Choices In Learning Charter School in Winter Springs

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education, and using 2025 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking data from Florida Department of Education.
Student Growth	10/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Florida Department of Education.

Posted: January 29, 2025

We are so proud of our school staff and their dedication to teach our students

Posted: January 29, 2025

This school is truly a god-send. We feel so incredibly lucky to have gotten in. The ONLY stressful part was the lottery but now that we are here, we couldn't love Dr. Rodriguez more as a principal. He is so engaging and kind and does everything for the sake of the kids. Secondly, the administration is so helpful and informative. It truly makes all the difference in the experience as a parent. And my daughter's teacher is simply the BEST (shoutout Ms. Sumrall). She has learned and progressed so much and I feel like her teacher has a genuine vested interest in her success. I LOVE Choices and can't wait for our younger son to join the family.

Posted: January 29, 2025

Posted: January 28, 2025

We really have enjoyed having our daughter at this school the last 3 years! All of the teachers/staff really seem to enjoy being there and the administration is great! Dr. Rodriguez is building a great school and is a roll up your sleeves and help/do type of principal which is really appreciated!

Posted: January 28, 2025

This school has been such a great experience for my kids. The teachers and administration are happy to be there and the kids feel valued and encouraged. They have always been quick to offer assistance or tutoring for areas my kids might have struggled in to bring them back up to speed. There are so many different after school clubs and activities to choose from. The parents and PTO are very involved and go the extra mile to support students, teachers, and staff. All around a wonderful school! So grateful for the experience!

Posted: January 28, 2025

This school provides not only a safe and fun environment to kids, but also a higher education. While still having fun, the kids are taught a higher level schooling and pushed to perform their best. I cannot recommend them enough!

Posted: January 28, 2025

Great school, admin and staff provide excellent service and education goes above and beyond what I expected.

Posted: January 28, 2025

My son loves his school, friends and teachers.

Posted: January 28, 2025

Fantastic school, staff, principal students and parents!

Posted: January 24, 2025

LOVE CIL! We have been apart of this school family for 8 years, and wouldnt go anywhere else

Posted: July 2, 2024

Choices in Learning School is fantastic! The teachers are passionate and truly care about the students. My child loves the engaging curriculum and has thrived in the supportive environment. The focus on character development is wonderful. We couldn't be happier with our choice!

Posted: May 18, 2022

I had my two kids at this school, the previous principal Dr. Kearney, created such toxic culture in this school that kids were seen as pawns just to get scores and bonuses. My two kids are anxious and scared because of this school. I know they have a new principal now, but I am sure the culture Kearney created prevails. I write on my personal experience, and the many horrible things I found out about how the school treated children and teachers. If you are looking at this school because of the good education, just know that kids are not allowed to thrive here, kids that are not producing As are pushed out and the ones producing As are treated like tools and nothing else. Beware of this school.

Posted: November 15, 2021

The leadership and first grade teacher of this school is an embarrassment to who are teaching our kids. Absolutely no empathy for a kid going through chemo. God forbid any of their own ever get sick. You're either sick or you can go to school and learn but you cannot have both with this school. Disgrace of the school and the school board protecting it.

Posted: February 9, 2020

I believe is effective as my kid shows how much she had progressed in all areas of study.

Posted: February 9, 2020

If homework is effective, teachers as well are effective.

Posted: February 9, 2020

I agree, my kid faced a semi-bully situation and Teacher and school took it seriously . My kid changed and became happier when action was taken

Posted: February 9, 2020

Overall has been a great experience, I feel my kid shows more knowledge if compared with other kids within my friends that attend other schools.

Posted: September 13, 2019

All the teachers my children had were amazing and really cared about their students.

Posted: September 13, 2019

I feel like the principal is not open to parent involvement and does not foster a sense of community at the school.

Posted: September 13, 2019

I feel like the school tries to get children with learning differences or difficulties out of the school.

Posted: September 13, 2019

My children did well in the lower grades, but I found that once they moved to the upper grades the school was too rigid and focused on testing. They dont give recess daily even though its mandated in Seminole County because they dont have to follow the same rules as the county schools. When you ask about it as a parent, there is no opportunity for discussion as you are told they they exceed the minimum requirements for physical activity per week.
My other concern with the school is that it is extremely difficult to meet other families and the school does nothing to foster a sense of community among the families who send their children there. If you want to volunteer at school, there are limited options and you will likely never find yourself actually volunteering in your childs classroom. Overall, we had an OK experience there and I do think it was better than the school we were zoned for, but I wouldnt recommend it if you have any better options. The most positive feedback I have is that my children had some great teachers.

