The Montessori School

This school was a complete disaster when I pulled my child out last fall. From talking to parents who left their child(ren) in longer and subsequently pulled them out and those who are still there, this school is in grave danger of imploding on itself. It has a lot of potential and if managed correctly it could be a good school. As of right now though, with a board that has been afraid of each other and very little teaching staff, this school is not a good choice. Communication with the students and the parents is key in a good school and TMS does not exhibit this characteristic. Find another school if you are looking at this one.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had all 3 of my children at this school, and am so greatful that my children have been able to experience this type of education that can be found nowhere else in Montgomery. This experience has given my children an amazing confidence in themselves and there abilities by allowing them to excell in areas in which they have interest and aptitude and allowing them the time to acquire skills in areas in which take more time for them, all the while instilling a strong sense of accomplishment. This would never have been able to happen in the public school system or the private schools in Montgomery which model themselves after the public schools. While there may have been some staff and administrative difficulties, things have settled into a calm nurturing environment with more than capapable teachers. I am overwhelmed by the sense of commitment currently evident in all the staff at the school to provide the children with a quality experience.
—Submitted by a parent

As I read through the less-than-stellar reviews of The Montessori School (TMS) from the past few months, I can only shake my head and say that they completely reflect our own unsatisfactory experience with this school. The toddler classroom directress recently left the school, the second lead teacher this year to depart unexpectedly. When I say "unexpectedly," I mean just that: there one day and gone the next, with no opportunity for their students to transition or even say goodbye. This school is in such a state of leadership and personnel discord that it spills over into the classrooms and ultimately affects the children. And when one of this school's directresses opts to pull her own children out of TMS and enroll them in a competing Montessori school across town, that should speak volumes about the state of affairs at TMS. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
—Submitted by a parent

My children went to this school during good times and through recent challenging times. The school has recently been through an (unnecessary) re-invention to change the school name, the staff mix, and the website, but not focusing on areas that really need attention. While the intentions of the (volunteer) board seemed good, it appears the board has lost their way and continue to make bad operating decisions without admitting to or learning from past mistakes. This has decimated the community. I removed my children when the board failed to respond to concerns of employee issues (employees arguing angrily with each other at work) and when they showed a lack of stability in my children's learning environment (teachers leaving suddenly, teachers being asked to leave suddenly.) They've consistently hired good teachers but can't or won't keep them. No one from the school contacted me when I notified them I was removing my children. This school had a good history in past years but in recent times it has not lived up to its potential. At this time, I would not recommend this school. Beware recent rosy reviews, evaluate the school for yourself if you are considering it.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers, parents and administration collective efforts help to grow any school. Now TMS is growing very well. I like all teachers working hard and they are committed to Montessori Method. We are lucky to have AMI trained teachers. My children love their school and their teachers. They are learning. School is providing safe, loving,caring and healthy environment.
—Submitted by a parent

If by "trouble making parent" you mean parents concerned about their children's safety and well being ,than I guess that is what they were. As a parent who pulled my child out of TMS, I can expound on some of the complaints. The loss of the primary teacher was an extreme blow to a school that was undermanned and in the rush to become Int'l qualified did not hire a good mix pf people. The school has potential, but I did not feel that the board was capable of addressing parent concerns nor provide an objective plan for its students. Security also concerned me since there were no sign in/sign out procedures, and few physical boundaries when playing outside. This school was very slow in developing a parent handbook that discussed dispute resolution in the classroom, as well as what aspects of the AL school code on classroom sizes and CPR certifications. As I said, this school has potential, but there was too much change, too quickly, and from my perspective it took a school melt down for the board to actually take a leadership role.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this Montessori!! I don't understand why some parents pulled out their children just becuase of a few trouble making parents and staff members!! But I'm glad becuase the new teachers and administration is very helpul, caring and they really make sure that your child gets the attention and love she/he deserves! I really needed a nice Montessori for my children so that I could work in peace. I can't handle the hyper, jumpy, agressive environment of most daycares! I'm glad I found The Montessori School!
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson (whom we are raising) has been at the school for over a year now and loves it. He is now in elementary and we are very happy with how much he is learning and the maturity he is showing. The school hired someone to run the office who seems very professional and pleasant. The Board has added new members, is working on a new website and appears to be getting the school back to where it needs to be. I am encouraged and look forward to seeing the school develop and grow.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is now called The Montessori School. My child LOVES going to school every day. The staff is caring, well educated, and communicate very well with parents. The students seem very happy and have genuine affection for each other and their environment. This is the only school in town that is faithful to the Montessori Method. The classrooms are beautiful, everything is child-sized and at child level, the materials are lovingly cared for and presented. The board leading the school is full of caring parents and professionals. Staff changes and the exit of some trouble-making families this fall have made the school much more peaceful. I really like the nutritional snacks provided by the school no sugar, salt, fat, high fiber and often organic!
—Submitted by a parent

