Slater Montessori Academy

We are very pleased with Slater Montessori Academy. We enrolled our 4 yr old son at the school in Sept 2012 after having him at a local (national chain) day care since he was 1 1/2 years old. Despite being very happy with the staff at the day care, we made the tough decision to switch schools because we were not seeing the academic progress we knew he was capable of. Within 3 months, our son knew all of his letters, sounds, and was starting to learn how to blend sounds together (e.g. the beginning stages of reading). The Pre-K teachers (yellow room) are wonderful! They are very patient with our (sometimes hyper) child and have a very effective method of discipline. Highlights: Slater Montessori has four classrooms organized by age. You have the option to supply lunch and daily snacks for your child or have the school provide them if you pay an additional fee. The academic school day for the yellow class (pre-K) is 8:30 - 3:30. Child care is provided at no additional cost starting at 7am and ending at 6pm. As noted in other reviews, the children are given ample play time during the day to "get their wiggles out." My, my wife, and I are very happy at Slater Montessori!
—Submitted by a parent

Highly recommend this school. The school has good programs on: academic, personality, discipline And those are the key factors in their whole life. Acdemic: math, reading, writing, science... especially in reading, you will be surprised how your kids reading skill. Personality: the teachers concentrate on one value every month, such as cooperation, self-control, respect... Discipline: kids have the concepts of: what are rules for, and what are the consequences of rule violations In this school, kids also have enough playing time, which is very important for the kids. Sometimes kids learn by playing. Also, if you are more concern about your kid s diet, you have the option to buy lunch/snack provided by the school, or bring your own lunch/snack. My daughter is very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Slater Montessori Academy has been a key element in our son's growth. ALL of the teachers have a genuine care and interest in the students. Students have interaction with everyone of the teachers, creating a comfortable and secure environment for them. The school has a large classroom for each age group, large playgrounds and a blacktop. They keep a structured environment that we as parents can carry into our homes. Our son has absorbed the academic material and is encouraged to learn more. Floor activities are a source of "hands on" learning and our son views it as an exciting and fun activity. Another positive experience was potty training. Our son's teachers were more than willing to help us with the transition. Communication between the teachers & students and teachers & parents is consistently happening. We give this school an overall 5 stars. The teacher's hard work and dedication can be seen daily.
—Submitted by a parent

Slater Montessori Academy. It's ok. Not that great but not that bad. I just only recommend the school need to keep clean on child and the school carpet. Need to wash all kids hand before they enjoy their snack and lunch. The school carpet need to wash. And need the shoes cover for all visitor because the child will take their snap in those area even I know the school have nap mat for its.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children going to Slater Montessori Kindergarten this year: one has been to this school for the 3rd year, the other one just started this year. Overall, we love this school ! Pros: - the Montessori way is to let your child develop at their own pace. If your child is in the perfect average, you may not care; if he is a slow learner, he can use some help; if he is a fast learner, he can go as far as possible (one of the classmate is already working on a 2nd grade level in Math / Reading!) - Classroom is usually small (less than 20 students with 2 teachers): they have more time and the will to do some 1 on 1 with your child when needed. - Teachers are very caring, loving and helpful. They are excellent at communicating with you to push your child to their full potential. A special thank here to all the teachers of the Yellow and Green room. Cons: Cost: of course it costs more than the free Public school, but if you factor in a longer Academic hour from 8:30 to 3:00 pm + child care until 6:00 pm, it is not that bad for working parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great school.The owner has three schools in the orange county area.The campus is very nice with good size of classrooms and play area. The teachers are great providing complete personalised attention to each child.My daughter who is only 5 can read small story books & do addition and subtraction so easliy. I would keep my daughter here for as long as she can stay in this school. Highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Slater Montessori Academy has been a special experience for our entire family. Parent participation was something we were looking for, so this was a perfect fit for our son. The school was recommended to us by several of our neighbors, so we contacted them and met with the staff, and found the grounds safe and secure. They contributed many lifelong memories to our family, and all of us are forever grateful.
—Submitted by a parent

