After just a year and a half at Sea of Strengths Academy, my child went from barely reading to…read morereading at grade level. I can wholeheartedly say that this school changed the trajectory of my child's life. It brings tears of joy to my eyes to see my child being taught in the way she learns best so she can truly flourish. Before SOSA, my daughter attended a Montessori school (and also worked with Sylvan), where reading was a constant source of frustration. She struggled daily, and her confidence reflected it. Today, she wakes up excited to go to school. She reads with confidence, and her entire outlook on learning has transformed. At SOSA, the Orton-Gillingham approach is not simply a reading program--it is integrated across all subject areas. This ensures that students receive consistent, structured literacy instruction throughout the entire school day. Equally impressive is the faculty. Every teacher is trained by an accredited Orton-Gillingham fellow, representing the highest standard of OG instruction. These educators are more than teachers--they are specialists who understand how dyslexic students learn and how to help them thrive. They provide individualized instruction and share daily academic updates with parents through each student's agenda. Their expertise transforms classrooms into environments where students who once struggled with reading begin to succeed academically and personally. The students themselves are extraordinary--bright, creative, and capable young people whose potential simply requires the right instructional approach. Through expert teaching, structured literacy instruction, and small-group learning, SOSA students build strong foundations in systematic phonics, reading, writing, language, and conceptual mathematics, growing into confident learners. I have seen some reviews questioning the school's fundraising efforts, so I would like to offer helpful context. SOSA is intentionally small--serving roughly 25 students. When tuition is multiplied across such a small student body, it becomes clear that tuition alone cannot cover the full costs of specialized teachers, rent, utilities, insurance, curriculum materials, and the ongoing professional training required to maintain Orton-Gillingham expertise. The school works tirelessly to secure grants and donations so tuition can remain as affordable as possible for families who need this type of education. SOSA also maintains a focused learning environment by prioritizing students who are ready to learn in a structured academic setting. This ensures that classrooms remain calm, supportive, and distraction-free--allowing students with language-based learning differences to receive the concentrated instruction they need. At the end of the day, the results speak for themselves. At Sea of Strengths Academy, a small school produces life-changing results--through a proven curriculum, exceptional teachers, and extraordinary students. And for families like mine, the impact is nothing short of transformational.

Sea of Strengths Academy (SOSA): I would NOT recommend this school for children with dyslexia and…read morespecial needs. I was not pleased with overall quality of their education, too much focus on donations, and constantly asking parents to make a donation for various projects (despite high school tuition), and unprofessional approach of the school principal, Mr. John Hettler, when it comes to finding a solution for occasional issues. I no longer trust him.

What a terrific and innovative simulation learning solutions company…read more I work in the healthcare field as a technician of training. CAE Healthcare offers cutting-edge learning tools to healthcare learners and medical professionals all over the world. The advanced technology of the simulation healthcare products the company makes and sells allows medical workers to develop the practical experience needed to learn through risk-free simulation training before treating real patients. CAE Healthcare covers the full range of state-of-the-art simulation solutions: including interventional and ultrasound imaging simulation, curriculum, audiovisual solutions and highly realistic adult, pediatric and baby patient simulators. I'm glad my organization purchased one of their high-fidelity simulators. Once we get approval in the coming year, we'll planning to buy an AV recording system from CAE healthcare too.

I take my two and half year old daughter to the toddler class which is basically a mommy and me…read moreclass. It's an hour long, you stay with your child the whole time, and the coach is right there to make sure the kids are using the equipment correctly. The class starts at the fun gym where they play for 20 min and then we go as a group to different areas about 8 min per area. It's a good mix of open gym and structure because the kids can use whatever they want but have to stay in the designated area for a specific amount of time, and have to wait their turn if another child is using the equipment, all under the instruction of the coach. If you purchase the stamp card then the class ends up being around $8 a class for an hour which is an amazing price. My daughter is exhausted after the class and passes out for her nap as soon as we get home. We really enjoy it.

