Review of 8 private schools in Miami/Ft Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise: price, moving to)

[atlantab]

I am a mother of two small boys moving to Florida with my Colombian husband. We are looking for a private school that is moderately priced. I've narrowed down my search to the following schools. If you have any information regarding any of the schools I will gladly take it. Also, if you can think of other schools similar to these please post them. Thanks and let me know if you need any other information.

Summit Montessori
Montessori School of North Miami
Sunrise School of Miami (Waldorf)
Sagemont School
Beacon Hill School
Biltmore School
Fort Lauderdale Prep School

[fauve]

A big thumbs up for Sagemont - my kids were there thru 3rd grade. I also have heard good things about Summit Montessori.

[Momma_bear]

I have heard good things about Apple Tree Montessori in SW Ranches.

[Dragonmam]

I have just placed two of my kids back at Sagemont in time for the 2nd semester. They are at the upper school and thrilled to be there. We were there a few years ago but had to leave due to a downturn in our business. I wasn't as thrillled with the lower school at that time but through the grapevine have heard that they have been working diligently on revamping the areas of concern I had (primarily curriculum and standards in one grade - my other daughter's teacher was fantastic) and I think it's probably worth taking a look at. It's definitely a really happy place to be for kids and I think they are now becoming consistently strong academically.

I will say, hands down, this school has one of the nicest student bodies anywhere in South Florida. At the lower school they have a very active anti-bullying program. It's not just a campaign and bunch of posters. It is actively integrated and it shows. At the upper school, this is really evident. These teenagers are really pleasant to be around. Academically, I am finding that in the one and half years that we've been gone, my kids have fallen behind even though they were getting straight A's elsewhere. The teachers are being super helpful and responsive in getting them caught up.

I don't know anything about the other schools on your list but I do like Sagemont and plan on doing whatever it takes to keep them there this time around.