The Master's Academy

1500 Lukas Lane

Oviedo, FL 32765

48 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 13, 2022

The Pre-K assessment is overkill. They make parents wait in a small library, take your student for an hour-long assessment that over the phone was described by Megan Jones as to see how they interact with other students. Come to find out (after several emails requesting to know more about their request for a SECOND assessment), they are very critical of your child. Betsey Vallery states in her email to me:"[Student] was very interested in the items in our classroom and such a sweet little boy. He did have difficulty following teacher one-step instructions and redirection. For example, when the teacher called [Student] to small group to draw, he ran around the carpet area. The teacher came alongside him and told him to please use his walking feet and modeled her walking feet. This gentle redirection is usually very successful as it's 1:1 in this assessment setting, but he continued to run."[Student] had just turned four only three days prior to the assessment. He's extremely responsive with adult direction, and I find this commentary completely inappropriate. As a former teacher myself, this is not even something that should be a concern. In addition, she states that [Student] didn't know how to write name, draw a self portrait, count to 10 or identify shapes, all of which he's been able to do for more than a year. I wasn't there in the assessment, but I do wonder about the effectiveness of the teacher to inspire participation. She also mentioned that the application showed he wasn't potty trained, which is completely inaccurate. I remember choosing on the application that he was potty trained. He's been accident-free since 2 years old and has never worn pull-ups at night.I felt that this was not a normal Pre-K. They want students that already know what they need to know for kindergarten so they don't have to do their jobs in teaching them. They want kids without a pulse, who aren't excited to be in their classrooms and to be around new toys and potential friends. Another concern is many of the prospective students weren't from the Oviedo area. Their parents were driving 40 minutes each way, so your child making friends that they can play with outside of school may be an issue, unless you like driving.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2021

If you are looking for a loving, Christ centered school, this is not it. From day one, our experience was not good. During “new family orientation” you show up at the school and their is no signage to tell you where to start. There are staff scattered throughout the lunchroom, gym etc. but you have no idea who to talk to, where to start etc. If you report an incident of bullying, don’t expect the administration to actual address the issue or care. The principal couldn’t even be bothered to show up to a parent meeting or even respond to an email. The school lacks the technology that’s found in even the public schools in Seminole county. There are large books that students are required to lug back and forth and cover specifically in paper grocery bags (they actually specified paper grocery bags). These textbooks can found online for no additional cost to the student or school and the school either is completely unaware or doesn’t care. While there were a few great teachers, most are new and I imagine it’s partially because the classrooms get out of control and the administration does nothing to discipline the out of control students, I wouldn’t want to keep to teaching their either. Having spent a great deal of time in private schools up north, do not expect this to even come close. You will be better off saving your money and sending your kids to one of the public schools in Seminole county. There is far better technology usage, the administration is engaged and right on top of any incidents that occur, the class sizes are the same and so on.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2021

Each of our children has come through The Master's Academy and we could not be happier. We chose TMA first and foremost because it's a school dedicated to Biblical integration in all they do, as well as excellence in the classroom and beyond. We wanted our children in Christ-centered education as well as a school that would offer them a myriad of opportunities, no matter their interests and passions. From their elementary years to AP and dual enrollment; athletics to fine arts, they were able to pursue passions and have an incredible experience in and out of the classroom. The teachers focus on the whole child so our children were extremely well-prepared academically as well as relationally. The teachers took an active role in their lives and were always finding creative ways to teach and reach the students. We could not have found a better way to invest in the lives of our children and are thankful for the time we've had at TMA!
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2021

Public school with prayer. Largely undifferentiated education and not very focused on the social emotional development of the child. It is disappointing that the “specials” are only once a week, when the arts and Spanish are so important. There is SOOOOOOOOOO much emphasis on memorization - Bible, science, math and language rules (not just application but what are the names of the rules - who cares - just learn to apply them) - for educators to put so much emphasis on learning by memorization when there is so much research that shows this is not the best way to create learning and many people (let alone children) struggle to memorize that it ostracizes the very children they are trying to teach is disappointing. The curriculum for social emotional development is largely unused - barely more than morning meeting and teachers admit they struggle to come up with how to use it and what to do. This is so critical and yet the teachers aren’t supported in really learning how to implement appropriately and the tenants are not woven in through the day. Academically it’s no different than public school and everything else it’s wat less than advertised
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2020

My son is in the preschool and my niece has attended for four years of elementary and middle school. First of all, the teachers are so passionate and committed to their craft. My son is absolutely thriving, and I've seen such growth in him since starting school here. My niece has had incredible opportunities in sports, fine arts, and other extracurricular activities. She's being appropriately challenged in middle school, and loves her teachers. The school principals and administrators know the kids by name and have fostered a loving community. Most important is the way our kids are encouraged to develop a real relationship with the God who loves and created them. I am so grateful to TMA for partnering with my family to help create a lasting legacy with the next generation.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2020

Our children have been in public school and home school prior to coming to TMA. There were positives and negatives of both of those, but we’ve seen a night and day difference in our 2 kids since switching to a Christian school. They are way more socially active than ever before and each one is involved in several extracurricular activities that they really love. Most of all, they have teachers that care deeply about them. They care about them spiritually, mentally, physically...they care about them as people, not just another student. That’s one of the many highlights of switching to TMA for our family.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2020

Curriculum is based on the Indiana Public School curriculum - which they don't tell you until after you've made a deposit and is shared on the first day of class. Why would anyone in their right mind pay private school for a public school curriculum. Majority of teachers are there to receive a discount or free tuition for their students, so they don't have the passion and specialized training in a subject matter as most private school educators do. Like public school, the amount of empathy shown by the teachers here is extremely limited, so if you have a small or shy child - stay away. Principal of the Lower School is under qualified and certainly not fit for private school leadership. He came from Lyman High School and thinks he is superior to every parent (and teacher) that enrolls their child there. Not sure how that works in his mind. He will sabotage your chances of enrolling at a different school, which I'm pretty sure can be legal grounds for action; so think long and hard before enrolling your child here. You pay a mandatory fee for field trips to the tune of $40-$63 per semester and the kids only take 1 trip per semester.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2018

