What Is It Known For?
Florida Academy, a for-profit college in Fort Myers, Florida, has been shaping futures since it opened in 1990 as a beauty school. From the beginning, the school has focused on preparing students for meaningful careers in their chosen fields. Each year, approximately 356 students enroll, drawn by its reputation for excellence and career-oriented programs.
Over time, Florida Academy has gained recognition for producing outstanding graduates and was honored with the Natural Awakenings “Best Holistic School” Award, affirming its status as a leader in education in Southwest Florida.
Degrees & Certifications
Florida Academy provides a range of career-focused programs designed to help students excel in their fields. Whether you’re interested in beauty, wellness, or skilled trades, the academy offers pathways that align with your goals.
Here are some of the programs available:
- Nail Technology
- Skin Care
- Massage Therapy
- Electrical Technology
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Florida Academy’s programs combine classroom learning with hands-on training to prepare students for real-world careers. While specific details about class times or online options aren’t mentioned, the school incorporates medical assisting externships to give students valuable, practical experience.
For more information about schedules or evening classes, we recommend talking to someone from the school directly through their official numbers.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Florida Academy is a legitimate institution. It holds institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE), ensuring its programs meet recognized standards of quality. The academy is also affiliated with various other accreditations and associations.
Acceptance Rate
Florida Academy has an open admission policy. This means that the acceptance rate is at 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Florida Academy varies by program, ranging from $3,960 for the Nail Technology course to $16,500 for the Cosmetology program. Most other programs fall within this range. Keep in mind that additional costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses are not included in these figures, which means the total cost of attendance could be higher.
For a more accurate estimate, it’s best to use the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Massage Therapy
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Nail Care
- Skin Care
- Esthetician
- Barbering
Skilled Trades
- Electrical
- HVAC
Campus Locations
Fort Myers 4387 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Florida Academy has a highly polarized reputation. A large number of students give glowing reviews for their specific programs and instructors, but a significant and recent number of reviews raise serious concerns about the high cost, unprofessional administrative staff, and overall value of the education.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instructors: The most consistent and powerful theme is the praise for specific instructors. The HVAC/R program is frequently lauded for its instructors who are described as “phenomenal teachers” and “Gods gift.” Similarly, the Massage Therapy program instructors are praised for being knowledgeable, patient, and caring, successfully preparing students for their MBLEX exams.
Quality Hands-On Learning: Many students in various programs highlight that the school provides excellent practical application and hands-on experience, which is key to learning a trade. Some students in the HVAC program note that they learned more here than they had on the job.
Supportive and Professional Environment: Many reviews describe the staff and faculty as “amazing,” “very professional,” and “very helpful.” The school is credited with having a welcoming environment and providing support throughout the program.
Excellent Student-Run Clinic: The student services for manicures, facials, and massages receive positive reviews, with customers praising the students for their skill and eagerness to learn.
Common Criticisms
High Cost and Poor Value: A number of recent reviews for the Barbering program claim that the school is a “scam” and “not worth the money.” One review states the cost is “3x the cost of other barber schools” and the education is “dog shit,” a sentiment echoed by another reviewer who regretted spending $10,000 for a “weakest student curriculum.”
Unprofessional Administration and Staff: Several recent reviews describe the staff as “highly disrespectful,” “very unprofessional,” and unresponsive to student issues. There are specific complaints about a lack of administrative support and serious attendance reporting issues.
Inadequate Exam Preparation: While some students passed their certification exams, one review claims that the school’s preparation for state certification exams is poor, leading to several students in the same class failing.
“Half-Assed” Education: One review for the Nail program criticizes the education for being “very half ass,” stating they had to seek additional education after graduating.
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct and growing divide. On one hand, the highly positive reviews, often naming specific, beloved instructors, are very recent and continue a positive trend for the classroom experience. On the other hand, the most recent and harsh criticisms focus on systemic issues of cost, administration, and perceived value. This suggests a disconnect between the high-quality instruction in some programs and the overall institutional experience, which is leading to intense dissatisfaction among a subset of students.