Plato Academy Charter School

Posted: May 28, 2025

My child started at Plato in 4th grade & will be going into 7th grade this next school year. We've found Plato Clearwater to be, a great school, a higher expectation in both education & as children growing and learning about personal responsibility, and the like. The teachers have all been tuned in, while holding the kids to a higher standard, they're continuing to nurture them & keep them engaged & "talking". Whether it's getting them excited about a science experiment or even celebrating progress the student(s) have made in a certain subject. Celebrating big and little wins. They can earn points, for dress down pass every now and again &/or have cotton candy, or a pizza party, they're certainly plenty to keep them interested in doing well & proud of hard work, as a whole. They also, offer so many opportunities for different sports, Varsity & J.V (depending on what grade the kids are in.), several different sports all year round. Additionally, they have other extracurricular activities that aren't necessarily sports or athletic. Like Battle of the books which is exactly like it sounds they have a very active parent-teacher organization and all in all I think it's a great school. They seen to be always striving for any parent feedback when & if a change is needed just to start updated and fresh with their students, teachers & administration, as a whole. PAC does still have a smaller school, family atmosphere, although it's not necessarily so small, I feel it still has held on to that familial, friendly feel, which is really nice, for the students & parents alike, of course. I am grateful that we did find Plato & I would absolutely recommend it to others looking for a great school, offering definitely an above average education, and much more!
We're very happy there, that's for sure.

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Great place to work! Supportive leadership, amazing team, and a positive school culture that truly values staff and students. A rewarding and inspiring environment!

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: March 31, 2025

Posted: August 9, 2024

Absolutely no care for students, no care for academics, and regularly condescending to any adult who questions them. Don’t send your kids here

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: August 9, 2024

Posted: December 20, 2022

I had two different children attend this school. Both children were bullied and mistreated by the staff as well. The principal of this location is a snobby lady that does nothing to help the students. Her responses are short and snarky, even in person. I have now transferred both of my children out of Plato Academy schools all together. Never again will I have to step foot in one of their facilities. Stay FAR FAR away from Plato Academy Clearwater.

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: May 22, 2018

They only work with good students, once the student shows struggle they will do their best to kick them out of yje school. Spending more than 10 years of my life in the medical field, that is one of the most devastating experience I ever been through for my daughter.

Posted: May 22, 2018

Struggling students will feel disrespected and ignorant

Posted: May 22, 2018

Complete absence of leadership but if you pay them money they will be good to you.

Posted: May 22, 2018

They give up on students very quickly despite paying and buying them gifts

Posted: May 22, 2018

Complete absence when it comes to this topic which I think one of the situations that has to be taken very seriously nowadays.

Posted: May 22, 2018

One of the worst experiences I ever been to since I been in the United States. You will feel that the whole education system is corrupted. Paying money is the easiest way to get through your problems.

Posted: May 22, 2018

They gave too much homework which is good; students work hard home also.

Posted: November 24, 2017

Posted: November 24, 2017

Posted: November 24, 2017

Posted: November 24, 2017

Posted: November 24, 2017

Posted: November 24, 2017

Posted: November 24, 2017

My experience with this school is totally negative. The principal is unfriendly and rude. She is disrespectful to students and staff. Do not send your children here. The high school is attached and these students curse and fight and cause problems for the younger students. Do not go to t his school

Posted: August 2, 2016

Posted: August 2, 2016

Posted: August 2, 2016

Posted: August 2, 2016

Great school. Our second grader had an amazing year. Mrs. Rush was his teacher and I do not have enough superlatives to describe her hard work and dedication to the children. He could not wait to go to school every day and his results were excellent.

Posted: June 10, 2016

There is an element of "hard work" about this school because of the homework assignments which aren't really that bad. I have 3 grandchildren who attend the Clearwater school. I would much rather they have the extra school work than not...they must learn that education is important and that they have a responsibility to learn all they can. There is so much more to learn these days than when I was in school. The teachers are really good. They seem to care about each student and whether or not they succeed. The kids love school and enjoy their projects and classmates. Its like a big family. We are so lucky to have the opportunity that Superior schools had provided for an enhanced education for the kids.

