Awards Earned

Top 100 in Florida

Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across Florida.

#1 in Lakeland

Ranked #1 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Lakeland.

Best for Safety

Earned the highest safety score in Lakeland. Our safety dimension weighs inspection history, deficiency records, and parent-reported safety culture.

Best Curriculum

Earned the highest curriculum score in Lakeland. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and school-readiness preparation.

Best K-Ready

Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Lakeland. This reflects pre-literacy, pre-math, and school-readiness preparation.

Best Teachers

Earned the highest teacher quality score in Lakeland. Weighs staff tenure, qualifications, warmth in parent reviews, and consistency of care.

Most Compassionate

Earned the highest compassion score in Lakeland. Captures how families describe staff empathy and the emotional environment.

Best Management

Earned the highest management score in Lakeland. Reflects director responsiveness, communication, and operational consistency.

Best Culture

Earned the highest culture score in Lakeland. Captures community, inclusivity, staff morale, and the feeling families describe.

Best Extracurriculars

Earned the highest extracurricular score in Lakeland. Covers enrichment — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and more.

Full Ranking Detail

childcarepreschool

Alta Schoolhouse in Lakeland is a Montessori-inspired, licensed center serving ages 2–5 with a child-centered curriculum emphasizing hands-on discovery and independence. The center stands out for its exceptional parent satisfaction—a perfect 5.0 rating across 69 reviews—along with concrete strengths including dual-language instruction (Spanish and English), locked-door security with ID verification, and flexible year-round scheduling from 7:30am to 5:30pm. However, prospective families should note two material considerations: the center does not accept subsidized child care vouchers, and a recent April 2026 inspection flagged violations worth reviewing in person. As a relatively newer licensed provider (since 2022), it lacks the deeper operational track record of longer-established competitors, though its strong parent feedback suggests solid day-to-day operations.

Safety9.0

Curriculum9.0

Art / Music7.0

Infant care6.0

Kindergarten readiness9.0

Teacher quality9.0

Compassion9.0

Management8.0

Culture9.0

Class sizes7.0

Extracurriculars8.0

What parents say

“As a parent, finding a childcare that balances safety, nurturing care, and educational enrichment is a top priority. I'm thrilled to have found that at Alta Schoolhouse. The staff fosters a warm, welcoming environment, and my child has shown significant growth since joining. From learning to recognize letters and colors in Spanish to identifying his own name at just three years old, the academic focus is impressive. Daily updates and photos from the teachers highlight their genuine care and commitment to my child's development. — Amy Sykes”

“We love Alta Schoolhouse! The administration and all of the teachers are extremely caring, attentive, and loving to all of the students. They've allowed me to feel comfortable taking my kids somewhere outside the home knowing they are safe, having fun, and learning so much! Updates are provided throughout the day, and they have many great events for parents to attend. My kids have loved the Montessori based education. — Anna Crump”

“We love Alta school house so so much! All the staff and teachers are so warm and friendly. You can really tell that their hearts are in it and that they love the students. I love how intentional the teachers are with each lesson and activity that they do. — Kadie Stengel”

“Alta Schoolhouse has been a great learning environment for our daughter for the last 1.5 years. We love the mix of hands on learning activities and independent play to foster learning. From the moment we walk through the door each day, our whole family is happily greeted by the staff. It's evident that the teachers and staff love what they do and truly care for all the kiddos. — Christina DiMugno”

Programs & curriculum

Curriculum & approach: Montessori-inspired, child-centered philosophy emphasizing independence, critical thinking, and exploration through hands-on discovery.

What sets it apart: Open 7:30am-5:30pm with flexible scheduling including full-time, part-time, and optional morning/afternoon extended care. Serves ages 2-5 in Lakeland, Florida.

Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge

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Top 100 in Florida

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-100-state.jpg" alt="Top 100 in Florida - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Top 100 in Florida Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across Florida. </a>

#1 in Lakeland

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-1-city.jpg" alt="#1 in Lakeland - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> #1 in Lakeland Ranked #1 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Lakeland. </a>

Best for Safety

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-safety.jpg" alt="Best for Safety - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best for Safety Earned the highest safety score in Lakeland. Our safety dimension weighs inspection history, deficiency records, and parent-reported safety culture. </a>

Best Curriculum

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-curriculum.jpg" alt="Best Curriculum - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best Curriculum Earned the highest curriculum score in Lakeland. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and school-readiness preparation. </a>

Best K-Ready

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-kinder.jpg" alt="Best K-Ready - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best K-Ready Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Lakeland. This reflects pre-literacy, pre-math, and school-readiness preparation. </a>

Best Teachers

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-teacherq.jpg" alt="Best Teachers - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best Teachers Earned the highest teacher quality score in Lakeland. Weighs staff tenure, qualifications, warmth in parent reviews, and consistency of care. </a>

Most Compassionate

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-compassion.jpg" alt="Most Compassionate - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Most Compassionate Earned the highest compassion score in Lakeland. Captures how families describe staff empathy and the emotional environment. </a>

Best Management

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-mgmt.jpg" alt="Best Management - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best Management Earned the highest management score in Lakeland. Reflects director responsiveness, communication, and operational consistency. </a>

Best Culture

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-culture.jpg" alt="Best Culture - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best Culture Earned the highest culture score in Lakeland. Captures community, inclusivity, staff morale, and the feeling families describe. </a>

Best Extracurriculars

<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/florida/major-cities/lakeland/alta-schoolhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-extra.jpg" alt="Best Extracurriculars - Alta Schoolhouse - Lakeland, FL" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy"> Best Extracurriculars Earned the highest extracurricular score in Lakeland. Covers enrichment — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and more. </a>

← Back to all Lakeland rankings

This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.

Read our full ranking methodology →