Wider Horizons School

4060 Castle Avenue

Spring Hill, FL 34609

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 21, 2024

This is our third year with Wider Horizons and we are so happy with the experience so far. When we first were looking at a preschool, we had interviewed at three different places; Wider Horizons was the only place my daughter felt comfortable. Other places we visited were nice, but the structure was lacking, and the noise level was too much for us. Wider Horizons teaches students structure, self discipline, and drive early on. After having two children at Wider Horizons (starting in preschool), I am happy to share some of their positive results outside of school. My oldest made the swim team at just five years old! she doesn’t complain about practice, she makes plans for herself and just glows with pride when she hits her goals. My second oldest constantly asks how she can help around the house and is so capable of getting herself ready and helping with her baby sister (1 year) at just three years old! This is not your typical preschool/kindergarten where things are just about singing and doing art (YES! They do have those creative elements ), But....This is a place where older classes help younger classes and act as positive examples. This is a place where kids learn about global cultures and get to even dress up and make food to really experience each country. This is a place where kids learn about historical figures and get to "become" that person for a day. This is a place where scientific discoveries are made, and then presented on a special Science Day.This is a very special school where kids can grow and develop at their own pace while being surrounded by positive structure, and role models.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2024

Utilizes Montessori materials, but in now way adheres to her philosophy or methods. Not enough practice life materials. No socialization whatsoever.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2022

Our experience with Wider Horizons has been nothing short of a miracle. We currently have a fourth grader and first grader in this school. Both have been attending here since pre-school. Our first child was moved up to kindergarten the first week of preschool because of knowledge level. It was so nice to have them base the grade level off what stage our child was at. Since then, Our fourth grader has continually flourished in all areas of life: Math, Reading, Language, Writing, Geography, History, Music, Arts, Practical Life Skills, and Social Skills. Talk about well rounded, smart, intuitive, and helpful. We owe it so much to this school. Our first grader was a bit young when we enrolled into pre-k. In those two years of pre-k, we had some trying times as parents. Our child is very strong willed and walks to the beat of their own drum. The guidance from the principles, the teachers and the school culture, helped us shape our child for success. With all of us in constant communication, being on the same page, and giving the same boundaries, our child has prospered in ways we didn't know possible. While still walking to the beat of their own drum, Our first grader now has the skills to lead in positive ways to help those around him. All the while, quickly developing the academic skills and being given work according to knowledge level (not age/grade level.)If that doesn't explain to you the community of this school I don't know what will. The classrooms are very clean with help from the students. It has plenty of space for all activities to be done. It is well organized. It is taught to each child how to keep it neat. Also, it feels comfortable and fun with the learning tools and students art or A+ work hung around. Our children love their school, their teachers, their class mates and the part they hold in it. They take pride in knowing they help take care of their school and that they have a team (or community) to do it alongside with. We absolutely adore Wider Horizons. While it may not be for everyone, it is definitely for those of us who enjoy structure with free space to grow at ones own pace.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2021

We have 2 of our kids at WHS, with one in middle school and another in elementary. We moved our children out of A Rated public schools due to recent events. The elementary aged child had no adjustments to make and really enjoys the school, it's curriculum, the teachers, and loves his new friends. The middle-schooler had a tough beginning primarily due to the high level of expectations by the teachers and the amount of schoolwork given weekly. After a couple of weeks and with lots of studying and parental support we believe we found exactly what our child needed. A challenging and structured environment that you don't see in public schools. It can be a bit intimidating at first, but if you want your child to be successful in life this is the place to go. The amount of gaming and phone time weekly went down by at least 80%, which now shifted priorities on education and being ready to be successful with the challenging curriculum. The school recognizes the hard workers and does not give participation prizes. If your child is a hard worker and is not afraid of being challenged academically daily, given the individualized learning pace/approach of the school, the child can be as successful as they want and can be. At this point we see the best brought out of our child. With this said this school is not for underperformers or procrastinators, as they will likely struggle and end up leaving the school. PS - we have not experienced any bullying and administration gets involved if any concerns are raised by teachers, students, or parents.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2021

No. No. No. Save yourself the trouble and read all of the reviews. If the ask for information they will tell you to look online. The website was updated in 2020. I thought my child was the only one experiencing some of the things written in the reviews. After extensive research I found a lot of the information to be true. This is my first experience at a “Montessori” school. It makes me appreciate my experience with public school. I myself went to a private school growing up and my parents were treated exceptionally well as was I. I could go on for hours with my personal experience. The last one being asking for Composition writing prompts and spelling words. The father received all information and we still have no idea what is going on at this school. I did find out last year after my child came home covered on big bites they take the children outside to weed around the school calling it “weed therapy” I found this to be pretty interesting mind you I did take the time to go through the entire school website. I didn’t happen to find anything about this specific activity. I have heard some strange things about the teachers making fun of children but didn’t think that much of it until I got on here. My child is always talking about one little boy that I won’t name on here but would love tp be able to stand up for one day of the time ever presents itself. There is a reason the school doesn’t want you to know things. Talk to your children please.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2020

