20 Best Mfa Programs In Orlando, FL (2022 Updated)

Rollins is truly such a special place! There are plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus and become a leader, engage in research and service opportunities, and work on campus. The professors at Rollins are truly exceptional and deeply care about each one of their students. The education I received at Rollins better prepared me for the next step in my career path. I am so grateful!Jessica Gonzalez

One of the most precious universities with such a unique environment. Since the day I toured the place I knew how special this college is. Awesome professors which are available to help at all times, good food served and nice organizational structure.Adriana Hudkins

the views and places you can go on campus is breath-taking by itself. there's nice valley-walks you can take, and the people there are oh, so nice! I'm in LOVE with Rollins College, and congrats to the people who graduated on sunday!Jordan-Skyy Evans

My husband and I had our wedding ceremony at Orlando Shakes. We happened to stumble upon this venue while looking at another across the street. When we walked through the Shakespeare Theater lobby and into the Darden Courtyard, we knew we found the perfect location. Prior to our visit at Orlando Shakes, we had visited numerous other locations and did not have the exciting feeling of finding the “perfect” ceremony spot. It is hard to fully describe the beauty of this setting. With brick paved ground against a historical brick building, and oak trees with hanging moss, and lights strung overhead. This would be a great location for an outdoor reception as well. In addition to being a perfect location, the customer service from the staff here is absolutely top notch. Most of my interaction was with Alyssa and Tasha who were incredibly helpful, patient, and kind. I can’t say enough about Orlando Shakes. They also have other locations that are available for weddings. If you are getting married in the Orlando area, definitely keep Orlando Shakes in mind.B Rid

Every show I've seen here has always been entertaining regardless of size, theater space, or type of show. They always do a phenomenal job, And even if you know nothing about the show there is a good chance that you're going to have a good evening. Update 4/22: Still amazing! I love the shows and we are looking forward to booking another set of 3 performances for the next season (they have special prices for "choose your shows" sets). It's a great date night, and one of my favorite things about Orlando!Courtney Berkley

We had a day to plan out while we were visiting Orlando and we saw a there was a scheduled performance here of Shakespeare’s Much ado About Nothing. With tickets available, we booked ‘em and got excited. We weren’t let down. This theater; the staff, building, the stage, and performers, are all amazing. What a great show and a great experience that we’ll soon not forget. If we return to Orlando, we’ll gladly return for another show. Bravo to all of you for all the great things you’re doing here!Jay

I once read “ It only takes a single teacher to turn a child’s life around. Some children will come to school today because of that teacher. Be that 👩🏻‍🏫 teacher, every day!” And at My First Academy 2 they take this to heart. Our daughter has been attending MFA2 since July of 2021 (with a minor break in between) but we have loved every minute of it. To begin with the front desk personnel (Miss Jeanette, Mis Dos Santos and Kimberly) they are total sweethearts. They always answer your phone calls and e-mails no matter how busy they are. Not only are you as a parent receiving the kind of care and attention you wished you got everywhere but so does your child. They will will make you feel welcomed by greeting you and your child by name (and there is a lot of us there). Then you go on to the teachers. My daughter began with Miss Arielle ( early preschool) which til this day my daughter adores! Miss Arielle is fully involved with all the kids and will upload videos and pictures of the kids doing the many activities she has planned for them in her classroom. My daughter is now in Miss Valentina’s class (Preschool) and again in love with her teacher. She is fully involved with her kids. It is a bigger classroom but they always have help for her which is usually another amazing teacher that way no kid is left behind and everyone gets the same level of education. They are always doing fun things for the kids whether it’s crazy hair day or an eras week, 🍂fall activities, 🕸 🎃 Halloween activities, 🎅🏼🤶🏼Christmas activities and not to mention all the themed photo shoots and take home gifts they always have them make for the families👨‍👩‍👧. Needless to say this is not a daycare this is a school where your child will grow and thrive as they should. Don’t hesitate in sending your child to this school! And if you’re about to be part of this beautiful school and community, Welcome!✨Esthefany Salazar

I can't say enough good things about this place. I was going crazy looking for my 1 year old to stay in a safe environment while I am at work. This amazing place has uniforms for the kids to start. I am able to log in 5 times a day for 5 minutes whenever I want to see what my baby is doing in his classroom… yes, classroom. They actually teaches the babies colors, shapes, numbers, art, etc. Every Friday I get a folder with the work he did during the week. They provide meals and snacks and track everything they do including each change of diaper on an application that notifies me of all activity. I was so afraid to even ask the price when I saw all that was included. But it is very reasonable for all that is included. The most important thing is that my baby LOVES it there…. We recommend 100% this place.Veronica Dominguez

