Business Details
27 Years
experience
Trusted Early Childhood Education in Weston
At Pines West Academy, we have dedicated ourselves to nurturing young minds for over two decades. Our institution follows the VESS curriculum, a neuroscience-based, Reggio-Emilia inspired educational model that emphasizes bilingualism, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. We view every child as a unique citizen of the world, capable of contributing meaningfully to their community. Our approach integrates family-school partnerships to create a holistic learning environment that prepares children for lifelong success. With a team of educators trained in Visible Thinking strategies and emotional education, we provide a culturally rich, individualized experience tailored to each child's needs.Our commitment to avant-garde education ensures we remain at the forefront of innovative teaching methods, combining global perspectives with intimate, personalized care. For 24 years, we have served as an educational beacon in the Miami community, empowering children aged 0-5 with tools for life through hands-on learning and meaningful daily experiences.
Services
Toddlers Program
Twos Program
Threes Program
PK/VPK Program
Enrichment Programs
Elementary Program
Summer Camp
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We implement the VESS educational model certified by the University of Barcelona's Department of Neuroeducation
- Our teachers have specialized training in Visible Thinking strategies and emotional education
- We maintain a 24-year legacy of educational excellence in the Miami community
- Our bilingual curriculum integrates global perspectives with personalized care
- We offer a structured family-school partnership approach to child development
What people say
Amazing experience
Thoughtfully structured curriculum
Nurturing and supportive environment
Significant improvements in confidence
Teachers put in extra effort
Services
Toddlers Program
Our Toddlers Program (1-2 years) focuses on sensory exploration and motor skill development through structured play. Certified educators create nurturing environments that encourage curiosity while establishing routines for learning. The program emphasizes early language acquisition through bilingual interactions and social-emotional development in a safe, stimulating setting.
Twos Program
Designed for 2-3 year olds, this program builds foundational skills through hands-on discovery. Children engage in creative activities that develop fine motor skills while exploring basic concepts in mathematics and literacy. Our educators use VESS methodology to foster independence and social interaction through carefully planned play experiences.
Threes Program
This program for 3-4 year olds introduces structured learning through thematic units that integrate science, art, and language development. Children participate in collaborative projects that build critical thinking skills while developing emotional intelligence through group activities and conflict resolution strategies.
PK/VPK Program
Our VPK-certified program prepares 4-5 year olds for elementary education using Florida's early learning standards. The curriculum combines literacy development with STEM concepts through inquiry-based projects. Children develop executive functioning skills through self-directed learning activities within our Reggio-Emilia inspired environment.
Enrichment Programs
These programs offer music, movement, and art instruction within regular school hours. Certified specialists lead age-appropriate activities that enhance creativity and physical development. The curriculum includes yoga, ballet, and music classes designed to complement core academic instruction through multisensory experiences.
People
Teri Sousa
Director
With over 20 years of leadership at Pines West Academy, Teri Sousa brings extensive experience in early childhood education. She ensures the school maintains its commitment to the VESS educational model while fostering strong family-school partnerships that support each child's development.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children from 1 year old through 5 years old with specialized programs for toddlers, twos, threes, and pre-kindergarten students.
What educational approach do you use?
We implement the VESS curriculum, a neuroscience-based model combining Reggio-Emilia principles with Visible Thinking strategies for bilingual, inquiry-driven learning.
What are your operating hours?
Our regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM with structured learning programs during these times.
How do you involve families?
We maintain a strong family-school partnership through regular communication, collaborative planning, and parent engagement activities that support each child's development.
What makes your program unique?
Our program uniquely combines VESS curriculum certification, bilingual instruction, and a dedicated focus on emotional intelligence within a nurturing environment.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we offer summer camp programs that continue our educational approach while providing engaging activities for children during school breaks.
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