My son wakes up every morning, excited to go to school. He loves his uniform. He loves his teacher and classmates. On weekends, he's sad he can't attend. He comes home and proudly shares his day with us. I can't recommend this school high enough, it has been a blessing in our lives.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2019

I brought my daughter to that allegedly best school in Hernando County over two years ago into 8th grade. Her experience there overall was underwhelming but high school is simply unsatisfactory. First of all there are no qualified teachers to teach advanced subject matter in math and science. The teachers that are there don’t really teach, but rather supervise the learning process. Materials are never explained, students spend all their time reading the textbooks. The teachers often don’t have knowledge to answer student’s questions on advanced subject matter either. In 2.5 years at least 4 high school teachers came and left. Parents should not have to pay private school tuition for that. Next, their curriculum doesn’t match the public school. In FL high schools students take geometry in 10th grade, in WHS – student in 10th grade will take Saxon Advanced Math, which will give them 1 credit for Pre-calculus and 1 credit for Geometry after completion of 10th grade book per WHS. The perk is, if the student leaves the school after half of school year, they will only give 0.5 credits for Pre-Calculus. The excuse they give is that a Saxon Math requirement, which is incorrect. Saxon widely used by homeschoolers and recommendations on homeschoolers site is very clear. Units 1-60 give 1 credit for Geometry with advanced Algebra. Units 61-125 give 1 credit for Trigonometry with Pre-Calculus. My daughter completed Units 1-95 and still got 0.5 credits for Pre-Calculus only. Of course, none of that makes sense and explained in advance. You are completely at the mercy of the owners. And they are unreasonable. The life doesn’t rotate around WHS, so, parents, be very aware. One more things, the school only offers dual enrollment option for advanced students in 11 and 12 grades, but the public school offers it as well plus many other options. Only other option in WHS is to take online classes while sitting in the same classroom with 7th through 12th graders all day long without almost any teacher interaction other than political brainwashing. We found all that a hard way and I want parents and students to know the real situation, so they can make a conscience choice.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2016

My daughter has been attending wider horizons for 3 years. I can not say enough about this school, the staff and the other students. The will for my child to learn and the ambition and drive they teach her, exceeded my expectations.. She is doing so well, not only learning things that I never learned in school. But teach honesty, respect and personal goals. We truly found a school that is not only a teaching ground but a family as well! I can not thank them enough.
Submitted by other on May 05, 2016

My child went from home schooling with little or no socialization with other children(only child) to blossoming in this educational environment. It is very demanding academically,but they are "straight Forward" in their approach to teaching,with the goal reaching the students academic potential leading to College/University acceptance....not at just some community college(which has a purpose) ,but ANY SCHOOL of the student's choice is within reach.......Also I have met the Girl that has been there since 3 years old and she got a full scholarship to a NY University for Pre-Med at 15! She is one of the most articulate people I have had the pleasure of EVER meeting....And she is only 16 years old! She is a testament to the school's benefits if you work hard to achieve your personal educational goals...Do they push students hard,absolutely and its not for everyone.....It certainly beats the alternative..There is a SPECIAL LADY,Ms. James,is the HUB that coordinates everything and I ,mean EVERYTHING! .My hats off to the Maglio's and all they have accomplished since 1983.....THANK YOU...
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2015

Upon reading a recently posted negative review of the Wider Horizons School, I felt it necessary to voice my opinions. My daughter, who is now 15, has attended WHS since the age of three. It is absurd to suggest that any grades in this school are inflated or exaggerated. Wider Horizons School provides an outstanding foundation for education to all their students. Their staff of superior educators, strong and caring administrators, and a curriculum that leads to independence and confidence are unprecedented in this community. They base a student's grades strictly on their test grades, class achievements, and timely work. The comments previously stated on this website about grade inflation is absolutely ridiculous. We credit our daughter's educational success and achievements completely to Wider Horizons School. Her successes in the future will be directly associated with Wider Horizons School.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2015

