| Date | Who | Comments |
| 3/16/2012 | parent | In 2004 my daughter was 4 yrs old and I chose Wider Horizons for the Montessori methods. I stayed for the academics, values, and leadership development opportunities. It s important to me that my daughter spends the majority of her day in an environment that espouses the same values and beliefs that I do respect for others, courtesy, generosity, honesty, conservative principles and high expectations. I also want a safe environment that will not tolerate bullying, disrespect, cliques, or other behaviors that distract from learning and impair confidence. The Montessori methods create a foundation for lifelong learning and WHS teaches respect for materials and organization of work that become habits in other areas of life. My daughter is never bored, if not playing sports she is usually buried in a book, or enjoying a Sudoku game or word scrambler. My daughter is mature, introspective, inquisitive, polite, confident, talented, and very enjoyable. She is sensitive, kind and cares for others. At 12 yrs old she has far greater maturity than her years and can reason better than many adults I know. I chose Wider Horizons for the Montessori methods, but I stayed because it works. |
| 3/16/2012 | other | I went to this school my entire life and graduated several years ago from both PHCC and high school. Whoever wrote a review referring to crimes needs to get a grip. The teachers I had were all wonderful. Some of them don't work there any longer, but a lot of them do. I was given the best opportunities to succeed, especially being allowed to do dual-enrollment at the end of my sophomore year. It's the reason I did well on the SATs---having that accelerated education put me ahead of my peers. Those who criticize the lack of extracurriculars need to look for another school---that's not what WHS is about. But even so, the after-school activities are still there. My teachers watched me grow up, and many of them became like a family to me. I wouldn't have gotten that at any other school, and I certainly don't have that now at USF. I'd like to thank WHS for helping me get to where I am today; if the school had never existed, I wouldn't be entering the graduate school program at nineteen. Thanks to everyone who helped me get there. This school is well worth the money. |
| 3/16/2012 | parent | My son has been gong to Wider Horizons for the past two years. We have had nothing but an excellent experience with the school. The teachers have been superb. Dr. And Mrs. Maglio are involved in all aspects of the school and know each child by name. I feel confident in sending my son to school knowing that he will be treated in a fair manner and in a safe environment. The school is not only preparing him for college but his future. |
| 3/16/2012 | parent | My daughter was 21/2 yrs old attending a pre school and i was told by her teacher that she is excelling at all pre school work and will have to be placed with the 4-5yr old class so she does't become academically frustrated. My aunt saw an ad in the local newspaper for Wioder Horizons Montessori and suggested i check it out. I am so glad I did. My daughter have attended WHS since that age and now at 6 1/2yrs old dhe reads at a 3rd grade level is independent in her studies and is learning chinese, spanish and having fun with music. Wider Horizons School view my daughter as a whole individual, enhancing her academics as well as giftings and creativity. The school functions as a family and the kindergaten children know the high schoolers. Awesome school and someday my daughter will be president and a great leader because of what she is learing. Thank you to the staff at Wider Horizons. A happy Parent. |
| 3/12/2012 | parent | Our son has been enrolled in Wider Horizons for about one year. Enrolling him in Wider Horizons was one of the best decisions that we have made to date. Since his enrollment our son has flourished both academically and socially. Our son is in kindergarten and is working on multiplication tables and division. His teacher Mrs. Iannone is truly remarkable. The administration (Dr. and Mrs Maglio) are very involved in all aspects of the school. They know each child by name and they know their capabilities. The school provides a safe, nurturing and loving environment while providing an unsurpassed educational expperience. Our son truly enjoys going to school everdyay and is very comfortable in this environment. The school expects the children to make wise decisions and will be held accountable for the decisons that they make (just like in real life), something that we try to instill in our son in our home environment. I would recommend Wider Horizons to any parent who wishes to see their child thrive in a very diffcult world. We would like to say "thank you" to all of those who make Wider Horizons such a wonderful school......Robert and Jamie Prickett |
