After an exhaustive search of every top rated school in Miami and the surrounding area I ended up choosing La Piazza for my 4 year old and my considerably high expectations have been exceeded. First, the staff clearly cares about the kids. They are warm, friendly, loving, and make the children feel comfortable and confident. Some of the schools I visited where clearly more profit motivated and thus focused less on quality staff and its plainly obvious. I noticed also that while other schools had some peripheral fluff to attempt to hide their deficiencies La Piazza focuses solely on the good of the child and not on giving parents bragging rights to meaningless things other schools place front and center as sparkly stuff for gullible parents. The school is community focused and works with the children and parents to give back. Recently there was a group of parents and children that fed the homeless in downtown miami, spending half a day preparing, heating, packaging and distributing food. NO other school I visited offered DAILY Mandarin (Chinese) classes from a fluent Chinese native for 1 hour per day. Even further, they have an after school program 2 x week for an additional hour of Mandarin, bringing my childs total to 7 hours per week and 28 hours per month of immersive Mandarin which forces both sides of his brain to develop. The playground is inviting, open air, safe, has fans and soft mulch padding for those unavoidable falls every kid experiences. The security is top notch with both the main door and secondary door only accessible once being buzzed in from a front desk assistant. The location couldn't be safer, on a side street with minimal traffic usually with no cars traveling more than 25-30 miles per hour. Some of the school I visited had their playgrounds next to a high traffic road with many cars traveling over 50 MPH and the only thing spearing a potentially off course car and the kids is a thin wooden or metal chain link fence. Never have I seen a more blatant disregard for basic physical safety than this. Having cars traveling at high speeds next to playground is not exactly intelligent in my opinion. Furthermore, since it's located in the heart of Merrick Park there is always an Coral Gables Police officer no more than 30 seconds away plus the Police stating is no more than 60 seconds away driving time. The fire station is next to the police station so also another 60 seconds in case of an emergency. Plus all the teachers/staff are trained in CPR. Some of the schools I visited didn't have adequate outdoor play areas, and the ones that did often felt cold and uninviting. The educators are continuously trained in the most advanced teaching techniques that allow them to help each child progress at her/his own pace. All the kids where uniforms and fridays they where whatever they wish, with children being aloud to wear superhero capes and fun outfits. Each classroom feels more like a home living room environment than a class room letting the kids feel cozy and playful while learning. My child has blossomed since starting here and the only downside is that they only allow him to attend 1 more year, I wish I could keep him here for his early childhood. There is so much more I could write, but I think this covers some of the most important points. All around A++ this school should be a model for the other schools in Miami. read more

My son has been at this school since he was 18 months old and my daughter since she was 2 and I honestly cannot recommend it enough. The school has exceeded my expectations in every way, from the level of care for the kids to the classroom experiences they get to have exploring different projects and topics. The teachers have been absolutely wonderful, especially Ms. Marlene and Ms. Diana, who were paramount in bringing both of my kids out of their shells in their first years of school. My son in particular was extremely shy at school even though he was a totally different kid at home. His teacher made him feel safe and comfortable enough that after his time with her he was like a completely different child in the classroom. That kind of thing stays with you as a parent. The school does a great job celebrating different holidays and cultural activities with the kids throughout the year. The parent community is also something I did not expect to love as much as I do. It is a really diverse, down to earth group of people from all different backgrounds and our kids have made great friends. Parents genuinely connect with each other through the strong parent groups and the in classroom activities. If I had one complaint it is that there are a good number of daytime in classroom events which can be tough to attend as a working parent. But it really is great for the kids to get to show off their classroom and projects to you so it is hard to fault. Cannot recommend this place enough as a preschool option. read more

