Pines West Academy | Preschool in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Miramar FL

We love PWA! Every single adult is so kind, loving, positive, and helpful. The atmosphere is so positive. Ms. Maria is THE BEST. My son is a nervous little guy and she’s been so good to him. Calm, loving, patient, and pushing him to be the best he can be academically. Ms. Teri takes such good care of the school and you can tell she takes pride in delivering the highest quality environment for all the kids, parents, and staff

Pines West Academy surpasses expectations in every aspect of preschool education. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff, and impeccable cleanliness create a safe haven for young learners.

The teachers' dedication, especially Ms. Lisa in the toddler class, ensures personalized care, fostering academic, emotional, and social growth.

The top-notch curriculum, incorporating the VESS learning model, emphasizes values alongside academic excellence. Pines West Academy is not just a preschool; it's a nurturing environment where children thrive emotionally and academically.

Highly recommended for parents seeking the best start for their child's educational journey.

I love everything about the school, the friendliness of all the teachers and staff. Ms Terri is a wonderful director. Ms. Maria is my daughters teacher and shes the best.Shes cares so much about her students. I also love how the classes are taught and how much my daughter has learnt since she has been there.

My hope is that this review helps other parents in our situation. Our daughter has been at home since birth (nearly 2 years) and we recently made the decision to find a daycare or preschool. We toured several places in the area and we’re absolutely delighted to join Pines West Academy. The school offers a structured curriculum ranging from an organized bilingual teaching plan to mindful eating. It’s incredibly clean as they keep a trusted cleaner on-site during school hours, they have organized activities during the week (including yoga, music, etc.), they have a catering company that offers varied mid morning snacks, lunches, and mid afternoon snacks, you get a copy of the menu for the month in advance in case you’d like to send your child with anything from home on a set date, it’s a peanut and egg free facility which are common allergens amongst kids, and most importantly to us, they provide parents with pictures and updates of your kiddos throughout the day. They also offer alternative menu options for children with other dietary needs. Given a medical condition we brought forward, concerns about allergies, and the fact that this is our daughter’s first time in a social setting with other children, Ms. Teri, the Director, and her teachers have been extremely accommodating. We were also able to meet all the teachers in each classroom, not just the ones teaching our daughter. They’re all been there for many years, with the exception of one who was also wonderful, which was also crucial for us. Every teacher is also CPR certified and Ms. Teri, the Director has been there for over 20 years. Some of the other teachers come close to that length of time there. The facility is very safe to enter and exit. We could tell during the tour the children were happy, learning, as we were able to see what was being taught in each classroom, and very well cared for. We were lucky enough to have an open spot coming up, and while it will be hard to leave her at school for the first time, we know our little girl will be safe, surrounded by kind women. None of the other locations we toured comes close to what this school offers. Ms. Teri, the Director, and all staff have been very patient with the million questions we’ve had since enrolling, and our minds and hearts are at ease with our choice. If you have the opportunity to have your child join, I wouldn’t question it for a second.

Update 2/17/24: Our daughter entered October 2023 and it’s now been four months. PWA did not disappoint. Our little girl is now 2 yo and loves her school, her teachers, and the friends she has made. We get pictures and videos every day of the day’s activities which is nice. They have events on special holidays and parents are invited which has given us the opportunity to meet other parents and get to know her classmates. She comes home every day sharing what she’s learned, talks about her friends by name, and as of this last month, she started telling us she doesn’t want to come home when it’s time to pick her up 😂 the best outcome! She is also becoming fluent in both English and Spanish. Super clean, wonderful teachers who truly love the kiddos, attentive care, and excellent choice overall! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This school is very warm and welcoming. The welcomed my daughter in with open arms. I love the safety of the school, and how well their communication is and how involved they are with the children.

We were actually hesitant to begin our child in school at two years old. That was until we toured West Pines Academy. The teachers, curriculum, balance of play and education was exactly what we were looking for. All that and music.
If you have the opportunity to go to the school and choose somewhere else, you’re missing the mark.

Pines West Academy

We started Pines West Academy (PWA) in early 2021 when my daughter turned two years old. I highly recommend PWA. From yoga to music class, letter sounds or climbing the rock wall outside, she is engaged and continually learning throughout her day. It’s not just me who finds PWA to be an outstanding educationally centered preschool. My friend, an elementary teacher in the area, says that children who attended PWA come into her class ready and prepared for kindergarten.

