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Lakeside Academy & Preschool
7990 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241, United States
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Ch
Review №1

Very great school. I wish I had a school like Lakeside when I was growing up. The child there all so loved and well taking care of. Only school I would recommend for your child!

Ha
Review №2

They came highly recommended. We went on a tour and fell in love. My son is excelling and so happy there. They do all the snacks and meals there which is so nice. They do a parents night out quarterly for free! Most importantly, they love my kid as their own. Thank you Lakeside!

An
Review №3

This is absolutely the best place to start your children off on a great path to loving education. My granddaughter was the second student there. She is an honor roll student going tnto the 5th grade. Ms. Catherine and Ms. Jackie are the best!

Sh
Review №4

We absolutely LOVE Lakeside Academy and everyone that works there. We started our 3 year old there in the middle of the pandemic and we were absolutely blown away by the cleanliness, security, healthy lunches, and academic rigor that our little girl gets at Lakeside. She is learning so much academically and will be more than ready for Kindergarten. In addition to the academics she has blossomed socially. She loves her classmates and teachers and talks about how much they do socially and cooperatively. She has come home teaching us social emotional concepts and conflict resolution strategies that she has learned from her teachers at school. Another huge bonus is the Christian based learning experiences she has gotten. We love that they say a prayer before lunch and that they learn songs and lessons from the bible focusing on kindness and compassion. We just wish we had started our daughter sooner but are so blessed that we get another year there since our daughter has a December birthday. Ms. Leah and Ms. Tina has been exceptional teachers and no one is more loving, compassionate, and genuinely exceptional than Ms. Jackie. Our daughter is mesmerized by her and has learned so many amazing things and talks about her constantly. Ms. Kathrine runs the best preschool in town and we are so blessed to part of their family:)

Tr
Review №5

My daughter started with them a little bit before her 2nd birthday, she stayed with them until it was time for kindergarten. Ms. Katherine and her crew are an amazing addition to the raising, educating and caring for your child. They are nothing short of professional in everything they do.

Ab
Review №6

Amazing staff! Helpful and understanding to each childs needs. I have my 2 boys attending this school for over a year now, I cannot express how lucky I feel to have such a wonderful place to send my kids.

Da
Review №7

This is the best pre-school in Sarasota by far! There are many great things to say about Lakeside Academy. When COVID-19 hit and times were so uncertain, Mrs. Katherine followed all the proper guidelines and kept the doors open for the children. With my wife and I being healthcare professionals and the citizens of Sarasota needing us more than ever, our biggest thing to worry about was where would our child go while we were at work. Lakeside was one of the few, if not the only pre-school to remain open. That is just one huge thing that makes Lakeside standout from the rest. Our child gets real homework every night. Math, writing, and some fun work. Not only am I impressed with how well our child is performing with academics, the homework is also good for mom and I. There will be a day when they go to big kid school that homework will be the norm. So it teaches us before then how to incorporate homework into our lives. It is now a fun thing that we do every night which takes a half hour or less. So there will be no big surprise when they come home with homework in kindergarten. I also notice the manners our child has which is observed from the teachers when dropping off and pick up. The location of the school is the best. It’s so quiet and at times you will see deer running around in the open fields. They serve lunch daily and food from home is not suggested. This is for a good reason because the peer pressure of all the kids eating the same items really helps with teaching our child to eat those certain things we can’t get him to eat at home. We experienced two schools prior to coming to Lakeside and I must say our lives are better being a part of this school. Thanks Lakeside Academy

Ir
Review №8

My daughter attended Lakeside Academy for 3 happy years and we loved our time there!The new building is beautiful with large open spaces! The teachers truly love the children and I love the constant cooperation between the teachers and families to help raise my daughter!The education is excellent! Ella was fully prepared for kindergarten and was approached to be part of the advanced/gifted program!The hours open (6:30 - 6:00) help working parents to not be stressed! We love Lakeside Academy and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for the best care and education for their child!

Ma
Review №9

Our daughter started Lakeside Academy when she was 3. We loved the teachers and the lesson plan they provided for our daughter. Our daughter graduated from Lakeside and misses the teachers so much she asks to go visit her teachers. This is not a daycare but a place that foster learning and prepares our daughter for kindergarten. We highly recommend Lakeside and can’t thank them enough for all they have done for our daughter!! We are proud to have been part of the Lakeside Academy Family!!!