| 2/14/2012 | parent | The individual who wrote that the teachers are abusive were correct. My 3 year old came home from her first day and said her teacher called her chubby. She was so frightened she had an accident the 2nd day and we pulled her out of the school. I am working on the last stages of my mental health counseling degree and I would not recommend this school. Horrible staff and horrible owners |
| 12/5/2011 | parent | My son is attending Wider Horizons-currently in 3rd grade. I pulled him out of Quest, the "gifted" program in the public school, at the end of 2nd grade (a class of 35 gifted students taught by 2 substitute teachers). He was actually BEHIND from being in gifted: too many students, 10% of which were highly disruptive and will stay in the classroom simply because they tested into gifted and cannot be denied. Disruptive behavior is NOT tolerated at WH, so my son learned that he must use self control in school. Instead of being handed an A, he actually has to work now. He is learning Spanish AND Mandarin. He has learned his multiplication tables, and is now on complicated division, multiplying fractions, and geometry (this is all in the last 7 months). Though I think the Maglios are arrogant and the tuition is too high, my child is getting an excellent education. ALL seniors graduated WH high school WITH an AA from PHCC (dual enrolled saved 2 yrs of college $$) and were accepted to the college of choice. Yes, there is a "cost" to losing your child in the public school system. We have had to make enormous sacrifices to afford the tuition, but we are not sacrificing our child's future. |
| 1/15/2011 | parent | My son has gone to Wider Horizons since he was two. He was one of the last in diapers to go there. Now they only have preschool, and I am so glad that he was able to go for as long as he has! He is now in 8th grade and it is the only school he has gone to. The Maglios have always had an interest in every child that has gone there. But one of the reasons we wanted our son to go there was because they don't put up with problem children who take up the time of the good students who actually deserve the time. And for the people who keep asking about the fcat test. Those are for federal funding, which a private school doesn't get anyway. Why don't you ask "how many children have scholarships, or how many of the kids who are graduating are actually going to college. And how about dual enrollment, which they push your child to do. So before you hear the disgruntled people who are not happy, talk to the people who have sent their child there for 13 years! And we are very happy with the school, and the administration! Thanks to the Maglios and their push for excellence!!! THANK YOU! It's is the best thing I could ever do for my son! |
| 9/3/2010 | parent | My child has attended Wider Horizons from K thru 5th grade. Our experience with WH has been an excellent one. The principal is not only knowledgeable and personable, but shows a sincere interest in his students, parents and faculty. He is always available for personal conferences, as are the teachers. The Montessori method employed at WH allows students to move thru the curriculum at their own pace. My child has shown great progress since entering WH. His interest in academics has increased, as well as his achievement. In six years there has only been one teacher that we were dissatisfied with...... She has since been terminated. Most of the teachers we have come in contact with seem to be very dedicated educators. As a former teacher for 33 years in NY, I would rate Wider Horizons as an excellent school.. |
| 11/18/2009 | parent | My son has been a student at this school since pre school. He is now in the 4th grade. The teachers are excellent, as is the education they receive. |
| 9/7/2009 | parent | We have been enrolled since 1998. My kids are happy, safe, and learning. We send our children there to get an education and they are getting that! |
| 6/26/2009 | parent | My daughter has attended Wider Horizons for the past two years. We couldn't be happier with the progress she has made. We love how this school encourages her to do better and achieve more (public school had her wait until everybody caught up). This school is not for everyone though. If you are looking to make your child a sports star or homecoming queen you need to look elsewhere. This school's focus is strictly on education. We don't mind, as we provide our daughter with extracurricular activities and allow the school to do what we pay them to do. |
| 6/19/2009 | parent | I had 3 children that attended Wider Horizons from 2004 through 2009. All 3 are straight A students. We could not get a report card for the oldest child (High School Merit Scholar). We could not get an accurate transcript in 5 attempts (incorrect classes listed, incorrect FDOE class codes, and incorrect grades). The owner and his wife run the school. There is no board to escalate issues to. Owner refuses to allow teachers to write recommendations for students. Owner will not administer gifted tests provided by the county. I attempted to rectify the issues, but was told we were unreasonable. We left. |
