From day one, Christi/STEPSS Academy has always gone above and beyond to make my family feel at home. It was this level of comfort that allowed my children to grow within their learning environment, while developing skills for the outside world. 5 stars isn't enough to exemplify what an amazing institution this is. read more

As the mother of a vulnerable nonverbal special-needs child, this has been one of the most emotionally distressing experiences I've had with a school. My son returned home from transportation with a bloody mouth. Because my child cannot reliably communicate what occurred, I calmly asked questions regarding whether an accident may have happened during transportation or student transfer. I did not accuse or blame any employee, driver, nurse, or staff member because I understand accidents can happen. What deeply disturbed me was the response afterward. I received a highly confrontational phone call from Shirley Gil, the headmaster and owner of the school. This was my very first interaction with her after my child had attended the school for an entire school year. Throughout the year, I primarily communicated with other members of administration, my son's teachers, and teacher assistants, many of whom were kind, patient, and supportive toward both my son and myself. I also interacted positively with another administrator named Shirley, who I understood to be the principal, as well as her daughter, and even offered support and advice where I could. When my son first enrolled, I donated supplies to help ensure the school was equipped to support his needs because I genuinely wanted to believe in the environment and support the staff working with special-needs children. That is why this interaction came as such an extreme shock to me. Instead of approaching the situation with professionalism, reassurance, or concern for my child's well-being, the conversation immediately became defensive and accusatory in tone. I felt intimidated simply for asking reasonable questions regarding my son's safety after he came home injured. During the conversation, concerns I raised regarding transportation communication barriers were also dismissed. The driver responsible for transporting children was unable to effectively communicate with me in English and relied on another child to help translate during pickup discussions involving my son. For a school entrusted with vulnerable special-needs students, this raised serious concerns for me regarding transportation communication and student safety procedures. More than anything, this experience has left me questioning my own instincts as a parent. I ignored prior reviews because I believe children with autism deserve grace, patience, understanding, and opportunity, and because autism support is still an area many schools are learning to navigate. I wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt. I wanted to believe my child was safe and cared for. I am sharing this experience because parents of special-needs children deserve transparency, professionalism, compassion, and the ability to advocate for their children without feeling dismissed or intimidated by school leadership. I strongly encourage families to ask detailed questions regarding transportation supervision, communication procedures, incident reporting, and administrative handling of parent concerns before enrolling. read more

I am writing in response to the recent message from Broward County Public Schools regarding the commitment to safe and secure learning environments. While I appreciate the emphasis on these critical areas, I feel compelled to express profound concerns regarding an incident that has recently come to my attention, which casts a shadow on the very environment you aim to foster. My son recently informed me of a troubling situation involving a proposed school play. He expressed initial enthusiasm to participate purely for recreational enjoyment. However, he subsequently reported that participation was contingent upon students contributing a fee, framed as a fundraiser. When he, and presumably other students, were hesitant or unable to contribute financially for an activity they initially perceived as voluntary and recreational, he indicated that the teacher involved reacted with evident displeasure. This incident is deeply concerning as it gives the impression that financial considerations are being prioritized over genuine student engagement and the fostering of a positive, inclusive atmosphere. My son's continued presence at the school is primarily driven by his loyalty and care for his peers, despite what he perceives as a pervasive focus on monetary concerns that detracts from the overall student experience. I find this situation particularly disheartening, as it directly contradicts the values of creating a supportive and enriching educational setting. I am currently evaluating the appropriate avenues to formally address these serious issues, as I believe the operational practices and priorities demonstrated in this instance warrant immediate and thorough review. read more

I was present in the car during a phone call between my friend and the headmaster/owner of this school, Shirley Gil, and honestly felt compelled to leave this review afterward. The conversation involved concerns about my friend's nonverbal special-needs son returning home with a bloody mouth after transportation. From what I heard, my friend was attempting to explain the situation, ask questions, and express concerns regarding communication and student safety. She repeatedly stated that she was not accusing anyone and understood that accidents can happen. What shocked me was the tone and level of defensiveness displayed during the call. Instead of hearing a calm or reassuring conversation centered around a vulnerable child's wellbeing, the interaction quickly became confrontational and emotionally charged. As an outside person simply overhearing the conversation, it was uncomfortable to listen to. Regardless of disagreements, I believe parents advocating for their disabled children deserve professionalism, patience, and compassion, especially when concerns involve an unexplained injury. The call left me genuinely disturbed enough to look further into the school and understand why other parents may have expressed concerns regarding administration and communication in past reviews. read more

My grandson has been a student of Christi since Kindergarten. During the pandemic, I had an opportunity to listen to online classes. I was so impressed with not only the teacher but the curriculum of the school. During the years my grandson has been at this school his speech has improve and he has flourished as a student. I absolutely love the values and education being taught. read more

The staff is caring, attentive, and truly dedicated to each child's growth. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a nurturing and educational environment! read more

Staff was great to work with. I highly recommend attending. Have been with the school several years.

unprofessional headmaster, Mrs. gill not equipped to handle special needs all ages are in one classroom with one teacher each have an ABA that she requests. Be there all on different levels overcrowded charge scholarship different amounts. When question began to get nasty now is withholding my children's report cards and grades for cash blatantly try to disrespect parent in front of the school in front of staff had to be reminded that she is at work care of herself as such threaten to call law-enforcement for some reason when she was the one out of one headmaster was a one out of control, racially profile read more

Terrible school they don't treat the kids with disabilities well and the education for the school is way behind from public schools, I put my child cause they used to get bullied but instead they suffered more in this school then in their old one. The teachers are very unprofessional, one teacher quit in the middle of class cause a female student wouldn't dance with a male student and the headmaster yelled and got mad at the students blaming them instead read more

Don't put your child into this school. The staff is disrespectful and are not professional. The head master is only respectful towards the parents but not the students within the school. read more

My son goes to steps and oh boy I must say he loves it . Everyday he wants to go to school even on weekends. I'm so happy I found this school . read more

This is by far the worst school in the planet. These people only care about the $$$. Not all Teachers are qualified, to be exactly 2 or 3. The rest are just friend of the family. This is not a place to learn. Kids are on their own. School is dirty and I mean filthy. No lightning in entrance area and bathrooms smell horrible. Cafeteria looks like a storage and floor is coming apart. read more