I attended Florida Academy's HVAC program while working full-time in the HVAC industry, which allowed me to compare what was taught in class with the realities of the field. I want to start by recognizing the night instructors, who were one of the best aspects of the program. They genuinely cared about student success, were supportive, and worked hard to help students learn. That said, I found the curriculum to be very basic and not fully reflective of what technicians encounter on the job. Because I was already working in the trade, I noticed a significant gap between classroom instruction and real-world expectations. For a program costing approximately $13,000, I expected a more in-depth education and stronger preparation. I was also disappointed by the amount of hands-on training available. There did not always seem to be enough equipment for the number of students, which limited opportunities to practice and develop practical skills. Communication with administration was another challenge. During an unexpected medical issue that required surgery and an extended recovery, I requested temporary accommodations so I could remain engaged with the program. Given that portions of the coursework already incorporate online instruction, I believed some flexibility would be possible, but that was not my experience. The biggest issue for me ultimately became attendance and make-up hours. To be fair, the school offers make-up sessions Monday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM and additional hours on Saturdays. However, many night students work full-time during the day and, like myself, also work weekends. Those options simply did not fit my work schedule or the realities faced by many working adults. When I approached administration to discuss my situation and explore possible alternatives, I was informed that no other options were available. While I understand that policies must exist, the interaction left me feeling as though it was essentially a take-it-or-leave-it situation rather than a collaborative effort to help a student remain on track. By the time my class graduates, I will owe more than 60 make-up hours, which has led me to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the program. I simply do not see a realistic path to fulfilling those requirements while maintaining my employment obligations. I believe more flexible scheduling options, particularly for working adults, would help students stay enrolled and complete the program successfully. The career support advertised by the school also fell short of my expectations. During the ten months I attended, there was only one job fair for the night program, and only one company participated. I did not see the level of industry connections and employment assistance that I anticipated. Overall, there were dedicated instructors and positive experiences, but I believe the program would benefit from stronger hands-on training, better communication, more robust career support, and significantly greater flexibility for working adults and students facing unforeseen circumstances. Prospective students should carefully consider whether the program's structure and cost align with their personal and professional needs before enrolling. read more

The experience here has been a roller coaster. Im giving 4 Stars for the great staff, and taking one away for overall unorganization but i want to focus on the good for now. Theres some great people at this school that work hard to go above and beyond. Mrs V (Nail Theory) is an outstanding teacher. Shell give you everything you need to get an amazing grade on your final, Stay after school when she can to help us get makeup hours in. She went out of her way to plan a super fun babyshower for 2 classmates with decorations and food and drinks. On top of that she works hard to prepare lessons, and include educational games and workshops. She even goes as far as letting students work on her nails even if we make mistakes and damage them, shed rather be hurt herself than let us go into the nail world hurting clients. I cant say how much i appreciate her for caring so much. read more

Florida Academy - Cosmetology Schools Near Me - Fort Myers, Florida

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Total quality of work Kind and appropriate Busy but the attention was perfect no rush read more

Due to the recent administrative changes made by Florida Academy my educational experience has gotten progressively worse. For this institution to have been Accredited by COE it's disheartening to experience attendance reporting issues. My physical presence remains unaccounted for when upon signing the paper for the day. As well as my instructor speaking with the attendance secretary. I've reported the clerical errors multiple times without receiving any rectification. In addition to the school not accounting that students are present during the schedule hours they aren't accounting the hours students are spending after school to meet the state requirements for licensing hours. For this school to be not only Accredited but also in the year of 2024 there should be an electronic sign in where we as students can be accountable for clocking in and out. Instead we have to rely on a new attendance secretary who isn't inputting our credit hours at all. I was also harassed by a barbering instructor 'Eddie' while entering the front office. He pressured me into exposing my personal information to people sitting in the office simply because I walked passed the front desk. It was not only humiliating but immoral. I recommend anyone that has to pass him not to say anything due to his aggressive nature. read more

The massage is amazing. The value is wonderful. I recommend anyone should try coming. I've been coming for over 10 years. I recommend all my friends. read more

The hvac instructor Dolton is really great, really down to earth guy, funny, patience fun to be around while learning