| 6/2/2009 | parent | WHS has it's good and bad points. The school is small and safe and the teachers in the lower grades (PK-2) are wonderful. Unfortunately, that's where it stops. The Montessori principles are not taught after the 2nd grade and some of the teachers need to be re-evaluated on the way they teach and not be so arrogant. There also is a lack of parent involvement and parent -teacher communication. If you are looking for a great Montessori school I would try Countryside Montessori School in Pasco County. |
| 5/29/2009 | parent | Our children attended WHS for 3 years. Despite the Maglios politics and not wanting to change the school-even if it would make things better for the students and boost teacher morale-I believed they had gotten a great education. I was wrong, and unfortunately my children are behind academically when they transfered to their new schools. There are some great teachers there, but some of the teachers are abusive to the students and need to be let go. My children are now on the right track and have plans of attending an Ivy-league university instead of the local community college which many of the WHS students end up attending. |
| 4/25/2009 | parent | Wider Horizons is an excellent school. I could never say enough about the Principal and his dedicated teachers. My three children have an amazing place to learn and grow up to be intelligent, responsible, caring people. I never worry about negative influences that plague other schools. Wider Horizons was a dream come true for my family. If your looking for a school that offers academic excellence and a safe nuturing environment you must inquire about Wider Horizons Montessori/College Preparatory School. We are very fortunate that Dr. Maglio and Mrs. Maglio began a school that should be a role model to all schools. |
| 4/16/2009 | parent | My children have attended WHS since 2001 and I could not be more pleased. They are happy to go to school every morning and would stay until the school closed in the evening if I would leave them. I am thrilled with the education they are receiving. The discipline is firm yet fair. Dr. and Mrs. Maglio understand children and care about education. We are fortunate to have WHS in Hernando County. |
| 1/25/2009 | parent | I have no regrets sending my 2 childen to WHS. Even if my family has to make some sacrifices to afford the school, it's worth it. The school maximizes a child's learning potential and I am so impressed on how much my kindergartener has learned in just a few months. He started in one of the magnet schools this school year for about 2 1/2 months. He was not learning anything academically because all their lessons seemed to be for preschoolers. In just a week at WHS, I saw progress. I highly recommend this school as I believe they can bring out the best of any child. |
| 9/25/2008 | parent | My children attend Wider Horizons School. I am pleased with the academic strides they have made. The faculty is outstasnding including Dr. and Mrs. Maglio. I find this school is a great fit for my family. The work can be challenging but what a sense of accomplishment the children get when they complete the assignments. This is a well run school. The students are treated as individuals. We are fortunate to have this school in Hernando county. |
| 5/20/2008 | parent | Our daughter started WHS in sept 07 and is doing absolutly fantastic we love the school and teachers,Dr and Mrs Magglio are great and care very much how the children are doing in school.Our daughter is so happy here at WHS it has taught her so much we no we made the right choice. Mr and Mrs Anthony Gurino |
| 4/10/2008 | parent | Our son did not do well in this school. The owners have complete control over the teachers, and it is a bit creepy. They are very opinionated on their views of moral and ethical conduct, and look down on ALOT of people. Not only that, but I realized that they were not as academically excelled as I originally thought-- he was behind on a few things when he entered a new private school. |
| 12/16/2007 | parent | My son went to wider horizons and excelled but like some of the other parents have commented Dr maglio is a dictator. I pulled my son out because I feel he needed to learn to interact with children nfrom all walks of life not just the piviledged who are mostly snobs. he graduates this year and has been accepted to Cornell so the public school system can work if the parents take the extra effort to work with the children. I do not recommend this school as long as the present owners are in charge. |
| 10/25/2007 | parent | We are incredibly impressed by the academic level at this school as well as by the excellence of the teaching staff and the commitment of Dr. and Mrs. Maglio to a better education for students today. We have two daughters, 6 and 8, who are students here and they could not be happier. It is a 180 degree departure from our experience with public schools. The teachers are wonderful: a high degree of work is expected and they are firm yet fair. Although there is currently no arts/music/sports program, we believe the education they are receiving is well worth it - we choose to pursue art and music programs outside of the school. We have a great deal of respect for the Maglios, who obviously believe in giving children the foundation they need for their future. Our daughters are extremely happy at this school and we highly recommend it. |