Posted: April 24, 2018

It is ran like boot camp. The students are just numbers not students. They cram the kids so they score high on test but the kids don't retain it. I use to love this school but since they moved Into a bigger school it has become a political money making joke. They have forgotten that they are dealing with children. So sad hope they find there meaning again.

Posted: February 15, 2018

Choices in Learning prioritizes their reputation over the students. Their educational process only helps them to keep their "A" grade/status, not the students to learn in a pleasant and positive way. The teachers have no voice/opinion. They have a mechanical, cold system to follow. It's sad to see how this affects our kids.The level/ratio of kids retained at CIL is extremely high. This is a sign that educators and the system are not working effectively. Most kids are capable of learning new concepts. Again, their program only makes sense to them, not to our kids. If your goal is to have your kids in a positive, friendly environment with understanding and kind staff/teachers, Choices in Learning might not be the place to be.

Posted: November 19, 2017

While I think they might be a tad strict and work the kids harder than average, my daughter is excelling and learning so much and truly understanding it and relating it to the real world.

Posted: August 13, 2016

The teachers failed to address the needs of my special needs son. The school may make claims that they accommodate special needs children, but when they were actually faced with a relatively-minor challenge from my special needs son, they failed miserably.

Posted: August 13, 2016

Again, we did not have the ability to experience this, because we had to withdraw our son. We refuse to keep him in a school that doesn't want him there could risk physical harm to him by authority figures, because they don't know how to handle autistic children.

Posted: August 13, 2016

My review describes the experience of how my special needs son was mistreated. Even if your child is not special needs, do you really want to send him or her to a school that mistreats special needs children and parents this way?

They obviously don't care about "fairness" because they only want non-special kids needs enrolled. Perhaps that's how they got their rating so high.

Posted: August 13, 2016

My son is very high-functioning on the autistic spectrum. Most people cannot tell he is any different he is very intelligent, sociable, and expressive, but he does occasionally have meltdowns. The school was aware of this, and there was some discussion with my wife of the accommodations he might receive.

The second day of school, I got a call from the dean saying, We need you to come pick him up. We can't get him to calm down."

Having a child on the spectrum, these types of meltdowns happen occasionally, especially during stressful times, and the beginning of the school year starting kindergarten in a brand new school can be very stressful for a five year-old.

We came to learn that they had evacuated the whole classroom, then sent a police officer in to try to restrain my son, and then the principal restrained him.

They told us he was throwing desks. I can assure you my 40-pound five year-old boy is not capable of even lifting one of those desks, much less throwing them.

And why is a police officer restraining my five year-old?!! How much of a threat is a five year-old that an armed officer needs to be involved at all?

Several comments were made to my wife that were alarming. The Principal, Janet Kearney, told my wife, I almost took a shoe to the head, and IM NOT DOING THAT FOR ANY KID. I DONT GET PAID ENOUGH. Take note, CIL Parents, thats what your Principal really thinks about your kids, and she said it directly to my wife without any hesitation. Also, she made it a point to tell my wife that I had been rude to her Dean when she called, but perhaps they have trouble discerning a parents concern for their child from rudeness.

It was obvious they were implying that they no longer want our son there. Comments were made like, Were not saying he shouldnt go here, BUT" They said everything they could to my wife to dissuade us from keeping him there without actually saying they dont want him there, because theyre not allowed to. We dont want our son at a school that doesnt want him there, so we made the decision to withdraw him.

Choices in Learning does not want children who have special needs. They may have accommodations for them, but when they were actually faced with a challenge of my special needs child, their true colors showed -- they did everything in their power to get him out of the classroom and then out of their school.

Posted: October 23, 2015

The problems at this school are not with the drop off/pick up procedure as some former posts have suggested, but with the administration. Yes, there should be rules, but schools need to remain flexible to a variety of learning modes and not center all learning around a "group" approach. If you are interested in turning your child into an automaton, than this is the appropriate school. However if your child craves a bit more free expression and exploration of knowledge I would look elsewhere. There is a lot of teacher and student turnover every year and this should be a huge clue.

Posted: October 23, 2015

Posted: July 15, 2015

I whole-heartedly love and support this school. My children have attended Choices in Learning for over three years. They are excelling academically and socially, and they are looking forward to starting up the new school year again. My children love their teachers, love their classroom experience, are continually challenged and engaged. All along the way, the kids' teachers have been excellent, are attentive to the kids' individual needs, have been open and responsive to parent communication, and have always met with us whenever we've requested.