Hi
Review №10

The staff here is amazing! My daughter was at Lakeside until we had to move, and while I loved her new preschool we missed Lakeside very much. They teach your children both academically and socially.While my daughter attended they even had classes parents could sign up for to help you learn how to set boundaries and be a better parent. I love this school so much!

cl
Review №11

We absolutely LOVE lakeside!!! The teachers are phenomenal to say the least! The curriculum at this school is like no other. My daughter is writing letters & numbers and she isnt even 3 yet. They provide snack & homemade meals included in tuition which is a really great perk!Most importantly, the director couldnt be more hands on. She is always checking in on classrooms, helping different rooms as needed. Any concern is quickly addressed. I have full confidence my little one is taken care as if she was the teachers/directors child.

ja
Review №12

Best.School.Ever.Having bounced around for a number of reasons (church nursery permanent close, not convenient to commuting, school closed too often, operating hours, etc), look no further. This school has offered my daughters a safe place to learn, balanced meals they will actually eat, advanced intro to basic academics (reading, writing, and math), emotional intelligence, behavioral boundaries, but most IMPORTANTLY... LOVE and so much of it. My husband and I commute out to the school even though it is in the opposite direction of our jobs and home. I truly value the lesson planning they do for our girls and the individual attention they receive.

Ki
Review №13

Lakeside will always hold a special place in our heart. We were lucky enough to send our youngest there for 2+ years. The teachers taught in ways that kept our hyper child intrigued and used positive reinforcement (while learning the don’ts of being a little person). The homework might seem overwhelming at times but it creates great habits and prepared him kindergarten and beyond. Every teacher showed love, kindness and encouragement. I can only say good things from our few years there.

St
Review №14

We have LOVED Lakeside. First of all, the staff is phenomenal: my daughter was always greeted with a hug, smile and warmly welcomed into class by her classmates. I always left knowing my child was in wonderful hands throughout the day. You can truly see their hearts are with the children. My daughter learned how to write, count to 100, and even worked on basic addition /subtraction and reading as a preschooler. As a parent, I know that my child is more than ready for Kindergarten both intellectually and socially.The owner of the school Ms. Katharine is the sweetest woman you will ever meet. She has done an amazing job hiring the best caretakers/ teachers for the kids. The new school is so beautiful, clean and secure. I highly recommend scheduling a tour to see for yourself.We will miss the teachers and will be back to visit!

Me
Review №15

My daughter attended Lakeside Academy & preschool from the time she was 2 until starting kindergarten. Miss Katherine, who started the school, is unlike any director /educator you’ll ever meet! I interviewed several Schools and none can compare. The children’s best interest is as always at the forefront. Their education methods are effective & fun. I would pick up my daughter and would be excited to come home and tell me what she had learned. She may have had a little homework at times but to my surprise she actually wanted” to do it!They are committed to each individual student and support morals and values. This is not your typical education center and it certainly is not a daycare! They were and still are family to us as my daughter is now entering third grade.As much credit as I would like to take for my daughters advance knowledge entering kindergarten. I owe Miss Katherine, Miss Jackie, Miss Cindy and the entire staff at Lakeside more than I can ever express.If you want your child to love going to preschool every day and feel confident they’re in the best care, Lakeside Academy and Preschool is the only choice.I’ve referred many friends there who feel as I do.Call Miss Katherine and interview....you won’t regret it!

Na
Review №16

I can not say enough about this Preschool and the staff. The teachers are really a great group of people that go above and beyond to make sure your child has the best experience possible while in their care. My son went to Lakeside Academy since he was 2 years old and completely loved all of the teachers he had but the impact his teacher Mrs. Jackie had on my son and our family is something way beyond teacher and student. She was a second mom to my son and an amazing friend to my family. We built a bond during our time at Lakeside and I will forever be grateful to her and Lakeside for helping me to mold my little boy into the smart, loving and respectful boy he is today. His new school and teacher love him to pieces and are so impressed on his advanced knowledge and good behavior in class. I owe this to Lakeside and their help instilling these values in him from so little. Thank you again Lakeside for allyour support and anyone looking for a Preschool that goes beyond that of a “Daycare” that teaches your children the value of family, education and loving your neighbor then look no further then Lakeside Academy.Thanks again Lakeside!Natalia

S
Review №17

My twin boys have been very blessed to be part of Lakeside academy family past two years. I can’t express enough how pleased I was with all the teachers and education the boys received. They truly love the children and the education is top notch. I would strongly recommend Lakeside Academy! Thank you so much and we will miss you all!

