Top Rated 15 Schools in Sanford, FL - A Guide for Parents and Students

Ayden Edwards Absolute scam of a school, finished the school and still felt like I knew very little about what I was learning because you only go over everything one time and that’s it. Most companies will pay for you to go to school for COMPLETELY FREE. DONT GO IN DEBT FOR THIS BS “School” it’s just a fast money grab.

Baez Rivera Heidy Janice “JaniceInkheart” Very disappointed with your dirty play towards my daughter. You crushed her dream with your lack of management when it came to externship situation. Your charade was incredible, for nothing. So much for the so called "help" which meant nothing. She work hard and sacrifice a lot, and theres money involved. That seems to be what you care for, as long as students are in debt owning money. You portrait yourself as the best of the best out there, and emphasize in students guarding the prestige of the school in and out of it, but what about you when it comes to doing your part when the student needs you the most. You sent her to two places they were a waste of her time and still she made hours of externship, one of them a very troubled clinic you knew about. You compromised your word that you in a week fixing everything for her to finish the hours in a place. After she filled the application you sent her to, and even received a text confirming were working with it, you dare to send her a text saying you were withdrawing her and she needed to re-enroll do to not 14 days not attendance. Those were days she did what you ask and waited as you said. How do you pretend for her to re enroll as if all her sacrifice all this time was for nothing. Those were not the things talked in the meeting 10/28/2024 when you clearly said youll solved this situation. You practically are punishing her for something thats not up to her, and she had no control but with for you to do your part base on the text received 11/4/2024; Then yesterday 11/12/2024 you dare to text, not call but text that you were dropping her out... Very dirty played, and unfair.

Michael Phillips I went and graduated from stc for welding. The program was a mess and calling is disorganized would be an understatement. I constantly blew up the student surveys and talked with the instructors. Nothing ever changed and was constantly given the escuse that they hadnt taught the course before. The following statement should sum of the school. I graduated Feb of 2022, and so did my girlfriend. Yet, neither of us have ever received our degrees. The school has zero issue calling to hound us about whether or not we are in our field to get their placement numbers up. Yet we cant even get them to send us our degrees we earned. I also ended up owing the VA money because of a paperwork issue that the school messed up on. After going back and forth with the school over the course of a year they still couldnt get it right. So I opted to pay the money just to get passed this headache. Meeting my girlfriend at this school was the only thing that saved me from regretting attending. However, find a different school elsewhere. This one should be considered the poster child for for-profit school. Take your money and give you the bare minimum in return. Also, alot of the five star reviews are submitted by the staff. Patsy is the director of course shes going to give it five stars. Update - my girlfriend is now my wife of two months! We still never got our degrees but gave up. I still get emails from them updating me on class schedules as though Im still attending and didnt graduate 2 years ago, so obviously I still stand behind my review. Update 2 - Mar 2025 still never got our diplomas my wife even walked the stage in Feb 2022. We have been married for over a year now. I still get emails from the school about class schedules like I attend the school even though I graduated 3+ years ago. I will continue to update each year. I still continue to actively tell people to not attend this school

Jill J Lochwood has been like a second home to my daughter from middle school through high school. Summer camps at Lochwood are always fun and gave my daughter many wonderful memories. Each vocal, piano and theatrical class she has attended was top notch. Mrs. Byerts is an amazing vocal coach who helped my daughter grow in her talent, guided her while preparing audition pieces and encouraged her to perform at several community events. Mrs. Mindy is a caring piano teacher who helped my daughter become much more adept at reading music and a better musician. While Lochwood offers first class education in the fine arts, we love that they still manage to provide a feeling like you are learning among family.

Valerine Stephen Lochwood is a wonderful place that provides a variety of musical arts. From piano to voice, percussions, musical theatre to violin and the flute, they have a so many musical instruments to choose from. My kids have been learning drums and piano for the past 5 years now and it’s been an amazing learning journey for them. Ms. Alice Margaret and Ms. Mindy have done a great job running this studio. Their love and dedication towards music shows in the way they teach kids. They have many amazing and talented teachers so if you are just starting or want to pursue music I would absolutely recommend Lochwood Academy of performing Arts.

winifred adadzi Five Stars! Lochwood Academy of Performing Arts has been an incredible experience for our family. The staff is welcoming, professional, and truly passionate about the arts. A special shout-out to Mindy, who teaches piano to my kids—she’s an absolute gem! Her patience, creativity, and ability to connect with each child has made learning music not just fun but inspiring. My kids look forward to every lesson and have grown so much under her guidance. Highly recommend Lochwood Academy and especially Ms. Mindy for anyone looking to nurture a love of music in their children!

