I am looking for a great montessori pre-k and k school. I currently have both my boys in a montessori school, but am really not happy with it. They do welcome parent participation but you have to ask and ask again. They seem to cater and praise only 2 types of parents...those that have been there for years (as the school goes up to 6th grade) and the newbies. Those of us that have been there more than 1 year are sort of just bypassed. They have no sort of parents association. They try to keep everything hush hush. For instance, my son was being hit by another child and they didn't even tell me. I only found out because he told me. I finally had to have a special meeting with the teachers. Needless to say they didn't satisfy my concern. Anyway, I am definitely looking to place them both somewhere else next year. Does anyone have any good recommendations?
It's unfortunate that things are going well at your boys' current school. I'm not sure where you are located, but I have visited Willow Montessori School in Ashburn. Although I can't provide a recommendation based on experience, my husband knows the owner quite well. Good luck on your search!!
Hi! I am sorry I don't have a specific reference for you but I did once visit the Julia Brown school in Olney and they seemed pretty open there. My only advice is to get your son out of that school now if he is being abused by other children. It is very disturbing the teachers did not bring this to your attention.
I wish I could help you I.. There is a school near where we live, but I was warned against it (wonder if it was the same one. I homeschooled my kindergartener with the plan to do so till 3rd grade...alas all my friends had girls, so sent him to Churchill half day Kindergarten this year to develop some boy friendships...which has a been a terrific experience! The teachers are incredibly caring and loving with the children and the PTA has terrific programs for all grades including kindergarten. I didn't expect much from a public school and have been pleasantly surprised. My son went to kindergarten already fully reading...they use jollyphonics (from England) which has only enhanced what he already knows. I con't know where you live, my point being if you can't find the right Montessori school, ask around about the local public school...you may be surprised.
My daughter goes to Montessori School of Cedar Lane in Fairfax and we LOVE it, her teacher Miss Pam is absolutely wonderful, very knowledgable and caring and always keeps us up to date on everything that goes on. Everyone there has been wonderful and I strongly recommend them
We'll be sending our 18 months old one there as soon as she turns 3.
Here is their website: http://preschoolmontessori.com/home.html
I., I wish I knew where you were based...I love the Montessori method (my daughter has so far attended one from pre-k to 5th grade and we can't say enough good things about the results).
I guess the downside is that anyone can call themselves a "Montessori", so first I'd look for one that is AMI certified. Regardless, obvioulsy, you don't want another situation where the teachers aren't on top of things, so depending where you live, I might be able to give a recommendation. In Alexandria, I can tell you that both the Old Town Montessori School, and the Aquinas Montessori School are excellent.
