Sunlake Academy of Math and Science in Lutz

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	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	8/10	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: September 15, 2025

This school is miserable and the students here are racist bullies. Everyday, there is something new. Not the typical bullying you think, but the type where some kid takes your childs homemade lunch, and stomps on it. The teachers here are miserable and condescending, brushing off these incidents like they dont matter. While the school does have counseling, nothing can change the way the administrators handle these situations. Its honestly disappointing. I do not recommend any parent to bring their child here as it is a k-8 school, and all the new kids serve as easy targets.

Posted: September 15, 2025

Posted: September 9, 2025

this school is great, so engaging and safe.

Posted: September 9, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

We love Sunlake! My son is in 1st grade. The teachers at SAMS are experts in their fields and care about the students. They encourage questions and creative problem-solving. It's a supportive environment where students easily get help from teachers and other students. Communication is great .

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: March 16, 2025

I've been a parent at this school since 2017/2018 when it opened. The administration, teaches and PTSO work hard everyday to provide a fantastic environment for the student. The hands on collaborative learning engages students and helps them learn in a fun and friendly environment. The school clubs incuding music, art, robotics, athletics and more have something for everyone. Extremely happy that we rode the waves of the first two years to see this through. This school is the best elem/middle school. Highly recommend!

Posted: March 16, 2025

Posted: March 12, 2025

We love the teachers and both of our children are thriving and look forward to every school day!

Posted: March 12, 2025

The school is fantastic for our child who started in K. We love to see them grow with the Ravens. One area of improvement to be made school wide would be to be Sustainably focused and embrace Technology a bit more when it comes to this. For example I see too many permission slips (field trips, health screenings, special testing notices, student packets annually) - there are probably thousands of students throughout the entire school. These forms should be delivered electronically from the Admin office or Teachers to the students via eSignature platform. They are legally bound agreements, sustainable for our planet and are more secure when it comes to tracing signature back (no lost permission slips nor need to confirm receipt). Another highlight to add is that through Docusign for example, payments can even be accepted to cover fees: ie field trip costs, or other payments due.

PLEASE STOP WASTING PAPER

Posted: March 12, 2025

Posted: March 11, 2025

I researched 30 schools when selecting a school for my son to begin 1st grade last year. Sunlake was the absolute best choice. The principal and vps are incredible and have the school running like a well-oiled machine. They are out helping in car line for both pick up & drop off and are a cohesive team. The school has been great about 504 accommodations for my son and the teachers go the extra mile. All of the parents Ive met are lovely and not pretentious. We will happily remain at Sunlake through 8th grade:)

Posted: March 11, 2025

Fantastic Teachers and Admin,
Love the small school feel.
Wish it went through high school!

Posted: March 11, 2025

We absolutely love Sunlake Academy. The teachers and staff are dedicated, caring, and go above and beyond to support the students. The learning environment is safe, inclusive, and engaging. Our child has grown academically and socially, and we couldnt be happier with the education they are receiving. We highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a supportive and high-quality learning experience!

Posted: March 11, 2025

My son has been going to Sunlake since the first year it opened when he was in 1st grade. He is now in 8th grade and still loves it. He has learned so much and had such great opportunities. I would recommend it to anyone.

Posted: March 11, 2025

Posted: March 10, 2025

It would be nice if kids were not group based on testing levels as kids are missing out on the interaction! Plus the same group of kids are together so if you have kids that are loud and do not listen to the teachers it hinders the students that do great in the classroom but no so well on testing!

Posted: March 10, 2025

A Truly Exceptional Educational Experience!

I am absolutely delighted with Sunlake Academy of Math and Science! The school's focus on STEM education has provided my child with a solid foundation in math and science, preparing them for future success.
Exceptional Teachers and Staff

The teachers and staff at Sunlake Academy are dedicated, passionate, and truly care about each student's progress. They create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages students to explore, learn, and grow.
Rigorous Academics and Extracurricular Opportunities

The curriculum is challenging yet engaging, with a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. From robotics and coding clubs to sports teams and art programs, there's something for everyone.
Nurturing Environment and Sense of Community

What impresses me most is the school's commitment to fostering a sense of community. Students, teachers, and parents all work together to create a positive, supportive atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome and valued.
Highly Recommend!

If you're looking for a school that will challenge, inspire, and nurture your child, look no further than Sunlake Academy of Math and Science. We feel fortunate to be part of this wonderful educational community!

Posted: March 10, 2025

We have been so happy with this school. They offer advance classes in middle school and the teachers are phenomenal! The school has a great community with after school activities and events. We love it!