Leah Garrett Absolutely wonderful school! We love the thorough updates and recaps of our child’s day. Teachers and staff are so kind and are genuinely happy to see our son each day! We’ve seen so much growth in his development and we know their thoughtful and engaging curriculum is to thank :) we love Kiddie Academy!

Nathalie Lopez My older son went to the sister school in Longwood and we loved it. We moved and when it was time to enroll his brother I discovered this one nearby and was delighted be able to get him in. The teachers are kind, awesome, and truly caring. The staff is always friendly and helpful. My youngest now also loves going here.

B Chris “CrispyBee89” At first glance. Seems like a good program. We did the enrollment and scheduled a 2nd tour to meet the teacher for our sons classroom. Call ahead of time to confirm best time to visit. Was told a good time. We showed up. Then were informed it actually wasnt a good time and our son was going to a different room. We expressed how that was different then what we talked about and enrolled him for. Miss Kim was so non-apologetic and passive aggressive in her response. We left and are choosing to enroll our son in a different program.

Leila V. Our infant absolutely loves this daycare and its easy to see why. The caregivers and office staff are warm, attentive, and truly care about the kids here. Its a relief knowing hes in such a nurturing and happy environment while were working. The staff communicates well and has created a space where he can explore, play and grow. Weve noticed how much he enjoys interacting with other babies and how excited he gets to go to "school." Thank you for providing such a loving and safe space for him. We couldnt be happier with our experience are excited to see him continue to grow here.

Jessica Peebles I cant say enough good things about Mrs. Priya and her team at The Goddard School! The facility is bright, clean, and well-organized, with plenty of age-appropriate toys and activities to keep the kids engaged. My daughter has developed so much socially and emotionally since starting. The curriculum is well-rounded, focusing on both learning and play. They send regular updates and photos throughout the day, which I love! One of the things that was important to me when deciding on a school was their level of security. Goddard is equipped with a secure entry system, and only authorized individuals are allowed in. I feel at ease knowing that my daughter is in a safe environment. They have strict protocols in place for drop-offs and pick-ups, and I’ve never had to worry about who is accessing the building. It’s reassuring to know that my child is in such capable and loving hands while I’m at work. The Goddard School has exceeded all of my expectations, and I can confidently say that it’s the best decision we made for our daughters early childhood education and care.

Courtney Greenlaw So happy with our experience at Goddard School in Lake Mary Heathrow! Our son has been attending for about a year and half now. His social and mental development has grown leaps and bounds since he started, and I know its all due to Goddard School! The facility and staff are amazing with fun, educational activities every day. My son never wants to leave when we go to pick him up! Highly recommend.

Leila V. This location is always so clean and is well staffed. My baby loves it here and has learned so much. The teachers truly care, they are communicative and attentive. I can fully trust that hes well taken care of every day, what more can you ask for as a new parent? Theyre truly great at what they do.

Nasirelys Martinez Communication became nearly nonexistent, with emails going unanswered. I raised serious concerns multiple times about rough handling of children, including arm pulling, but nothing was done to address it. It got to the point where I had to call directly to the daycare because the teacher had clearly lost patience and was visibly losing control with the children. It was upsetting to witness and even more frustrating to feel like my concerns weren’t being taken seriously.

Priyanka Wadhawan It exceeded my expectations with its attentive staff and stimulating environment. My child enjoyed diverse activities and formed positive connections with peers. Communication with parents was excellent, providing regular updates. Overall, a trustworthy and nurturing environment for children. Ms. Caitlin, Ms. Bree and all class teachers all are amazing ❤️ Highly recommend.

Julia Rabon Wunderkid Academy has certainly been the answer to my prayers. Not only is it conveniently located between home and work, but Mrs. Margaret is heaven sent! She is super dedicated to nurturing the best out of children and really invests herself into my daughter who has needed more time for progressing in milestones. This is the first place I have ever had my little girl attend and I have had nothing but positive experiences. I love the KinderTales app that keeps me up to date with a news feed of daily activities and milestones. After looking at the "other guys" around the area and feeling a bit wary, Wunderkid Academy has made me confident that they are the right choice. Highly recommend!

Marian Ennin My family and I absolutely love WunderKid! There is so much care, love, patience and thoughtfulness that goes into everything. I have seen so much growth academically and emotionally in my son in just a little over a year and I know we made the best decision choosing them after almost a year of intensive scrutiny and research into many schools. We love and appreciate you WunderKid family!