I called this place in January to make an appointment, and the person I spoke with told me to call in a week. I called the following week and was told again to call back in a week. I called again and was told they weren't taking appointments until March. Why wasn't I told this in January when I called the first time? I specifically told who I spoke with I wanted two appointments for the same day for my daughter and I as she was coming to visit the week of February 13. Two people didn't catch that? Or were they not paying attention? They wasted 3 weeks of my time! I could have made an appointment with another massage school, and now it's too late. I would NEVER recommend this place! read more

My first time here today for a 50-minute Swedish Massage with one of the school's students, $30.00. Actually, this was my first massage so I didn't know what to expect. The place is located in a small shopping plaza and occupies several units. The massage facility is located in the main unit which is also the main office. From walking through the front door, bring greeted by the receptionist, to the furnishings and cleanliness of the lobby - This place sets the tone for professionalism. The message areas are in a large room that is sectioned off with curtains which define your massage "room." Soft music plays throughout. When it is time to begin your massage, the student opens one side of the curtain and it remains open throughout the massage. My masseuse, Jesse, did a great job. He was professional in every way. At the end of the message, I was asked by Jesse to complete a short survey of my experience and provided with a cup of water. Payment is rendered upon checkout at reception desk (credit cards accepted.) Other services include hair, nails and facials. You may opt for massage services by a professional (folks who are already licensed and certified) for a bit more than fees charged for services by students. Highly recommend for a massage! I'm going back next week for a pedicure ($15.00!) read more

I wanted to send a "shout out" to Lisa Odar and the amazing staff at Florida Academy. This year, they donated their services to the Tim Tebow "Night to Shine" event in Naples, Florida. Each of the "Queens" to be crowned at the event tonight, were provided a day of beauty including nails, hair, massage and makeup services by this group of talented professionals, who also have HUGE hearts! They made sure each of the girls felt beautiful, making them feel as "Special" as any girl would on her prom night. They went above and beyond and I will never be able to thank them enough for their kindness - and AMAZING looks the girls received. They are truly the place to go when you want to feel and look your best on your special night! Amanda Berry Campagnolo read more

Recently graduated from the school of massage therapy. Rob and Eliane are great instructors, highly qualified and great people! Cateibra is also very helpful. School could be more organized and focused on student's education instead of profit but overall tolerable experience. Recommend this school over other local ones but don't expect much read more

Where can you get a one-hour professional massage for $25? Nowhere, you're crazy - oh wait yes! AT THIS PLACE. I practically flipped when I saw the prices on their website - $25 for a facial, $25 for a full-body Swedish massage, waxing, all kinds of stuff - way way way below normal salon prices. Sure they're students, and the accommodations are a little clinical, but overall I'd say the FAMSC is an excellent value. I have only been for one treatment - a one-hour massage - but I will definitely be back every time I'm in the area. My masseuse was very thorough and professional. I was also paying attention to the other students - no one looked creepy or was otherwise a person I wouldn't want touching me. Most of the students were young and all were clean-cut. Just seems like a lot of hardworking people that need someone to practice on - for $25, that person could be you. They say they take walk-ins but the receptionist lady seemed to be telling a lot of people they were full-up. I'd recommend calling, especially on the weekend, it seems. read more

I spoke to the owner of Florida Academy about the way they handled my bill and he was very nice. I will go back because the work the students did was great and the owner was great. read more

There's not many options so I figured it would be the lesser of the two evils. After starting, it's apparent all they care about is getting their money. I'm 9 months pregnant, still working and coming to school. My daughter is due to arrive in less then 3 weeks. I have one day off for my appointments and everything that has to be done before a baby arrives. I had already changed schools after starting at Sunstate Academy. Not entirely sure I made the right decision switching and after starting at Florida Academy I realized this institution is really no better. The teachers have been great which is important. As far as the administration, they are rude and only look to you when they want money, which is being paid in full. They will get their money. Just wish they cared more about our education then threats of sending us home because I forgot my check book. Silly. And the best part, I live an hour away because there unfortunately is no other institution closer. When it comes to our monthly progress reports, the hours, services, and grades are never correct. They are in no rush to fix that though. Really do your research and be sure in your decision. It looks and appears to be a great choice. After a few weeks in you begin to see the truth behind it all. At that point it's a decision on whether to stay and finish for your license or pay whatever is owed and figure out another way. It's a shame, but this is the reality of it. I hope this helps any of you that are in search for a decent school. You may not have a choice really, but at least you know what you'll be walking into. read more