Posted: June 10, 2016

They are effective. The kids respect them, want to do well for them and genuinely care for them.

Posted: June 10, 2016

Most kids are already honest fair and have integrity. Its learned behavior that causes them to be dishonest, unfair and have no integrity. All the school does is reinforce the positive without suppressing the child.

Posted: June 10, 2016

Electives suck
Classroom are the size of a bedroom.
Teacher morale is low due to constant fear of being fired.

Posted: August 23, 2015

Plato Academy is a small school where children and families get to know each other and feel like a community. The schools each build slowly so that growth is carefully calculated and planned for maximum success. My daughter has attended Plato Saint Petersburg for VPK and Kindergarten and is already reading at a 2nd Grade mid-year level. She can easily complete 1st and 2nd Grade math tasks. She reports loving school and cannot wait to go back every Monday. One of the very best things about Plato is the after school program where children can participate in clubs like Yoga, Chess, and Kickball, etc. The annual All Pro Dad's 4 day camping trip to Fort Wilderness unites all Plato families and campuses in a fun, unforgettable memory making experience to be unrivaled in community and spirit building. Friendships are easily made beyond the walls of the school. Strong academics and strong family engagement are a formula for success! If you enjoy a high level of communication from your child's teacher and feeling like a welcomed and valued member of the school community - Plato is for you! - Happy Parent

Posted: August 23, 2015

Posted: August 23, 2015

Posted: August 23, 2015

There is a strong emphasis on good character at Plato. Children enjoy doing their best and are self-motivated.

Posted: May 7, 2014

Great school. I have one graduate and one who has attended for 7 years. The Clearwater school's building will move next year to a nearby newly built campus. I have always had great teachers for my kids. They communicate well with parents. Teachers who do not teach well do not keep their jobs. Kids have the opportunity to earn high school credit in middle school - 2 years of Greek language credit, as well as any FLVS extras (guitar, Spanish, for example) and higher level math courses. My oldest graduated with 4 high school credits. My youngest will likely graduate with 7 high school credits. The end of year class trip to Greece for both kids was awesome! Family atmosphere. Large air conditioned gym and playing fields out back. New building drawings look great!

Posted: April 18, 2014

Families are leaving this school due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. The management company owner has serious questions to answer and the teachers only teach to pass test scores. No real learning takes place.

Posted: April 8, 2014

My children attend Plato Academy Clearwater. My children love their teachers. They are given lots of homework but it is worth it in the long run. The teacher work with the kids that have difficulty with the lessons. They offer tutoring and RTI. The school offers plenty of after school activities. The principal knows all the students by name. The staff, administration and teachers are great in regards to communication. Parents are friendly. Kids are great. I LOVE BEING PART OF THE PLATO FAMILY!!

Posted: September 25, 2013

My kids school is plato academy in Seminole, Fl My kids love to go to school and i can tell they are improving everyday on school work.

Posted: August 28, 2013

They don't teach children much at school, it's all about homework. In school it's all about deterrence and discipline. Didn't see that kids are happy there. Restaurant owners and former telemarketing owner opened a business to make money. All they care is good result on FCAT so they can get more money from government. Your child there is a number. Wouldn't recommend to anybody...

Posted: August 22, 2013

We couldn't ask for a better kindergarten teacher for our 5 year old. Mrs. Badders at Clearwater Plato is amazing!

Posted: August 22, 2013

Our school is phenomenal in every way! The teachers are top notch and have a wide range of diversified backgrounds. We even have teachers from Greece that teach the students by using the Greek language that they have been learning since Pre-K. The school staff and administration are caring, experienced individuals that provide a safe, strict and loving environment for our children. The cultural education here cannot be found anywhere else. The results show that Plato is a top school in Florida and likely nationwide as well. The extracurricular activities are awesome. We are a very technologically advanced school where every student has an iPad or laptop or both! These kids (and their parents) love their school and are very successful. Great leadership, with impeccable results, provides an atmosphere that is not only safe and secure, but the best education you can obtain for your child. We are very grateful.

