Childrens House Montessori School

Unless your child has a problem, do not send your child to this school. The public school system is the best place in Atascadero to send your child who is smart. I agree with the last review, the teachers are underpaid. The average salary at the school is $18,000/year. The owner is two-faced and only cares about money. Nobody knows how much money she makes a year, charging $600/month tuition to every child. The Upper Elementary Classroom is full of drama and the kids don't learn anything. And not good drama. The parents do the kids homework, there is no discipline, there is no math, there are no basic standards. They test the kids just like public schools at the end of the year. There was a fantastic music program a couple years ago and the owner of the school dumped it down the drain. I would only recommend sending your child to the Toddler, Kindergarten, or Lower Elementary class. The preschool teacher has issues.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an sub par school in my opinion. Most of the teachers are underpaid and burned out. They would rather have fund raisers and learn songs than teach the basics of Math and Science. It is a school for kids that cant compete in the real system, if you have a special needs kid that might get picked on or is a little slow, than can baby site for you. Last year the 6th grade class had 2 kids in it!! Yes 2!! One boy and one girl, how is that for learning to work with others and socialize and compete?? As someone else said there are some rich kids, but most seem to be kids of teachers or obviously grandparents a re picking up the tab. I would only use it for preschool.

This is a great school for field trips, art, theater, core values, ethics and environmental concerns. Good up through 3rd grade. But "upper elementary" program a huge disappointment! Academics not the best. Kids ahead of grade level get virtually no instruction and use the same math workbook as home schoolers. In other words, they are left to teach themselves. There have also been problems with bullying in the past. There are a certain number of quite spoiled rich kids whose families seem to hold quite a lot of power. Despite the negatives, a great school for the younger kids!!!!

If you have to attend a grammar school in Atascadero and have the money, this is a good choice. Other public's are better, but they are not in Atascadero. The teachers are average, a few are burned out and they are not known for being strict. Lots of "special situation" kids attend to keep them sheltered.

This is a wonderful school. My son has been going here since toddler class and is now finishing up preschool. The parents are involved, the environment loving and kind and nourishing and the culture is that of respect, kindness and fairness. I would highly recommend this school for any child and parent who wants the best learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent