Any Experience with the Following Schools

Hi L.,

My experience with both schools have been from former students. If I had to select between the two I would go with American Heritage. I would also check with some of the small pre-schools in your area the less students in the class the better ratio and attention. Also most important is that the teachers and aides speak properly and clearly. Best of luck.
S.
(Mom, grandma & teacher)

Hello L. ,

I know how difficult it is to chosse the right school for our children . I have two boys a 6 1/2 year old & 2 year old . My older boy attends Mater Academy Charter School ( It is half private & half public ) You most be in a waiting list though . My Boy love it , the teachers are very good and accecable to talk to them by email or in person . I have a good friend that had her boy in both Christian Dade & American Heritage . Her boy did not adapt well in Dade Christian but he is doing very well @ American Heritage he is doing very well . If you consider either school I would research them myself and take a tour of both schools . Talk to the staff , take your child and see how he feels in each school . They are expesive my friend tells me that American Heritage is more expensive but she applied for a scholarship .I was very fearful to the Dade County Public Schools as well . Charter schools are way better . You get more help from Dade County Schools than some private . Good luck in your decison . Keep us posted.

~ A.

Hi L.,

A private school might not necessarily have the resources to help your child with a language delay. I understand your trepidation regarding MCDPS with its reputation but you would be surprised at the services available to children who need extra attention such as speech pathologists, special area teachers, and counselors. Additionally, remember that public school teachers must be certified, whereas private school teachers do not necessarily have to be. The most important thing, however, is that whatever school you choose you remain on top of informing them of your child's needs and making sure they are helping him. Go to the schools (even the public one- make sure they have pre-k!) and get a feel for the campus, ask what they will do for him in regards to his language delay, and take whatever advice other moms who have had experience with those schools can give you.

Best of luck,
M.

No experience with these schools but my son had a language delay from 19 months and just graduated speech at almost 5 years old. We did twice a week walk in group therapy through public school while I had him PT in a daycare. Once he started PRIVATE school, I was paying once a week private therapy. He would have to be severely delayed to qualify for the speech preschool through dade county..believe me I tried. My son is in Prek and has been reading for months at a private school. I think he has progressed more academically there than in public, as long as I supplemented with the private one on one therapy once a week. Good luck!

Dear L.,

If you haven't already, speak with your son's doctors. They may have suggestions. Also, contact the Head Start program. They are a federal program for children with all types of delays and disabilities. The phone number is
1-866-763-6481. Your son will probably qualify for free or reduced cost "early intervention" to get him ready for school.

I agree with a previous comment about the fact that private schools may not have the experience or resources to provide your son with the attention and expertise he needs. In this case, you definately want to at least contact Dade County public schools to see what is available.

Good luck! C.

I take my daughter to Gladeview Christian School on 122nd ave and coral way. I don't know the area that you are looking for but it's a wonderful school. I love them and my daughter loves it there also. Also they are not crazy expensive like a lot of private schools are now. I was paying the same thing that I am now for a regular day care which we all know is not the same. She has learned so much here and they even give her report cards and eveything. Which I was never expecting at her age (she is 3). They are great!!