We have been at the school for a number of years. Without question, placing our children at The Master's Academy has been one of the best decisions we have ever made as parents. We feel the education, coupled with an environment that fosters personal growth in character has greatly contributed to the great kids we are blessed with. We would do it all over again!
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2018

As previously stated, I have been a TMA parent for over 20 years. I have volunteered as a parent in many capacities from K-5 through the high school years and I have also been an employee at TMA. So I have experienced this school from multiple levels/ angles. The Master's Academy puts Jesus first and infuses the truth of the Gospel into all aspects of teaching. I love the team spirit of the students as well as the employees who work together- pursuing excellence academically and spiritually for all.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2018

Has such potential but the president has created a very toxic environment and the employees allwalk around oneggshells. The students feel that as well. Sad
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2018

TMA has been "home" for my kids for the last 10 years. They love it, and we wouldn't go anywhere else.
Submitted by other on May 31, 2018

I have found that TMA has a strong academic program, a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, and most of all nurtures students spiritually. The caring teachers and administrative staff go above and beyond to meet the student's needs.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2018

We have loved being a part of the TMA Community over the last two years. Not only have we seen our children grow and learn in the classroom setting, but we have also been able to build meaningful relationships outside of the classroom. It is a great feeling to be able to go through life and parenting surrounded by like-minded families. There are many new and exciting things on the horizon at TMA and we are happy to be a part of this community!
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2018

Having been a parent in the school for 15 years, our longevity speaks for itself. Though everything is not always perfect, the effectiveness of this school in preparing our kids academically, socially and especially spiritual has been worth any and every sacrifice to afford our children what we believe is the best possible education we know of. We would and often do recommend this school to anyone looking for the same experience.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2014

My son, two nieces and my cousin's daughter are attending this school for the first time this year. We all drive almost 60 miles round trip to have our children benefit from the highest quality education being offered in all of Central FL and possibly the whole state of FL. I looked into the competition such as Trinity Prep, Lake Highland Prep, Lake Mary Prep..... and none of these schools have the edge that the Master's Academy has. Not only is the education and instruction at Master's Academy stellar, but the level of commitment, love and emphasis that the teachers, administrative staff, and even parents have displayed is second to none. I was blown away by the love and kindness that everybody has shown us since before day 1. I am honored to have my son and other family members benefit from an excellent quality education. By the way my wife and I are former teachers from up North and we know quality when we see it. God Bless all the children and families that attend TMA!! Hope that you make the best choice for your children and join our family at TMA!!
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2014

I have had 2 children attend this school for 7-9 years each. So we have experience both lower school and upper school here. Our lower school experience was excellent. . Our Upper school experience left much to be desired. Many of the teachers are great. But as with any school there are definitely some sub-par teachers here. Since we had 6 years of public school experience I would say the ratio of good teachers to bad was about the same here as public school. If your student is interested in athletics I would definitely stick to public school. Athletics are not supported by the administration here.. My kids participated in 4 sports here and the priority was always politics not students. I would also stay away from the art department. My biggest disappointment with this school is their administration. In my few dealings with administration I have personally experienced a shocking lack of integrity and lying. This lack of integrity is apparently common knowledge to other parents and students. This blatant lack of integrity has caused my children to question their faith. They also told me that a number of their friends had already turned from their faith for the same reason.
Submitted by parent on December 31, 2013

Our daughter has been a student at TMA for nine years. She has always been challenged academically and we have never had issues with the curriculum. With a few exceptions, we have been very happy with the teachers she has had. Like many other reviewers, however, we have witnessed favoritism and our daughter has faced VERY cliquish behavior -- something that surprises me considering it is a very small class (less than 100 students) and most of the students have been classmates since kindergarten. Even in high school she has experienced instances of teasing, bordering on bullying, that has been witnessed by teachers and reported to administration, yet it goes unpunished. It is so bad that our daughter has begged us for two years to let her leave TMA. We have finally acquiesced and are transferring her to another school. TMA places a huge emphasis on sports and little on fine arts. In fact, they no longer offer chorus as an elective. Finally, attending TMA is a very large investment, so be prepared to be nickel and dimed for everything. We have come to expect several hundred dollars of charges and fees added to our invoice each month on top of the $700 tuition.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2013

The immediate review was posted accidentally by me for this school which shares the same names the school my children attended in South Florida. Please disregard as it is not intended for the school in Oviedo.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2013

"The Master's Academy has been the best thing that could happen to my entire family! I have not met a single teacher that does not care for each student as their own and the administrators know each of them as well. My husband and I have also been welcomed with open arms as a part of school community with volunteer options, bible studies and fellowship events. TMA truly has become an extension of our family and not just a school. Thank you!"
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2013

My daughter's school is phenomenal. I am so impressed by the teaching staff and the level of thinking they develop in my 9 year old. My husband and I are both teachers and I often take her tests and show them to my husband to encourage him that if our 9 year old can think at this level, so can our middle school students! I am so grateful for you her entire 4th grade team of teachers. She is learning so much and is so enthusiastic about what she learns in school! It is a mother's dream to have teachers who inspire curiosity and spark imaginations but also have high expectations and a heart for the whole child! The critical thinking skills she is gaining this year are so crucial to her future success! The facilities are beautiful, technology is top-notch, but the greatest part of her school is the incredible teaching staff that pour into the lives of each child they teach!