Al
Review №18

Our daughter has been attending Lakeside for a year now and we couldn’t be happier! Ms. Kathrine runs a great school! My daughter is challenged academically, learning and growing every day, and still able to be the crazy 2 year old that she is! I’m constantly surprised & impressed with all that she has learned and continues to learn on a daily basis! We cannot say enough good things about this school, the director & the teachers! ❤️ My daughter is excited and happy to go to school each and every day. She absolutely LOVES her teachers and her school! There is no better feeling knowing that our baby girl is being well taken care of, all while learning & growing at the same time! We are excited to have our new addition join the Lakeside family when she turns 1! 😊

He
Review №19

We have 3 children who have attended Lakeside. The academics here are very impressive. The school does require that parents participate in their childrens education and does send home homework. Our oldest was reading, doing homework on her own and without it being assigned, and doing double digit addition and subtraction at 4 years old. They provide home cooked lunches and snacks. The teachers and director have worked with us and are very caring. They have very limited closures and the hours are great for working parents.Manners, kindness, and good behavior are emphasized. They just moved into a remodeled building that is very clean and they are also preparing to build a new playground! We have been at 2 other preschools and also had positive experiences but have been very happy that we switched to Lakeside.

Ma
Review №20

We were very happy at Lakeside. My son loved every single day he was there. He was very happy and learned a lot. Teachers are amazing and the administration exceptional. We were very grateful for the wonderful education and social skills and values our son was exposed to. Thank you Lakeside 😃

Ka
Review №21

Almost like a military school for preschoolers. The education the kids receive is way beyond what is at their level which can be great but it’s also a lot to put on a toddler. My kids entered this school at 2 years old and where treated like they were 5. The school, not including a select couple of teachers, how no idea how to treat a 2 year old they way a 2 year old acts. My child got punished and out in a classroom by himself as punishment. Which was way to scary for a 2 year old. They had little to no interest in actually helping children grow. They expect them to show up at 2 years old coloring in the lines and doing the work of a 5 year old. I showed up one day early at lunch time to see my son being fed applesauce with no spoon. Instead of the teacher providing him a spoon and showing him how to use it, he was forced to eat the applesauce off a plate (not cup or bowl) with his bare hands. When I said something they had nothing but excuses on why. I also showed up one day to pick up my children when they were on the playground and I found one of my sons sitting in the infant swing still. No one could be bothered to even give him a push. Meanwhile the owner and teachers where standing to the side chatting. As soon as I ran over there and showed emotion to him they ran over saying how he just slowed down. The swing was entirely still from walking up to the playground till I got to him. There was no way he was being paid attention to. When we first signed up we were so excited about how amazing this seemed. Little did i know it was a front. Fortunately in 3 weeks we saw the truth and left. Oh and if the owner ever has anything negative to say, you can expect her to hid when you show up and then call you to bad mouth you and your children. I never felt more of a parent failure for having an active 2 year old that ACTED HIS AGE then how she made me feel. She literally commented that my 2 year old did not color in the lines. Just unbelievable.

Ja
Review №22

My son was blessed to have been a student for several years and what a great experience we both still talk about 2 years later. Ms. Kathrine and her staff are so patient and caring. If you are looking for more of a day care, this may not be the school for you. The students all learn so much with a very fun curriculum and sets them up to exceed in Kindergarten from day one. I would, and still do, recommend Lakeside as the premier early learning center in our area.

Ka
Review №23

My oldest attended Lakeside starting at age 2 and we moved when he was 4. He learned so much that by the time he started KG he was well prepared and top of his class! He still talks fondly of his teachers. My youngest, upon moving back to Florida, attended starting at age 2 as well. We were only in Sarasota for a short period of time, but my youngest also gained so much from the love and attention given to him. I so highly recommend Lakeside Academy! They are top notch!

Ch
Review №24

The absolute best daycare experience over the last 3.5 years. Staff is awesome, very caring and professional. My daughter excelled there! We are sorry to leave them!! ❤️

De
Review №25

Lakeside is by far the best early learning experience a child could have. Ms Katherine and the teachers at Lakeside are phenomenal and really care for my child and are invested in her success. Truly so blessed by this school.

An
Review №26

My daughter attended this preschool. I was very impressed and pleased with the care she received. Never had any problems. She learned so much.They prepared her for well for kindergarten. Highly recommend Lakeside Academy!

Ra
Review №27

The staff at Lakeside are like family! My daughter feels safe and asks me When are we going to school again? thats a huge win for us!!Ive sent my daughter to other preschools and she always begged me to pick her up early. Some days her eyes looked bloodshot from crying all day, it broke my heart!!At Lakeside, she never once has felt scared or nervous.That says a lot!! THANK YOU LAKESIDE family!!

