Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs

I have 3 children that have attended MASS for the past four years. The 2 older ones are in MASS middle school. I'm not a fan of standardized testing, but I'm frequently asked if I'm concerned with how my kids will do in high school by not attending a traditional school in regard to testing. Well, with zero prep time put into ITBS testing, the class as a whole scored in the mid-90's percentile. Also, with the encouragement of the middle school teacher, several students took the SAT in their 7th grade year and mine were accepted to the Duke TIP summer studies program due to their scores. More importantly to me, they love to go to school every day and have thrived in this enviroment academically, emotionally and socially.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! The teachers are so dedicated to the children and their needs. They develop well rounded children in the end and I have been so pleased. Thank you Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs!
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at this school for five years and we are so happy we found it! My oldest daughter started when she was 2 years old and is now in her first year of Lower Elementary. She is reading well above her grade level and loves going to school every day! My youngest daugther also started this past year and she always talks about how much she loves school! We love the caring teachers and the time they take to really bring out the best in our children. M.A.S.S. has amazing teachers and a strong curriculum that really teaches children to be active learners. We love it here!
--Submitted by a parent

We love the Montessori curriculum, and we loved the primary and Lower Elementary which is quite good with fantastic teachers. However, there seems to always be regular staff turnover, which disappoints us about the leadership. The teachers (most) seem to be very devoted to its students and school. It's rumored that the Upper Elem. teacher is leaving and so is the middle/high school teacher. We really loved the facility when we first came here a few years ago, but our older child is pretty far behind. We would have been better off academically had we just kept our children in public school. But it is a really good school for the 3rd grade and below ages.
--Submitted by a parent

Although the teachers are very good, and the curriculum impressive, the school management i agree with previous reviews is just there to scheming to get the max money out of your pockets ! if you can ignore that one thing then the school gets a good rating - primary and lower elementary that is!
--Submitted by a parent

Per the other parent's review, I didn't realize that Montessori was not for ALL children, even those who may need special help. I don't think that excluding children with some special needs was in Maria Montessori's original vision of educating children. I for one am thankful that this school would not discriminate against children moving at a different pace. Montessori is suppose to follow the child. Clearly this parent is not well versed in this method of teaching.

Thank you for bringing your perceptions to my attention. I most certainly will have our Director of Child Development, who has her PhD in Educational Psychology, review the makeup of the class to offer suggestions for improvement if needed. Our school prides itself in providing the very best education for all children. Our school is fully accredited by AMS (American Montessori Society) and SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). In order to receive accreditation professionals from both organizations reviewed all aspects of our school. Interestingly enough, the negative post came on the same day that we dismissed a family.
--Submitted by a teacher

The Lower Elementary (6-9 year olds) has some very gifted guides and is a true Montessori environment. The Upper Elementary (9-12 year olds) however does not follow a traditional Montessori format, utilizing main stream public school teaching techniques such as the CRCT and Saxon Math.. Further, the Upper Elementary is taking in more children with special needs but does not have the propper staffing to handle them - resulting in a lowered quality of learning for all students. I highly recommend the Lower Elementary, but due to the issues with the Upper Elementary can not give this school a ratting any higher than 2 stars.
--Submitted by a parent

Many of the teachers are truly wonderful. The campus is beautiful. Be aware that the school is a business that is run for profit..
--Submitted by a parent

At the Montessori Academy my child was given an excellent academic foundation. My daughter began to read at a very early age and she continues to love reading because of the positive techniques used at the school. I have seen my daughter blossom with confidence. The school provides a safe, loving, and fun environment. They encouraged the sense of community and incorporated character development through grace and courtesy lessons. The children visited an assisted living facility providing attention to the elderly which helped them to understand that they were part of a larger community. I highly recommend that you visit this school and speak with the director. She has been teaching for over 15 years and is truly dedicated. The school regularly conducts parenting classes on teaching you how to teach your own child using the many Montessori methods. The classroom environments are beautiful and fully equiped.
--Submitted by a parent