Island Village Montessori School

I have worked in Montessori environments for many years, private and here. I am quite impressed with how IVMS fits the state requirements in with the Montessori philosophy. The administration is extremely supportive of the faculty, both professionally and personally. I have experienced a renewed enthusiasm for teaching that is leading me to challenge myself in ways I would not have thought possible a few years ago. No school is a perfect fit for all students and parents, but if you are looking for a dynamic environment that works to help as many children as possible become responsible, confident, independent, and innovative, IVMS is worth a visit.
—Submitted by a teacher

My assessment so far....make sure the teachers are showing your child how to use self-serve lesson stations in the class. Make regular appointments with your child's teacher to monitor your child's work plan. INSIST on hands-on activities, MORE field trips, guest speakers and projects that the students can become invested in. If you plan to volunteer, donate or contribute to the school don't expect a thank you or for any interest to be forthcoming. Administration doesn't seem willing to create a central volunteer committee, stating they are afraid the parents will burn out, even though there were many interested parents who want to volunteer. Expect scant email replies from teachers about anything. More to come....
—Submitted by a parent

I cant believe i fell for it, My little sister was going to this school when i was going to another, I heard many good stories from her, The Art, The Learning, and etc. The art got my attention....i love art and it even made me change schools, My brother was forced to come with me and he was really sad about It. When i first did the art i was excited it was really fun until...I got handouts to work on, i learned that i had to put a conclusion, and read a passage before i do it! i know this might be the standards for art. But it doesn't feel like art. Then theirs the learning, i don't really like it. They start contracts in the middle (which where i am) so u only have a limited amount of time (3 weeks) to *Learn* about specific things and then u have test about it. Theirs no specific order on how you do things so its really messy. This school pays more attention on being a "Self-Directed learner". Also this school claims that they are different in better ways... But their barely any different. I REALLY don't recommend this school if you want your child to be really academic. (This is a Student as you probably can see)

Teachers (and principal) think they're superior to everyone else, the communication is horrible.. in order to talk to your childs teacher they request you schedule an appointment or e-mail them first (and those are not promptly answered), It's rather ridiculous in my opinion to have to go through all of that in order to talk to your childs teacher about your child. I am not satisfied with the "education" my child received while attending this school. It's mediocre and mickey mouse, to say the least. I am referring to the North Campus.
—Submitted by a parent

As a person who just successfully graduated from high school, as an alumni of IVMS, as a student who attended opening day, I can guarantee that this school has much to offer and can help any student become successful. I can also say that any bad review I ve seen here seems really immature to me! However, this school has a beautiful aspect on education. Encouraging independence, working on social and academic skills, strengthening the community, and having understanding for people, places, & things are things I have observed & learned in my many years here. I was always surrounded with educators & staff that were willing to answer my questions or open doors to new opportunities. If you re looking for a school that instills in your children independence, organization, healthy social skills, & of course academic excellence, I would seriously consider contacting this school. I know it s hard to trust a random person on a website, but I would consider myself a well-rounded, successful person & I would honestly contribute much of my success to Island Village Montessori School!

As a parent of a Middle School student here I think this is one of the best. My child's educators have challenged her in a way that shows up in her work. My husband and I have been very pleased with her grades and FCAT scores. She was also given a choice of electives that were exciting and allowed social time with friends. The learning environments are not over crowded because they put a cap on each one. As a past volunteer I have seen first hand that the ratio is about 1 to 14. Overall I say keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

The IVMS middle school is absolutley horrible. I will never go there again the students think that it is ok to eat while your working . There is nothing you can do in private, the bathroom is built in the classrooms and they are not sound proof! They make you create an imaginary island with false beliefs . There is more than thirty six kids in a class . I decided to not sing a song in chorus because it said "no religon and no God" in the song and they said I had to because i filled out a form. The teaching ways are horrible they are supposed to nurture you and bond with you well they don't you don't get an agenda to plan everything!!! you get little squares on a paper , and each square smushes every day in it !! Take it from a student if your child likes being pushed around and eating next to bird poop , and being told it is bad to be a social butterfly and to laugh and enjoy there selfs by all means send your child there!!!!

I don't have experience with the upper grades as my child is in Kindergarten. So far I'm very pleased with the experience. Miss Kellie, is an awesome teacher. She has patience, kindness, and concern for each and every little one in her class. You can't go wrong with her as a kindergarten teacher! She is in the kilpatrick early childhood building. They have pet bunnies outside for the children to take care of. They teach your child how to write, read, and learn about the universe. Love it.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration at this school does not live up to the standards that Montessori envisioned for educators of true Montessori background and training. As an employee at this school I witnessed many issues being hidden from parents and other staff out of fear of public relations scandals. I have witnessed teachers and administration being fired for expressing concern over administration's decisions that were not in the students best interest. Staff is hired and fired over personality clashes instead of ability and performance. One of the most hypocritical, condescending and self-serving administration staffs I have ever worked with.
—Submitted by a teacher