Posted: March 10, 2025

Great school, with multiple families activities to keep everyone engaged and specially to allow parents feel part of the learning team. The school have great staff lead by their principal who is always around.

Posted: March 10, 2025

Sunlake Academy of Math and Science is a place where educators go above and beyond to ensure students receive a high-quality, engaging education. The staff actively integrates modern teaching strategies, including project-based learning, hands-on experiences, and real-world applications, making lessons both meaningful and memorable. They encourage students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and take ownership of their learning.

Posted: March 10, 2025

At Sunlake Academy, the learning experience is nothing short of excellent. The teachers provide lessons that are carefully designed to captivate students imaginations and spark a love for knowledge. The teachers bring enthusiasm and expertise to their classrooms. The curriculum is not only intellectually stimulating but also enriching, helping students develop both academically and personally.

The community at the school is truly special, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The school fosters a positive environment where kindness, respect, and collaboration are at the core of daily interactions. Families are actively involved, and there's a strong sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

Posted: March 10, 2025

I really love everything about the school, the teachers are very approachable, there are so many options for clubs and sports, and this school has a very hands on principal and administration. We are very blessed to be a part of the Sunlake Academy of Math and Science family.

Posted: March 10, 2025

Principal and her team are doing great work every day!

Posted: March 10, 2025

Posted: January 27, 2025

Academics are great at Sunlake. Students tend to perform well for state testing and manage to learn a little extra outside of that. The school is a safe place and I dont worry about school violence. I have found that the experience for Black families can be challenging. Sunlake is definitely one of those schools that elevates the same type of kids for sports, student of the month and honor society. Ive had to have so many conversations with my children about why they are NEVER chosen despite their grades, great behavior and leadership qualities. Unfortunately in 2025 safety is everything in schools so thats what keeps my kids at a a school like Sunlake.

Posted: January 27, 2025

Posted: August 14, 2024

Great school. Teachers are very good and supportive. Im so glad I was able to my son in to this school.

Posted: August 14, 2024

Posted: April 20, 2023

If you are deciding to put your kids in this charter school, then you are surely making a right choice.

I am writing this as a parent of a student who has been in this school since kindergarten and now a fourth grader.

The teachers are knowledgeable, kind and supportive of the students.
The administrative staff is wonderful.
Special shout out to the Principal Dr. Moore, Vice Principal Mr. Wilson, Vice Principal Ms. Kupcik.

The Principal Dr. Moore is an amazing, action oriented and fair lady who satisfies the parents by listening to their complaints and taking the necessary action.

Similarly Vice Principals Mr. Wilson and Ms. Kupcik are always there to help and guide the students and the parents.They create a safe and secured environment.

All three of them form a wonderful co-ordinated and hardworking team.

An added bonus is that the school arranges field trips to exciting places. Your kid will surely thrive here

Posted: April 20, 2023

Posted: January 21, 2021

My son is in kindergarten this year at Sunlake, and we could not be happier. After carefully touring and researching all of the charter school options in the area, we chose Sunlake. Why? Probably the biggest reason is the principal, Dr. Moore, is a fantastic leader. Far above all of the other principals I've encountered in my tours. Her background and leadership are impressive and give me high hopes for the future. This is her second year there, and I believe all things will only continue to excel/improve with her leadership. I believe the drama that happened in the 2018/2019 school year (under a former principal) greatly hindered Sunlake's progress as a new school and reputation in the community, and she is fighting and will win in making Sunlake the obvious top choice in charter schools in the area within a short time. The second reason we chose Sunlake is that there is a possibility of a high school in the future. Although this is not guaranteed, if enrollment stays high, this is a real possibility, and one that we are willing to take a risk on, as we'd love to see our kids have the continuity of K-12 education. The third reason we love Sunlake is that they are implementing the Cambridge program, which is internationally recognized academic program. I love the core values of Cambridge, and although it is the beginning stages of implementation, I forsee and hope that in the future it will be a strong directive for all classes, and a fantastic option in the possible high school years. In addition to these three main reasons, I also love the brand new (and therefore very SAFE) facilities. The classrooms are so much bigger and brighter than any other I've seen. And I love that they wear uniforms. In addition to these broad categories, my son's experience with his teachers this year has been phenomenal. As a normal six-year-old boy who loves to be moving and playing outside, I did find it surprising that he LOVES everything about school. He absolutely adores his teachers. He is motivated to learn. I am very impressed with his progress in reading and writing. Which reminds me of one more unique aspect of Sunlake...they do form classes based on ability. While everyone is not a fan of this, I love that he is grouped with kids of his same learning speed so that they all can move at the same pace, and in my opinion, accomplish so much more. We love Sunlake!

