Ellis Elementary School

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy is a public school that has the most knowledgeable and caring staff around. Each teacher works well beyond the school day to ensure that students get exactly what they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is outstanding! It is truly the only public school alternative we considered. I have had one child go all the way through, and have two more are attending now. While the school may not score the highest around on standardized tests, it turns out exceptionally well-rounded children. You can tell which children were there all the way through Middle School as their confidence, behavior, manners, and dedication are all far better than their peers. Each of my three children have had different areas of strength and all have been addressed well. Even my one child with learning challenges has seen enormous break-throughs. I could not be happier with our experience!
--Submitted by a parent

Ellis' size, the dedication of teachers/staff and a lack of transience sets this school apart. Students are not accepted into the school past 3rd grade without previous Montessori experience. As a result the kids know each other and there is very little in the way of discipline problems. My husband and I both have post graduate degrees and have high expectations for our child's education. While the school does not score the highest overall on standardized tests, many students do. Our 7th grader scores 98% and up on national tests. Ellis' enrollment reflects the population it serves, a significant portion low income and a significant portion well-educated, middle class. The diversity, academics and sheltered nature of this school makes it quite appealing to a very active group of parents who use Ellis as an alternative to private school. Yes, it's cramped with limited facilities but it's a neighborhood school with heart!
--Submitted by a parent

Charles Ellis is one of the best public schools in the state. The Montessori curriculum not only teaches them the Georgia standards, but expands their base of knowledge beyond the expectations. The teachers are amazingly dedicated, willing to spend hundreds of dollars of their own money and work overtime for the equivalent of weeks without overtime pay. While there is a need for more space (a multi-purpose room which serves as a gym, cafeteria, and assembly room), the staff goes out of their way to secure better locations (the beautiful annual opera is held at the arts school a few blocks away, and a few productions are held outside, adding to the ambiance.) The classrooms are a bit overcrowded, but it is important to remember that this is a public school. The middle school program is excellent. The students leave enriched with knowledge, courteous, and prepared for life.
--Submitted by a parent

Georgia ranks somewhere between the top 2 or 4 worse states for public education (competing with Mississippi & Alabama) so, compared to that, it's not bad. The classrooms are small; tutoring has to get done in the hallways; the music & 'gifted' classrooms are nice but, extremely overcrowded w/kids heads actually touching. There is a multi-purpose cafeteria which doubles as a 'theater.' There is zero ambiance for school performances; no stage, no curtains, no dressing rooms, no special lighting, only bright white fluorescent lights and cafeteria tables. We'd like to help but, feel unwelcome.
--Submitted by a parent

Our school is SO CRAZY AWESOME! We go to middle school here, and most of us have been coming since kindergarten. The teachers are really great, and make learning fun!
--Submitted by a student

If your looking for the best public school in Savannah, this is it! This is our son's second year at Ellis and he loves it and so do we.They have a great program going and our son is doing very well. The principal , Mr. Charles is wonderful! Keep up the good work! This is the best alternative to a private school in the city.
--Submitted by Shawn, a parent