I have nothing against the big schools..I went to ATP! But I got my private elsewhere at an FBO first. Private pilot training is how we all usually get our first impression of flying, whether it is for a career or for recreation. The big schools will pump you through this so fast that many people don't really get to enjoy flying for the sake of flying. I went to a big school after I had gotten the chance to fly around just for fun. I still enjoy flying but going at the pace of a big school will wear you out a bit. There will be days where you don't feel like flying and you will have to, and if you can't keep up with the pace you will be kicked out of their programs. All I am saying is take some time and do it right, there is no rush. If you decide a big academy is the way for you then great! there are many good things these academies can offer. But there are many things an FBO can offer that an academy cannot. My decision to go to an academy is because I was in the middle of a career switch. it made more sense for me to end the one career (military) and concentrate on getting my other ratings quickly, rather than taking on a new job and trying to fly whenever I had free time. This is the approach that worked for me. In whatever you choose to do, just be informed on the pros and cons of both paths because neither one is perfect.