My son has been going here for about 4 months and has learned so much and loves going to school. The teachers are all great at clarifying and belong with any questions. They are always ready for the children With smiling faces every morning 🙂 we love it here and would definitely recommend. It is also very clean and organized. I love that they use the PB and J app as well. The best experience has been the cultural parade so far and Donuts with Dad day !! I’m grateful for the staffing at My First Academy !Adolfo Hernandez

This is by far the best decision my wife and I have made. We were really nervous about putting our daughter into a daycare. When we took our first tour, all of the lady’s really put us at ease. Everyone was so Professional and we loved everything about what my First Academy had to offer. We don’t call My First Academy a daycare, it’s our daughters school. At the beginning, it was a little rough getting her used to the change from being at home with family to now being around other people everyday. Since our daughter first stated attending, we noticed she started learning and picking up things really fast. It seemed like every week she was progressing so quick and surprising my wife and I. My wife, daughter and I absolutely love this school and all of the teachers and staff. We have and will recommend My First Academy to everyone. Thank you!Gerry Cover

My son has been in the VPK program since September and from the moment I walked in I knew this was going to be our school. I am extremely picky and ONLY choose the BEST for my children and this school has proven to be all that I imagined. From the cleanliness to how beautiful everything is. We have always been greeted with a smile and if I have ever needed information or questions they have always been answered. Everyone that interacts with us is a blessing. Doesn’t stop there my son has learned so much and loves his school and that wasn’t what we had experienced prior to My first Academy. I recommend My first Academy to everyone that is looking for a place where their children will thrive and be treated like it’s their second home. Thank you My first Academy (Lake Nona area, Orlando) we will miss you but will be back to visit ❤️maria damore

Our boys started at the Lake Nona location last Fall and it has been an excellent experience for the kids and us parents. My kids were in another very well know preschool in the area before MFA and they cried every time they went there. After joining MFA they look forward going to school everyday. The Owner, Ms. Maria and Director, Ms. Angelica are welcoming and very involved in the well being of the kids. They greet each child by name as they enter everyday. The class teacher Ms. Lori is awesome in every way! So far we have had a wonderful experience with the whole team at MFA lake nona and would highly recommend the school to other parents.Divya Kumar Cardoso

Our experience with MFA1 has been great from the start. I am always nervous for the little ones to become acclimated to a new center however Ms. Jessica suggested that I start my daughter on her birthday and they host a party was the ultimate idea. She has given great reports daily of her interactions with her friends and teachers from day one. I appreciate the communication of the staff. As a busy mom communication is one of the most important things to me; my ability to effectively communicate my child's needs while also being updated on teachers needs to support them daily. This task alone MFA1 staff is exceeds my expectations. Thank you Jessica and Stephanie for all of your hard work I'm sure I don't say it enough!!Maya Stephens-Aliyy

Putting my 4 yr-old at My First Academy was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. His vocabulary is getting more extensive. I was hesitant at first to let go, but the fact they have a camera in the class put me at ease. The teachers are amazing!!! Miss Jessica and miss Stephanie know all the kids by name and that's reassuring; it shows they care to know the kids and they're not just a number to them (these two are usually the ones I mostly Interact with). I love the LifeCubby app; they log in everything your child does, from how much they eat to their nap time. I'm glad I found this campus and I would recommend it to anyone looking early childhood care/schooling.Durlande Garraud

our son has been in My First Academy since he's been been 11 months old and he is now going on 4. MFA has been nothing less than Amazing!!! Being first time parents we were nervous putting him into daycare but it was one of the best decisions we've made choosing MFA. We're so happy with how smart our son is and how much he is learning everyday! All of the teachers & staff are very attentive to him & always keep us in the loop with his progress and how he is doing. It almost feels like we're family and that's a comforting feeling to have knowing our son is safe & loved. thank you MFA for all that you do day in and day out for our kiddos. <333Jolen Pena

Two evenings of masterful performances by gifted guitar virtuosos, available to the public. Alex de Grassi and Adam Rafferty demonstrated a type of playing called fingerstyle, done without use of picks. This style allows the instrument greater expressiveness, subtlety and range of sound. The artists are not popularly known in the way we think of so-called supertstars who appear in bizarre costume or sometimes partial nudity, but they have credentials and bodies of work to command the title maestro. The performances were two of four in what the college calls the Master Guitar Series, and was presented without charge. Thanks to Valencia for the opportunity to hear and see two artists giving us astonishing musicality without outlandish and histrionic behavior on stage.Karl Schroeder