D'
Review №28

Lakeside is one of the best preschool academies in the Sarasota community. High quality standards and friendly helpful staff make the world of difference. I can not say enough good things about Lakeside Academy and Preschool. I recommend them highly.

Mi
Review №29

As a father of 3 little girls it was of utmost importance to find a preschool that was safe, nurturing, provided a challenging learning curriculum and allowed my kids to be kids. Lakeside Academy provides all of the above and the teachers are exceptional. I highly recommend Lakeside.

Ko
Review №30

Our daughter was at Lakeside for two years. I’m only sorry we didn’t find it sooner. She did amazingly well there. The entire staff treated us like family. Lakeside is the perfect balance of education, fun, and structure.

Me
Review №31

Amazing staff and super friendly. Great academic courses. My daughter learned a lot while attending Lakeside academy. So blessed to have found the school.

Re
Review №32

I know Lakeside team since 2014, when we 1st moved in Sarasota. Lakeside was like family to my son, they are very good about teaching and entertaining the kids. Ms. Katherine and Ms. Jackie are two pillars of the school. Ms. Jackie Personally check kids level of study and challenges them up to their level. My son is in 4th grade now but he still remember them as his 1st school teacher. Highly recommended preschool.

Le
Review №33

I highly recommend Lakeside Preschool Academy. Often on my way home I think how grateful I am for this school, knowing the children are safe and getting the best possible preschool environment. Thank you Lakeside Academy.

Pa
Review №34

Excellent school with loving teachers and staff. Would never consider another school in Sarasota it’s that good.

Na
Review №35

I am so thankful I found a pre-school is caring and loving towardsour child. The staff is proffesional, yet loving towards all the children at Lakeside Academy . Edward looks forward to going to school every day.

An
Review №36

I love the care and attention that my daughter receives at Lakeside! The teachers make her feel so special every day!

Da
Review №37

To the Team at Lakeside Academy & Preschool;There are simply NO words to adequately express our gratitude to you for the loving care you have given our son over the years. We are soooooo grateful to you for the love, compassion & especially for the academic foundation you have laid for him. From the very 1st day we left him in your care at age 2, we have always left knowing he was in capable & loving hands. Your curriculum has been phenomenal! You have played a HUGE part in paving the road for our sons future, and for that we Thank You.Lakeside truly is one big happy family. All of you will always hold a very special place in our sons heart, and in ours.

Je
Review №38

If academic excellence in preschoolers and superior strength discipline are important to you, then this may be a good fit for your family. We found that this preschool provides academic education far above what is developmentally appropriate. Performance seemed to come first while play seemed to come second. While our 3 year old learned quite a bit, she was also very stressed and anxious. We also found that discipline procedures followed Biblical and very strict and punitive procedures. Our child acted out being physically restrained and sat on and also yelled at by teachers. In our experience, it seemed near perfection was expected, and the director and staff were unwilling to work with (developmentally appropriate) difficult behavior. We did not feel that the children were being permitted to be little.

Fa
Review №39

Best pre school in Sarasota! Top notch academics and the a loving, caring environment.

Ja
Review №40

My grandson attended Lakeside Academy for 2 years. The teachers worked so well with him. During the time he was there he learned to read and his printing became very legible. He was so fortunate to have Miss Jackie as his teacher during the majority of the time he was there and learned to listen and developed good manners. When we drive past Lakeside now he always mentions how he misses Miss Jackie.When my grandson started Kindergarten this past year he was so well prepared in reading and math he actually helped other students.If you have the opportunity for your kids to attend Lakeside I’d encourage you to sign them up. Both you and your children will benefit greatly.Jackie Verville

Ga
Review №41

Lakeside Academy and Preschool is fantastic!Ms Katharine and her staff are so caring and loving to all the children and the kids learn so much!

Na
Review №42

The best school ever! ❤️

Wa
Review №43

My Daughter attended Lakeside for 3 years; I love the education and care my daughter received on a daily basis. Id highly recommend this pre-school.

Information
12 Photos
43 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:7990 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241, United States
  • Site:http://www.lakesidesarasota.com/
  • Phone:+1 941-312-1866
Categories
  • Preschool
  • Day care center
  • Private school
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:6:30AM–6PM
  • Wednesday:6:30AM–6PM
  • Thursday:6:30AM–6PM
  • Friday:6:30AM–6PM
  • Saturday:6:30AM–6PM
  • Sunday:Closed
Highlights
  • Women-Led:Yes
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