I signed my grandson up for a week of 1/2 day gymnastics. He is three. The first morning I dropped…read morehim off and planned on staying, yet the woman looked at me and said "You can't stay". I was a bit taken a back. I did not want to leave him there alone on his first day. I had brought a book with me and planned to hang out in the waiting room. When I asked why, the husband and wife in the office kept saying they only background check employees and cannot allow parents to stay. I found this to be a prohibitive policy, and found these people to be strange. I wonder what would come up if they had a back ground check done on them? I am thankful this issue occurred right off the bat as the vibes I got from the folks there were dubious. Would not recommend this place.

This program is truly unique! It provides a great combinational of fun for kids and learning…read morethrough play, led by highly trained professionals. Lori will meet with parents at the beginning in order to discuss the needs of their kids, and the specific goals that will be worked on through play and many fun activities, such as yoga, dancing, music, reading, arts and crafts. Through play, kids have the opportunity to work on various skills, essential for every aspect of their lives. Some of the skills covered are executive functioning, communication, socialization, patience, learning to follow instructions in order to accomplish goals, and many others. The activities and play are led by highly skilled professionals, who are able to identify the most suitable way for every child to learn, while also having lots of fun. The program recognizes that each child, their learning styles and their needs are unique! Highly recommended and a true asset to our community!

From the owner: Does your child have Autism, ADHD or Social Anxiety? Life…read moreSkills Prep Camp is the only Summer Camp in the Sarasota-Manatee area that offers children, ages 5-14, the chance to learn how to socialize and find activities that make them feel good. Campers learn important social and life skills in a supportive environment.Our activities are taught by experienced instructors and include: line dancing, art, cooking, team building, and believe it or not, exercise - including running and yoga! There are no prerequisite skills necessary for any of the sessions as all are adapted for the level of camper we have as Life Skills Prep Camp is an inclusive summer camp environment. We host students that are typically developing as well as students with physical disabilities, ADHD, & high functioning Autism. Our activities are taught by experienced instructors and include: line dancing, art, cooking, team building, and believe it or not, exercise - including running and yoga! 2 - 3 week sessions available. First Session: June 14, 2021 - July 2, 2021 Second Session: July 12, 2021 9am - 3pm Space is Limited so Reserve your Spot Now LSPC: Where joy meets learning!

Went for our free session and signed up for camp. He learned some new things and I felt secure with…read morethe school. Appears to be a fun environment that's positive so he's excited for camp.

From the owner: Birthday and Anniversary Parties, Tutoring, After School Program, Events, Group and Private Classes…read more

I don't know about the rest of you but I find raising a teenager in our current society to be VERY…read moredifficult, especially if that teenager has ADHD. Impulse control, executive functioning skills, instant gratification and over all self-respect have been struggles in my house. Medications for ADHD can't be the only tool in the tool box. I have been taking my almost 15yo to see Lori Stephens for almost 3 months now. I seriously cannot recommend her and her skills enough! She has made incredible strides with my son! Lori has worked with his on strategies to be successful not only at school but also at home. She breaks real life down into digestible pieces for the teen brain and shows them how to use the "proper tool for the situation". What I love the most about Lori, she takes the time to learn the child and she truly has saved my relationship with my son. Stop struggling with your teen and see how she can help you!

From the owner: Lori has been in the education field for over 20 years helping students achieve success. She is a…read moreSpeaker, Educator, Advocate, and Success Coach. Working with students and families for success in school and home life has been very rewarding as the students learn and grow while the family bond gets stronger due to the diminishing stress of managing school work. Quarterly Parent Workshops are returning for the 2021-2022 school year! These workshops educate parents on ways to recognize and address issues that come up with their children. Many of the skills taught and topics reviewed are highlighted in Lori's one on one sessions with her students. Locations will be held locally. Refreshments will be offered. Powerful Education Solutions presents our Powerful Communication Solutions Series - Simple skills for life changing results! Contact us at (941) 312-4777 or email office@PowerfulEducationSolutions.com