Montrose Christian School

Montrose Christian School, Rockville, MD Our child had some excellent teachers during time we were there. However the most recent headmaster is a controlling bully, who has no respect for the students, parents or teachers. The final straw came when I was 10mins late due to an accident. The so called After School Director was rude & reminded me that we needed to enroll for the program. It only clicked when I demanded to know where my child was & she was unable to tell me. We complained to the school & it was not resolved to our satisfaction. There are some very dedicated, caring teachers here, especially in the lower school. After that, they are only concerned with their cash cow of basketball. Do not expect support from the administration unless your ideas are in lock step with head. He claims to be a man of God, but he's one of the least Christian people I've ever met. It's a real shame, but this place has become a laughing stock. The dedication of lower school teachers is no longer enough. We left & haven't regretted out decision.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 1st yr @ MCS & there r some good & not so good things. Good: christian values, some nice staff & teachers & my child likes it. Bad: uniforms expensive. Favoritism w/ bball players w/ some staff. 4 christain sch that's not good. Ldrshp doesn't address student/staff concern. There have been several complaints about same teachers 4 yrs. but nothing has been done. Some teachers don't seem qualified 2 teach subj, but they still teach. No follow up w/ emails - have 2 cont 2 email them. Some teachers don't use renweb 2 help parents keep up w/ asgnmts yet nobody makes em do it. Kids steal like crazy- strange 4 christian sch. But looks like we'll b bac nx yr. Mayb they'll read the reviews & address the concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids going to this school and can't agree with the comments more. The school shows very little respect to parents. We, as parents, are not supposed to ask anything and the teacher seems to know very little about the school's administration too. When my sons (in different grades and classes) need to go to field trip, no one even knows when would they return until the morning that I dropped them off in school. It looks like to me no suggestion is welcome too when I made a causal comment about the classroom orientation. The officials heard it and just turned serious looking and said everything there is lawful. I wasn't really saying it's "unlawful" but I was just saying maybe the kids would like it better if something is organized in another way. Not too happy about the school honestly. I have heard so many good comments and recommandations before I came here and ever since the administration changes, the school is totally different from what I have heard.
—Submitted by a parent

I am praying for MCS to communicate better with parents about the changes in administration and course room curriculum better. My child has attended since 1st grade. The Christian values and the commitment to train our children to know God is still important to my family. Academics is a major component as well and I feel MCS will continue to make that a priority for the children that attend the school. There is no perfect school so I would suggest new parents to understand that a private school will require a commitment from you to make sure your child is in a learning environment that is best suited for your child's learning style and family values.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the 2nd year that my son is in this school. The school administration is the worst ever. No communication at all and no respect to teachers and parents. Besides the 20% increase in tuition last year, 99% of activities (some are supposed to be church activities) involves some kind of fees now (and it was not like this before). There are teacher leaving the school every single month. And my son (and other kids) are being put to other ages classroom every once a while. Many new teachers don't even have experience and half of the time in the school this year, my son is doing nothing at school. Very disappointed. And my son is going to another school this fall.
—Submitted by a parent

The aministration has very little respect for the parents. Little or no information was given to the parents intime before they where hit by the media while picking up thier kids. No warning,,nothing. Fees at the school are not transparent. So while there is an open house I am praying potential parents look at this website and read all the feed back. What you will find are consistent compliants about lack of communication. You pay for the private school experience but the adminstration does not partner with parents. Several of the middle school families are migrating out for 2012-2013 school year. What MSC will not do is ask why or even have an exit interview.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni of Montrose and my daughter started going to Montrose this year. Although there have been changes in the administration and the student body demographics over the years, Montrose Christian School still has the same heart. The love and respect of the teachers for their pupils remains steadfast. The goal of Christian education in our society today remains foremost important to the administration. Thank you, Montrose Christian School, for letting me drop my daugther off every day, knowing that she will be educated and edified by Christian teachers and administrators who genuinely care about her.
—Submitted by a parent

9th Grade was our first year attending Montrose, I loved it! I tell all my friends about this wonderful God Sent to me school. Small school and big HEARTS!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a little confused. All of these comments refer to the "new" administration. Are you talking about the one that just left or the pastorial office that will complete the take over in the fall? Why haven't we been notified about the change?
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been affiliated with Montrose Christian School for the last 17 years (or more). The school has sustained many blows, and the Lord continues to protect the children (old and new). The new administration seems committed to the spiritual and educational growth of the students. They foster love and command excellence in the work of the students. My prayer is that they will continue to grow and obtain additional educational resources to improve the quality of education received on all levels. Many blessings to the MCS staff and students. This school is far from perfect, but name one school (private and public) that is perfect. My prayers will remain with the school's administration, teachers, parents, and students.
—Submitted by a parent

