Montessori School at Emory

I would give a half star if I could. This school was horrible and they treated my 16 mo old son like a felon. The toddler teacher actually told us during our class open house that she didn't like the younger kids as much as she did the 3yr olds (they're classrooms are for 15mo- 3yr) because the younger kids we're harder to work with. My son was actually suspended for biting (he's 16 mo old). Once we made the move to Suburban Nursery he hasn't had any biting incidences. This school is a Montessori farce. You'll get a horrible vibe from adminstr.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had two kids there and unfortunately put up lack of structure, high teacher turn over, lack of oversight adn accountability of the teachers. This past year was generally disappointing. We had to put up with his teacher having her INFANT in the class daily for the first 1/2 of the year. This was put on us at the start of the school year when we had no other option other than our local public school, which had its own issues. This teacher had very little oversight over our son and his work mainly consisted of art, coloring other kids work. His journal at the end of the year was essentially blank except cartoon drawing. We contemplated removing him to our local public school and in retrospect wish we did. Would avoid this school entirely. Don't waste your child's time or your money
--Submitted by a parent

We have a 3-year old who started here. She really has grown and blossomed into a smart, self-sufficient child. I'm confused about all the turnover comments as she has had the same teacher the entire time in toddler and in primary. Then I looked at the dates and saw they were old posts because I feel like I know ALL the teachers, not just my child's. It's a great school with good structure but doesn't feel like boot camp. Love it there.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family has been with Montessori School at Emory for almost nine years. Overall, we have had a very good experience and our two children have received an excellent education. In Montessori, children learn to work independently, each doing different age-appropriate activities . It may LOOK like 'controlled chaos,' but as you see your child sew at age 3, learn place value to the thousands at age 4, write their first story (in cursive!) at age 4 or 5, read Harry Potter at 6, long-division and oral presentations at age 7, and consistently at the top of their class when they transition to traditional schools (with a love of learning to boot!), you see there is method to the Montessori madness. Learning IS happening--this is NOT daycare. However, Montessori is not for every child. Though many kids thrive, a few benefit from more traditional programs.
--Submitted by a parent

I worked for this school at one point and unfortunately the negative reviews are all accurate. The teachers are way under paid. I think this results in the extremely high turnover. I was working with some over qualified people as well as some under qualified, unprofessional individuals. We all made the same measly amount. I made There was very little unity among the staff. Lots of cliques and drama. I witnessed a child being passed back and forth between two assistants who didn't want to change his diaper!!! Also, there are subs all the time! These children see a revolving door of faces weekly, and it is sad.
--Submitted by a teacher

The school is poorly run. The school is not centered around true Montessori learning. I agree with other posters in that the school is more like a daycare than a private school. There have been some good teachers, but retention has been a real problem.
--Submitted by a parent

We had two children in the Montessori School at Emory and we were hoping it would be a positive experience. Unfortunately, it was not. The staff turnover was ridiculous. Teachers would be introduced, become familiar to the children, and then leave weeks later. They were constantly short staffed and there was near zero feedback on what was going on with the class and your child. Unless, of course, they happened to act like an exuberant child. Then, you would be called in for a conference, and the offending behavior examined like a pathology. It was emotionally exhausting worrying that our children were not good enough for Montessori. We left after six months and have not looked back.
--Submitted by a parent

Not enough supervision or resources. More of a day care than a school because learning really isn't happening. School is geared more towards profits than product, and the well-being of the children. Also gives parents limited rights. There are much better schools in the area for a similar price.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has also been going to this school since he was 20 months old and we have had a great experience. His teacher has always been available to answer questions and work with our child. The director coffees once a month let me connect with the administrators and get my questions answered. There is always room to improve. Maybe more e-communication for parents to get info on-line. Our experience has been great and we plan to have our child attend through his elementary years as well.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been going to this school since she was 20 months old (she is now 4 1/2) - we love this school and so does she. While her learning and love of learning has progressed wonderfully, I see the spirit of Montessori come through best of all through her interactions with her peers and children outside of school. The year round program suits my work schedule, and the adminstration works with parents very well. The only reason don't give five stars is because ALL schools could so something better, and in this case, I'd like to see more outisde activities come in (Zoo Mobile, etc.).
--Submitted by a parent