In addition to the exceptional learning environment, PWA goes the extra mile to promote a clean and healthy environment. The school is very clean and all children wash their hands when they arrive at school and throughout the day. My daughter likes the food and I like the meal choices/healthy snacks.

All of my daughter’s teachers have been warm, organized and responsive. I can see what my daughter is learning using the school’s communication app. This is a huge plus for me - her teacher uploads pictures throughout the day, we can chat and share documents digitally. My daughter wakes up and wants us to take her to school (even on the weekends).

As a working mom, it’s such a blessing to find a preschool that not only teaches my child but also genuinely cares about her. Thank you PWA for all you do.

I have high standards when it comes to early childhood education. After my immense search, I came across Pines West Academy (PWA) and immediately knew it was the place to be after touring the school and speaking to Ms. Teri, the Director of PWA. The facility is clean and inviting; and the retention rate of teachers, administrators, and students is high, which reflects the long waitlist. We were fortunate to get a spot at PWA in 2021, when my oldest was 2.5 years and my youngest started when she was 12 months (2022). Therefore, I first handily met and engaged with all teachers from toddler 1 to VPK.

My children are in love with PWA because it is indeed "a home away from home". The teachers shower them with love, challenge their minds to critically think, foster creativity through many class activities, and build their confidence to believe in themselves. The culture is also inclusive via the school's efforts in celebrating all holidays, offering parents an opportunity to share their culture via a show-and-tell format with students, and reading a variety of books that reflects representation. Parents are also invited to attend school events to watch their children either present at a Student-Led conference, highlight newly learned skills from extracurricular activities, or rehearse beautiful songs/dances for the holidays. The children will also have cool projects provided by the school for parents to do at home such as gardening, scavenger hunt, 'I-spy' which helps parents highlight their child's positive behaviors at home, and many more. The children are able to present all 'at home projects' to their classmates, which builds their communication skills and confidence.

My children love going to PWA each morning and made so many friends, which led to playdates outside of school. PWA has exceeded my expectations and I am thankful to be a part of this community. I can attest that my oldest is more than prepared for kindergarten because of the outstanding work of the teachers and the leadership of Ms. Teri.

I am delighted to share my outstanding experience with Pines West Academy, where my daughter attended from the age of 3 until VPK (Voluntary Pre-kindergarten). Based on my personal observation and the incredible progress I witnessed in my child, I wholeheartedly recommend this school to other parents. Here are the reasons why Pines West Academy really helped my kid grow.

Exceptional Learning Environment: Under the guidance of Ms. Teri Sousa and her dedicated team, the school takes immense ownership of each child's development. They go above and beyond to understand the emotional, social, academic, and physical abilities of every student. With this understanding, they tailor their teaching methods to improve each aspect of a child's growth. The school fosters confidence and encourages children to express their emotions effectively while instilling a love for learning.

Emphasis on Discipline: The School teaches children essential life skills and responsibilities. From basic chores like handwashing and potty training to eating with others and cleaning up after themselves, my daughter learned valuable lessons in self-sufficiency and respect for others. The school instills discipline in a nurturing and supportive manner, allowing children to develop crucial life skills that will benefit them beyond their pre-K years.

Effective Issue Resolution: When behavioral issues arise, the school handles them with care and a focus on positive growth. Rather than resorting to punitive measures, children who misbehave are given an opportunity to reflect on their actions. Through this process, they learn to understand the consequences of their behavior and correct it in a positive and constructive manner. The School creates a safe and understanding environment where children can grow emotionally and socially.

Commitment to Security: In today's society, ensuring the safety of our children is of utmost importance. The School recognizes this and takes proactive measures to maintain a secure environment. The school employs a two-door secured entry system, and the staff is vigilant, monitoring every movement inside and around the premises. Additionally, the school conducts Firearm Drills, commonly known as Bad Guy Drills, to prepare children for emergency situations. These measures instill a sense of safety and reassurance in both parents and students.

Reputation: Pines West Academy has earned an excellent reputation for fostering the overall growth and development of its students. My personal experience is a testament to this reputation. During VPK, my daughter underwent four Star Early Literacy assessments, which comprehensively evaluate foundational reading, language, vocabulary, and numeracy skills. I am thrilled to share that my daughter scored within the 97 to 99 percentile range—a remarkable achievement that reflects the school's dedication to academic excellence.