I wanted to come back onto this app because my experience here at Florida academy is filled with bad and completely UNPROFESSIONAL experiences and I really want you to understand what your signing your self up for when you come here. I have tried to talk to the administration over 10+ times by email, phone call, or even trying to speak with them in person. I have spoken with the principal of this school and the director of this school and nothing happens every time. I have expressed my teacher leaves every Monday a couple hours early to go to another job and all of us students are just pushed into a lab or another room to sit for TWO hours doing nothing. Especially considering this is an hour based program most of these hours are bullshit. It might seem like something to be happy about that we can sit down and relax but unfortunately that what you mostly do here at this school. When you are paying for your education and actually trying to learn and go somewhere in life it gets very frustrating. I have seen students struggle with just knowing the steps of a facial because the lack of teachers being hands on. Throwing a book in your face and that's all the education you get. I have expressed to the owner of this school by Email that I needed to speak with him about a lot of things that happen at this school that ABSOLUTELY should not be happening.. and the response wasn't a shocker to me. I was told to go speak to the principal which as you know I have talked to everyone at this school. The things my mother witnessed in the massage program with teachers walking around with no pants on trying to ' make others feel comfortable' ...? Like completely inappropriate. There's just seriously to much to type into this review . Im a 21 year old single mother trying to make a future for myself and this school will drain any motivation you have . DONT COME HERE. Go somewhere where the staff and teachers genuinely care about their students and what they are teaching. Go to the salon professional academy where they're actually on top of you and your learning . The only upside is I graduate next Thursday and I couldn't be happier ! read more

This may be my best haircut ever! Tara and Travis are so friendly and professional. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I do love my haircut! I certainly plan to try other services there and hope that I will be in the area when my next haircut is due! read more

Great service. I had my hair cut and colored by Amanda twice. Whatever salon hires here after graduation is getting a real artist. She is professional and has a very pleasant demeanor. Travis oversees everything and makes sure the customers are satisfied. I plan to go back when I return in November. read more

Been using their services for about six/seven years, and have enjoyed the facials and massages; but the massages have been the most beneficial for me. May try the very reasonably priced pedicure next. Four stars only because of some disorganization - need more trained staff at the front counter. Check out their programs/services on their website. They even have an HVAC career program! See you FL Academy next month! read more

I recently moved to Fort Myers and discovered this little known gem. The prices are extremely reasonable and the service very good. So far I have had my hair cut three times and each was done very well. I have had several facials and Epiwave treatment. They were enjoyable and left my skin looking and feeling beautiful. The instructors watch over the students but are never overbearing. Tomorrow I am trying out a massage! read more

I graduated from FA back in 2008-2009. The new owner took over in 2009 and completely transformed this place. They offer a variety of services, the quality of their service is better than it was with the previous owner. When I was in school, the tables were relatively old, the new owner threw the old ones away and bought new stronglite tables. For those of you who are interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist, the school has one of the highest first time passing rates. When I was in school I believe it was 92%, but now it increased to 98%. Everyone who works there is super nice and friendly. I'd love to go there every week, but I simply don't have time. I study and work full time, and during the season they're booked months ahead! Don't be skeptical and don't underestimate the students! I am a professional massage therapist and there are students that are way better than some professionals. Students are eager to please you, they work very hard to impress you. Just so you are aware, students are not allowed to receive tips (FL state law). However, I believe there is a "donation basket". Some of the instructors that taught me still work there and they are one of the best. If you can't afford to pay for a professional massage, then this is a perfect place for you! Try it out for yourself. read more

I love this place for a massage or a hair cut. Best hair cuts I have had in my whole life and I am old! Travis, the instructor there has amazing energy and personally over sees ever clients cut and style and genuinely cares. This place is the best kept secret in Fort Myers. Been going here for nearly a year. read more

Florida Academy is an AWESOME school! I went there for the 600 hour Esthetician program and I loved it. The teachers were great and very knowledgeable. As of this week I will be going back to Florida Academy for there Nail program! I am excited and I can't wait :) read more

I was given a gift card to this business for Christmas. After I got home I had the receipt but not the gift card. I looked everywhere and could not find it. I called and the business said too bad so sad and would not help me out even though it was a $100 gift card and I had a receipt. The lady on the phone was rude and stated all businesses do this. It is not hard to create a system where you check whether a gift card to your business has been used yet or not. Poor rating because this company does not care about the consumer. read more