I have both of my sons at La Piazza (one is 3 and the other is 18 months old). As a professor of psychology at FIU it is very easy for me to say that this school is the best educational and social opportunity I have found for preschool children in Miami. The teachers are fair, loving, and well-versed in child development, and the students are given gentle but persistent guidance towards social, emotional, artistic, linguistic, mathematical, and physical goals that are child-specific. Children are encouraged to explore all of their senses and all of the gifts this world has to offer, and La Piazza has grown my ability to see the eager learner and explorer in every child. La Piazza is extremely open to questions and visits, they are imbedded in the fabric of their community and have daily contact with parents, and they maintain state-of-the-art practices and facilities through constant analysis and continuing education. My husband and I looked at at least 8 other schools in Miami and none came close to providing the encouragement, appreciation, and individual attention of La Piazza. We're also amazed at how clean the school is! The kids are constantly ripping up paper, squishing clay, pouring sand, finger painting, exploring water, and gluing things, but somehow it all gets quickly and thoroughly cleaned so the kids can move onto the next activity. SO so grateful I found this school. read more

What a find!! La Piazza offers the perfect combination of true teaching and a familial nurturing and loving environment . Children benefit greatly from a well designed curriculum allowing them to learn through fun experiences, and creative play. The low student teacher ratio allows for focused attention to each child and the teachers (2 per class) can easily track each child's progress and ensure that each child participates in the many fun classroom activities (including a separate Atelier for art work! My child has found a second home at La Piazza. He often comes home excited about the daily activities and I have seen how much he has learned - not just letters, numbers, words etc, but concepts and social skills. My son started as a shy 2 year old. Today he runs in to la piazza to hug his teachers and the administrators and greets his classmates. The school provides true educators (not babysitters) who love what they do and the classrooms are stimulating, organized and immaculately clean The school does a great job of creating a community feel among the parents and provides weekend workshops for the parents from time to time. It is the best preschool out there. I searched everywhere and am truly happy with this school! read more

We have had an amazing experience with La Piazza Academy and truly could not be happier. From the very beginning, we felt welcomed by the warm atmosphere, the transparent approach to learning, and the strong sense of parent involvement that makes families feel genuinely connected to the school community. We especially love the Reggio Emilia approach, where children are encouraged to learn through different means in such a beautiful, thoughtful environment. It's inspiring to see how creativity, curiosity, and emotional development are all nurtured so intentionally. The teachers are exceptional - incredibly well prepared both academically and emotionally to understand and support each child's unique needs and personality. Every school event has also been beautifully organized and handled with so much care and attention. Most importantly, our kids have gone to school happy every single day, which means everything to us as parents. Our children are now in Pre-K 2 and 1st grade, and we continue to feel grateful to be part of such an amazing community. read more

We've had a wonderful experience at La Piazza Academy (LPA). We have two kids, both in PK, at LPA and will be happily sending our third there next year. As a Reggio-Emilia school, LPA emphasizes developing children's natural curiosity about the world around them. Our kids have learned fairly complex subjects, including pollination, mechanical engineering, and the composition of the human body, through a range of hands-on projects, field trips, and presentations by real-life doctors and botanists. These experiences have made them even more eager to seek answers to their questions, engage in experimentation and participate in productive and respectful debate. The faculty at LPA genuinely cares about the kids. From providing detailed accounts of their days at pickup to helping parents navigate different developmental stages, our family and our kids have felt supported and more confident. read more

We moved to Miami a few years ago from Brazil. New city, new life, new everything and a 1 year old son with us. It certainly took us a minute to feel at home in Miami. But as far as school goes, it was a lot faster. The minute we stepped into La Pizza we felt welcomed, embraced and warmly taken care of. But the most important thing wasn't us. Was that our son, almost immediately, felt at home. A clean and safe space, the school made him feel at ease. La Piazza listened and adapted to his timings and he made amazing new friends every semester, every summer camp. La Piazza conveyed that "School, Sweet School" feeling that every parent wishes for their kids. This is a very special place that will always have a very special place in our hearts. read more

Our son started preschool here at 2 years old, and while the first few week was rough (leaving home for the first time is HARD for a toddler!), the teachers and staff made all the difference. They were so patient and caring with him every single day, and it really showed. We loved that the school offers music, Mandarin, sports & games, and art -- such a great mix for little ones. But honestly, what mattered most was seeing him light up playing with his friends in such a safe, loving space. The classrooms are thoughtful in their design and impeccably clean. We are grateful we found this school for our child. Summer camp is an added plus and continues the fun even when the school year is over. read more

