Montessori Center School

This school is a special place, providing a nurturing learning environment that provided "Process" oriented learning. Small class sizes, and a full time assistant in each classroom. In addition to providing a Montessori approach to learning the school provides wonderful specialists from art, music, Spanish and PE. Our Public schools have lost focus with "authentic learning" and are pushing for a one size fits all. I am thankful for Montessori & its commitment to continue a child's natural thirst for knowledge, curiosity & "Love of Learning"
--Submitted by a parent

Great school - our children have been there from 18 months and are now starting third grade. Academically, this school is above the rest, while children have a true joy for learning and are not just taught what they will be on the test. Great small class size for extra attention.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a father with 3 children at Montessori Center School. We started with our then- 5yo who was too young for public school. My wife did extensive research and after we had him there she was duly impressed and wanted me to observe a class in action with an eye towards enrolling our other two (the then 7yo and 3yo). I resisted. I'd attended public school and felt we had a very good one where we lived. I went to observe the classes and was so impressed. The children were all engaged and worming independently in a manner I'd certainly never witnessed in my schooling or in the school. I immediately "got" the difference. Rather than having a teacher in the front teaching to a whole group, the teachers were mingling with the kids, each of whom were working on tasks in order to accomplish their daily goals. This avoids having 1 child derailing the class. I am enamored as well with their approach to math and grammar and public speaking. The start kids at a "concrete" understanding of numbers and work up, rather than simply doing it abstractly on paper right away. I also think having 3 ages in a class is brilliant- teaches kids to participate in different ways and teasing is nonexistent!
--Submitted by a parent

MCS is truly a special learning environment that is unlike any other. Our children are able to explore and learn at their own pace. It's truly the best education in town with a very fair price!! The teachers are outstanding and have a true passion for the Montessori philosophy! We left MCS for one semester and returned because our daughter said she was not using her mind and it was not interesting. Since returning to MCS our daughter is thriving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We plan on keeping our children at MCS till 6th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

Montessori Center School is a wonderful school. My two boys started in the pre- primary class at 2.5 years old. The older is now 9 yrs old. I describe the Montessori method as learning how to learn. It is hands on understanding of all achedemics. The children phisically understand why things work the way they do. Children ages 3-6 understanding the physical concept of 10 cubed is amazing! Realistically, some teacher student combinations don't work (as is the case of of every school and camp). Spending up to 3 years in a class, if the match is good, it is a fantastic opportunity to develope and grow. If the match is not good - switch classes! That being said. It is possible that the Montessori style of learning is not for every one. But I see the intimate and personal interaction the students have with the teachers, shows up daily in their ability to confidently converse with people of all ages and cultures. They are taught the bigger picture of the world, life and learning. A recent article quoted the creators of Amazon.com, Wikipedia and Google thanking their Montessori education for teaching and allowing them to think out of the box. My family is already thanking Montessori!
--Submitted by a parent

We spent two years and tens of thousands of dollars at this school. Although my child learned concepts that helped in grade school, primary level was a nightmare. Labeling was rampant and expectations were not clear and would change from child to child and day to day. Learning disabilities were not identified by a teacher with over 20+ years of experience. Many teachers have been teaching too long at this school and are burnt out. The Montessori model of teaching is not followed - teaching to the teachers expectations is what we found. Montessori - especially this one - is not for all children, especially if you have an active child - beware! My child went from "the problem child in the class" with low ratings to an A student with excellence in behavior by switching schools.
--Submitted by a parent

How you rate the school may depend on the age of your child. Its a great school for the older kids but I was disappointed to hear teachers express 'limitations' regarding toddlers. For example, toddlers don't go to the special music sessions because they 'aren't ready for it'. (To be fair, they do do music in their own class). And there are no animals in the classroom because they 'don't know how to be gentle'. I find it worrisome that youngsters are being told what they are not capable of at such an early age.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a place where children and adults can explore and learn together in a safe and caring environment.

fantastic...our daughter has been there since preschool. she is in 4th grade now and has thrived there.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, now I really do believe in the montessori method thanks to this amazing center for young people
--Submitted by a parent