Private Schools? - Miami,FL

Hey Z.,
My son, who is 3 1/2, goes to an excellent family owned Montessori school here in Miami. The name of the school is called Cattoirra Montessori and it is in Kendall. It is a fantastic environement for him and he absolutely loves it.
It's on about 2 acres of land, right in the heart of residential Kendall (near the University of Miami). The kids learn a ton each day doing lessons and also get to run around and play on the beautiful facilities. They have gardens, wide open grassy spaces, lots of trees, jungle gyms, and bunnies, cats, and dogs. As well, it is a great learning environment and rooted in the Montessori approach. Truly a great community of people between the parents, students, and teachers.
I believe they start with toddler classes and go up through 4th grade. My son started when he was 2 1/2.
Good luck!

If you are christian I liked Sunset Christian School, there is also by Miami Lakes (I think) Miami Christian School.
My son goes to a public school and it is a little different that regular public schools but I still prefer to be able to homeschool him or sent him to a private school. I don't want him to be in public school when he starts 3rd grade because that's when the FCAT starts.

Because your son's only 2 they will not take him into public schools just yet. The youngest would be 4 or 5 for pre K or K... At his age, the best bet would be any Montessori oriented private school or academy where they develop the child's course of study according to his abilities, however, from my children's experience, if you start teaching them too soon, when they go into 1st grade they will get bored easily because they are just so advanced and the teacher cannot speed up the whole class to accomodate to your child's needs. One thing to keep in mind is that at two the most important thing is for him to learn social skills, how to interact with other children, manners (which are taught in any child care type school...) and maybe extra curricular activities like taking him to a baby gym class or something appropriate for his age.

As far as public schools go, you may want to stick to Broward County, or further North, one of the reasons why I picked where I live when I moved to Florida 4 yrs ago.

Good luck and enjoy your little one!

Y. in West Pines

Hi there! I am a grandmother of 4 and 2 of them are in public school in the Westchester area. Our schools are "A" schools and their curriculum is great. Both, my gransons are in gifted programs. Schools are as good as parents and teachers make them. This means, get involved in the school and voice your opinions always. Get to know your principal and your child's teachers. I have no complaints about their schools and they know a lot more than I knew at their age and grade. We also have a great library nearby. Do your research first, of course, before you believe anythin they say. Good luck.

L.

I started my three kids in a Montessori program which gave them a great, fun start to school. They all now attend Miami Country Day School which starts at 4 years old but there is a wonderful Montessori school right across the street which starts at 2 years old. If you can afford a private school, I would opt for that as the public schools have the F-CAT exams which are gruelling and alot of pressure for the kids and if they fail they get held back a year!!! I love our school!!!

Hi I am curious to see what repsonses you get - I have a 2 year old son too. Are you in Fort Lauderdale or Miami? I have looked into Montessori schools in my area and I seem to like their approach, and the student to teacher ratio is great. Look online and you can find one in your area. I live in Miami and will not put my son in a public school ANYWHERE in Miami. If you are in Weston, Coral Springs, or Plantation I might consider a public school. Once you find a couple that you are considering I would go and visit them - and don't wait for their open house - go when it is least expected and then you can get a true observation. Good Luck - and if you need any other info. ---let me know and I'll try to help.
Have a super day :)

Hi, ... my daughters (11 and 6) are in "Sunset Christian Academy", ... this is the first year but so far they have been wonderful. Their phone and adress are:

###-###-#### 9393 Sunset Drive, Miami, Fl 33173

My kids LOVE their school, Faith Lutheran in Hialeah. They are fully accredited and have very strong academics in a caring, supportive, Christian environment. In addition, their tuition is is not astronomical!! They start from Preschool (2 1/2 years old) and go through 8th grade. WE LOVE IT! Send me a message if you have any questions or want to chat ... :)

some miami public schools are great!
you have to visit, talk to parents, etc.

do you belong to a church or synagogue? ask people there...

where in miami are you looking/ it's a large district :-)

Hi,I am a mom of three. 9 year old girl, 7 yr old girl and a 4 yr old boy. My oldests are now in a GREAT public/bilingual public school with an international program. They all started at the age of 2, and my son currently attends, Granada Day School in Coral Gables. With my second one, I had taken her out and placed her in a Montessori near the oldest school and it wasn't for her. I immediately ran back to Granada. Then with the boy this year, I tried placing him in a school closer to the girls and my work, not a Montessori, and again had to run back to Granada. Granada not only seems to excell in preparing the kids for school, they have a school format with computer class, art, music, library etc., but they are very nurturing and cultivate the child's individuality. The personality of the child is taken into account when they are spoken with or asked to do something. All children are different. Granada is a religious school, but opened to everyone. They have a great parent/school relationship and set up coffee and muffins for parents to meet and discuss anything every Tuesday and Thrusday. We, the moms, meet to coordinate camps, playdates, help each other with pick up times and any concerns we may have.
Best of Luck, R.