Thi Ngo I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful experience my 2-year-old daughter has had at WunderKid Academy. The caring staff has created a nurturing environment where she has thrived. From engaging activities to attentive care, every aspect has contributed to her development. The dedication and warmth of the staff truly make this daycare exceptional. I couldnt be happier with the positive impact it has had on my daughters growth. Thank you, WunderKid Academy for providing such a fantastic place for our little ones!

Stephanie Sauder Our son absolutely loves going to school. His teachers are family to us and we look forward to seeing his smiling face when we pick him up. They care for him with such attention to detail. We get daily updates on our sons development through the app and when we pick him up. From the first time touring the school, you can tell that the teachers and administration really love the kids. Its a great school! I look forward to seeing how my boy grows into the next classrooms!

Jamie Serdari I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the wonderful experience my son has had at Primrose School of Lake Mary Heathrow. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were welcomed with warmth and positivity. The staff is incredibly caring, attentive, and truly passionate about what they do. The environment is bright, engaging, and filled with a variety of activities that stimulate creativity and learning. My son loves the hands-on learning experiences, from arts and crafts to outdoor play, and I’ve seen him grow in confidence and social skills since starting here. Communication is excellent— I receive regular updates about my sons progress and daily activities, which makes me feel connected and involved. The team is always open to feedback and suggestions, which shows their commitment to providing the best care possible. It’s clear that the staff genuinely cares about each child as if they were their own. I appreciate the emphasis on not just academic learning but also on building emotional intelligence and social skills. I feel so fortunate to have found Primrose, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent looking for a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment for their child. Thank you to everyone at Primrose School of Lake Mary Heathrow for making my sons early years so special!

Desiree Thompson DO NOT ENROLL YOUR CHILD HERE. If I can give 0 stars I would. Ever since I enrolled my child here I have had nothing but horrible experiences. My son was injured and I was not notified until the end of the day. He had a huge scratch across his forehead and was visibly in a lot of pain. The school has let STRANGERS come in and pick my child up with out letting me know.

Mel Wi Mrs. Nieves is avoiding me and has been very rude. This place needs a better guidance counselor that can actually handle her work load given. When you call this school you get Ms. Ribbons and thats it. I have left multiple messages on even the deans phone and its still a month that my daughter has even been able to get school work via Skyward. No one returns calls. I pray no kid picks up the work ethic by the guidance counselor here.They definitely need a lesson onhow to help kids in need ....a new a new guidance counselor to guide kids to success not failures. I had better experiences with guidance in orange county schools. SMH

slitted As bad as the reviews are, this school is more of a last chance school. If youre planning to bring your child here thinking its a normal school - DONT, if your child doesnt act normally theyll be treated like an inmate and if your child doesnt act up they may be treated like they would in a public school depending on what grade and what teacher they have. I was a student in this school for a long time and I actually think its a great school.

Lily it was trash but i got my grades up easily

leslie chavez After an extensive search for the best school for my girl we came across Meadows Academy. My daughter has been going here since August and the entire staff is amazing! We’re always greeted by the director or her assistant and it’s nice to see how the entire staff is familiar with your child! Everyone is so involved with the kids. I also love getting the updates of my daughter throughout the day and all the activities they are doing. My child has grown so much academically and socially. It warms my heart ❤️ to know the teachers here go above and beyond teaching with love and experience, my girl is always excited to go. We highly recommend Meadows Academy!

Celiann Reyell We’ve been so pleased with the care and attention our two girls have received at this daycare. They absolutely love it! The summer camp + VBS was a huge hit with both of them, especially the fun water days, which they look forward to every year. The teachers are kind, nurturing, and truly dedicated to the children’s growth and happiness. It’s clear they have a genuine love for their work, and our girls always come home excited about what they learned that day. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, creating a warm, safe environment that we’re confident in. We can see how much the children enjoy their time here, and it’s been a blessing to have found such a caring community for our little ones. Highly recommend!

Hannah Poole My daughter has been going here since she was 8 months old (she’s now 4) and we absolutely love it. The teachers love and care for the kids, the food provided is healthy and home cooked, and I’ve always felt supported as a parent. When she was one, we actually tried a daycare closer to our home and ended up moving her back because the quality wasn’t even close to comparable. My daughter loves coming to school and has learned so much both academically and socially in the PreK 3s class. Their pricing is reasonable given the area.

Kirstie Dodd My child was in Brilliant Minds for several years. The staff is very warm, nurturing, and knowledgeable of kids, especially staff members who have been there long term such as Ms Jhasha and Ms Veronica. We ultimately made the decision to leave because they do not accept VPK, and I was worried my child would begin to fall behind from progress she was making. The school is not a true Montessori — none of the staff to my knowledge are AMS or AMI certified. The environment is not a true prepared Montessori environment, and the work block does not feature the classic research-based Montessori materials nor the sequence. It’s a very warm and loving school, but do your research before sending your child here if you are looking for the classic Montessori curriculum.

