Ideal School

400 Royal Commerce Road

Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

50 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 25, 2020

As someone else stated already, it seems more like a stage show. More days off than public school. They count party days as school days, and these usually result in half days. Sometimes the school is closed an entire day before and/or after the party to prep or clean up. So one "show" or "party" day results in 2 missed days of school. These also will require parent participation and/or donations on a regular basis. If you have a household with two working parents like us, it will be a problem at this school. I'm not sure we had much communication with the owners after initial tour. This place felt more like a club than a school. The student/teacher ratio is not accurately conveyed either. The experience did not come close to the vision that was sold to us. I will say that I do think there are some good teachers at this school, but I'm not sure the owners allow them to perform at their fullest potential. Aftercare is just a free for all with kids of all ages from all grade levels mixed into one room. Don't just accept what is told to you at time of tour. Trust your gut. Some of these reviews are written by employees of the school, and some are no doubt solicited.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2020

The Ideal School is truly remarkable. Mrs. Soderman has a clear vision of caring for and teaching children to be great in terms of intellect and compassion/humanity. We couldn't be happier with the school and the education our child is receiving.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2019

Why I chose Ideal School for my three children:Whole Child Development & Life Skills Learning: Yes, a great foundation in academics---language, writing, math, science, history, etc.---is critical. Yet, as an adult, I am keenly aware that academic skills are not enough. There is a lot to be said of “soft-skills,” EQ, life skills--- whatever you choose to call them. That is where Ideal excels. They are at the forefront of developing skills that extended beyond great academics. I call it whole child development (they call it whole brain development or IQ+EQ). Ideal provides exceptional development of the whole brain, the whole child---academics AND essential life skills.A Focus on Teaching to Skills, not Teaching to a Test: Tests scores can never tell the whole story. Ideal teaches to the skill, not to perform well on standardized tests. We are training our kids for life, teaching them to live up to their potential; not teaching them to take tests well. That being said, my children are well above grade level on standardized tests. My oldest will graduate middle school at grade level equivalence 13+ on ALL subtest areas on the IOWA test. Last year, every middle school student graduated WAY ABOVE grade level, so my son’s 13+ grade equivalency is not an exception. At the end of second grade, my daughter’s reading level was near the 6th-grade level. Educate children exceptionally well and test scores take care of themselves. The Culture of Ideal: The tone is set from the top by Wendy and Dr. Soderman. They recognize the uniqueness of each child as well as the importance of keeping parents engaged. Education is a family affair. Parental involvement is so essential. The Sodermans are genius at engaging the parents and the family at the school, and not in an obligatory way but in a positive, inspiring way. They routinely have family events, as well as mini-workshops and inspiring talks for parents. There is a special charm to the school I did not find anywhere else. It is as if Ideal is its own village, an oasis of educational paradise. It is a charm that is conducive to kids learning from one another, keeping parents engaged, and teachers all working together as a team. Education at Ideal is rigorous and fun, academic and hands-on, sociable and disciplined. This post is long but still doesn’t fully capture all that my wife and I and our
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019

We are experiencing a parent's dream at this school. My children love to get up and go! They can't wait to share their experiences and activities with me when we pick them up. The communication, mindful moments, curriculum, teachers, students and staff are incredible. We are so grateful to be here.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019

An excellent school for any parent who is looking to give their child the balance of skills for life, academics and individuality.In addition, they really care about each individual child and do their best to bring out the best in each child.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2019

Preschool and Pre-K programs are wonderful. My daughter grew so much as a little person - socially, emotionally, and academically
Submitted by teacher on February 04, 2019

IDEAL School of Leadership provides both teachers and students a caring, creative, mindful atmosphere which fills each day with joy. The teachers and children here truly care about each other. An atmosphere like that encourages a growth mindset, nurtures individuals and definitely helps mold tomorrow's leaders. Tour IDEAL School of Leadership; you will be happy you did!
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2019

This is a must see school! Cutting edge practices in a brain-based learning environment! It’s a model for what a school should be for our children!
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2018

Our son has been blossoming since attending this school; we’ve seen a significant change in his interest to learn. Looking forward to a bright future here.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2018

This is a hidden gem. Every child should get the opportunity to attend a school like this. They are so positive and caring and want to see every child happy and having fun. They offer tours of the school so you can see how your child would fit in. After touring 4 schools for preschool as soon as I toured this place I couldn’t wait for my daughter to start. She has been there 3 years and my older son even asked to change his school so he could attend there in 4th grade. He’s so happy and I see such a difference in him from changing schools. They both LOVE to go to school everyday. The way it should be!!!! Definitely go tour the school and reserve your spot for next year as they do fill up quickly!!!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2018

A model that should spread. They make learning fun, the way it should be!
Submitted by other on January 08, 2017

I was a member of IDEAL's first kindergarten class in 1999/2000, and stayed on to become a member of the first graduating class. I am now 22 years old and look back at my time at IDEAL with an enormous amount of joy and gratitude. Wendy and Kris's school gave me a valuable foundation for my life, academically, professionally, and personally, that I could not have received anywhere else.From IDEAL I went on to boarding school, and I am now in the final semester of an honors BSc in Psychology from the #1 ranked psychology department and #3 overall university in the United Kingdom. I attribute much of my academic success to the early education I received at this school. The learning process was always tailored to the students as individuals. My strengths were recognized, encouraged, and celebrated, and my weaknesses were improved with special attention and the opportunity to learn at the appropriate level.Academics aside, IDEAL gave me the privilege of growing up in an environment which nurtured me, encouraged my development into an emotionally intelligent and well-rounded person, and sheltered me from some of the rougher aspects of other schools. I still regard the Sodermans and a few former teachers as family, and my classmates have become some of my oldest and most treasured friends. I would recommend my experience at IDEAL to anyone. This school gives children a start in life that protects and nurtures them, equips them for academic success, and helps them to develop into confident, compassionate, and ambitious young people.
Submitted by teacher on June 06, 2015

