Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School

I have two children at this school and we have had an amazing experience. This is our 3rd year and we have received the support and learning from multiple teachers that we had expected from this great school. The principle Ms. Felton does a wonderful job at making all families feel at home and giving all children the tools they need to succeed. If you can get into this amazing school I reccomend it 100%, you will not be dissapointed 5/5!

My son started Pk3 last August and we were very excited for winning the lottery. We have some many expectations because the rating, reviews and raking. I am pretty disappointed with my son class. Kids were rude probably receiving little ones. They talk to much about independence but come on children from 3 years can not walk themselves to their class in a school with 700 students! He arrived at home saying bad words. The teacher never answers emails even if she says that she communicates with parents. The school always promotes parents involving but good luck if you are a new one. They are never let you involve. I’m sure there are other classes with more welcoming parents. My son it’s not.. I work coaching people and I’m pretty social .. this is the opposite I was looking for. I’m thinking to change my son to a private schoo with “real” Montessori teachings. I got even enrolled to study Montessori before judging and I see there is a huge difference on what this “great” school is and a Montessori is. There are parents that write wonderful things, my question is: do they have any clue about Montessori teachings or just Montessori “Marketing.”Just study before taking a decision where your child is going to spend most of his/her time. You are forming a person for life !! Good luck and wish me good luck...

I had a very mixed experience at this school. Overall, it is too much of a gamble. You might have an amazing teacher or one of the worst you could imagine. Your child might be in a room where there is discipline and an eagerness to learn or they might be surrounded by children with severe behavioral problems and threats to their physical well being. There is not enough support for the children with severe behavioral problems which creates chaotic learning environments.The administration is not certified in the Montessori method so the school ends up being a hodgepodge of watered down educational philosophies. Some teachers use Montessori and others don’t at all. Teachers are expected to teach two grade level curriculums and are stretched too thin. Some teachers instruct in science and math and others don’t. There is little to no oversight from the administration. I had a love/hate relationship with this school. It all depends on the teacher you are assigned and you have no control over that.

I expected a lot in the beginning as it ranked 3rd in Broward when my son enrolled. But it keeps going down and they dont' work well enough to bring up the kids who need more help. Academically, nothing more than average.