Posted: January 21, 2021

Posted: February 25, 2020

Yes every week kids bring homework at home .

Posted: February 25, 2020

amazing Teachers . They care about their student. Great communication

Posted: February 25, 2020

The school has some strict rules which I think is good for discipline.

Posted: February 25, 2020

the staff is great doing their best to mange the school.

Posted: February 25, 2020

Extremely happy with the school,great teachers and staff, I saw such a big improvement in my daughters independent reading ability.

Posted: February 24, 2020

Very positive, satisfying and above our expectations from a school. The quality of teachers, the attention and concern of teachers for students, focus on learning and very capable and experienced administration makes SAMS the best choice for my kid for last 2 years.

Posted: February 24, 2020

We have had an amazing experience At Sunlake Academy.

Posted: February 24, 2020

I dont have any first hand experience

Posted: February 24, 2020

My son has had 2 years that have been better than we could have hoped at SAMS! Great teachers who care and truly get to know their students, administrators this year who are supportive and forward thinking, and a community of parents who are involved and working together with administration and staff for the best outcomes. We highly recommend!

Posted: February 24, 2020

Posted: January 10, 2020

Sunlake Academy is a great school! My kids love it here!

Posted: August 19, 2019

Most teachers are fantastic. My kids have loved every teacher.

Posted: August 19, 2019

For the most part, yes. However I think there could be a better, school-wide cohesive effort.

Posted: August 19, 2019

New principal is amazing. She's got it together, am looking forward to a fantastic year!

Posted: August 19, 2019

Thumbs up on this - I feel as though the school does a great job proactively addressing the bullying before it happens. There are occasions with various incidents and I think the school is working to develop best practices.

Posted: August 19, 2019

FANTASTIC! I can not wait to see how this school emerges from the damaging and overstepping parental mishap of last year.

Posted: August 19, 2019

Homework load leaves room for a balanced childhood.

Posted: June 4, 2019

Would never send my children back to a CSA school.

Posted: May 6, 2019

Current principal is very ineffective with very poor leadership skills. Last years principal was phenomenal and is no longer there. There will be a new principal coming in for next year. The assistant principal left and so did the dean of students. Major red flags! Very poor communication skills amongst staff and parents from administration.

Posted: May 6, 2019

Have no clue how to follow an IEP. Again no communication!

Posted: May 6, 2019

My child was bullied 4 times during the school year and nothing was ever addressed sadly!

Posted: May 6, 2019

Horrible! My advise to anyone considering Sunlake is if you love your kids run as fast as you can away from there! Very poor education! Many of the formal students who attended Sunlake previously who were in advanced classes were very behind academically when transferred to pubic school.

Posted: May 6, 2019

Many teachers are not certified. There has been a lot of teacher turnover this year- 21 teachers as a matter of fact! Lots of substitute teachers.

Posted: May 6, 2019

Posted: April 30, 2019

My son is in 6th grade at Sunlake, and it has by far been his best school year! I am amazed how well he has done, and he can actually go to school without crying every morning. The 6th grade team has been absolutely amazing with him. I thank God everyday for Sunlake academy. Love the school and the teachers are so special!!!

Posted: April 30, 2019

This is our first year at Sunlake, and this year has by far been my son's best school year! I am amazed how well he has done, and he can actually go to school without crying every morning. The 6th grade team has been absolutely amazing with him. I thank God everyday for Sunlake academy. Love the school and the teachers are so very special!!!

Posted: April 30, 2019

Posted: April 22, 2019

Bad, I regret switching my child to this school from their old school

Posted: April 22, 2019

Posted: April 17, 2019

Homework does little to add value. Only pads grades for false sense of accomplishment. True idea of success is with tests.

Posted: April 17, 2019

High teacher turnover and poor communication in between has made teachers ineffective.

Posted: April 17, 2019

There is a large disconnect between faculty, staff and families. Leadership is poor at responding to parents. Parent volunteers do not know their boundaries and leak information and leadership dies nothing to manage this.?

Posted: April 17, 2019

Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I expected a more challenging environment year 1. The curriculum was terrible and it reflected it the classroom and test scores. Year two curriculum was much improved with new leadership in that area however the organization and overall internal structure of the school not to mention problematic parents and high teacher turnover makes it an undesirable learning facility.