Our son has been attending La Piazza Academy since he was 16 months old. From the moment that we walked thru the doors we felt that it was a warm, welcoming & safe environment. The teachers are top-notch & very caring. Our son loves to go to school & asks every morning "escuela hoy". We only speak to our son in Spanish & he has learned English at LPA. To my surprise he also began singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in Mandarin a few months ago. This speaks volumes to the schools curriculum. The fact that our son has a smile on his face to go to school & the same smile when we pick him up tells me that we made the right choice by selecting La Piazza Academy. :-) read more

My experience with La Piazza Academy is something I'll always be grateful for. Both of my children attended through 5th grade and today attend Ransom Everglades and Palmer Trinity, where they were placed into advanced and honors-level classes. I truly believe La Piazza helped prepare them academically while also teaching them to think independently, express their ideas, and grow with confidence. What I value most is that La Piazza sees and celebrates each child's uniqueness and helps bring out the best in them. I highly recommend it to any family looking for a school where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired. read more

My son has been going to La Piazza Academy for almost two years. He loves it there. Some days he runs in so fast he forgets to say goodbye. La Piazza Academy is a loving environment that has nurtured a love of reading, an appreciation for the arts, and a healthy sense of self in my child. It has also helped him become fully bilingual, and with their Mandarin program, soon to be trilingual. I value all the teachers and their daily commitment to my son and recommend this school to my friends without hesitation. read more

Both my son and daughter attend this school. The administrations focus on the socio-emotional development of the students is the reason I chose this school. As a bonus, the progressive approach to education has been very effective with both my kids. The school also focus on the training of their teachers, which is the best investment they can make. There's also a great availability of after school activities, which makes it easy for us. All in all a great experience us as parents and our children. read more

La Piazza Academy is all what I have dreamt for my boy. The teachers are excellent, they love and care for each child... They looked very committed to the child's well being and education. I noticed a great change in my child development and social skills since he began school. I will never be grateful enough to Monica... she welcomed my boy and myself as if we were family. I feel that my child is loved and that for me is what care the most at this age. I would recommend this school to anyone. read more

We love La Piazza. My daughter loves going to school. Everyone at the school from the front desk to the cleaning lady is nice and carying. Teachers are attentious, they listened to my concerns and my child's needs and I really notice de dedication and care of everyone who works there. Furthermore, the classes are well organized, and there is Mandarin class everyday, with a lovely chinese teacher, among music, art, etc etc etc. I would definitely recommend La Piazza with my thumbs up. read more

My daughter has been in La Piazza for the last 2 years. She loves and enjoy going to school very much. She loves her teachers and has learn a lot from them. They are very caring and also you can see that they love teaching. My daughter loves the mandarin classes and enjoys the Atellier very much. The extracurricular activities are also great. It's a great school, where you feel part of La Piazza Academy family!! read more

I'm absolutely grateful and happy I found this school, before making the decision of selecting the best preschool for my daughter we toured most of the schools in the area and by far La Piazza had everything we were looking for, the environment is very welcoming, the approach the use for teaching is natural and creative, I just have positive things to say, my daughter is happy and learning! read more

Our son had an amazing PreK experience at La Piazza - the teachers and staff are wonderful. The school is very focused on educational development and also making sure your child gains confidence and really enjoys the school / learning environment. I would recommend this school to anyone and have no doubt it's going to become a very well known school in the Grove. read more

This daycare / pre-k and soon K beats any other school in the area in terms of creative curriculum, nurturing environment and children development focus. Our daughter has been at La Piazza for 2 years and we are in love with the school its teachers and its leadership. Great alternative for after school care as well for working parents! read more

We moved from out of town to Miami in November and registering the kids at La Piazza was the best decision we could have taken. They made the transition so easy. The kids fit right in from Day One. From the director, to the teachers, to the cleaning lady, I wouldn't choose any other Pre-K school than La Piazza. A truly special place read more