Zachary May Ever since taking my daughter to Brilliant Minds, she has grown so much. Not just intellectuality, but socially as well. You can tell that the teachers truly care, and that can be a hard thing to come by at times. Be it her smiling face on drop off, the photos I get daily of my daughter having a blast, or the fun stories I hear on the drive home from her, it is obvious the experience has been worth every penny. I have referred people to Brilliant Minds, and will absolutely continue to do so.

David Tooke I couldn’t be more impressed with Brilliant Minds Montessori. When I started looking for a preschool, I needed a place that would provide structure, encouragement, and a strong foundation for my grandson. Brilliant Minds has delivered on all fronts. The teachers and staff are incredible—they’re not just educators but people who genuinely care about each child and their unique needs. Since starting here, my grandson has grown leaps and bounds. The Montessori approach is impressive, teaching him how to think for himself, stay focused, and tackle challenges with confidence. I’ve seen him pick up new skills, develop independence, and come home excited about learning—things every parent or grandparent wants to see. What really sets this school apart is their attention to detail. They’ve created an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and part of a community. As a grandfather, that kind of peace of mind is priceless. Brilliant Minds Montessori is a top-tier school, and I’d recommend it to any family looking for a place where their child can thrive.

Tiara Clark My child was enrolled in this center on 8/14/24 for aftercare and school pick ups. He attended the center for two days and was asked, on 8/16/24, to be picked up without the possibility of returning. When asked why my child was being kicked out of the center, I was informed that they "dont service children with Autism." My son has mild functioning Autism and he does not pose a threat to himself or others. The incident directly involved the Program Director who informed that after telling my child "no" he threw himself on the floor, she proceeded to say that she thought "something was going on mentally" as she addressed concerns for a possible disability. The lack of professionalism and inclusivity at this center is disgusting and I would NOT recommend enrolling your child here.

Sarah Valdes I am writing to express my deep disappointment and outrage over my recent experience at this school, particularly with the owner, Virginia Miller. This mornings incident was the final straw in a series of mistreatments. As I was dropping off my daughter at 7:40 AM, Ms. Miller approached me aggressively, shouting that I could not drop her off until 8:00 AM unless I paid for before-school care. Despite my attempts to explain that I had previously been told it was acceptable to drop her off slightly earlier, she continued to berate me in a threatening tone and invaded my personal space. This behavior is entirely unacceptable and unprofessional, especially from someone who claims to uphold Christian values. When I went inside with another teacher, who was very polite, to fill out the paperwork to withdraw my daughter, I informed Ms. Miller that I would like access to the security footage to report her behavior to the appropriate authorities. She then threatened to call the police on me for trespassing, even though I was not trespassing. I did call the police and filed a report, which I intend to follow through with. I have read similar reviews about this school and initially disregarded them, but now I realize they were accurate. It deeply saddens and angers me to know that other parents and children have endured similar treatment. For the sake of your children and peace of mind, I strongly advise against enrolling them here due to the owners rude and aggressive behavior. To be clear, this review is for the correct school. I am aware that there have been attempts to suggest otherwise, but this is my genuine experience.

Sunshinedivine I have been sending my daughter here for the past 2 years and I am pleased with my decision. Its not easy to trust your child with strangers, but over time the staff have become family. My child has learned so much and is shown love daily. I love the consistency and structure as well. I truly feel blessed to have a great village contributing to the growth and development of my little one!

Stassia Zapotecas Ive had 2 of my 3 children go to Coqui. The staff is very much like family now. Once my baby is ready for child care she will be attending as well. I trust them wholeheartedly with my babies. They are extremely clean, organized, firm but fair, and patient with the kids.

Brianna Is bad bunnies wife I had gone there from about 4 or 5 to 8 years old. It was an amazing place! I was really shy at that time so i made a lot of friends there and the STAFF were AWESOME. They are the nicest people and had a good experience with the parents and the kids! The Owner’s daughter would take me to my house at the end of the day cause they knew my mom worked till night. In general, the whole place and people were really nice and made me feel safe and comfortable. -Brianna

Cynthia Lopez Coqui Academy provides affordable child care but never leaving out the quality either! The teachers are amazing with the kids and love what they do. The director is super nice and treats you like family. Truly a home away from home for my kids.

Elizabeth This school has been perfect for my active and spirited daughter. She will be starting kindergarten now knowing all her letters, numbers, and addition. The teachers were so kind and good the her. Wonderful.