Posted: April 17, 2019

2nd year at SAMS. My kids love going to school here. My kids are very happy and thriving and in turn makes me happy! Yes there have been some bumps... that you will have at other schools as well. I believe and have witnessed that much of the problems come from some parents thinking that the rules and policies don't apply to them and their kids. They feel like their issues are so much more important than anyone else and instead of going through the protocol in place they want to tell you about how they are lawyers or their cousin is a lawyer and threaten everyone with a lawsuit! Get over yourself! Glad alot of those are gone! Like a breath of fresh air to walk through the school and campus and not have to roll my eyes so much any more! BYE! As for the parents and students that will be staying and remaining there, we are glad to get rid of the dead weight! Now my kids are able to actually listen to direction from teachers without being interrupted by the entitled parents' kids being all entitled that they could do whatever they want in class cause their parents will blame the teacher instead of their child. Of course their child does no wrong... yeah right! Yes the school could always use some improvements its without say. Communications problems at times cause alot of confusion and frustrations but have gotten much better. The sports are great and the teachers have been fantastic from what we have experienced. We will continue to call SAMS home!

Posted: April 10, 2019

We have had a great experience in the past 2 years at Sunlake. Being a new school, there are going to be bumps in the road. The most important thing is how your school has handled the bumps and moved forward. It is unfortunate when parents use social media to bash the school because they didn't get their way, or didn't like the way things were handled. Its a Charter school, so if you don't like it, you can leave. And for those parents who continue to bash the school even after they've left, get a life and move on. Social media is intended for positive communication and support for parents, not bashing.

Posted: April 10, 2019

This is our 2nd year at Sunlake. We are very happy with the middle school. Its small and that has many benefits. Teachers are dedicated and I feel my son is getting a good education. We are happy we chose Sunlake!
A few bumps in the road as its new but I have no doubt they will overcome those.

The sports offered include Flag Fball, Basketball, Soccer, Track and new this year Street Hockey. A lot of activities.
My son plays all.

Posted: April 9, 2019

New school, trying to improve, great teachers, our kids love the school

Posted: April 9, 2019

We have been lucky enough to have our child enrolled the last two years and look forward to next year. I see a lot of negative reviews so Im going to give it to you straight. Most of the negative reviews are misguided and unfounded. This is a charter school and its your choice to come here. You know the rules and expectations. Particularly regarded the dress code. The dress code is a rule/policy. If you dont like that they are strict, its your problem. So, any complaint regarding dress code has zero relevance. I see some regarding the car line. It does take time to drop off and pick up your children. However, a lot of parents dont know how to or in my opinion refuse to follow the process for dropping off. Some
parents feel entitled and try to park and walk their children in. After doing so, they cause unnecessary traffic in the third lane. In reality that lane should never be used because you should be in line like everyone else. Drop off is from 7:20-8:00. I would say drop off should be widen to between 7-8 in my opinion. That should eliminate any complaints here.

Our teachers have been great and have no complaints. If you are entitled and think the rules dont apply, please take your bs someplace else.

Posted: April 9, 2019

We have had an AMAZING experience for the past 2 years. My boys thrive here academically and are held to high standards with their peers.

Posted: April 9, 2019

Very satisfied with the school & teachers.

Posted: April 9, 2019

We have had a very positive experience at this school. Both my children love the teachers and staff. They are challenged academically and continue to do well.

Posted: April 9, 2019

Its a really good school. My two kiddos love it. You just have to put up with all the social media drama by a small group of adults who are very vocal and negative. They must not work and have nothing better to do than to complain and criticize. So sad. They would be better off directing that energy towards helping their children be successful or leaving. After all, it is a school of choice. Your kiddos will love Sunlake Academy.

Posted: April 9, 2019

Its been a great experience for my children. They have made significant gains and love the school so that makes me happy.

Posted: March 14, 2019

My children enjoy the school and all it has to offer. We have been at Sunlake since it opened and have had nothing but great experiences.

Posted: March 14, 2019

Posted: March 13, 2019

We had a good experience the first year, yes there were some bumps in the road, but overall, we were very happy with the school. This year has been challenging. Agreed some teachers left for personal reasons but most of them left because of lack of support from admin and CSA.
Teachers do their best(with the limited support and resources) to provide a good quality education to the students. Absolutely love and respect the teachers!

The entitled parents at this school is one of the biggest reasons the school is failing. The admins and CSA's unwillingness to fix issues and provide support is very disheartening.

Posted: March 13, 2019

Teachers to their best to provide a quality education(with limited resources and support) to the students. All of them are truly amazing.

Posted: March 13, 2019

Most students are very respectful to the teachers and staff. Others think they are entitled. Teachers cannot teach respect or compassion it's the parents job.

Posted: March 7, 2019

The amount of homework is reasonable. Most is online work through the MobyMax platform.