The Montessori School is an excellent school. Teachers are hard working.My kids are learning and they are happy. Montessori Method is great.
—Submitted by a parent

I too must concur with the two most recent and negative reviews of East Montgomery Montessori School (now calling itself The Montessori School). When we were getting ready to move to Montgomery last spring, we were thrilled to find online what appeared to be a well-regarded Montessori school just minutes from our Deer Creek neighborhood. Our delight turned to dismay over the course of weeks as we reluctantly reached the conclusion that this school suffers from disasterous organizational and personnel problems that have no easy or short-term solution. We finally made the decision to pull our son out of the school, as have many other parents (enrollment has dropped from 34 to 11 students in the primary class as of this writing). I strongly advise against enrolling your child at this school, particularly sight unseen, as we unwisely did. There are other far better options in Montgomery, both Montessori and traditional.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with posting on October 10th, 2010. We are taking our child out after several years with the school. The administration and board have made several decisions in the past few years that have affected the quality of education for the children in a negative way. The primary teacher resigned suddenly last week with no warning, leaving the children again with yet another transition and no teacher to take her place. I cannot recommend this school even though I love the Montessori philosophy.
—Submitted by a parent

Please be aware that this school changed hands in the summer of 2010 and is essentially a brand-new school. With one exception, the entire previous staff was let go, and new teachers and a new school adminstrator were hired. None of this, however, was disclosed to new parents (including us). We enrolled our son in this school based on its excellent recommendations on this site and our interviews with the (subsequently laid-off) staff. When we arrived in Montgomery, we found entirely new teachers and administration. Over the past few weeks, we have become increasingly concerned about the school's operation, classroom understaffing being a major issue. School claims this is acceptable for Montessori, but we are experienced Montessori parents and this is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Plus, it's not working. Perhaps this will improve; perhaps not. Until/unless it does, I cannot recommend this school in its current incarnation.
—Submitted by a parent

EMMS is a great school. The teachers are attentive, caring and responsive to the needs f the students. The three greatest strengths of the school are the cultural diversity of the students (most of whom are the children of foreign military officers studying at the Air War College at Maxwell AFB), the small student population (approx. 30 total) and the school's OUTSTANDING nutrition policy (no artificial preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, no chips or candy, and best of all, absolutely nop sodas or Kool-Aid type drinks. EMMS is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

This was our first year at EMMS and we absolutely love it! My only regret is that we didn't find it sooner. My son is in first grade and has a hunger for learning because of Ms. Fran and the Montessori method of teaching. Ms. Fran truly loves her students and works with each one to ensure they receive the best education possible. The classroom is very inviting with many large windows and cathedral ceilings. It's full of learning tools such as maps, books, scales, beads, and even 2 parakeets! The children receive a 'hands-on' approach to education and go on a field trip at least once a month. Go for a visit and tour - you won't be disappointed!
—Submitted by a parent

EMMS is a wonderful Montessori School. They have short comings like all schools but I am glad to see they are working on them and that they appreciate outside help from their parents and staff. My child is going on their 2nd year. We attended the other Montessori for 2 yrs. EMMS is by far the better choice. They are main focus is the children and making sure they get everything they need. There over all school leadership can use some help which only affects the parents really. But the talents of the teachers and the schools resources make it the best place for your Montessori Child.
—Submitted by a parent

I rated leadership low because the school really has no in-house leadership, other than the board of volunteers (they are a small nonprofit org). The 3 teachers are super and montessori equipment is plentiful in each of the three classrooms. Parent involvement is welcome and encouraged. School has a Parent Organization, which meets monthly. There are afterschool extracurricular activities at 2pm for about $40 per month each, but most are geared towards the 5 year & under group. None really for older children but when we get enough of a demand for extracurr. for them, they will probably set something up.
—Submitted by a parent