Extremely long post: I've been contemplating for weeks about writing this, I've tried through email to reach out to "the person in charge " to no success. If I can take my children out now, I would! No tissue, no soap,you know the basics. I AM FED UP!! I want to begin by saying that I am not homophobic. I understand that many families chose to leave the school because they were uncomfortable with their children being around a married couple who were also the owners. Others, like myself, chose to stay because we were focused on maintaining a stable and academically sound environment for our children. Those of us who remained placed our trust in the two new owners. However, after their separation, there was no communication to parents regarding a significant change that directly affects the leadership and stability of the school. While I respect that personal matters are private, when they directly impact a school community, a level of transparency is both appropriate and expected. It is especially concerning given that Maritza was not only an owner but also an educator who played an important role in the school, particularly through her work with the students in the drama department. Her presence and contribution mattered, and the absence of communication around such a major change is disappointing. Since the transition, Atala has not been the same. This raises a valid question about how a couple can separate so soon after taking on the responsibility of running a school. The changes being implemented feel disconnected from what students actually need, particularly as academic concerns continue to surface. In addition, there appears to be a pattern of decisions that reflect poor judgment. The new social media presence, for example, comes across as unprofessional and lacks the level of care and intention expected from an educational institution. Many of the changes feel irrelevant at a time when students should be the primary focus. If Colon were more personable and approachable, parents might feel more comfortable engaging in open conversations. However, interactions with her often come across as unwelcoming and, at times, dismissive. There is a noticeable sense of entitlement in both demeanor and actions, which does not foster a positive or collaborative environment for parents or staff. Professionalism is also a concern in terms of presentation and conduct on campus. From attire to interactions with families, there are instances that do not align with what is typically expected of someone in a leadership role within a school setting. Another concern is the rapid transition into a new personal relationship following the separation. While personal relationships are ultimately private, the timing raises questions about stability. There is also a strong concern that this new partner may become involved in the school in some capacity, which adds to the uncertainty many parents are already feeling. Communication overall has become increasingly difficult. Parents are frequently redirected instead of receiving clear answers. Even simple requests, such as obtaining transcripts, have become unnecessarily complicated. I was instructed to contact multiple individuals for something that was previously handled efficiently. At this point, I am simply requesting access to my child's records without added difficulty or unnecessary discussion. I also referred several parents to the school when I believed things were going well. They scheduled tours to get a feel for the environment, not to make an immediate commitment. While they shared that Ms. Consuelo was welcoming, supportive, and had a great interaction with the child, the follow-up experience raised concerns. After not hearing back, she reached out to check in on their decision. This came across as pushy and made them feel as though they were being pressured, despite only having attended a tour. They had not yet made a decision and were still exploring their options. That follow-up ultimately influenced their decision not to move forward with Atala. In my experience, this is not a typical practice, and I do not recall Erin or Consuelo previously handling tours in this manner. The overall condition and organization of the school have also declined. Cleanliness, consistency, and planning,such as the lack of communication regarding summer camp,are all areas that reflect a lack of structure and leadership. While there are staff members I genuinely appreciate, it often feels as though their ability to support students is limited under the current direction of leadership. The dynamic of the school has shifted significantly, and not in a way that benefits the students. This has been an extremely disappointing experience. I gave the school a full year in hopes that things would improve, but instead it has been marked by instability, lack of communication, and growing concern. Based on my experience, I would strongly encourage parents to evaluate this place before enrolling. read more

If you are considering this school, be aware of how they handle admissions and inclusion overall. My daughter was promised a slot in the school, we spoke to various individuals (will not mention names). They thought because she was witty and outspoken - that she would test well- After this "test" (given by someone who did not speak English well) they said they were unable to accommodate her due to various factors (space, not submitting papers on time - all lies) she was 4.. you teach them, you don't deny them and you don't stop answering the parent when they call and email to find out if "space" has opened up.. - shame on Atala. I will say the google reviews have been turned off for a reason. read more

There's always loose animals in the administration office. A huge marmaduke of a dog tag runs around untethered and jumps on desks and people of it smells food on you. It barks at the children and Amanda had the nerve to claim that it's because the dog is afraid of the kids. The other day, someone there was playing with pet mouse at their desk. It's nearly impossible to conduct any business I have with the school as a parent when there's a large barking dog and employees playing Dr.Dolittle with rats read more

The new owners are amazing, they are very professional and approachable. The teacher are great and have the best interest of the kids in mind. Academics is great! read more

Under new management. This school did a 180. My kids are happy with the new set up. The new management has added clubs including a jiu jitsu club, baking, and drumming. The staff looks a lot happier as well. read more

We have now begun our third year attending Atala. My original plan was to relocate my daughter after Pre K to our home school which would allow us to walk her to and from school. Mid way thru the first year, I arrived to pick her up early one day, and the security measures to get to her, from the locked gate to get on school grounds, the locked door to access the hallway to her class, and then her locked classroom door, I felt so secure with her being there that I decided that day we would be staying with the Atala Montessori program. The teachers were kind, welcoming and supportive. My daughter, who had not previously been in any day care, was thriving in the Montessori setting. She was reading by the end of her Pre K year, and she LOVES school. She enjoys the extra classes this year, of PE, Art, Spanish, Drama and music. I adore all of the office staff and very much enjoy our hello's each morning, and we still remain in contact with her previous teachers. I like that it's a smaller/private school, and that it will extend into middle school. I truly cannot express how grateful I am to have found this school, and the impact it has had on my daughter. read more

Academics are fantastic!!! The staff are very caring and knowledgeable. If you're looking for a Superior school this is it !!

my son attends this school cur, initally he struggled with speaking and words but hes learned to read and write and is speaking fluently now! read more

I agree with the only review for this school. My daughter attended the school a few years ago and I witness a great deal of favoritism with the children of the staff. Moreover, Ms. Burns the principal when confronted with an issue has no power due the equal partnership structure of the business. They also use common core for math, needless to say is a disaster. My wife and I are both engineers and we challenged some of the problems they assigned to the 5th graders. The common core arose because teachers in our country do not know how to teach math. Is not meant for the kids but rather the teachers. The issue we tend to have in education is that the public schools are overcrowded and the private schools run the school as they see fit. My daughter attended Atala for about a year and half. We ultimately ended up homeschooling her which has been a much better process. read more

We applied to Atala for our special needs daughter's enrollment for the upcoming school year. They denied her because they said she missed too many days from school this year and had a low math score. Too many days from school? You mean how she had to stay home from school because of mandatory COVID protocols. Low math score? She's passing math this year. I feel they denied her because she's special needs. My daughter is on the low spectrum of the Austism scale. We did tell the registeror our daughter did have Austism. They ask for her evaluation and last two report cards. If they had any concerns, you would at least think to ask us. If you can't accommodate a special needs child, then say so instead of wasting our time. Just another example of how historically terrible the schools in Homestead are. read more