Posted: March 7, 2019

Overall we've had strong capable teachers. One is poorly placed and her position does not match her skill set.

Posted: March 7, 2019

There are a lot of good kids at SAMS, but credit for those children does not fall with the school. As alluded to above, the school's behavior system is not enforced to tamp down on bullying or disruptive behavior. Instead, teachers are fired without cause, kids are moved to other classes, and the problems continue. A school cannot develop strong character and integrity or respect when it fails to model these attributes through the fair and consistent application of its own behavior code. Kids know they won't face consequences for the behavior; teachers have no support from administration when they remove disruptive individuals from class; so the school chews through teachers at an alarming rate.

Posted: March 7, 2019

There has been a complete breakdown in communication between parents and administration in 2018-19. Across the board, parent's emails are not responded to. Parents must rely on Facebook & personal text messages to relay information on all matters, big and small--from teacher hiring/firings; restructuring an entire grade; to picture day. Despite constant clamoring and complaints on this failure, the complete breakdown in communication continues to go unresolved. More troubling is the way administration appears to cater to select families by failing to follow the school's policies and placement protocol. All other voices are disregarded.

Posted: March 7, 2019

SAMS is a charter school. It has no budget for support staff to cater to special needs students. If your child has learning/behavioral disabilities, this school is not equipped to support him/her. That said, the school does not turn away kids with disabilities, and lack of support does not stop parents' expectations that their children will be accommodated. What ends up happening is classroom teachers are overwhelmed, often required to divert instructional time to deal with the special needs of a handful of kids.

Posted: March 7, 2019

Again, the school does not consistently follow its own behavioral code. If a bully happens to claim disability, the school will not expel the student out of fear of litigation.

Posted: March 7, 2019

SAMS has only been open 2 years. The first, we experienced some bumps in the road, but overall, I was very happy with the education my child received. This year has been as far from that experience as I can possibly imagine. In good conscience, I cannot recommend this school to anyone based on the systemic problems I've witnessed this year and the school's (and CSA its controlling corporation) inability or unwillingness to correct these fundamental breakdowns within the organization.

Posted: February 13, 2019

My child is currently a student at Sunlake Academy and he will not be ready for the rigor of high school. Sunlake does offer high school level classes, but does not set students up for success. Do your research of test scores and reviews of other schools in the state of Florida, run by Charter School Associates. In the spring of 2018, 9 of 23 SAMS students did not pass the Algebra FSA. The students have little homework and the school does not set high expectations of their teachers. The pace of their curriculum is months behind Hillsborough County schools. The teacher turnover rate is distressing. To date, my child has lost 5 teachers. During the 2017-2018 school year, my child lost 4 teachers. Sunlake has been a great disappointment.

Posted: February 13, 2019

Posted: February 7, 2019

If you send your child to SAMS, they will not be prepared for the FSA, for middle school, or high school. The curriculum does not cover the standards in the way they will be tested. Teachers are apathetic and do not differentiate instruction or take the individual needs of the student into account. Homework is given but it is busy work. The rules are very rigid and punitive. Students complain of rude teachers and are not happy. Beware of false reviews posted by teachers and/or the company that owns this school. Remember, that this school is owned by a corporation and if you have a problem in the school, no one cares. Research CSA. This is the company that owns SAMS and many other schools in Florida. Read the reviews and complaints. They are all the same. BEWARE

Posted: February 7, 2019

Posted: February 6, 2019

Great school. School provides a great base for young kids especially on Math and science. My kid loves math since he started at this school.

Posted: February 6, 2019

Posted: February 5, 2019

Good school teacher but turnover is high

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Westchase	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tampa	FL	9.2 mi
2	Hyde Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Tampa	FL	15 mi
3	The Pavillions	Apartment Complex	Tampa	FL	18.4 mi
4	Avelar Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Riverview	FL	25 mi
5	Panther Trace	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Riverview	FL	25.6 mi
6	FishHawk Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Lithia	FL	26.2 mi
7	Fish Hawk Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Lithia	FL	26.8 mi
8	Fishhawk Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Lithia	FL	27.4 mi
9	Harbour Isles	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Apollo Beach	FL	28.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	South Tampa	Tampa	FL	14.6 mi
2	South of Gandy (SOG)	Tampa	FL	17.5 mi
3	Fishhawk Ranch /Lithia FL	Lithia	FL	27 mi

Base	Distance
MacDill AFB	19.7 mi.
Coast Guard Clearwater	20.1 mi.

Sunlake Academy of Math and Science

Lutz, FL 33548

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Sunlake Academy of Math and Science

Lutz, FL 33548

School Ratings

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