During the admissions process, our son was evaluated by student peers who provided facility with feedback about his mannerisms, maturity, and personal opinions of him. The school boasts, “…brain-based multisensory learning that empowers students with language and learning differences…” It was not made clear if the students providing facility with their assessments of our son received specialized training or possess other credentials to legitimately form an educated opinion (in our case, a make-or-break opinion) for a student with “learning differences” and disabilities that limit his ability to respond to social cues. A week after his final shadow visit at Pinnacle Academy, the administration informed us he was not accepted partially based on the escorting students’ opinions that he was immature. She added that a teacher and other students reportedly heard him cursing in a classroom. Yet when he was escorted to my car by faculty and I inquired about his day, she reported everything went well. If the allegation was true, facility failed to report the incident to us and failed to correct him in class. Our suspicion is that Pinnacle Academy takes advantage of their ability to handpick students to fit their mold and help inflate numbers – similar to the culture of the Manatee County School District. While our son was excited about the potential to attend Pinnacle because of the small class sizes and “petting zoo,” we were unsure how their practical applications aligned with their advertised theories based on conversations with the administration. Nonetheless, we continued the process because we allowed his enthusiasm to trump our apprehension. Sometimes you’re better off being told “No.”

I'm a former student, and all I can say is that it's alright, but not the best education you'll be getting. You will get better friends and education at other private schools. So if you want to have a successful future, maybe don't consider this your first choice.

Our son has attended Pinnacle for a year and we have seen such a difference in him. He has made friends and feels like he fits in and enjoyed learning in the small class setting. He has improved and learned so much from the amazing staff.

My son always comes home with knowledge and information that I actually never knew! It's a joy driving home hearing about his day.. This school is such a blessing

Pinnacle Academy is the BEST! Our biggest regret is that we didn’t move our daughter sooner! She has thrived this past year beyond our expectations and is thrilled to go to school every day!