It is true: the administration runs a tight ship. However, as with any well-run organization, structure and rules are in place for the students' safety and best interest. Students are held to high standards, which is what I as a parent want of, and for, my children. There may be a small group of disgruntled parents, but in my experience, and as another reviewer wrote, these tend to be the parents who seem to want special accommodations made for their own convenience (and unfortunately, you will find those groups in every school and environment). In our experience, however, the broader Choices parent community is very friendly, positive and supportive of this school. Clearly, the parents have made a choice to have their child(ren) attend this charter school because they believe in it.

My children are very proud to be Choices in Learning students and part of this special community. The scores and results speak for themselves. We highly recommend this school!!!

Posted: May 6, 2015

My child will NOT be attending this school. There seems to be a closed door policy when it comes to parents accessing the school. It concerns me they have something to hide by not allowing us to tour the school. We were unavailable Jan - March, which are the ONLY times they allow outsiders in the school. We found out my son had a spot in kindergarten the day AFTER orientation & there will not be a make-up session. The only opportunity we have to look at the school is open house, Friday BEFORE school starts. How is this acceptable? If I am trusting you with my child, than I need to feel that you are able to effectively communicate. I was also told that due to testing, we would not be able to disrupt the class. Funny, we're touring an A/10 rated, public school on Monday. I am appalled that anyone would send their child to a school that is so closed off & guarded, & not in a way to convey safety, but in a way that they are ashamed what they have to offer. The word "safety" was never used. Lastly, I was informed by the school last year for Kindergarten, the wait list was 150. By Dec, they had gone through the whole list. Sounds like other parents have the same thoughts.

Posted: October 11, 2014

This school is Amazing. The negative reviews on this site seem to be a small group of friends who couldn't control the school. If you want your kids to be safe and actually learn something than this school is it.

Posted: January 29, 2014

This is my third year at CIL, academically is a great school but with really strong feelings about who we as a parents are treated and some times our kids. My little one has no problems with her current k teacher, but my oldest one has been very cautious about her teacher, she says is very moody and she doesn't now how is she is going to be next day (young teacher). My daughter was crying at home one day after I requested her to say something to the teacher that she was being encouraged not to....she was so afraid of her possible reaction she burst in tears. Why I did not go to the school to repot? I am tired of how many things I've tried to discuss and definitely they don't care. The last thing the want to now is your opinion. It's deaf ears. Also you can see how principal has her "favorite" teachers, and my daughter's is one of them. You also perceived how many teachers feel pressured, restricted and unhappy.

Posted: January 28, 2014

Really BAD experience with this school. Please get informed before sending your children to this school. I am posting my opinion just for the benefit of the children and families in our community. Please get informed.

Posted: January 22, 2014

I believe this could be a great school again one day if they could just change the administration. I know many parents who have pulled their children out of Choices in Learning within the past year or two, due to the current administration. However, there is a culture of fear among the parents and staff to stand up to the current principal, board and pto. Most are too afraid of retribution to report the problems, don't see any hope for change, or their complaints fall on deaf ears. So they just leave the school and the problems continue. Please do your research before enrolling your child here. You could be happy here, but just please go in with your eyes wide open regarding how the school is managed and you will be less disappointed. There are still good teachers and families here. I hope the Board can do the right thing and make the necessary changes so this school can return to its full potential. I say do your own research, because I don't believe this website truly reflects the varied opinions on the current state of this school. Some posts that parents take the time to write regarding their honest, but negative opinion have a way of being taken off this sight. Sad but true.

Posted: January 12, 2014

Totally unsatisfied with administration & the lack of the board's concern to what parents are telling them. Staff & students have a high turn over rate.... taking our kids out - several friends have already left. Another friends is pulling out of 5th grade this week. That is not a decicion easily made to remove your 5th grader. She's not the first one to leave in the middle of the school year. Parents do not make these choices lightly, and verbalizing our concerns is not welcomed here. They want to make it all about test scores. There is more going on here that we can not put in writing because people don't want to hear the truth.

Posted: January 11, 2014

I am a bit shocked at the reviews I'm reading by parents. To be honest, it seems they are more focused on being inconvenienced during drop off/pick up than they are about the quality of education their children are receiving. As a parent of two children at Choices, I've been quite happy with the fact that my children are held to high standards, given goals, and required to think critically. My concerns with parking and inflated gossip about administration (some remarks seemed to hinge on braking the Terms of Use agreement) are not even close to being a second consideration. I think it might be a good time for parents to reflect on why children are education. Is it for your convenience or your child's future? All in all, I am very happy with my children's bully-free, academically challenging, and safe environment provided at this school.

