place is absolutely amazing. I have both of our kids here and I feel this has been the best decision ever made. Administrative staff, teachers and other members of the community just go above and beyond to make every parent and child welcome. Every day you see their true commitment to helping your child grow.

Great school and an interesting historical landmark. 14'

Wonderful, supportive community- With the recent loss of the beloved Weiss family – Shorecrest was quick to respond with grief counselors and a service and vigil for friends and family to mourn together! The care and warmth we felt from our Shorecrest family has helped us through this tragic time. We know that people send their children to Shorecrest for the amazing academics and college preparatory program, but the true highlight of the school is the incredible community of caring and passionate students, parents, faculty and administrators!

This school is awesome my kid enjoys it they work with her and help her in the areas she struggles in