| 9/18/2007 | parent | My two daughters went to WHS for a little over 3 years. My husband and I believed that the school lacked a good sports/ art/ music program. Academic cirriculum was average, not as hyped as what they advertise. Both of my daughters are enrolled in a local Christian school, and have done wonderfully with their academic cirriculum, and also have an opportunity to participate in sports/ band/ and art class. The atmosphere is a bit military- ish. We believe in academic excellence, but with a positive environment, conducive to personal [not just academic] development. |
| 8/30/2007 | parent | Our daughter graduated from WHS in 2007. It is with very mixed emotions that our second child is in public schools this year (07-08). We have been at WHS since 2000. We love the people our children have grown to become. WHS does have a lot of homework. WHS is very consistant in their assingments (Math every night, spelling tests every Friday, Science fair, etc...) The teachers do care! There is not a discipline problem as all problems are addressed. Very multi-cultural. Opens the door to the world for these children. My oldest is off to college this fall. I really don't think we could have done it without WHS on our team! If we lived in a perfect world, we would still be there today for the second child. This is not the school for families that education is not the top priority. |
| 7/12/2007 | parent | Our son attended WHS for a little under 2 years. Too opinionated, negative, and accusatory for our liking. I must add that our child did quite well academically. We are fairly strict parents, and adhere to strong moral and ethical values, but we did not agree with the negative gloom of the school. |
| 7/12/2007 | parent | My husband and I took our child out of WHS shortly after completing 2 years of schooling. The administration prides itself on its ridgity, and its strict emphasis on academics. Sometimes, it is taken too far, and unfortunately, little children deserve time to be children as well. You can be accused of being a lax parent at WHS if you voice any negative concerns related to the over emphasis of perfect behaviour. Their are fortunately other private schools in the area that balance great academics with other activites as well. |
| 7/7/2007 | parent | My daughter graduated from WHS. As all schools, it has its positive and negative attributes. Positive: great history and math applications. The teachers really do make the students work. The younger children do seem to enjoy learning here. Negative: the extremely high expectations can be overwhelming for some parents/ students. They are somewhat autocratic/dictatorial. I do not think that the world is so black and white that you can easily label a child or parent as a 'success' or 'failure' if they do or do not accede to certain academic or behavioral proclivities. |
| 7/7/2007 | parent | I could see how some parents would disagree with the Maglio's administrative opinions. They have the right to be rigid, they own the school! Not every child will make it in this institution. My daughter attended WHS, and I can attest that the cirriculum is great. The only area that I could see that lacks is the sports/ arts/ music department. They do not condone 'silly parties' or 'frivolous activites'-- but the education is worth it. The owner doesnt teach the kids, and most of the parents understand that. The teachers are quite strict, and tolerate very little insubordination. Kind of like military school? My husband and I were pleased with the emphasis of math and science. Again, little or no emphasis on sports/music/art, etc. |
| 6/29/2007 | parent | I have two children that attend this school and we absolutely love it!! The teachers are wonderful and so are the directors Dr. and Mrs. Magglio. This is truly a school for parents who want their children to be productive people in the world. The education given here goes far beyond academic and confirms what I teach at home as far as becoming a responsible and driven person in society. This not the school for parents who want their child to be totally sports driven and lack educational drive. My children attend extracurricular activities after school and homework and have the best of both worlds. I am also very involved in their education and the school with Dr. and Mrs. Magglio's open door. They are very involved and know each child and work with the parents, as long as you are willing to work with them, to resolve or reach expectations. |
