Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School

My daughter entered CEMCS in October 2011, after going to a reputable private school for kindergarten and then being taught at home for 1st-2nd grade. I am a certified, traditionally-trained teacher in GA and was hesitant about the Montessori method working for her. However, we have been pleasantly surprised at the results. She is more independent and polite, and values hard work more than before. This is much different from the girl that I taught at home. The only complaint I"ve had is the disorganization of some of the PTO- sponsored functions, which is separate from the functioning of the school itself. All teachers that I've met are friendly, positive and really seem to care about their students. The principal is fantastic - upbeat, professional, and capable of the burden of running a good school, a vast difference from the previous administrator, from what I've heard. I love it.
—Submitted by a parent

While my son is really young, 3 years old, I can tell that he benefits from this school for a variety of reasons and that he is really happy there. For the first three months, he almost raced out of the door to go to school; now he is still happy but not so happy about waking up in the morning because the sun is not fully shining (winter). He is in the PK3 program and has learned social courtesies, his ABC sounds, fine motor skills such as dressing himself, and is overall more confident about his everyday activities. I come from a very traditional schooling and have high standards for my child which I feel are met by this school in the early years program (my child is too young for me to judge the later years of schooling, which I, nonetheless, have seen and heard great things about).
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's second year at this school and we could not be happier. The academic progress she has made is amazing, but also amazing is the personal transformation she has made. She is more confident and responsible even at home. I really love this program.
—Submitted by a parent

HORRIBLE experiance! After two days I pulled my child out of their pre-K program. The couldn't handle my child, but the school he was in previously (he had a speech delay and was in a special program at school where we lived at the time) they said he was an amazing child and his teachers and other students loved him. The do not want to teach children, they want perfectly behaved robots. I have heard that other teachers are amazing and maybe it was just a bad experiance but if you risk putting a child with any spirit in this school hope you don't get the one that my child had. Horrible, horrible experience!!!!! I would like to say that the principal was helpful and involved and I have no complaints about her at all.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended CEMCS for three years. The community of parents , teachers and faculty are superior examples of nurturing the education of every child. If you want an alternative to traditional school and are worried about the public schools in your district this is absolutely the best choice.
—Submitted by a parent

This was my child's first year at CEMCS and she loved it. The environment is perfect for inquisitive children who are independent learners. The staff is caring and the parents work together to create a community/family.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been coming to this school since he was three and is well on his way of being a citizen of the world. He is going to first grade next year and is learning about things I learned in Middle school. His teachers really care about him and they teach him to really care about others. There is a high rate of parent involvement which really helps with the basic needs of the students that also gives a smaller teacher to student ratio because of all the volunteering that goes on. There is a sense of community and because of the Montessori Method of keeping the students three years with the same teacher and students they really get to know the personality of the students and the students of each other. I highly reccommend this school if for the simple fact that I had a check list of everything I wanted out of a school and was amazed that I'd gotten it all.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school are amazing! All the head teachers are Montessori trained. Education here is for the whole child. This school has done much with very little in its first three years. Excellent learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a new school that promises great result in the Montessori program. My son is currently enrolled there and has only been going there three months when his education made an 180 degree turn for the better. He was in Pre-K and started reading using phonetics. Try as I might to get him to count past 20 and he wouldn't, yet within those short months he has learned to count to one hundred :o) I look forward to the rewards this school has in store for my son and my family.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school with amazing teachers! This is a gem in the Savannah Chatham School system. Admission via lottery, so don't miss out when applications are being accepted.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers! We were looking for an alternative to traditional schools when we found CEMCS. The Montessori method is amazing. If you haven't seen a Montessori school in action, please come visit. My daughter grew tremendously in her first year here. She started pre-k in the fall, but when the teacher saw she was ready my daughter started working with the kindergarteners. We were impressed with her progress and with the school's ability to meet her individual needs (instead of her spending five more months reviewing pre-K lessons). However, academics are not what set this school apart, it is the way children are self motivated and socially adept. Even during the summer, she chooses to spend time each day working (learning). Watching her with our son and their friends is charming. They work and play together without the need for much parent direction.
—Submitted by a parent

From a parent that helps in the class once a week. The kids love learning and teaching lessons. Come observe for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent