The Montessori School for Shreveport

We have two children at MSS and love it. Teachers and administration are respectful, kind and very well educated. My numerous questions about child development, Montessori and learning styles are always answered without hesitation and eagerness to educate me, a parent. My husband and I went to traditional and magnet schools. We had many misconceptions about Montessori before enrolling our children. We have seen first-hand how environment and individualized learning plays a large role in your child's education. I encourage you to tour the school. You will understand so much more about Montessori and see for yourself what a wonderful school Montessori for Shreveport is for families in Shreveport -Bossier. Also, if you want to know more, then I encourage you to seek out parents. I know they will echo many of my comments and other positive reviews.
--Submitted by a parent

The Montessori philosophy is brilliant. They respect the child and foster independence and individuality. I am for it 100%. The teachers are great at this school. But the administration is not that great. Poor communication and very much driven by money. There is a lack of support and team leadership. The director is not qualified to be in her position. As a former employee, I wouldn't recommend being employed there at all. They overwork you and don't respect you as human being. The director has unrealistic expectations and has no business working with kids.
--Submitted by a teacher

My child has attended Montessori since age 2. I couldn t ask for a more marvelous, rewarding, & academically fulfilling experience for her. Immediately my wife & I knew this was the place for our child & she loves this school. Her reading & math skills are far beyond what mine were at her age. Unique programs like the outdoor nature classroom are exemplary. The positive, approachable, dedicated, highly competent staff & leadership have embraced our family as part of a community. The school provides a nurturing environment for children while providing an impressive array of learning materials--balancing structure with independence. Our child s passion to learn blossoms at Montessori thanks to the active involvement by teachers. The classroom observations have been eye-opening. The yearly Journey explaining the curriculum for the upcoming year makes me wish I had been a student here. Volunteering is a joy & I value its role in keeping tuition affordable. As a practicing physician & subspecialist surgeon, I enthusiastically support this school & recommend its curriculum under the guidance of the marvelous teachers to other parents & their children. Sincerely, Antonio R. Pizarro
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Montessori for 5+years. This will be our last year there. Initially, I LOVED this school. The pre primary & kindergarten classes were amazing. Most of the 3 year olds were reading. Now, you would be lucky to find one who could read...My youngest child just "plays all day". She might as well be in daycare. Actually, she would probably learn more there! All parents are required to volunteer 10 hrs each (20 hrs per couple). They say this is to keep "tuition cost down" but I don't find their tuition to be any cheaper than any of the other private schools. They also have an annual drive and expect every family to donate money. If you don't donate, the staff is rude to you. They also do a fundraiser and make every family purchase tickets to sell. Of course, they are impossible to sell, so again, you are paying for them. The staff seems "burned out" and little education is taking place in the lower levels. A few years ago, Montessori was the place to prepare your children for Magnet. Now, I doubt any of the 4 year olds could place in any of the Magnet programs. The principal is very close minded & doesnt listen to the parents. She only cares about $$$$.
--Submitted by a parent

MSS is a good school, but there are some questionable things about it. Montessori is no doubt one of the if not the best education your child can receive. I have had problems with one teacher , but since then she has left. There are somethings about the close minded of the leadership in the staff. It has shown that this school is probably the best education ever. Many of the top graduates in Louisiana are infact from this Very MS. By the way it's Montessori not Montessory ! FAIL

There's a reason why most of the kids who attend Montessori School for Shreveport (MSS) have parents who are doctors, lawyers and other educated professionals. These people want the best for their kids! I see a parent left a 1-star review on Aug 25, 2010. There's always that difficult person who is never satisfied. Her kid probably had issues or was slow and she blamed the school. Teachers are always involved. As part of the Montessori philosophy, there are times when children have their own time to learn and play. I also don't know what she is talking about in regards to the teachers and administration... they are open-minded, helpful, kind and motivated about teaching and mentoring our children! The school does expect parent involvement but it's for your child's own good, and it helps keep tuition low. How can you complain about a school who wants you to be involved in your child s education? The hours required are minimal and can easily be obtained. It's obvious, this was a difficult parent and/or difficult child and NOTHING was going to satisfy her. I don't normally leave reviews, but when I saw this negative review, I just had to leave one also because I LOVE this school!
--Submitted by a parent

This years marks our 8th year for our oldest child to attend Montessori. It has truly been a blessing to us, as he is allowed to be an individual and think outside of the box. It has also been a wonderful place for my daughter as well. The person who gave it one star probably has a problem with her child and life in general. The classrooms are highly structured and there is so much learning going on all the time. Just because the teachers are not directing every decision for the child does not mean they aren't working. In fact, Montessori allows for our children to develop critical thinking skills that are often lacking in other schools. If you want your child to be an active learning, rather than passively regurgitate information fed to them by a teacher, then this is the place for you.
--Submitted by a parent

My interaction with this school for one year when my daughter attended it in preschool level was totally disaterous. The teachers and the administration have a very narrow and almost snobbish outlook over the montessori philosophy of teaching which I know for a fact is a great way of teaching and that is why we went to this school but to my amazement I noticed that there was no structure in the classrooms, teachers not actively doing anything with the students. The administration wants you to devote a lot of time volunteering which is good but it should be optional and not mandatory. I would advise to please stay away from this school. If you like montessory way of teaching then find alternative schools. The underlying philosophy of the school leadership is flawed.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was in the Toddler class and Pr-Primary class and she loved it. As someone else stated, you have to see the class to appreciate Montessori education. Both of my kids attend now in Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary. The education is amazing! I went to public schools myself but wish I could learn the way my kids do... kids don't watch the teacher at a chalkboard; it's hands-on learning. You must observe a class to appreciate!
--Submitted by a parent

The best school in Shreveport/Bossier by far. She walked away with an abundance of knowledge, respect for herself, and a high self esteem. I love this school, the teachers, and the staff. They became our family. I recommend this school to any parent that cares deeply about their child's education.
--Submitted by a parent