| 6/21/2007 | former student | I am a former student of WHS. I can say that the academic cirriculum is fantastic. The teachers are strict, and expect only perfection. The school has a strict standard of their perception of human standard. If you deviate from their opinion of the ideal, they can be really tough on you. |
| 6/20/2007 | parent | Wider Horizons is a wonderful school for the independent learner. My daughter loves school and wants to stay there. I say this, but keep in mind it is not a school for every child. I chose not to keep my son there because his needs are different. I see how people can feel [Dr. Maglio] is 'overbearing' at times, but he is the owner. The times that I have gone to him with issues he has always been supportive of what I have to say. If you want an environment where someone actually stands up to bully and problem parents and children, check it out. |
| 6/20/2007 | parent | My son attended WHS for 4 years. The cirriculum is good. The teachers -on the other hand- are under great control of the owner/ principal of the school, who can be somewhat agressive with parents. No sports, extracirricular activites. |
| 6/20/2007 | parent | I had my 3 children enrolled in this school for a total of 7 years. I kept them enrolled simply for the academic advantage. There are no sports, music, theatrical classes. They are extremely strict on their academics. The Maglio's [owners of the school] are a bit opinionated, and label parents. If you can handle the controlling administration then it's an O.K school. The school openly opposes any questioning parents. |
| 5/26/2007 | parent | I think Wider Horizons offers the best education in Hernando County. My children have attended since 2003, and both, my husband and I have been extremely pleased with the quality of education and teachers. My children have excelled academically, matured socially, and are intellectually well ahead of their peers. I believe the Administrators look for creative, innovative approaches to educate and challenge all children enrolled. I highly recommend Wider Horizons School, and could not have made a better choice. |
| 5/23/2007 | parent | My children attend WHS and I could not be more pleased with the education they are receiving. We are so fortunate to have this school in Hernando county. The academic program keeps the students interested while challenging them at the same time. |
| 5/22/2007 | parent | I was very pleased with WHS. I will be moving out of state and hate that we are leaving WHS. My child got a great education here and the enviroment is what you want your child to be around. From the teachers to the other students and the staff was top notch. The school allows your child to be a child but at the same time they teach responsibily of ones actions. I loved the diversity of the school and have nothing but pleasant things to say about Dr.Maglio. I hope we can find a school like this one in our new state. |
| 5/21/2007 | parent | I have two girls, 6 and 8, who have attended Wider Horizons for 3 years now. The Maglios know what it takes to run the school successfully and according to their philosophy and the Montessori method. Judging by the academic progress of my daughters and the respectful attitudes of the students in general, they've nailed it. Bullying or intrusive parents - look elsewhere. Looking for a strong physical education program/intramurals/sports? Uh uh. Want your child to get an academic leg up towards university and a professional career and learn discipline and responsibility in the mix? I couldn't think of a better recommendation. Kudos to the Maglios for sticking to their ideals and providing a quality and safe learning environment for our children. |
| 5/17/2007 | parent | I am a parent of two children that are currently attending WHS. My daughter has been there for 10 years and my son has been there for 7 years.I feel that the administrators,teachers, and their staff are giving my children an excellent education.Beside getting a great education they are also learning responsibility, accountability,manners and good morals. I also feel that the environment is conducive to learning since my children feel so secure at school.It is wonderful to see my children grow in an academic environment that provides such a positive atmosphere. Thank you WHS for giving my children such a well rounded education. |
| 5/17/2007 | parent | It's a very small school, which has its advantages, as well as disadvantages. The kids are great, and so are the parents. There are only 100 some children in entire school. If the principal likes you, then its a great school. He has an amazing control over his teachers and staff. He can be quite rude/ opinionated if his staff is questioned. Parents are easily labeled as 'difficult' by the principal, who also is the owner. Since it is a small school, most parents do communicate, and that is the biggest disadvantage to this school. And no, as mentioned in other comments by parents, there aren't adequate sports, fine arts, or music classes. The school either loves you, or hates you. |