In conclusion, Pines West Academy has exceeded my expectations as a parent. The commitment and passion demonstrated by Ms. Teri Sousa and her team are truly exceptional. From providing a nurturing learning environment to instilling discipline and handling issues with care, this school goes above and beyond to ensure the growth and success of each child. The strong focus on security and the outstanding reputation the school holds further solidify my recommendation. I encourage all parents seeking a top-quality pre-K education for their children to consider Pines West Academy —they will not be disappointed.

Ms. Teri is very welcoming and the parenting seminars are amazing especially the Nutrition one done by the CEO Natalia. Highly recommend!

This is hands down the best preschool in the area! We had tried to get my daughter in this school years ago but they were completely booked. My son attended this year and we've been so impressed. We love the teaching method they use, which focuses heavily on communication. Ms Teri, the staff and teachers are phenomenal! I love the open communication and updates/photos I receive throughout the day. My son loves his school- he's had two teachers and loved them both! Overall 5 stars🙌🏽❤

I am parent at Pines West Academy and my son attends PWA. The progress he has made is unbelievable!! I strongly agree that learning starts at home, new learning is enrich at school, and reinforced back at the home.

My son started PWA in the older two’s classroom with Ms. Ellen. She was an angel sent from heaven. My son was very emotional and sick most of the time. He wasn’t properly diagnosed and with the wrong medications which made him beyond emotional. Ms. Ellen comforted my son when he would cry, which was most of the time. She would hold him in her arms and rock him. She helped me in getting him probably diagnosed with the correct medication. He has severe allergies and asthma. Her communication and caring demeanor was crucial in finding what was going on with my son. She was GOD SEND!!

Now he is in the 3 years old classroom with Ms. Teri, Ms. Sineidy, and Ms. Massiel. He is doing amazing. He goes to school everyday. He cries about once or twice a week. He does class projects and presents to his friends in front of the class, which before he wouldn’t talk. One day the school had a parent bonding activity. I saw my son interact with his friends which brought tears to my eyes. I heard my son read a story that he wrote in the class. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. His progress is beyond what I ever expected.

He will be continuing PWA in the VPK program and we as a family are beyond ecstatic. He is so happy going to school and has a love of learning. He is constantly asking questions and wants to know why things work or how it works. I’m so impressed with his thinking abilities and being able to express himself. He is talking more at school with his peers. He is asking me for play dates and invite children in his class to come and play with him at his house.

Ms. Teri’s leadership is astonishing as a result of her staff showing the pride that they have with their students improvement. My mother and I were welcomed to present to the students about our Argentine culture. I saw how Ms. Lisa, teacher of the 1 years old, encourage her students to experience new culture. Ms. Lisa was beaming with pride.

I’m in awe and I can not thank enough Ms. Teri and her staff for what they have done for Kaleb and my family!! I will keep talking about PWA and the amazing academics, social, and emotional teaching in the school.

PWA is the BEST in the WEST!!

Hands down to Ms. Teri and her staff.

A very grateful and appreciative parent.

Geri, Will, and grandma (Flo) Casanova.

her up a minute early, she wanted to stay longer! All the staff is professional and school runs very organized and is super clean. Had I lived in the area when my daughter was younger she would’ve definitely been in their daycare program. Mrs. Teri, and Mrs. Nathalie, you have given my daughter the best experience as her first school and you will forever hold a special place in our hearts

Both of my daughters went to Pines West Academy. The little one is still there. The education, care and dedication to the kids is second to none. We recently were accepted into a top charter school and our daughter is so much ahead of most of the kids in the same class thanks to Pines West.

We’ve from so many parents that public and charter elementary schools are always excited about getting kids from PWA because they are good kids that are well behaved and happy kids.

And in the charter school the teacher told us parents that in 28 years of teaching kindergarten she’s never had such a kind and nice group of kids… it’s no surprise that she has 3 kids that all came from Pines West Academy.

I’m so grateful to PWA for treating and caring for my kids as if it were there own. I would highly recommend this school to anyone. And they have bilingual teachers in each class!!

