Carlsbad Montessori School

My child has attended this school for 3 years. even though the facility might look a little old, and the playground a little beat up. I can see were the school thrives the most. ACADEMICS ! we are forgetting the puprose of a good school its not how they look its how they teach your child and the experience your child has. My four year old now reads, writes , adds and subtracts Thanks to this school. All the teachers are loving and very well educated. I understand its a non-profit org. So I can relate money is tight some times, to make cosmetic renovations. If you are looking for a well balanced enviorment for your child not simply a playbase or a fancy facility give this school a try. Of cousre as of any school children need parent involvment as well dont expect the school to do everything parents need to practice at home with their child as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have sent my son to this preschool for over a year now. In this time he has learned to read as well as some math functions. I interviewed the school before to ask about the teachers and most teachers had been there for 2 yrs plus. Since my son has been there, there has only been one teacher change and this was due to the previous teacher having a baby. They do have somewhat of a high turnover in teachers aides, but of course is understandable due to this depending on child concentration. All the head teachers are very knowledgeable and patient. I love the Montessori teaching practices and the emphasis on academics. The director is understanding and caring of all the children. The only reason I did not give it a 5 star rating is the playground could use some upgrades.
--Submitted by a parent

My girl went to this school for 1.5 years and she had 3 different teachers and the third one was about to quit when we left the school this year. earlier this spring, the school put short metal stacks all over the playground to protect the new grass. my girl fell and her neck landed on one of the stack and could have died! what kind of safety is that?! i deposited the refund check from the school director and just found out the check bounced. will never recommend this school to people!
--Submitted by a parent

I am writing in response to the post dated March 30, 2009. There has been a relatively new school that has opened and also uses the name Carlsbad Montessori. I believe this parent must be speaking of that school. Carlsbad Montessori Schools' Elementary program has every thing required of an elementary classroom and then some. I have witnessed the daily use of these materials and to say that the children only use them in their free time is ridiculous. One visit to the classroom will prove it.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is pre kindergarten and has been going to this school for 2 years. He can read, spell, performs basic mathematics and has learned a lot in a few short years. The teachers are very knowledgeable and the facility is clean and well maintained. I would highly recommend this school to any one who wishes to provide their children with a clean safe learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Any parent considering the elementary program at this school, I urge you not to waste your child's future & money. If you are at all concerned with your child staying at grade level, C.M. would be a horrible mistake. Thousands of dollars later, we are scrambling to catch our child up, who started C.M. slightly above grade level & left almost an entire year behind! Questioning his homework & progress continually, we were told he was doing great, only to find he wasn't even being taught at his grade level! Additionally, though they will insist differently, they do not use Montessori materials at the elementary level, they don't even have all the materials. Of the few items they did have, kids were told they could only use them in their free time! The outcome has been devastating & not one of them cared the slightest! Sadly, we are one of many.
--Submitted by a parent

My 2 1/2 year old son has participated in the toddler program for 6 months now. he absolutely loves school and already knows the alphabet, shapes, colors and can recognize all of his letters.
--Submitted by a parent

CMS has well trained Montessori lead teachers and materials. Even though kids are in two classes, all preschool teachers and the director knows the names of the kids. The school director ensures that children are welcomed and well settled. They allow for different parenting style when it comes to seperation anxiety which I appreciated very much as I did not want to leave if my child was crying. The quality of the academic program is high. My biggest dissappointment was that CMS like most Montessori schools, though retaining academic excellence, does not adopt the true philosohpy of Maria Montessori - viz that children should the primary drivers of their learning and that teachers are facilitators of that process. There are several extracurricular activites such as music, art, gymnastics and dance. They also have a big yard and playstructure.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has attended this school for 3 years and it has been a great experience. I feel she has received an education that has surpassed any other in the area. She was able to read, write, and do math before she was even in Kindergarten. Now she is in Kindergarten and is learning cursive, spanish and she has even laerned multiplication. The student to teacher ratio is excellent and they do alot of hands on work along with field trips to keep the high work load interesting. All of the teachers and the director are so nice and there has been hardly any turnover with the staff.
--Submitted by a parent