Posted: August 21, 2013

Plato Academy is great! Our school is small but mighty. We have very caring teachers and staff. The teachers are working very hard to help every student be successful learners as well as well rounded citizens. Our family loves the private school experience at a public school price. I am a very happy parent.

Posted: May 19, 2013

I have known Mrs Turro for several years now; she was my daughter's teacher at Plato CW; I can with certainty say there are few teachers as involved and caring for their students as Mrs Turro, ...I totally agree with the previous parent comment, instead of coming to a blog to be disrespectul to the school and to the principal; take some responsibility yourself for the situation; get involved....after all, its your child's education.

Posted: May 17, 2013

My Children Attend the Tarpon Springs Location: It's sad when I go through the reviews and see a negative comment about Plato Tarpon. To call out a principal by name is low. Honestly, if you do not care for the way Plato or the principal does things, you can do 1 of 2 things. Get involved with the PTO and make a difference or pull your kid out and send them to a public school(We'll be in greece(thanks to plato) while you are still waiting for your IPad in your new public school)) but don't whine online. Mrs. Turro shows up to every single Plato event(at the expense of her own family time, and that's because she cares). She knows her parents and children by name. I challenge anyone to know that many names. She is unable to give every parent 5 minutes during school hours because she is working. Do you believe she can stop everything during school hours because that time is good for you? Call and set a meeting, email her and if you do not get a response right away, then follow up till you do. That's the way big people do it. Oh yes and by the way the homework is not overkill, it's exactly why Plato is # 1! They expect more from the students, teachers and administrators.

Posted: February 5, 2013

My children attend the New Tarpon Springs Campus. Nothing is either ALL bad or ALL good. However, first and foremost 1) Security is nonexistent. In the beginning of the new school year, I expressed concerns aout the campus not having any security fences/gates or cameras. After the Newton Shooting, I began writing and expressing concerns to the principal. I have received 0 feedback or responses. This is very disconcerting, and security is a must! Tarpon Plato does not have any, and anyone entering campus has immediate access to the open 4th and 5th grade buildings. The lower grades are safer, as you have to pass the front office first, before accessing the kindergarden through 3rd grade. This is the first year for a new principal. Ms. Turro, manifests substandard interpersonal communication skills/social skills. Very unapproachable and unfriendly. Bottom line, my children aren't safe; administration needs to take corrective action ASAP. Now, secondly, the teachers have ALL been very kind,communicative, and supportive. So far, the homework is overkill for the lower grades, but solutions seem possible through parent-teacher communication. Coming from private school, it's a step down.

Posted: February 5, 2013

PLATO Tarpon springs: Board Members and the Superintedent should be ashamed of themselves for not doing more to protect our children, especially in the wake of recent school shootings. Their expectations are to create a challenging academic atmosphere. My expectations are to create a safe and loving environement, in which to teach our children. There is a 50% piece missing here. This campus needs a serious wake up call. To compromise our children's safety is quite frankly, unacceptable. Anyone thinking of sending their child to this campus, may want to do more research. Pinellas County School board should not allow a charter school to place our children in a potetially dangerous learning environement

Posted: October 2, 2012

Plato began as a school that taught Greek as a second language. It is extremely overcrowded, the halls at the Clearwater location were jammed with students, book bags and the bathrooms are insufficient. The extra curricular activities really comprise of after-school babysitting. Sadly, after 4th grade the school doesn't deliver like it used to. The teachers are doing their best with poor equipment and lack of space. God bless them.

Posted: August 14, 2012

My daughter attends the Seminole campus. The faculty and staff there are always happy to see every student. My daughter is going into 1st grade this year and I'm sure her experience this year will be as academically successful as last year!