| 5/9/2007 | parent | I am a parent of two children that attend WHS, and I couldn't be more pleased with how well they are both doing. I am grateful to the Maglio's for giving us the opportunity to send our children to a great school to receive a quality education. The teachers and their staff genuinely care about the children and I feel very blessed to have found them. Thank you for a job well done! |
| 5/4/2007 | parent | I believe wide horizons school to be an excellant educator. Since my grandduaghter has attended same she has made great strides in academic accomplishments. I cannot say enough about the teachers who are dedicated to educating their students. I would highly recommend this school to all parents |
| 4/11/2007 | parent | This school offers little room for real parent involvement. There are some wonderful teachers but some are not. |
| 3/26/2007 | parent | My son attended WHS for almost 3 years. I found that the teachers were fantastic. My son grew tremendously at WHS, academically speaking. The owner/ principal of the school, on the other hand, is a bully, and extrememly agressive, when confronted with subjects/things he does not want to be confronted with. It's his way, or no way and that is why we removed our son from that school. Overall, WHS is conducive to academic acheivement. But if you stray from Wider HOrizon's perception of the norm it can be a very communisitc reign, thanks to dr. maglio, the principal/ owner. |
| 2/20/2007 | parent | I have a child in WHS (almost a year now), and I am still in awe of the place and Dr. and Mrs. Maglio. They are making a positive difference, where others are only making things worse. The academic program is excellent and honest. When your child gets good marks, he/she earned them from hard work-not just made up grades which were assigned due to parental or other pressures. If you are a permissive parent, or are looking to groom a football star, WHS is not for you; However, if you want to raise a respectful, honest child who will use a well trained mind to make wise decisions in a tough world; WHS is the school for you. The level Parent involvement is perfect- There aren't tons of silly parties that waste everyone's time. Instead, they have meaningful celebrations which teach valuable lessons while having fun at the same time. |
| 8/10/2006 | parent | My child attends Wider Horizons. My husband and I are quite pleased with the academic curriculum that the school offers. The poor reviews are obviously from parents who are disgruntled, did not like being told the truth about their child (i.e. the 'not my child' syndrome), or are products of Florida's public school system. If you want the proof in black and white, do the research and look at the scores that the students of the school produce! The student's scores exceed majority of their peer's scores that attend neighboring schools, public and private, in the county. Dr. and Mrs. Maglio are honest and are dedicated to instilling the skills needed for your child's future! I recommend Wider Horizons for the highest quality education in the county with a family-like atmosphere. School is for receiving a quality education, extracurricular activities are the parent's responsibility! |
| 7/25/2006 | parent | Our child had one of the worst experiences of their life at this school. It is our opinion that the director and staff did not treat our child in an appropriate and respectful manner as set forth by the Montessori philosophy. We feel the academics is not up to par and there is a lack of cultural opportunities for younger children. There are no sports programs. We feel that this school wasted a year of our childs life. |
| 7/11/2006 | parent | My daughter attended this for profit school. I firmly believe this school is lacking not only in extracurricular activities but is significantly lacking in academics, their curriculum is almost a year behind what my daughter already knew from a previous private montessori school. I strongly do not recommend this for profit school. |
| 7/5/2006 | parent | My child has attended Wider Horizons School for appx. 7 years. We have found this to be a wonderful school. The teaching staff is outstanding as well as the administrators. They present a quality education, as well as a no nonsense attitude. The Dr. and Mrs. Maglio are wonderful role models, and encouage parental involvment on every level. This school encompasses strong moral values in conjuction with personal responsiblity. They are constantly challenging students to strive for their full potential. We would strongly recommend anyone searching for a solid learning environment in all aspects to attend this school. |
| 4/17/2006 | former student | My child went to this school for several years. At first I believed it was a quality school. For the most part, I believe it is. However, I do believe the principal is over whelming who does not believe he is ever wrong. He belittles the children and some teachers in many ways. I truly believe if his attitude would change and he was more open minded, it would be a great school, but until that time, I would not recommend it. |