My daughter has been a student at Wider Horizons from the age of three, she is now 15 and in 10th grade. While we have all certainly had growing pains when it came to her buckling down and being the best student she could be, I could not be more thankful that this school exists. There has not been a time that my child was having a difficulty that every member of this school did not stop put their heads together and work with us, the family to help her improve in a healthy way. The reason I choose this school for my daughter 12 years ago is still the reason she still attends today. She is challenged on a daily basis academically; as well with the true Montessori tradition she has learned that it is her responsibility to be a productive and educated member of society and no one else’s. To the comment on here about inflated grade. I would strongly disagree. My child has been expected to perform at her best every single day she has attended Wider Horizons. No excuses are ever accepted. It has prepared her for the real world. Perhaps a bad testing day should not be taken out on an entire school or its faculty.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2015

I recommend this school up until sixth grade. It has an excellent approach to learning and your children will be ahead of their peers. For middle school send them somewhere else because afterward grades are inflated if they aren't progressing fast enough. There was a child in my daughter's year who would fail every single math test with a 15-30 percent (we knew this because if you fail your name and score are written on the "board of shame") but somehow managed to pass the class and the year. Why? Because the parents are allowed to threaten to pull their child out of the school if they don't get an A or B. And it works. Explain to me how high school students that supposedly have 4.0 GPAs struggle to get a 1700 out of 2400 on the SATs? A 1700 is a very low score for children who get straight As. There was someone a few years ago who had a 4.0 GPA and a near perfect SAT score. It was clear their grades weren't inflated. I haven't seen anything similar to that since. They tried to inflate my child's math grades to "keep me happy", but I wouldn't allow it. The dishonesty from the high school staff was a red flag and thus I removed my child after eighth grade. I'm happy I did.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2014

My daughter has had more academic success at Wider Horizons than 3 other schools we've tried. We put a high regard on education in our family, and while 2 of the last schools were "good schools," she was not being challenged or encouraged to reach her potential. In such a short time at Wider Horizons, she has developed real study skills, is reading more, and is eating up her math lessons! I think the structure of the class is a little bit of a shock to her, as her last school had a very different approach, but she is learning the ropes quickly and adjusting well! I recommend Wider Horizons as I have not experienced another school that realizes the potential of their students!
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2014

Listen, this school is pure bologna. I have never seen such bologna in my entire life. If you send your child to this school, he/she will become bologna. The teachers and stuff are bologna. The bathrooms, floors, roof, all bologna. The last time i witnessed this much bologna, was during the great Haitian chicken famen of 1978. Even that had less bologna then this school. In conclusion, i would say that if you do not want your child exposed to this much bologna, i would not recommend this school. bologna
Submitted by other on October 22, 2014

Fast acceleration fit to abilities! Studies are interesting, challenging and FUN for students. Along with studies, these lucky students are enjoying songs, love of country and family! They learn pride, competition, perseverance! They learn respect, manners, consideration for others. The benefit from great interaction with teachers and other students. We are amazed and so thrilled at how this school interjects so much extra information into their studies! Kids love it! Our Isabella certainly does! Everyday she returns with a smile and lots of fantastic information and stories. She is motivated by so many exciting things constantly happening within the school. We are grateful to the administration and staff for this top-notch education. Their system of teaching and expanding the horizons of each child is is state-of-the art. The name Wider Horizons College Preparatory says it all! I am a grandma who is beyond satisfied. I salute the founders..
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

The good: Curriculum is very demanding and your child will excel beyond what any public school will teach. They push hard for excellence, and demand every child's personal best. The bad: They push so hard for excellence, that if your child is not excellent in their eyes, you will be rejected from this institution and asked to leave. The expectations set forth are high, and I actually respect that. Unfortunately my child was not worth teaching, in their eyes, so if your child struggles in school this may not be the school for you.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2013

I'm expecting my first child and was considerin this private school.. The reviews and website are very helpful and it seems like a great program; I just don't see any information about cost of attendance. Would someone please tell me the cost for tuition?
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2013

WHS is top notch. My son is in his third year there and has progressed well beyond where I thought he would be at this point. I also appreciate the values that are instilled in our youth while attending WHS. The staff at WHS are exceptional and show each and every day that they care about the kids in their charge. I look forward to watching my son graduate from Wider Horizons.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2013

My two sons are students at the Wider Horizons Montessori and it is a blessing ! This school has good morals, the teachers and staff have great ethics and are very responsable. Mr. and Mrs. Maglio ( owners and principal) take very seriously their responsability and mission as educators. They have the moral authority and the knowledge to educate, and install good morals to the children so they can be prepare for a successfull future
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

My son has been attending Wider Horizons for three years now. The owners along with the teachers are excellent. I have two older children who attended public schools and I this school is well worth the investment. I love the morals they instill in my son and the patriotism the school shows. Dr. and Mrs. Maglio know each and every student and truly care about their academic future. I am looking forward to my son attending Wider Horizons until he graduates high school.