Posted: May 21, 2012

My daughter attends the Seminole campus and being it's a new school I waited until the end of the school year to give my assessment . We moved to Florida a year ago and really researched the schools in the area. We were coming from a state and, more importantly, a school that had on average much higher academic standards than what I thought Florida had to offer. Plato has been a pleasant surprise. My daughter is in second grade and in the gifted program. She absolutely loves it. Her teachers (especially her second grade teacher) goes above and beyond my expectations of what I would consider a good educator. It's not all about academics at Plato. My daughter's teacher has done an amazing job helping her students to really care about one another and foster a sense of community while making sure each individual child's academic needs are being met. The principal is very approachable and you can tell she really cares about all the children. We feel so lucky to have found such an amazing place for our daughter.

Posted: March 5, 2012

Both of my children attend the Largo location, and I couldn't be happier. The staff is excellent, and everyone knows our names. The teachers are qualified and caring. The classes are equipped with state of the art teaching tools. The rooms are always clean, and the days run so smoothly. I don't know how they do it! 5 stars!

Posted: October 8, 2011

Great School. My son has learned a lot of new things. They really care for your children.

Posted: July 19, 2011

The Clearwater Plato campus is overcrowded. The elementary school education is good but not the middle school. The school administration is overseen by a for profit company and does not respond to parents. Too many decisions are being made by for profit company rather than the administration. Many good families have left the school. The school has expanded too fast and is loosing the good things it used to have. The language program is only 30 or 40 min per day and at a low level. There is no computer lab or classes/instruction but some grades have laptops in classroom. Most of the teachers are good but are pushed to teach totally to the FCAT test. I would guess that all public schools are like this. The school teaches to the middle/average student almost entirely. As you can tell by the two types of reviews on this site, there is a growing divide at the school.

Posted: June 20, 2011

Plato Academy is a charter school being offered to the public as one choice. Parents have the choice of many other charter schools, fundamentals, magnets, local public schools, or private schools. I am glad I had Plato as a choice. Believe me, I looked into all of the above for my kids. Plato has opened its doors to all children and strives to meet the needs of those students, low performing, average, and gifted, regardless of federal mandates. Plato consistently asks, "What do the kids need?" If it's tutoring, they get it. If it's enrichment, they get it. This happens in the classroom and via pull out services. Plato consistently asks, "How do we make learning fun?" The scores show the quality of the learning. Thank you to Plato, the staff and faculty, the Assistant Principal, Principal, and Superintendent, many of whom have their children at this school and are committed on a personal level in addition to a professional level. Thank you to the students who work hard, and families who work hard at home to make the learning happen. Anyone who disagrees with this assessment of the school, please consider your other options.

Posted: June 17, 2011

(Post continued June 18, 2011) There are other goals, too. Educators are excellent listeners & when necessary, can find a way to respond swiftly if something needs to be improved. Overall, they respond to feedback and implement change asap. This is a dynamic, growing and successful school. Plato families are very blessed. It is a free education; a private school atmosphere paid for with public school dollars - indeed a best use of our tax dollars. The superintendent is a businessman wise enough to hire educators to run the school without glitz or glitter. Highly credentialed & experienced educators hold key roles as Vice Principal & Principal - not to mention an in-house Gifted program. It resulted spontaneously as highly gifted students - were drawn to Plato Academy. These gifted young persons have an in-house place to expand their thinking. Of course, there is ample tutoring for all learners in all subjects. Hence, this all wraps up to a solid framework for success: fiscal strength & excellent educators placed in leading & teaching roles. I would hope to hear more feedback from faculty. I would like to see faculty verbalizing their feelings. They need to be happy, too.

Posted: June 16, 2011

We are very frustrated with overcrowding in this school. Where is the Florida DOE oversight? PCSB Board Members endorse this school? Our school pays the management company 14% of gross tuition plus a growing "deferred compensation debt" each year; and we expect a clean, healthy and robust learning environment for our children. But instead, we're getting 342 elementary and middle school students plus a growing number of Pre-K students in one facility with two bathrooms. Our eyes are open and the research is chilling!

