First United Methodist Christian School

muy buen daycare mucha limpieza las maestras son muy atentas y la directora es muy buena con los ninos porque se ve como ellos la abrazan y se despiden de ella.

After more than ten years as a parent at St. John’s Episcopal School in Homestead, I can say with certainty that the school has lost its way. What was once a supportive, structured, and academically sound environment has become a disorganized, poorly led institution that prioritizes internal control over student growth and family involvement. The principal frequently makes major decisions without consulting parents, including a complete overhaul of the curriculum after COVID. This change, done without warning or transition planning, set many students back academically—mine included. My daughter’s kindergarten teacher during the pandemic could barely speak English, and when I raised this serious issue, the administration dismissed it. I now have to pay out of pocket for tutoring to address the gaps caused by that year. Communication is practically nonexistent. Last-minute messages via WhatsApp are the norm, and important dates or events are often shared with no time for parents to respond or plan. There’s also a total lack of enrichment: no meaningful field trips, limited hands-on learning, and events like Earth Day are reduced to simply watching a movie. The graduation banquet was a disaster. Parents paid for a formal event with high hopes of celebrating the students. Instead, there were no speeches, no recognition, and the principal’s only contribution was suggesting a game of musical chairs. It was disorganized and disrespectful to the students and families who invested years into that school. Despite ongoing financial requests from the school, there’s no evidence of that money being invested in improving facilities, academics, or student experiences. Perhaps the most laughable example of the school’s dysfunction is the fact that their sign labels the institution as “St. John’s Episcopal School – Second Grade on google,” even though it serves grades kindergarten through eighth don’t believe me look it up right now it’s been like that, but I think about three years.. It’s a small but glaring example of the lack of attention to detail and overall disorganization. If they can’t even get their own name and grade range right, how can parents trust them to manage their children’s education? I’ve since moved my youngest daughter to a new school that offers more for less money—better academics, consistent communication, educational field trips, and a supportive environment. I only wish I had made the change sooner.

Love this school! My daughter was 9 months when she started and is now 14 months. She loves ALL the teachers there, especially Ms. Carmen. Daycare is expensive but this school makes it worth every penny, they all really love their jobs and love the kids. Wouldn't dream of going anywhere else

We have now begun our third year attending Atala. My original plan was to relocate my daughter after Pre K to our home school which would allow us to walk her to and from school. Mid way thru the first year, I arrived to pick her up early one day, and the security measures to get to her, from the locked gate to get on school grounds, the locked door to access the hallway to her class, and then her locked classroom door, I felt so secure with her being there that I decided that day we would be staying with the Atala Montessori program. The teachers were kind, welcoming and supportive. My daughter, who had not previously been in any day care, was thriving in the Montessori setting. She was reading by the end of her Pre K year, and she LOVES school. She enjoys the extra classes this year, of PE, Art, Spanish, Drama and music. I adore all of the office staff and very much enjoy our hello's each morning, and we still remain in contact with her previous teachers. I like that it's a smaller/private school, and that it will extend into middle school. I truly cannot express how grateful I am to have found this school, and the impact it has had on my daughter.