Jesse Boyer The Teachers and Staff are so nice and elegant. The children are so well behaved that when I first went there I was confused why the kids were so calm and behaved because I was used to seeing wild kids at the playground. My daughter has been going here a year and loves it, she has learned a lot and she seems to be getting a lot of skills with speaking, motor ability and self-control at a very rapid rate its adorable!

Marianne Luke This is my sons second year at Live Oak Montessori and I could not be happier. He is very intelligent and has ADHD which can be a struggle for him at times. The classes are small, and the teachers have taken the time to get to know him and how to encourage him to do his very best. He is at grade level or above in all subjects, and I am able to be involved in his education and see him grow and progress. He is becoming such a curious, independent learner and is thriving in a Montessori environment. This school is great for children who are ahead in their studies, and also children who are behind and need some extra help, because the teachers really care and know what they are doing, and the children learn to work together and learn from eachother.

lebron I highly recommend Creative Hands! The staff is warm and welcoming, and the environment is bright and engaging. Caregivers are attentive and genuinely care about each childs well-being, providing regular updates on progress. Our child has thrived, making friends and developing new skills. With a great variety of programs, from arts and crafts to outdoor play, Creative Hands offers a nurturing and stimulating environment. Its the perfect choice for any child!

Ana Fagan We highly recommend Creative Hands. The staff is wonderful and has made our sons transition from one school to another stress-free. The owner and manager are kind, firm, and understanding. From the beginning, they have worked closely with our 3-year-old son as he navigates his toddler phases, providing him with the attention he needs and helping him understand what is right and wrong, which he can also apply at home. Sometimes, my son can be overstimulated and doesnt listen as well as we would like. Whenever the staff encounters difficulties with him, they always communicate with me and work together to find solutions. They prepare their food from scratch, using quality ingredients instead of cheap alternatives. Their communication with us is excellent, with updates occurring frequently throughout the day, and their prices are very fair. We absolutely love them!

Plxto The environment at Creative Hands is fantastic! The kids are engaged in creative activities every day. Our daughter has made great friends and always comes home excited about what she learned!

Daimarys Molina As a parent, I always want to ensure that my child is in a learning environment where she feels safe, valued, and respected. Unfortunately, my experience with this VPK center in Sanford has raised some concerns that I feel compelled to share. My daughter has repeatedly expressed that some children in her class are mean to her, and more concerningly, she has also mentioned that some teachers have been unkind. While I understand that young children can sometimes struggle with social interactions, I expect the educators to foster a nurturing and supportive environment where all students feel comfortable. On a few occasions, I have personally observed teachers displaying passive-aggressive behavior or seeming disengaged, as if they are not fully invested in their roles. This is disheartening, especially in a setting where enthusiasm, patience, and warmth should be the foundation of early childhood education. Another noticeable concern has been my daughter’s regression in potty training. She was fully trained before attending this school, but recently, she has had frequent accidents. As a parent, I recognize that sudden regressions can sometimes be linked to stress or anxiety, which makes me wonder if she is experiencing emotional distress during the school day. I do my best to support my daughter at home, preparing her for a successful day, but I also believe that teachers play a crucial role in shaping a child’s experience at school. Children, no matter how young, deserve to feel respected, heard, and valued in their educational environment. Sadly, I don’t feel that my daughter has received that level of care here. That being said, I do want to acknowledge that not everyone at the school has contributed to these concerns. I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica at the front desk, as well as a blonde resource teacher who has been incredibly sweet and supportive. They have been the only ones who have made this transition easier for both me and my daughter, and I truly appreciate their kindness and professionalism. It’s unfortunate that their level of care and warmth is not reflected across the entire staff. In her previous school, the teachers built real connections with the children. They knew them personally, showed them affection, and made learning fun. My daughter constantly talks about missing her old friends and teachers, saying they were much kinder. This stark contrast has been difficult for both of us, as no child should feel uncomfortable or emotionally disconnected from their school experience. I truly believe that early childhood educators have a special responsibility—not just to teach, but to inspire, nurture, and guide. I sincerely hope this school takes steps to improve its environment so that every child can feel the joy and excitement of learning, rather than just being another number in the system.

Maite Pimentel I had the best experience ever going personally to the SCPS Learning Center office. I was attended by Jessica, she was so sweet , friendly and helpful the whole time. She helped me in the process to find a Public VPK school to my daughter, and do the application. She also helped me to apply the sky zone. I wish all customers service could give that experience she gave me. She really made the difference in the world. Thank You, Jessica! God bless your life and all your family! :D

Vivian Diaz We are new to the area and my son loves this school. He loves his teachers and all the different classes he has that are preparing him for Kindergarten.