Northwest Florida Ballet Academie

Posted: September 16, 2024

The Academie (3rd-8th) is tiny, which means students can get more individual attention, especially in middle school. But that also means socially, you are stuck with a very limited peer group and there tends to be a lot of girl drama. The non-profit organization (Northwest Florida Ballet) is run by a director that has no accountability. Picks favorites based on body type and perceived talent. Makes for a very toxic dance environment. 10/10 would not recommend this school. The academics are ok, but if you care about your child’s social and emotional well-being, do not send them here.

Posted: September 16, 2024

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Posted: September 16, 2024

Posted: September 16, 2024

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Posted: September 16, 2024

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Posted: October 16, 2023

My child in 5th grade and he love this school so much he said he never want to go to any public school that has reset again instead of do PE they do ballet everyday and he absolutely happy with that also kids in this school had a good manner teacher and staff are great they recognized every child parents since school so small they spot are limited so it’s very hard to get in this school it’s for hard work children who can become a ballerina star in the future!!

Posted: October 16, 2023

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Posted: June 26, 2019

I have three school age children ranging from elementary to college student, my spouse and I have a very busy schedule of our own. With that being said, my daughter has been attending this school since the 3rd grade. Just like with any school, the teachers are going to do their best to help the students advance further in their academics skills, but when you have a wide range of learning levels amongst the children, the teachers can only do so much to try and get all the children where they need to be. It is also the parent's job to help their child improve their skills at home. You have to find time to talk and know your children. If they're struggling in a particular subject, have them practice more of that at home. If they're doing well in another subject, encourage them to continue practicing at home, so they may improve and shine in that particular subject. It is a team effort for the teachers, parents AND child; parents cannot and should not rely solely on the teachers to help their child to advance. If we, as parents, would just spend a bit more time talking with our children and instill the social skills, confidence, help with chores around the house, be kind to others, "practice, practice, practice" and "try your best" mentality, they will enter the real world with the mindset they can accomplish most anything.

Now back to rating the NFBallet: I am impressed with this school and the staff/teachers/dance instructors that run it. I am very grateful my child has this unique and amazing opportunity to attend this school. If we had known this experience she had been given, would we have done it? That would be a resounding yes, most definitely!

Posted: June 26, 2019

Posted: June 26, 2019

Posted: June 26, 2019

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Posted: June 26, 2019

Posted: June 10, 2016

Hello
My daughter currently goes to that school. Now she may make it through 8th grade there or she may be done after this year, depending if she's fit for Ballet. This is not a school where you get rewarded for showing up to school. This is hard work and the kids learn how to behave properly, learn manners and other great qualities that are needed for life! So for those parents who whine about how unfair this school is to their children, grow up, you're NOT doing anybody a favor and most certainly not your child!!!

Posted: April 19, 2015

I went to this school and completed 3-8th grade. First of all if you want your child to become a ballerina this is for you. If you want your daughter to excel academically and in the real world and go to college, this is not the school. They care more about dance than school work and the lack of knowledge on how to teach in middle school is horrible. When they go to a real college or high school they will be so behind. Not to mention they do not care what so ever for your concerns or opinions, unless you suck up and give generous donations of course. Yes you will become a good dancer there is no denying that but they also will lack confidence, social skills and be poorly taught academically. If I could do it over I would.

Posted: June 15, 2013

Good concept, but the leadership is poor. Bullying is a problem. The best teacher there is a third grade teacher. Child came home with homework that wasn't explained in class. School seems to focus on prepping students on FCAT.

Posted: January 8, 2013

I began teaching ballet at NFB this past summer and was delighted to see such well trained and disciplined students coming from this school. The director and assistant director are a pleasure to work with and they have done an excellent job at developing an artistic program that will prepare these children for a career in the dance world. I highly recommend this school!

Posted: February 7, 2012

Great concept under poor leadership. The directors of the NWFBA do not act or make decisions that take the best interests of the children into consideration. The facade presents a nice image. But behind the facade is a very disappointing experience. Parents, do your homework before deciding on allowing your child to attend this school. Parent participation is minimal because it is not encouraged. We are not allowing our child to return after her first year is complete.

Posted: May 23, 2011

The school is great for building confidence and poise. The ballet part is amazing. The academic part is just average, which is fine. There is some elitism at the school; but I suppose that is to be expected. Once a child reaches middle school age, the academic quality suffers some just because there is only one teacher and a range of skills in the students. So if your kid needs geometry in 8th grade, he/she may not get it here. But if your focus is ballet, maybe you don't need geometry.

Posted: August 22, 2009