After just a year and a half at Sea of Strengths Academy, my child went from barely reading to…read morereading at grade level. I can wholeheartedly say that this school changed the trajectory of my child's life. It brings tears of joy to my eyes to see my child being taught in the way she learns best so she can truly flourish. Before SOSA, my daughter attended a Montessori school (and also worked with Sylvan), where reading was a constant source of frustration. She struggled daily, and her confidence reflected it. Today, she wakes up excited to go to school. She reads with confidence, and her entire outlook on learning has transformed. At SOSA, the Orton-Gillingham approach is not simply a reading program--it is integrated across all subject areas. This ensures that students receive consistent, structured literacy instruction throughout the entire school day. Equally impressive is the faculty. Every teacher is trained by an accredited Orton-Gillingham fellow, representing the highest standard of OG instruction. These educators are more than teachers--they are specialists who understand how dyslexic students learn and how to help them thrive. They provide individualized instruction and share daily academic updates with parents through each student's agenda. Their expertise transforms classrooms into environments where students who once struggled with reading begin to succeed academically and personally. The students themselves are extraordinary--bright, creative, and capable young people whose potential simply requires the right instructional approach. Through expert teaching, structured literacy instruction, and small-group learning, SOSA students build strong foundations in systematic phonics, reading, writing, language, and conceptual mathematics, growing into confident learners. I have seen some reviews questioning the school's fundraising efforts, so I would like to offer helpful context. SOSA is intentionally small--serving roughly 25 students. When tuition is multiplied across such a small student body, it becomes clear that tuition alone cannot cover the full costs of specialized teachers, rent, utilities, insurance, curriculum materials, and the ongoing professional training required to maintain Orton-Gillingham expertise. The school works tirelessly to secure grants and donations so tuition can remain as affordable as possible for families who need this type of education. SOSA also maintains a focused learning environment by prioritizing students who are ready to learn in a structured academic setting. This ensures that classrooms remain calm, supportive, and distraction-free--allowing students with language-based learning differences to receive the concentrated instruction they need. At the end of the day, the results speak for themselves. At Sea of Strengths Academy, a small school produces life-changing results--through a proven curriculum, exceptional teachers, and extraordinary students. And for families like mine, the impact is nothing short of transformational.

Sea of Strengths Academy (SOSA): I would NOT recommend this school for children with dyslexia and…read morespecial needs. I was not pleased with overall quality of their education, too much focus on donations, and constantly asking parents to make a donation for various projects (despite high school tuition), and unprofessional approach of the school principal, Mr. John Hettler, when it comes to finding a solution for occasional issues. I no longer trust him.

My son has been attending Suzuki since he was three years old under the expert instruction of Dr…read more Joyce Mizer, founder of the Suzuki Institute. Dr. Mizer is a phenomenal teacher, a multi instrumentalist trained in the Suzuki method. Her ability to impart her innate musicality as well as her effusive kindness and razor sharp wit makes her an especially effective mentor to young children. My now seven year old son has flourished under her attentive and dedicated instruction in both violin and piano. I highly recommend the Suzuki Institute for the amazing community of musicians that comprise its faculty and its accessibility for families and individuals alike.

My daughter is a nervous Nelly with lots of anxiety which unfortunately she picked up from me…read more Signing up for this program was the best decision we made for her. Even after her very first drive with Bill, the comfort and confidence she felt was a breath of fresh air. She is learning so much not only about the rules of the road but also Bill is coaching her through her anxieties as well. Cannot say enough about how amazing this has been....might even sign her up for another round!! Thank you ever so much to the Suncoast Defensive Driving Team and especially to Bill for helping our daughter feel at ease behind the wheel

My instructor Joe was really amazing! Not only did we learn so much from him but we also had such a…read moregreat time!

Kumon has taken my grandson from knowing just a few letters of the alphabet to a Reader...so much…read moreso that he was invited to participate in an Advanced First Grade Class. The Kumon system at this location is driven by an extremely caring and professional staff. Best money I have ever spent!

I couldn't be happier with the attention this preschool offers my child. The teachers are so kind,…read morecaring, and attentive, always creating engaging and meaningful experiences. Their Montessori-based approach makes learning fun, creative, and hands-on, and my child truly looks forward to coming every day. I would wholeheartedly recommend Chabad of Sarasota's preschool program to any parent looking for a nurturing and inspiring environment for their child!

Kaplan Preschool is a gem! My son, Asher, has thrived from day 1. He's shown confidence,…read moreindependence, excellent communication skills, connections with friends, and love of art, music and nature have been some of my favorite aspects of this school. Highly recommend and hands down the best!

We discovered The Learning Cottage in 2022 after it was recommended to us by a colleague. After…read moredoing our best to care for our daughter at home during the pandemic, we realized we were unable to meet her educational and developmental needs. Our initial tour of The Learning Cottage left us feeling completely confident that this was the best place for our family (a feeling we had yet to experience at many other centers). We were thrilled when a part time spot opened in the JPI classroom and were able to quickly transition into a full time role. Within just a few weeks our daughter's speech and excitement to learn blossomed and she has continued to excel at The Learning Cottage. She was speaking incessantly, making friends, and having fun! She (and we) absolutely adore her teachers and their commitment to each child's academic and socioemotional development is obvious. We are so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community and don't want to think about what we'll do when it's time to move on!

We recently made the decision to withdraw our child from this daycare after raising concerns about…read morethe quality of care and overall experience. What followed was extremely concerning. Shortly after communicating our decision, a report was made regarding alleged issues involving our household. The matter was reviewed and dismissed immediately with no findings. While we understand that childcare providers are mandated reporters, the timing and handling of this situation were deeply troubling and raised serious concerns about judgment and professionalism. It is also worth noting that the staff member we had raised concerns about was no longer employed at the center within a few weeks of those concerns being brought forward. This experience completely undermined our trust in the center and its leadership. Families should feel confident that concerns will be handled constructively and responsibly unfortunately, that was not our experience here. We strongly encourage other parents to ask detailed questions about how concerns are addressed and escalated before enrolling

Renewed my CPR/AED certification with Joyce at CPR Save a life Florida. Sanitized "dummies"…read moresimulate real life emergencies to help you learn valuable skills that can make a life or death difference. You'll watch a video, watch a demonstration, practice and take a test to equip you for a real life emergency. Lots of opportunities to ask questions! I highly recommend this course. Everyone should take this course.

My son left the first day saying "he felt more confident about his math". For me that's huge…read more Every time we have come in the staff is engaged with their students, the students appear to be liking what they are learning. So far very impressed.