Posted: May 22, 2011

If your children attend Plato then you know how wonderful this program is. My children are not only learning, they are becoming well balanced kids who are part of a family at Plato. The teachers create such a mentally stimulating atmosphere that our kids are eager to learn, read, discover and grow. Homework is not a chore but an extension of what they learned that day and they are excited to share their homework assignments with us. The staff maintain their professionalism while making our kids feel like their are their own and when I celebrate their successes both small and large, their teachers are celebrating with me. The parents of Plato have chosen the road less traveled and there is a reason--our children do not go with the flow, they determine the direction of the flow because they are leaders. This is all because of the brilliant minds of the staff who I feel honored to have inspiring my children.

Posted: May 8, 2011

The school's record speaks for itself. We agree that all three Plato Academy schools are in some need of renovations but all 3 are maintained super clean and all 3 have extensive renovations scheduled pending the final negotiations with their landlords. Plato is not known for its high cost facilities as the other public schools. Plato has chosen to place primary importance to the academic and social development program. Also, there is no strip club in back of the playground. There is a Holiday Inn Hotel but the school is separated by a solid 6 foot fence from the hotel's parking lot. The attempts to injure the Plato schools are spiteful and most likely are born out of malice and questionable motives. Again, verify for yourself. It would be more appropriate to thank the Superintendent for providing ALL of the below referenced dynamic software company products for FREE to the Plato schools. Where is the conflict of interest? Also, where is the fault if the Superintendent funds PERSONALLY the opening of additional schools in order to accommodate the existing 1650 students on the Plato wait lists. Can we say thank-you to him instead wrongful and malicious accusations?

Posted: May 8, 2011

Fabulous!!!!! Where else will a student tell you the FCAT was easy. These children are prepared, challanged and held accountable. There is no sliding by here.

Posted: April 28, 2011

Surprised is not rating at 5 stars. Have two kids at Plato. One in middle , one in elementary. Both are challenged and motivated by teachers. Coming from private where I was paying over $15,0000 and not getting half of what Plato offers I feel VERY BLESSED for having being accepted into the Plato family.

Posted: April 28, 2011

THIS SCHOOL IS EXCELLENT! I'm very please with the academic this school provided for my child. coming from a private school and not getting the same education for a no cost you can't ask for more. I love the fact that they have plenty of homework, they challenge the kids, and have them do problem solving is a plus. Some people might not like the adminstrative, but I think they doing a great job providing us the best teacher and putting a high standard for our kids. I can't ask for more and I'm very BLESSED to be part of Plato family!

Posted: April 27, 2011

Plato Academy is an amazing school. We have been so pleased with the teachers and the administrators. Our child loves the school. Plato provides individualized attention to each student and the academics are phenomenal. Our child is reading and doing math problems at least a grade level above her existing grade. We love the school and would not want our child anywhere else. :)

Posted: March 2, 2011

Plato Academy Palm Harbor is a new school this year, but what an amazing school. The administration is helpful and responsive, they are personable and accessible. The teachers are wonderful. The school's environment has become like a community where all the teachers know all the students names. It has accountability and results written all over it! I have two children that attend there and we are very happy. It is a great school and I feel like this opportunity to have my children attend there is a gift. We are very lucky. The school administration has an inspired attitude to create schools in Florida that will educate and enbolden my children in a way that makes me think anything is possible. College? :-)

Posted: February 15, 2011

I am a parent of a student that has been at Plato Academy for the 3rd year now. I could not be happier, especially since we were on the waiting list for over four years. The strength of staff and administrators has made me feel at ease, knowing that my child's best interests are first priorty. The small class sizes with attention to detail from discipline to academics provides an all around life lesson of education. Since becoming a Plato family member and a prior public school mom, I know my child recieves a better overall experience each and everyday.

Posted: February 12, 2011

As a staff member of Plato Academy, I (as well as many of my fellow teachers) am not happy!!! We were promised the world and given nothing. Oh we did get a laptop, but I had one at home. Pay is not good (better if you are a public school) insurance I cannot even afford or I do not have a paycheck and NO SUPPORT from administration both principals and superintendent. God help us if more schools open because this is not a good place for children or teachers,