Ayyyyyy I did a ballet performance here and didn't mess up. On the real though like the people who are actually dancing and not me just taking the elective, are really good which is expected but damn they're really good. Cheaper then a movie and can be more entertaining so check um out sometime.Lens Snel

Stay away from Criminal Justice. It's a joke! Teachers rather play cops youtube videos instead of teaching. A commander for OPD who would "teach" at night would give everyone the answers and had a tantrum when someone gave him a bad teacher review online. Waste of my time and money.Juan T

PBA is a hidden gem in Orlando. The people and professors are probably the best part of the experience. To be blunt, the quality of the professors surprised me. Its a small school so I did not expect much, but the professors are some of the most Brilliant Minds I've ever encountered. On top of knowledge, they also have kind and genuine hearts that care about YOU and your understanding of the material. PBAU is known for being a Christian School and I absolutely love how they involve God and Jesus in our work but they do not shove it down our throats. It's a nice balance for those who range from not being a believer to those who are sold on Jesus. This program makes you grow in ways you never expected. They invest in working on who you are as a person, which in turn will help you become a better counselor. I strongly believe those who do their own internal work and become aware their triggers and biases, will be the most productive counselors out there. The classes invite you to dwell in your own stuff while providing support and understanding. Most programs in Florida do not require you to go to therapy as a part of their program, PBA is not one of those schools. They believed self care is important and in our work, our mentality is a priority. I speak nothing but praise for my experience at PBA and would highly recommend it. And if all of that doesnt convince you, I also found my future hubby in the program. Which has been the best gift of all 😜 haha but really they are definitely worthy of considering. 👍Tiffany Card

The experiences I have had at Palm Beach Atlantic University have been like no other in my life. From the amazing staff, Professors, and students, this time in graduate school has been nothing but positive. The faculty, staff, and students create a loving, caring environment where growth is fostered throughout the entire time in the program(s). The faculty stretch the students to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually while assisting them become the professionals God intended them to be. The staff ensures that questions and concerns are answered in an expedient manner and offer support and words of encouragement during your journey. The students become a collective family that rely on one another and support each other in the process of growth. Through the Graduate Counseling Program, I have been able to build life-long relationships, become more aware of God's purpose for my life, and grow into a well rounded individual. Anyone looking to continue their education in a supportive, caring environment with people that encourage you throughout your program(s) need to consider Palm Beach Atlantic University Orlando Campus as an option.Susie Rhoads

When I looked at pursuing my undergrad degree, I wanted flexibility and more importantly a challenge. PBA Orlando gave me both. The adult program utlizes evening classes that allows you to create a schedule that accommodates what you need. Perhaps the most amazing thing offered here is the ability to connect and network with professionals that have been around for years. Instead of sitting in a room of 500 people, you're there with less than 20. It's an atmosphere that induces a special type of learning, and offers an opportunity to build relationships with your professors. As an aspiring professional, what more could you want?An Avid Observer

Another mediocre older white Dean. UCF is hostile to women and minorities at highest level. White men at top, full stop. Tokens wedged in at lower levels, disrespectful. Tax money funds this imbalance.shameful.Rethink cps

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME TRYING TO ENROLL AT THIS SCHOOL OR ANOTHER CAMPUS AFFILIATED WITH THIS SCHOOL. AFTER COMING TO THIS SCHOOL FOR A FEW SEMESTERS, THEY TRY 2 SWINDLE YOUR MONEY OR FINANCIAL AID OUT OF YOU. THEY ARE NOT IN YOUR BEST INTEREST FOR YOU TO LEARN AND GET UR DEGREE. EVERYONE FROM THE FRONT OFFICE, FROM THE RECEPTIONIST TO THE DIRECTOR IS A BUNCH OF B.S. NO ONE CAN ACTUALLY TELL YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON, JUST MISLEADING INFORMATION AND LIES.Andrea Brown

I'm a new student who just completed my first semester. It was the smoothest process ever with no hassle. This is how all schools should operate.Sharee Gandy