I had my daughter at this school since she was 2 years old. I love this school. Best program in town and great bunch of teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending Slater for two years now. We are so happy with everything she has learned. My daugher is now four years old and reads better then my friends 6 year old son. People always ask me how did you get her to read so well and I tell them it is all Slater Montessori's hard work. My child's teacher is so wonderful and a sweet lady.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very please with this school. My son, who is 4, has learned so much this past year. He is writing his name, numbers 1-100, starting his addition skills, and has started reading. I am very happy with the way the teachers interact with the kids and how they are teaching them values for living. I have referred many of my freinds to this school also, and they are just as pleased as I am.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has gone to this school for the past year. Yes the school has gone through some staff changes however, the owner has done a wonderful job answering my questions personally and quickly. I have always been happy with the communication I have received from the owner. I disagree with the comment about the cleanliness of the school. The school is always kept nice and the teachers do a wonderful job keeping the classrooms looking clean and inviting. The teachers do a wonderful teaching the children in a loving and fun way. My child loves going to school and that makes me as a parent very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very surprised with some of these negative comments. Both my children attend this school and I am totally happy with the program and the growth of my children. This is one school which really pays attention to academics. I will recomend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, its good. However they have several other issues to fix. This school is managed very poorly from a business and communications stand point. Their website is nonexistent. Whenever I leave a message to ask for a call back regarding an issue, nobody ever calls me back. They keep mistaking my daughter for another with the same name and one day a teacher told my daughter that we didn't give her the money required for lunch (even though we did). My daughter came home sad saying that we didn't give her money. The owner has also accused us of bouncing a check (only to realize its the other child with the same name). No apology offered only to say "don't take it personally". I'm sorry. If you make my daughter feel bad because she thinks her parents are not providing for her, I am going to take it 'personally'.
—Submitted by a parent

Once again they let another staff member go, without any notice. They continue to let the good ones go. This school is very unorganized and way to demanding on the young children. I disagree with the comment about the school being clean. Don't send your children here. I am withdrawing mine.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our son at Slater Montessori since Sept 2009. They are horrible! I agree with the below comments on one area, the new director Ms. Courtney is very nice! Since Sept 2004 they have had 4 directors, I cant even count how many teachers I have seen go threw that place. Not once have they sent home a notice that there would be a change in the staff. I think that the school is completely unorganized and over priced for what you get. They are WAY TO STRICT on the yonger kids & I could not DISagree more with the comment that they are loving. I would not recomend this school to anyone!! I am so happy that I don't have to dela with them anymore!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the last parent's comment. I absolutly love this school and there academic program. I currently have a 4year old attending and she has grown so much academically and socially. I feel that the school is very well organized, clean, and the staff is very loving and helpful. I would recomend this school to any parent.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend Slater Montessori and my family loves the school. The person that wrote the last review is not truthful. The new director we have now is great and her name is Ms. Courtney. She is very qualified and the school is very organized. The price is great and the school is very clean. If your looking for a great school give Ms. Courtney a call. Happy parent
—Submitted by a parent

Although there have been many changes, I love working with the current staff. We provide a quality academic program and the children are happy.
—Submitted by a teacher

parents please don't send your kids to this school. This is the worse school you can imagine. Since the new director left everything change. They got very cheap with the snack.They don't care about your child they only want your money trust me. The new person in charge does not have a degree only in business but not in child development. She does not have kids no experience or what so ever. 'please take my advice'
—Submitted by a teacher

With the recent changes in staff and teachers, the school does seem unorganized. In addition, the teachers are strict. They expect 4 yr olds to sit still and keep quiet. Face reality, they are kids. You will be lucky if they can sit still for more than 15 mins. I am also looking for a new school.
—Submitted by a parent