The IDEAL School is a one of a kind establishment that is truly unlike other schools in the area. IDEAL owners, staff, and teachers believe that learning is an individual process and make it a point to go out of their way to reach every child in the most effective way possible. The school not only provides a challenging academic experience, but also balances this with a strong focus on emotional intelligence. Schools these days are so wrapped up with common core and "teaching to the test", that they often forget about the importance of making each child feel loved and important. IDEAL puts this at the forefront though. The teachers work to push and encourage their students to believe in their dreams and turn them into reality. I have never seen a school so dedicated to encouraging and motivating the children to become positive, hard-working, successful problem solvers and leaders. Everything the teachers and students do seem to bring so much joy and happiness with it. The students are always engaged and active in their lessons, while having fun at the same time! This is a wonderful school that every child should have the opportunity to experience!
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2015

My 4 year old girl had a sparkle in her eye since the first day to the last one. Teachers are not only awesome professionals but caring and like-moms women. Multiple intelligences Units are engaging, challenging and age apropiate always shooting to high order thinking. Environment is enchanting almost magical, clean and colorful, changing with the units to keep students' interest and motivation. Ideal school celebrates each day with joy and enthusiasm.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2015

My child was accepted into every private school in the community because of the knowledge and confidence she received at IDEAL this year. This school goes Above and Beyond in everything they do! The owners/principals and teachers inspire the children daily. The principal himself supervised my daughter's schoolmates to Bahamas to study Marine Biology and also an end of year trip to UniversalI am writing this review as a knowledgable parent who has experienced quality and wants to ensure other families have mature accurate information so their child can have the same extraordinary learning experience. Go see IDEAL with adult eyes! Gratitude for an amazing education and nurturing second home.
Submitted by other on March 24, 2015

I can tell you that this past year the school has gone in the most substandard direction which makes going to school everyday almost dreadful. As a student, I AM the one who has to sit in class everyday and be with the teachers. So, I can tell you now, if you compare the website to the actual school, you would almost have to call it false advertising. The website consists of fake, false, and mostly staged information. Most things on the website no longer exist in the school, such as the Purple Cow, which is now an office. The teachers play favorites, yell at you for no reason, and shows extreme sexism towards the males that attend the school. The administration does not care even slightly about the middle school. The newcomers in elementary and sometimes the sixth grade receive new books and supplies, but the older classes do not receive equal treatment. The teachers have told us before TO OUR FACES that they disliked our class compared to the others. The administation, whom I used to adore, have become money hungry people. It's sad, and to say the least, I do not recommend this school to anyone who wants a good school with proper education for their child.
Submitted by other on October 08, 2014

When my parents chose Ideal preschool for me, they were looking for the best possible school in South Florida - and they found it. I loved every day of my 10 years at Ideal and Dream school and all the parents at the school were begging Mr. and Mrs. Soderman to go all the way to 12 grade, so we would not have to any other school. Ideal and Dream school are a Dream come true for every student. The teachers are amazing, the rigorous curriculum is made extremely interesting and fun for the students and the energetic Principal is a big part of why everyone loves coming back each and every day. Mr. and Mrs Soderman always make the children and their families their first priority, their leadership is second to none and the education is of highest standards. I am now a freshman at Yale University and there is no doubt in my mind that Ideal and Dream school gave me the tools to succeed here. There is no better place for a child than Ideal and Dream school, no better leadership than Mr. and Mrs. Soderman's and no better education in Florida, possibly the USA than at Ideal and Dream school. It's simply the BEST!!
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2014

We fell in LOVE with Ideal school the minute we walked through the door and met the principal and teachers. Ideal is the most amazing place for a child and I am sure my grandchildren will also attend Ideal. After Ideal school my children went to one of the highest ranked high schools in the Country in New England and on to an Ivy League University. The faculty at both, the high school and University, said that my children must have been to an amazing elementary and middle school, to be doing so well in one of the most rigorous high schools and Universities in the country. The education at Ideal is second to none and you will not find a place as wonderful as Ideal in all of Florida. The principal is genuine, brilliant and passionate and chose the staff carefully, to have the best possible team for the children. There is no better place for a child than Ideal school - to get a highest quality education in a fun, warm and inviting environment. There is a reason why it is called IDEAL school!!!!
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2014

My son went to Ideal school and I could not be happier with the leadership of Wendy & Chris Soderman. The teachers were also top notch. Although my son is now a freshman in high school I can attribute his all A's report card to the Ideal School.
Submitted by teacher on September 30, 2014

The IDEAL School is simply amazing. The owners are incredible people and the school just keeps getting better and better each year. The school is priced in the mid-range of the prices in the area. Very little fund-raising is done at the school as tuition is 99 percent of the school income. The teachers are amazing and the teaching team is consistently improving by attracting top professionals and providing them with ongoing professional development in brain-based teaching and multiple intelligence theory and application in the classroom. There is no better school on earth!