Glendale Montessori School

N/A Comments were meant for Glenn Dale Montessori in Maryland not this school in CA
--Submitted by a parent

While this school is a true Montessori school the staff does not have the ability to recognize learning differences. Children with learning differences, whether it s a Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Autism, PDD, Asperger s, ADHD, Visual or Auditory difference, get moved along and allowed to struggle or get held back with the belief that the Montessori method will serve every child. Several parents were told that their children were behind academically and should repeat Kindergarten, First or Second grade and not offered any other solution. Most teachers at this school are old and have not been trained to recognize learning differences. Their skills need to be updated so that the whole child is truly their priority. Discovering learning difference has therefore been up to parents to discover and find the resources to support their child s Montessori education. Or they discover that their child has a learning difference once they leave and go to another school having lost the window of valuable developmental learning. Such problems deserve a comprehensive evaluation by someone that has been trained to spot the different issues affecting each child.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are guiding principal in life is rules, this is the school for you. My child was treated badly, by a smiling teacher who continually quoted arbitrary rules. Quite honestly, I found the place inhumane and still apologize to my son for sending him there. They talk a good game, so beware.
--Submitted by a parent

Daughter of a true Montessorian. My mother owned a Montessori school for over 30 years. This is one of the best schools in Cali. Can't say enough. Teachers care about their children. Kids are happy and are excited about learning. They are doing everything right at this school. A MUST-SEE for parents looking for a school for their child!!
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended this school from PreK through 2nd grade. This is a true Montessori school, from the teachers to the classroom materials to the guiding philosophy, they stay true to the Montessori method, so you should be familiar with that if you're going to choose this school. That being said, we loved this school. Children are encouraged to follow their innate curiosity rather than just stick to the lesson plan. Most any school can teach a child the basics of reading, writing and math - but to accomplish that without squashing that natural joy of discovery with which they all enter school is another matter and to do it in an environment that respects the child's individuality is even more rare. This school fosters a sense of respect and inclusiveness that is really something special - there are no cliques or bullies, and yes, that starts in 1st and 2nd grade, but there is zero tolerance for that here, not because the teachers are strict (they are loving and nurturing) but because respect is the guiding principal of the school and it informs every interaction.
--Submitted by a parent

We sent our two children to Glendale Montessori from the ages of three all the way through the second grade. During the second to last we year we had an opportunity to move out of state, but we actually postponed the move for a year because we knew that the care, love and education that our son was receiving from his teachers and school was high above the average school experience. The teachers at this school treat and teach each child as an individual. In addition, they guide them to care for each other and the world outside. Most importantly, they instill in them a love of learning and a deep curiosity about how the world works. As we have moved to new schools I have observed what a strong foundation of education they received from Glendale Montessori. My only criticism of this school is that it does not go through high school. If it did we would certainly be there for the long run.
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids had such a great experience in this school that we had all three of them graduate from there even though it was quite a distance and a chore with drop off and pick up once the older kids moved up to another school. The teachers encouraged and nurtured them. Our kids had a great relationship with them and so did we as parents. They made time at a moments notice when we had questions about your kids' progress or just had a question about how our kids' day went. The environment in the classroom invites exploration and those with inquisitive minds will not lack materials to learn from. There are a lot of opportunities for parents to be involved. The field trips they have encourage active learning and the teachers are so enthusiastic that the kids cannot help but be pulled into the learning process. We love this school so much it was bitter sweet when our youngest graduated from there. Our eldest still remember this school fondly.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a positive experience with this school. It s nourished our child s maturity and love of learning. The teachers instilled in him, not only expected basic skills, but went above our expectations in caring about his social, emotional, as well as academic development. The teachers always approached us if there where any concerns, whether it be an issue in a certain subject or trouble with a friend or classmate. There was little need for parental involvement because the teachers quickly let us know about any problems or improvements. We had a great relationship with the principal as well. In addition to the value we place in this school, our child was always in a good dynamic with his teachers and classmates. He remembers the school fondly. As parents, we are lucky to have had such an experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Glendale Montessori has instilled in my daughters the joy of learning and encouraged them to follow their curiosity to learn more and more. We have been so blessed with wonderful teachers, administration, parent community, etc. that we are hard-pressed to find an equivalent school as our oldest leaves second grade.
--Submitted by a parent

Such an amazing experience for my child. The materials in the classroom are fascinating - flower arranging, sewing, hammering. All learning is by doing, not by being lectured at. For example, instead of looking at pictures of planets, there are actual planets that the students hold and place on a diagram of the solar system. On a recent trip, my son (4) was talking to a businessman on the plane. My son told him all the planets in order, stated that pluto is no longer a planet, and then proceeded to tell him where the astroid belt fell in relationship to the other planets. The business man, who has a two year old son, asked me, 'Where does your son go to school? I want my kid to go there.' My son is reading, learning math, and making friends with other kind children. We love this school! (Downside: very little parent involvement)
--Submitted by a parent