Island Village is a great school, with a strong Montessori foundation. As someone said below, all teachers are provided with the opportunity to take classes in Montessori teachings and methods for free, which helps keep all the educators on the same philosophical page. As a lifelong learner, I cherish this opportunity to continue to grow and develop my craft. We work hard, but the fantastic results we see from our students make it all worthwhile. Our leaders are dynamic and positive; they encourage us to innovate and support us as we take on new directions. Our students are empowered in their learning, and their interests have led us to create the wide range of courses we currently offer. In what other public middle school will you find fifth graders discussing the Big Bang with authority or students begging for more time to write? I look forward to many years of working at Island Village with its dedicated staff and inspirational students.
—Submitted by a teacher

I love this school! My child just graduated 8th grade after being at IVMS since PreK and is now heading off to high school with incredible confidence and an enthusiasm for learning. The focus at the middle-level (5th-8th grade) is for students to become responsible, self-directed learners. The faculty have high expectations and provide the necessary support for each learner to reach his or her fullest academic potential. I have no doubt that I will continue to hear wonderful things from the IVMS alumni and how their Montessori roots impacted their future learning!
—Submitted by a parent

To the "teacher" who posted below: I for one am grateful for all the extra work and dedication that the teachers at Island Village give to my daughter. The extra comments you complain about are VERY much appreciated by me and other parents. How pitiful that you are using this as a negative for working at this school. I just want to commend all of the teachers currently at IVMS for their hard work in making my child's experience wonderful and let you know how thankful I am that you are there. I know the pay for teachers is never enough for what they do . . . but please know that there are many of us out here who are grateful that you do!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are overworked and underpaid. If you are thinking about working here, you need to know that you'll be paid less than at a regular public school. You will also be expected to write comments for your students 8 times a year! (Sarasota County public schools only need to do this 4 times). I feel that there is a higher than average of special needs students here, and it seems that the ESE department only makes suggestions but provides no actual help. I have heard about over a dozen teachers let go, and I don't think any of them were ever observed. At the middle school level, teachers are expected to teach specials in addition to their core subject. No extra compensation and little planning time overall. I feel that the founder only cares about working miracles with the "problem" students, and does not appear to be concerned that this inordinate amount of time spent on one student detracts from the other students. New teachers are also expected to take online Montessori classes created by the founder. I spent one whole day every weekend working on this. I like the philosophy but I feel like I have no time to breathe.
—Submitted by a teacher

In my 14 years of teaching, 2 of which have been at Island Village Montessori School, I have never worked in a better Montessori school than this. The Head of School is a great driving force here who embodies the principles of Maria Montessori. The support for both students and staff here is second to none. I have taught in 3 Montessori schools in England and 2 in Florida:Sarasota and Venice. I couldn't be happier in this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

After attending the Island Village Preschool for years, the elementary school left a lot to be desired, My daughter came out of the preschool ready to learn and excel in Kindergarten. Unfortunately she went backwards for the first half of the year. Walking in a number of times, and seeing her sitting on the floor, doing absolutely nothing was appaling. When I addressed my conerns -a number of times, I got a head nod and no action from the teachers or the staff. The number of children with special needs are extremely high in the regular classroom setting, which requires all of the teachers attention. When requesting a different classroom, one of the office staff said to me, and I quote "well, there are 36 children in that classroom, I guess we can start hanging them from the ceilings!" Disgraceful! Needless to say, she won't return.
—Submitted by a parent

This is such a disappointing school. My children have grown up in Montessori Schools. This is not a true Montessori School..it is like a daycare center. The student behavior is horrible, and classroom time is spent on discipline, not learning. My child has wasted an academic year. The teachers in some of the grades are unresponsive to parents and actually quite combative. I would urge parents to spend a lot of time observing and speaking to other parents before enrolling a child in this school. I have never written a negative review before, however, the horrible experience that I had made me want to save other concerned parents the same outcome.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff are great. I have two daughters that attend IVMS and they love it there. Their educational goals for the school and my daughters are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with our family's experience at IVMS. Our son was initially placed in a clasroom that I didn't think would work for him, so the placement director put him in the 'little house' where our son has flourished! The teachers (all five of them!) have facilitated such positive personal growth in my son that I hardly recognize the person he is at the end of the year compared with the anxious, shy little boy he was in the beginning of the year. Academically he has grown so much. I am a teacher and I value this exceptional school and its exceptional teachers so much. My husband and I moved from California to put our son in this school and we consider ourselves fortunate to have a Montessori education for free!
—Submitted by a parent

Island Village Montessori School is a great Montessori Charter school. I still can't believe it is free. What a privilege for all that embrace this way of being. The academic program is strong in that it allows the child to learn and grow at his or her own pace. The principal is excellent in that she listens and responds to the needs of the individual. She is a strong leader who allows children, parents and staff to be who they are. The art department is strong and music is good. Parent involvement is always encouraged. The students have a wide variety in their curriculum which is refreshing. The older students help the younger students. The faculty is good, but interviewing is key. Not every teacher is the perfect fit for your child. Observe, listen, ask questions and get involved. I think Maria Montessori would be proud! Go IVMS!
—Submitted by a parent

From what I have seen and observed, this school does not seem to fully embrace Maria Montessori's vision and purposes in her method of teaching.
—Submitted by a parent