Posted: October 28, 2013

I lot of parents are very unhappy with the principal, and today a lot of us witness how the principal was bulling the parents. The situation is very unfriendly. Please board of directors we want the principal to be remove. Please look for a real professional , friendly substitute. I think we all believe this school can still be a great school , just fix the problem. There are still very good things about the school , the teaching etc. Thank you.

Posted: September 30, 2013

Two kids at CIL. Good to excellent teachers. (Some are outstanding!) Have attended board meetings myself and felt like my concerns were addressed. It's a strict campus, but I appreciate that. For example, assigned seating on the buses. My only complaints are that there are waiting lists and lines often for example to become a bus rider (because so many people are interested in the school) and that, as a charter school, my kids spend an extra hour at school each day. Some things are more expensive at CIL too like uniforms (must be their seller) and school lunches, etc. I really like their curriculum though. I have lots of open communication with teachers via email. I feel like they listen and respond when I have problems/concerns. Lots of fun activities and events during the year. Tons of parent involvement. Maybe they have changed the front staff since my kids started at CIL, but I think they are all great. They recognize me and seem to know my kids too.

Posted: July 28, 2013

Excellent school, top FCAT scores every year, attendance is outstanding, high parent involvement. Yes, it is run in a strict manner and administration is serious about rules, but this is what kids need at this age to grow, and year after year, test scores prove that this is a top- notch, A rated school. CIL is lucky to have an outstanding Principal, Dr. Kearney, who makes a difference, a wonderful Dean, staff is excellent and professional, and students are well behaved. This school is worth the wait. I would be hard pressed to find another school like CIL for free in Seminole County. Keep up the great work, CIL!

Posted: July 9, 2013

My son has attended Choices In Learning since second grade, currently going into fifth grade and each year has had an excellent teacher. We have had nothing but the greatest experience at this school. The schools rating speaks for itself! Every child should be so lucky to have the opportunity to attend this school! Thank you Choices in Learning!

Posted: April 26, 2013

My son is in the 2nd grade at CIL and we have been there since Kindergarten. We originally decided on Choices because of their supposed hands on teaching style (as opposed to sit down work etc) and supposed focus on *learning* instead of FCAT drilling. We are still on the fence as to whether this is actually the case or not, but we are leaning towards those claims being exaggerated. Unfortunately though, we have run into problem after problem with administration / board of this school and it really leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Teacher/staff turnover at this school is high, and the principal is just plain unreasonable. The front office staff is less than friendly and parent concerns re: many "school policies" are ignored and even mocked by some teachers. It is made very clear (but of course not an official policy) that children in need of special accommodations are not welcome at Choices, and that again goes all the way to the principal. If you are considering this school for your child, please research the USDOE discrimination investigation against the school and allegations of the principal deleting emails meant for the board. Those two issues in themselves speak volumes.

Posted: April 12, 2013

By far one of the best schools in Seminole county!! I am so pleased with this school. The teachers are serious about teaching, but friendly as well. They really care about the students learning and well being. FCAT is a celebration of what they have learned instead of a tragedy like other schools. they encourage the students to show off what they have learned throughout the year! I really love this school!! The only thing that I wish it had a better art program and more fun family activities, other than that it's perfect!

Posted: November 27, 2012

The expierience in the past is missed-the present needs to be addressed. Teachers that have been w/ this school more than 4 years are begining to show frustration w/ the current leadership. Comments that are made in classroom & around campus by staff R not going unheard by students. The nurturing & encouragment is slipping away. Not much of a personal touch anymore being felt by children. If you have kids at this school, suggest you ask lots of questions about their day, especially if you work full time. Think you will be suprised at what they don't freely tell you on day to day basis. The things I'm hearing &seeing are that of a millitant school environment. Kids feel they R constantly repremanded for even a whisper in halls. I used to appreciate professionalism amoung staff& administration - Not pleased w/that since August 2012. The scores R great, approach, very dry, & too structured. Newer teachers appear to burn out quickly. Board is complete waste of time- limit parent input as 2 not answer/address issues. Students & staff turning over is ignored. Hoping someone will fix 4 future. No accountability here- Wish best 2 those who stay. U need new board & administration!

