College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park

"This has been a great experience so far because our child has received such direct care, attention and education, do to the passion teachers and staff have exhibited. Like any school that just starts up, there are growing pains, but nothing like the bunch of Karen’s who are on here commenting with third party perspectives and are ill informed, because they don’t read the basic requirements would suggest. We are very fortunate to have such a school and staff so dedicated. Our child is excelling as the curriculum is specified to them! There is college prep school in Lakewood ranch that is a model for this school. That school in Lakewood ranch (last I checked personally) has a 5 year wait to get in! If you didn’t read the fine print before signing up, why complain about stuff you should already know about!? Final note: CPWP is not charging for everything, all mentioned above are voluntarily paid. If you would like to participate in extracurricular activities, occasionally contributions are welcome. We are thankful for the opportunity CPWP has provided."

"I have had nothing but a positive experience for both of my children (1st & 5th grade) They both come home happy and excited about their day, every day. I’ve had clear and consistent communication with teachers and even the administrators including the Principal. Due to moves for jobs my kids have attended multiple elementary schools and I have never encountered the level of access to the Principal as I have at this school. Dr. Britton clearly cares about her school and her students and is always available and interested in parent communication. My children have ALWAYS attended a charter and have always paid for extracurricular activities and dress downs as fundraisers for the school. CPAWP has also done a great job of trying to get as many clubs and activities as possible up and running in a very short time; This type of school was much needed in the area and I’m glad to have it. This was the first year open so of course bumps in the road have occurred and staff changes have happened as with anything in its infancy. Even through changes in staff, there has been clear and consistent communication and my children’s education did not experience any interruption. The bridge between school and home is also a perk at this school as there is constant communication through newsletters etc and many volunteer opportunities for parents to be involved. Looking forward to many more years at CPAWP and watching the school grow and refine."

"Now that the school year is almost over and enrollment has began for the new school year.I would like to encourage new parents in the area to seek alternative charter school. As a parent of three age group at this school I believe this school could’ve waited another year before opening. The school does not have enough student teacher ratio to fully function as a school. The only stable class is Kindergarten, you have six and fifth graders sharing classroom and teachers are always leaving in the middle of the semester. Dr. Britton is trying her best but I feel like she over sold the school. My sixth grader feels like he’s being treated as if he’s still in elementary school and not middle. He often complained about some his teachers not knowing how to teacher. The school also lacks resources for the students, this trickles down to the teachers constantly asking parents for supplies even after we purchased them at the beginning of the school year. This school does not have a library which I find very strange, no gym and the cafeteria is as big as restaurant seating area not much people can fit in it. I’m not sure what the budget was for building but it needs to be reevaluated by the Department of Education. The school is trying to bring in clubs for the students but everything is a charge. My boys enjoyed flag football but it was not what I expected all they did was play on the school playground, a waste of my $65. As for what the school curriculum is I cannot tell you, all I know it’s been five months of school and non stop testing every semester and I really have not seen any test scores so I’m not sure what the testing is really about. Everything for the school is online and if you don’t really know how navigate through it to make sense, then you’ll definitely be lost. Talking to the teachers and Dr. Britton feel like your going in circles and like everybody is just winging it. To wrap this up if your child functions in small control environment then this school is for your child. The school needs a lot of improvement and the first thing needs to be hiring teachers."

"From always asking for money, making kids give money to dress's down, to over charging for before care and after care, not aligning there school schedules with the county which we were told. Charging for everything, from choir basketball football chess anything they can charge more money for they will do. I do not think I will be sending my kid back here again to this school next year. Other parents I have talk to have already pulled there kids out and some are not sending there kids back next year either, as you are nickel and dimed for everything. I though this would be a step up and but its a huge step down."