I wish I had good things to say about this school, but I do not. My experience with SVAD at UCF has been unpleasant for my creative and personal self. Coming in as a transfer student for the Studio Art track within the Art BA, I was looking forward to advancing my artistic craft. I was looking for an artistic environment where all forms of creativity were welcomed. Rather, I was pushed aside because my artistic strengths, art historical interests, and background are not supported by several SVAD faculty. My weaknesses were emphasized. I was forced to follow directions and consider the wants of almost all SVAD instructors instead of developing and furthering individual creative expression. There are little to no opportunities and most of the faculty hardly cares about their students. I was forced to enroll in "intensive" classes (which is a repeat of art foundational courses) after submitting a portfolio that claims to look for your knowledge of the fundamentals, but turned out to be so rigged that if the committee does not see drawings and designs from UCF courses exclusively, the student is almost guaranteed to fail. It would become very easy to believe one's craft is inferior because of failing the portfolio review and possibly not advancing to the more rewarding portfolio restricted courses at all. Some required classes for the Studio Art track are questionable, particularly "Art as Interface." In short, this course's material is dated and nothing of value is learned as course assessments intend to trick one with artist trivia questions. There is not a single seminar or capstone class for the Studio Art track (which would be much more valuable and practical), but only for Studio Art BFAs. SVAD is severely understaffed and overpopulated with students. The scheduling is atrocious and challenging to deal with as many essential or interesting classes conflict with each others' time blocks, especially for the upper-division classes. SVAD has put me through severe mental struggles, frustrations, and drained my creativity. I would not recommend anyone to attend SVAD at UCF, especially if one is an undergraduate transferring from a different school. It was a mistake transferring here and I will regret it for a long time.Carlos R

Very nice buildings and area. I'm working on adding UV protection in the central AC units to kill the viruses in the entire building. A great thing UCF is doing for the safty of their students and staff.James Severin

I can't say enough about the driving instructors, staff and total overall experience at All Florida Safety Institute in Orlando. The process from the beginning was simple and the staff was friendly. I received a call from the driving instructor Alaen within 48 hours of my initial reservation. Then my daughter went from an inexperienced anxious driver to a confident driver who actually has taught me a few things I didn't even know. Now I can relax knowing my daughter is prepared to drive out in this crazy world full of terrible drivers. All Florida Safety Institute is well worth the investment. Thank you for a great experience.Steve Majors

This school is terrible. The most crook owned organization of the Florida Education system. They don’t give any wiggle room for students about to pay and when you call ahead of time about paying for your semester they kick you out of your classes and force you to pay a missed payment fee even when you are gonna pay for the class 3 days after the deadline and notified them. $100 adds up for missed payments especially when it happens every other semester and they get the money anyways…. Don’t waste your time going to this school. I wouldn’t hire you if I found out you received a degree from a school that prevents you from receiving a degree even when you have enough credits.Barry The Mongoose

The school programs are okay, but you have to look out for yourself. I was enrolled into a class I didn’t sign up for. Regarding this campus, there is a lot of parking but almost no parking spots under trees (for shade / protection from the sun)! Most of the spots with tree shade are faculty/staff only. Worst parking lot ever.朱丽莎老师

Today Sunday the October 30th is an important day for Brazilian citizens to vote 2nd round to choose the new President. I met Mr Taylor giving the exact informational to find where is happening the vote process at Valenca West Campus Ten thumbs to you Mr Taylor! You did my day!Antonio Henriques

Alumni here and this school really is what you make of it. And it basically caters to all types for better and also for the worse. If you are a serious student there is so much funding at this powerhouse school and opportunities you CAN find something as long as you look for it. If you are more into the party scene and just want to enjoy college than by all means you will be surrounded by many sharing the same goal. But as a serious student (med school now) I can't say that I am happy with my decision at UCF. Although I did have fun I think it held me back more than push me. Only because there is too much emphasis on distractions/events/gym/sports and the party-school environment. With so many students that are not taking school seriously I let myself get carried away with the flow thinking my lazy lifestyle was the "norm" for a student. Kids go into class in their pajamas and the class sizes are so big you'll never get to know your professors let alone a letter of recommendation for higher education. So I'd say its a slightly below average place, as long as you don't get caught up in the wave of blowing off your school work which can really hurt in the long run. Avoid that and you can reap the benefits of all that insane funding they get.Christopher Rohner

You definitely need to stay on top of your grades- it's viewed that it is your grade, and therefore something you should be monitoring. The professors will always help and change grades when proof is shown. The syllabus of each professor is your bible. Always go to office hours, and use e-mail or webcourses to keep in contact with both the professor and TA (if applicable). Definitely find an advisor you like, even if it may not be the one assigned to you… First Year Advising is amazing! Make sure to take full advantage of it! Try to get at least a but involved with the school, as it helps give you that extra motivation to go through the school work. Beautiful campus, amazing resources when you search for them- and never be afraid to just randomly drop into an advisement area and ask where to get help for whatever you need- it's sometimes hard to figure out what advisement department handles what.. So just ask! The campus is also perfectly planned out in an easy to follow system!Brittany Willis