Posted: October 29, 2012

So far we have been pleased with Choices in Learning. The school has quality teachers and curriculum. The only complaint I have is that some of the front desk staff are very unprofessional and have even brought a parent to tears for asking a simple question. This is very strange considering the rest of the staff is very caring. If you have any questions, you are much better off emailing the teacher.

Posted: August 18, 2012

I have two kids here, both since kindergarten. Teachers are excellent, there is turnover, and the teachers are mostly younger, but we have seen this as an advantage, as the newer teachers sometimes bring creativity not thought of. Recently problems seem to have started with the new principal, and the move to the new school. There has been an increase in traffic, and an unwillingness from the administration and board to work with parents. Most immediate problems seem to be related to the board and administrations inability to consider the schools needs as it moved to the new location. The board is poorly organized, and seems more comfortable working as removed from scrutiny as possible. Their rules on how they operate don't seem to exist and information to parents is sketchy. Their meeting agendas are not published, nor are the minutes, the chairman usually arrives with them in hand. If it weren't for the teachers, and the excellent teaching program, my kids would move...and still might. Talk to people before joining this school.

Posted: August 13, 2012

We are so excited to be at Choices! I am very impressed with the school, the Principal, its teachers, the philosophy and the overall environment. Education is of utmost importance, and it is such a great alternative to public school without the cost of a private education. It is very well run, and I am impressed with how involved the parents are in the school. Uniforms are great and the new building is just wonderful. I highly recommend Choices in Learning.

Posted: July 8, 2012

The person who posted on June 11, 2012 is completely misinformed and ignorant to all of the hard work and dedication put into CIL by the teachers, principals, and positive parents. Any person involved in our school knows that that review is inaccurate. No child has ever been discriminated against based on race, culture, or religion. Racism is NOT taught or modeled at our school and you are obviously a negative person who didn't get accepted (out of a waiting list of over 400 students) so you feel that you need to get revenge in a very childlike manner - 'claiming' to be a teacher at CIL and posting a slanderous comment. As a teacher at CIL, I know first hand that we put our heart and souls into our profession and spend unlimited time focused on the achievement and success of each student in our class. Therefore I am offended that you would make such a ridiculous comment when in actuality, this school has a positive environment for children with high expectations for students of all abilities. Please focus your energy on your child instead of spreading negativity.

Posted: June 14, 2012

The school is absolutely phenomenol. I am glad to see those who are displeased leaving so to make room for parents who can appreciate the school for all the great things it has to offer. No school is perfect, good luck to those seeking to find that elsewhere.

Posted: June 8, 2012

I have a family filled with teachers and we have all been impressed by my daughters progress at CIL. Ms Dickerman was a great teacher and we can't wait to go back! The extra activities available after school were run well and very reasonably priced. The only drawback was being on the wait list until we could get into aftercare, but once my daughter was in they did sign language, spanish, the older kids helped with homework, etc.

Posted: June 3, 2012

Wow- some of these reviews are a little harsh. I guess it's all what you make it. I love this school, the administration and the teachers. My son has been attending since kindergarten and I am thankful he has such an amazing enviornment to learn and grow. His teachers have been extremely caring and set high standards. I'm responsible for raising my son, not the school. The school is responsible for his education. They teach with passion and excellence

Posted: May 26, 2012

I love this school! The staff is incredibly dedicated to educating children, as our test scores have shown. We strive to be the best school we can be by challenging our students, motivating them to do their best at all times, and by having them set goals for themselves. We educated children from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, second language learners, to gifted and talented. CIL is a wonderful place to work! It is a school of choice and many parents choose to send their children there because of its record of success.

Posted: May 11, 2012

CIL used to be a great school, but over the last 1-2 years I have not been pleased. Not just me, but my daughters have not been pleased. They are a prime example of "too smart/organized" for thier own good!" So glad my daughter will not be returning next year. Their rules are just way out of hand and they are not friendly. It's a shame a school with so much promise lose what matters most....care!! I would like to name one teacher in particular who is EXCELLENT...Mrs. Thompson...I wish more teachers were like her.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Groves	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Port Orange	FL	33 mi
2	LPGA International	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Daytona Beach	FL	35 mi
3	Opal Hill	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Daytona Beach	FL	35.5 mi

Base	Distance
Orlando Naval Base	9.3 mi.
Cape Canaveral Air Station	44.5 mi.

Choices In Learning Charter School

Winter Springs, FL 32708

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Choices In Learning Charter School

Winter Springs, FL 32708

School Ratings

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