My daughters currently attend PWA and it’s been amazing seeing how much they have blossomed under the guidance of the teachers at PWA.
They have gained the foundation for important life skills like using scissors, using the pen, how to recognize letters and even how to write their own name. They have additionally learned so much about different cultures and art styles that have made a powerful impact in their daily lives… they get very excited when they can make the connection between something they have learned on the classroom to something they see in an outing.
On top of that they get exposure to music, dancing and even learning how to perform in a group.
Overall, I am very pleased with PWA. The skills they have acquired there will make my girls’ transition to elementary school smoother.

Summer VPK with Mrs. Nathalie was incredible. She was sweet, caring, thoughtful, and a great educator. We miss her so much! Thank you!

Also a big thanks to Mrs. Teri. This location is expertly run by Mrs. Teri. She really cares about what your children are getting from the program. I had great experiences with many of the staff members. They want your children to be enriched in so many ways and they really deliver. I was thoroughly impressed all summer long!

I am so happy we decided to bring our daughters to you, knowing they were in capable and loving hands. Thank you so much for making their first ever experience in a school so wonderful. They felt loved, they felt safe, they were happy, and they had so many new fun experiences. They are also prepared for kindergarten! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Also, How could I forget to mention... thank you for preparing them for kindergarten... emotionally, socially, and academically! Another thank you to Mrs. Nathalie, for sending pictures throughout the day and updating us on what the kids were doing and learning that day! We love you and miss you!

I have 2 graduates of Pines West Academy and 1 child who is currently there. I can obviously say that this has been the best decision in choosing a solid foundation for my childrens education. My graduates have gone on to elementary school better than prepared. When they took their placement tests for kindergarden both received high scores. When their teachers asked which preschool they attended they were not surprised as they responded “ all the students from Pines West Academy score high.”

The teachers at Pines West Academy (PWA) are not random, their leadership is not random, their standards are not random, nor is their curriculum. There is purpose and reason to everything they do. They provide a solid foundation for our children. That’s why I’ve made the financial sacrifice for all 3 of my kids to attend because I’ve seen the results.

They have the suggestions, resources and experience to direct and advise parents of their expertise. The staff is always open and approachable to any and every question and concern parents may have. They know children and understand children-our children. The children love the school and are very happy there.

The instructors have a minimum of 15 years experience (each). It’s evident they know what they are doing. They genuinely care for the children and it shows. I can’t say enough about the leadership. The director Mrs.Terry of the school is exemplar. I’ve grown to know her personally over the years with my children attending the school. She is always professional and respectful. Always makes time for the children, parents and staff to discuss, ask questions and give advice. She’s approachable, non confrontational and easy to talk to. She welcomes any questions, and/or concern. Classroom schedules and curriculum are posted along with pictures of classroom activities that get sent to parents multiple times a day. Parents are kept up to date with what goes on in the school. The director and the teachers doors are open to discuss anything.

The schools cleanliness is also apparent. The classroom and toys are cleaned daily. As a healthcare professional working in a hospital I find cleanliness of my child’s school to be very important with keeping our children safe as well. PWA staff always do right by the children and ensures that the safety of the children is priority. That’s non- negotiable as it should be.

Attending Pines West Academy is a great decision for your child’s academic journey and your piece of mind. I have never had a problem with anything in all the years my children have attended PWA(since 2013-present). I’ve had a lot to say because I’ve seen a lot of them. PWA is a great school with a great director and staff, they have a great curriculum and are great to our children. Simply put PWA is the best! Without reservation PWA is exceptional at what they do!

I love the education curriculum, how they involve the parents so we are active participants in their school life and the teachers

Hands down the best school I’ve sent my kid to. The curriculum is very advanced and I loved this as I have a very smart kid and needed him to be challenged. The teachers are very warm and it’s a small setting. My son went there for a summer program and it was also loaded with many interactive activities. My sister visited recently and immediately fell in love and she has been to almost 10 schools and haven’t been impressed. I have to choose a school this summer and I’m feeling so lost because, I don’t know how I can top the experience he had at Pines West. He still mentions the school from time to time. A hidden gem.

I love this school. My daughter went here for VPK and loved it. She is now thriving in 2nd grade. My son is now currently enrolled and has grown so much. The teachers are amazing and truly care. Mrs. Teri truly cares and is an amazing director.