Palm Harbor Montessori Academy

Strategic,Excellent teachers! Leadership for Authentic Montessori- it takes courage to do things right. I, along with many alumni and their parents are well-pleased with the long term preparation of my children here: Study skills for a lifetime of learning. PHMA has educated both two valedictorians and two salutorians of their local high school grad classes over the last six years, even from our small numbers! The individual academic attention here gets them ready for pushing forward at much bigger settings later, with a solid understanding of who they are as an individual and of their role as a responsible person within a group.. Two PHMA alumni got perfect scores on the college entrance SAT exams, PHMA educated many students who rcvd. multiple Ivy League college scholarships and dozens of successful high school -combined International Bachaloreate Degrees. Alumni that wanted to and applied got into Advanced Placement in High School courses or the IB program. A school can't replace the nurturing of home that anchors a child, but for all of my children it has build a sound way of approaching education with goals and discipline. PHMA nurtures the innovative minds of the future!!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids attended this "school" (really a glorified daycare) for 2 years and didn't learn a thing. In fact, my oldest had to repeat kindergarten once she transferred to public school. I had constant appeals for donations of time and money, kids sent home in stained clothes (can't they afford smocks?), and then they criticized me for sending the kids in stained clothes, overpriced lunches and did not permit the occasional dessert item in packed lunches. I was reprimanded right in front of my kids for being late and I needed to feed them a better breakfast. My child later asked me why I was yelled at, and my 5 year old came home and told me her teacher suggested she obtain an alarm clock. It wasn't until the end of their 2 years there that they raised ANY concern about my kids' progress or behavior issues. In the several months my kids have been in public school, they've learned way more than they ever did at this supposedly fabulous Montessori school. Don't waste your kids' time, don't waste your money. Pick another school.
--Submitted by a parent

My children love learning at Palm Harbor Montessori Academy! They have strong academics, friendships and communication skills thanks to their experiences and lessons there. I love the on-site seasonal swim lessons, the gymnastics, gardening, and extraordinary science and math. They love the aftercare program, the ability to choose within great study choices, and the sense of emotional calm and productiveness. I am so proud of the way they respectfully negotiate with any age. They know it is safe to share their feelings and be heard.
--Submitted by a parent

My two year old daughter started at Palm Harbor Montessori in the early summer and I am amazed at the wonderful progress she has made in the last four months. The teachers are kind and nurturing and give all of themselves each and every day to ensure that each child has happy experience. At home she now cleans up her toys completely with little prompting, sings the many songs she learns at school and is becoming more and more independent. Our family loves PHMA and highly recommend it to all.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff at Palm Harbor Montessori is excellent, especially at the junior elementary level. They are kind, compassionate and caring. My child is happy to go to school and doing very well academically. More importantly my child is confident, independent, and self motivated. There is nothing she is not willing to try or learn about. Kudos Montessori!
--Submitted by a parent

We are extremely happy with Palm Harbor Montessori Academy. We tried public school for the start of our child's education and it was not a good fit. This year is our 2nd year at PHMA and our child is thriving and excelling beyond our expectations. Montessori is the best start and greatest education a parent could give their child. We highly recommend PHMA to all our friends and family.
--Submitted by a parent

My family and I could not be happier at this school. My children are thriving thanks to the love, care and professionalism of the staff and their willingness to go the extra mile for one child with some challenges. The Montessori method fits my children hand-in-glove and we know that this education and community experience is worth much more than we're paying. We give Palm Harbor Montessori an A + + and have recommended it to two other friends who have enrolled their children. From our first tour to being part of this community we've been treated like royalty.
--Submitted by a parent

WARNING: Do not send your child to PHM. I sent my first child to a Montessori school in another area and had a fantastic experience. When we moved to Clearwater and enrolled our second child in PHM, it was a huge mistake. My gut kept telling me that he was not learning but we were reassured that he was. We were actually informed that the first full year there he learned nothing and was not given lessons because he didn't want them. What? The second year, we had a great teacher but he was already way behind. We put him in regular school this year and he is the only kid in the class that doesn't know his letters, sounds, etc. but hey are going to work to bring him up to speed. I feel horrible for him. Worst off, I spent $10K+ per year to get him a great education and prepare him. In fact, I could have kept him home & worked with him myself. As a parent, I had to speak up here. I as well know a lot of angry parents. Until the admin changes, beware.
--Submitted by a parent

What a huge disappointment! If you want your child to learn the fundamentals and be well adjusted in school, DO NOT go to PHMA! PHMA promises a lot and delivers very little. We know at least five other children in addition to our own who will not be returning this year for the same reasons we are not. After two years at this school, our child is testing way below grade level in reading, writing, and math. There is virtually no science. We never saw evidence of Rosetta Stone being used (part of the high tuition cost). Bullying is an issue, and is not addressed by staff or administration. Communication from the teachers and the administration is poor, at best. There are teachers at PHMA who are not Montessori accredited, and are not guided by the administration. The teachers are unhappy and burned out. PHMA is he highest priced Montessori and one of the highest private schools in the area. For a cost of over $20,000, we have a child who's confidence has been diminished and has academically digressed instead of progressed. This may have been considered a good school at one time, but no longer meets high standards. The kids are the ones who are really paying the price.
--Submitted by a parent

Truly amazing progress in my children, I am so pleased that they are learning fast and interested in so many subjects. This school has affected the way our family communicates in a great way, by the children giving us "conflict resolution" tips at home! The overall healthy routines and structured environments /sequential lessons help each child to sense their success at every step of the way, and motivated by their own sense of joy of learning. My children are progressing very fast and way ahead of the average academics and social skills for their age. Thank you, PHMA!
--Submitted by a parent