Graduated from UCF and I loved every minute of being there. The facilities are amazing and the school is always working to provide the students with more resources, opportunities, and activities. Most of my professors were absolutely amazing, and as long as you show that you're dedicated and willing to work, they will work with you to help make sure that you're passing and understanding the material in the courses. The actual campus is gorgeous and they work hard at maintaining all of the buildings. My biggest complaint is the parking because there's never a place to park so I would HIGHLY recommend finding other modes of transportation ( I took the campus shuttle which was convenient and timely). The staff there is always very helpful and I never really had problems with speaking to an adviser or talking to the financial aid office, etc. Attending this school was an excellent college experience. Just be prepared to work hard and take responsibility for your schedule, etc.Shira

***RED FLAGS*** Was planning to enroll in August and told them that I wanted to pay in full ($10k) upfront for the animation certificate program. They ignored me multiple times and insisted on telling me to apply for financial aid because I might have free grant money. I applied and there were no grants available just financial aid (loans) that I refused because AGAIN I did not want any debt/loans. I offered to pay upfront ($10k) for the certificate. I spoke with about 4 people that kept calling throughout August trying to get me to accept the financial aid. As it got closer to the start date the calls stopped. At the end of September the calls started again and I told them the SAME thing that I want to pay in full up front….the guy says okay let me set you up and give you a call in 3 days… Never heard from them and now (mid October) I have a voicemail from the school repeating the SAME message about signing up for Financial Aid…..I've seen more than enough RED FLAGS so stop calling me.O P

This school is a scam. I was involved in a class-action lawsuit involving this school's false advertising. Before going here they advertised a job placement program after graduation that was supposed to nearly guarantee a job in my field. That never happened. The job placement program was a scam. Because I couldn't land a job in my field I was an embarrassment to my family and they basically disowned me. The only positive to my situation is that the loan got canceled due to the class-action lawsuit. The damage is done. Going to this school was one of the biggest mistakes of my life and I highly urge anyone thinking about going to school to rethink it. If you choose to go to this school you should know that the industry generally looks down on this school and that putting it on your resume could actually harm your chance of landing a job in the biz.A

This school aint worth it. Save your money. If you're going online you will hate it. This school doesn't care if you have a full time job or full time parent. they want to exhaust you as much as possible and give you YouTube videos as a way of teaching. You can go on Udemy or Coloso or Class 101 and get the same experience. The cost of this school is not worth. Fullsail wants the young kids graduating highschool showing them the cool stuff like laptops and VR sets so they can trick them into this school. TRUST me do your research ahead of time they are other programs you can do to save you money.Aaron

I really love being a part of the Honors College and having this building for my use is super nice. I love the small class sizes, the meditation garden, the free printing in the lab, and the overly quiet reading room. Favorite place to be on campusEllen Melondart

If you have the grades and scores to get in here, shoot for the flagship University of Florida. Which has a national rep and is in US News list of top 6 state universities. Don't settle for second tier school if possible. Aim high! 🐊SunshineLaw Fan

The Burnett Honors College is always so clean and well organized, and comfortable. By far my place to study on weekday mornings, though I will note their hours are not that late.HAM

This is being written in November 2019. The building still seems unfinished. Random cables and wires stick out of various walls. The computers in the computer labs are often broken, and the maintenance and custodial staff routinely interrupt class periods. There are no dining options on campus, and although there is plenty of parking in the garage, it is a nightmare to park and get to class on time due to the location.Jacob Lodes

I go to school here so I'm a little biased. As of 10/10/22 there is still construction going on but it's not terribly bothersome. Reception is always nice and helpful.Kelsey S

Troubled old-school education factory, churning out grads who get stuck with subsistence pay in central Florida's mediocre public school system. Very slow turnover in faculty ranks, they linger for years using old syllabus & outdated exams. Gut majors here, true of all public university ed schools. Coast along with easy A or B grades.Rethink cps

I loved attending this college! Professors and staff are all phenomenal. I feel like I received a quality education and skills that apply directly to my career.Chelsea Fraser

This review is purely based on the office’s ability to pick up the phone. I’ve called countless times and no ever seems to pick up. I was just on hold for 12+ mins and because I had to take them off speaker it took me moment but the person on the other end hung up before I could even say “hello.” If you can, I recommend going in person if you need to actually talk to someone.K R