Lutz Preparatory Academy

17951 U.S. 41

School District

Hillsborough
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 01, 2023

They tend to accept some minorities who do well academically but Lutz prep has such culturally unaware mentality that leads to isolation of minority kids. The school are also full of bullying. They tend to implement ethnic driven socially isolating practices that will have long last effect on students. Examples, my kid left in the field trip with another African American kid to tour alone!. When I visited during the Great American teach in, I noticed that minority students were grouped in one class and it was labeled the naughty class. My kid and other minority students used to left sit alone during lunch. The main culture in the school is how much money your parents make which was highly toxic. The extra value that students give to wealth make them competes in unhealthy way. Boys are leaving schools in big number because gender discrimination and lack of understanding of growth milestones in teen boys. The rating of this school is rigged. A lot of retesting happen. I highly recommend for minority boys to seek a well diverse school even if its rating are less. I regret sends my kids to this school.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2023

The principal is the issue at this school. She doesn’t want the school rating dropped is what I’m assuming so she sweeps bullying under the rug. She’s not a friendly person and throws her weight around. Instead of taking the proper recourse to end bullying they just push the victim out of the school. You are just another number. They have such an extensive wait list that as soon as you leave you are replaced.
Submitted by other on August 18, 2022

My experience with this school was not very good
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2022

The best! We are so fortunate and so grateful to have our son here
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2020

I have four kids that attend Lutz Prep. My experience has been great so far. I love that we get teachers that we have had before, it makes them feel like family to us. The middle school program is challenging but it prepares them for success. My oldest got accepted into all of the elite high schools in the county this year because of his years here at Lutz Prep.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2019

Excellent curriculum and teachers in both elementary and middle school. I do believe most ideal fit is for a child who enjoys school and being "pushed" academically. Gifted program at the public school we came from was less rigorous then the regular classroom work/ expectations at Lutz Prep. My child certainly had to adjust to the work expectations and extra attention is focused on student development instead of teaching to test. We are also enjoying the after school activities such as the musical theatre club and variety of sports, some of which are no cut so everyone can participate.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2018

We have had an excellent experience with this school. Students are being challenged and principal / teachers are very approachable and respond to your concerns / questions almost in real time.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2018

My experience in this school was negative. We brought our son from a Public School because we heard good things about The elementary program at Lutz and we thought our kid will benefit from a fairly new middle school program. We were completely wrong! The middle school teachers has little teaching experience. If you are not actively involved in the PTA and do not have a good relationship with the teachers, your kid will be put at the bottom of any tryout for sport or any organization. Last but not least, if you are not white don’t even bother unless your kid is the next Einstein. I was told by two parents that had their kids in the school that they took their kids out because their kid felt discriminated in general. If your kid is a decent student and you are involved in his or her education stick with the Publix school. You will do your kid a favor staying away from that place.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2017

Superior school , teachers are exceptional and principal Mr. Bethune is energetic and engaged with the students! So glad my son attends Lutz Prep for middle school!
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2017

Amazing. The teachers are very professional, and advocate to the students.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2017

A deeply tight knit community of very involved parents and students who only want success for the school and themselves. Teachers may come and go, but the children are learning and happy! Just take a look at the testing scores as well as our athletic successes. You can't accomplish all that if it's not a well-oiled system on the inside.
Submitted by other on April 29, 2017

Excellent school! My daughter has attended for 4 years and I've had no complaints. The school is open and encourages parental participation!!!
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2016

I am very pleased with Lutz Prep! My children are challenged by talented teachers who pour their heart and soul into helping these kids develop a love of learning. I walk the halls of this school daily to see kids engaged, creative, happy and respectful of others. Lutz Prep is growing our future leaders. Thank you LP teachers for ALL THAT YOU DO!
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2015

I just witnessed a teacher physically grabbing a student. I went to tell the administration, and they said, "what did the child to to make this happen?" The child picked up a paper on the ground another student threw to put in the trash. I was in there the whole time, volunteering. I contacted the child's parents because the school asked me to keep my mouth closed!
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

Amazing School with a wonderful academic program! If you child is ahead of the game, this place is for you!!! If they can't keep up, it is not the place for them! Students are extremely engaged and are constantly challenged. Fun is to be had for all ages!
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2015

Another year gone, and another year of unfulfilled promises by LP. I am still struggling to see how this school provides an education that rivals that of a private school. This year the fees for sports, summer camp, and just about everything else went so high that it has become unattainable except for those families making the most money. On top of that, our donation to purchase the building is being used for what now...? I would like to have the money returned to parents since we fell extremely short of the school's goal.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2015

I have 2 children at Lutz prep. My eldest has attended since the first year Lutz Prep opened its doors. To be honest, every year I have had issues with the school. For instance, my child not being challenged enough, or the principal that was never seen, and appeared uninvolved. I am happy to say this year I've seen a lot of improvements. Teachers are really open with communication on Edsby, grading is updated frequently, a lot more hands on science for 5th grade compared to years before. My child is being challenged more this year. Kids are held accountable for missing work or reading etc. BRAVO teachers! The principal is always involved & helping with carline & students. She makes announcements in the morning (last 2 principals had coaches do it). There is still a lot more growing and improvements for Lutz Prep. I personally would like see a new Chair on Board of Directors, to give opportunity for voices of the parents to be heard. Growth also has to come from parents too- let the teachers teach & be more involved with your child's learning instead of just sitting back & pointing fingers, & spoiling your child with "things." Be that bridge that connects to help academic growth.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2015

Shame on you! What does it say about a school when a first year family and a volunteer who has given nearly 300 hours per year is faced with only one choice? To leave the school because the administration could not act to hold a teacher accountable for her job performance. 2 families departed LP last week. And instead of trying to find out how the issues could be fixed, the administration could only say "leave, we have a long waitlist". Wake up LP BoD!! Your school is falling apart because you hired a Principal with zero people skills. Soon noone will want to be on your famous "waitlist"
Submitted by other on March 06, 2015

It is exciting to see the positive school culture that is growing here at Lutz Prep. Walking through the halls, it was wonderful to see how the students were creating posters of encouragement for the 4th grade and higher classrooms. Seeing the students and teachers all in their tie-dye shirts for testing really set a tone of unity and togetherness. This positive learning environment really makes Lutz Prep special!
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2015

These swings in ratings for LP are disconcerting ... from 1 start to 5 starts! Let me tell those parents who complain about LP: I had my children attending some of those well regarded private schools one excellent the other one, at least on paper, as excellent as well. The latter was a nightmare. My child was bullied, underachieving, and the establishment did not care! At LP the Teachers and the Staff DO CARE! I have a HAPPY child who loves LP. I have a terrific kid in all subjects! It shows in the way he speaks and behaves (and on those state exams as well). Friends and relatives praise his intellect, personality, and manners! Not all of it is thanks to LP but a BIG % is! Viva LP!!!