For the comment regarding OLD parent mentally vs NEW parent mentally. Old parent mentally says the children should have read and completed more then two books for Literature in middle school this year. OLD parent mentally asked where are the grades from last summers reading list. But with all this we work things out with teachers and the adminstration. Additionally, we have expectations for the amount of tuition that is required. Remember the OLD parents have funded the school for many years and believe me will not be there today if tuition is not paid. Without the so called "OLD" MCS would not be here today for the "NEW". So, for the "NEW" parent that made the comment be wiser and talk to the OLDER MCS family. You may actually learn something. Don't make statements that divide the MCS family. Perhaps you dont belong instead. God Bless.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Montrose for 4 years and loves going to school. She has loved all of her teachers and the teachers have excellent control of their classrooms. The new headmaster is making a lot of positive changes in the school. I wish they would notify the parents at least a month in advance of upcoming activities, so parents can make arrangements at work and are able to attend. I also hope the financial administration starts responding to emails. Even if they don't know the answer to the question they could at least let you know they are trying to find out the answer. I have been impressed by the caring, nurturing, and encouraging environment at Montrose. I am also grateful that they teach the kids how to respect one another and their teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and am still hesitating about high school for my son. I had my reservations bcse of negative comments heard about MCS the past 10 years, but decided to take a look for myself because my boss has his 2 kids in the school and does not stop raving about the school. Of the 4 christian schools I visited, MCS seems to have the most dedicated body of directors and teachers. They have taken a very positive turn. I must say their curriculum offers more AP than the other schools I have checked and I am very impressed. I am talking with parents of kids in the school and although they are the first to admit that the school is not perfect, they think it is a god school.
—Submitted by a parent

We will continue to trust MCS with our kids! This school has been where our children have grown to be wonderful young adults and we are blessed to watch them grow. The school has also grown up alot with some major changes (positive) in academics, staff, and administration. There are a few teachers that stick out as trouble but for the most part we know that our kids are getting a solid christian education and exposure to other kids from ALL over the world. No other christian school in the DMV can match what MCS has.
—Submitted by a parent

We are pleased and excited about the future of this school. Our child enjoys the school and the diversity that it offers. As stated in another post the opportunity to meet people from all over the world is found here at Montrose, as well as the new and aggressive curriculum for the school. Our family has had fun participating in events like the Family Olympics and the Outdoor Movie Night on the lawn. BEWARE that there are a lot of weeds in this growing garden such as many parents who try to get away with not paying the school tuition, fees etc but try to bully the school, teachers, and administration. If you come here be prepared to fight the old parent mentality for it is a known problem at the school and many of us new parents are working for change and making it happen! Our child has grown in maturity under the teachers and new administration. We look forward to the growing school spirit and pride in the CHRISTIAN education and conduct.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading all the positive and some not so positive comments about Montrose Christian school I'm extremely happy and relieved that the children and parents of those disgruntled families have left and or going. In the garden of life Montrose is an oak and the weeds must go. My son continues to have a very favorable experience at Montrose from CDC to 1st grade, and we look forward to more years..thank you Montrose Staff , Teachers and Administration
—Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with the Lower School teachers, academics are strong and challenging, there is art and not only basketball, discipline is enforced and "Christian" is not just the middle of the school name but also a focus of the teaching here. Communication is sometimes missing or last minute especially regarding activities that requires parents's attendance. I'm also a little puzzled by the number of family members of the staff that seem to be employed by the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Montrose Christian is truly NOT a good school or at least part of it. The lower school has great teachers that care about the quality of an education. However, run when you get to the upper school! Very little teaching happens within what should be core classes. As for the high school, the teachers are not preparing the students for college. Teachers, in some classes, are providing test/quiz answers to the students prior to their tests. I was amazed when I found this to be true. When you question the education that is not being received, ask to see grades on what should be updated periodically, or try to get any information, you are considered a trouble maker. This is not a school, but rather a business. Do not be late on a tuition payment or your child will be removed from the class until the payment is current. Montrose, if you are doing so well and think of yourself as "excellent" (administrative buzz word) post the PSAT and SAT scores. I know that the institution needs to make money, but that should not be the focus. This site is to compare MCS to other local schools. Do it before you send your son/daughter here. MCS, here is the posting that was asked for.
—Submitted by a parent

Montrose Christian is truly a "great school" . As with anything there is room for improvement, but I happily send my child and will continue to do so. The environment is generally caring and true to the mission.
—Submitted by a parent

We are definitely pleased with our childrens progress at Montrose. The school has really beafed up on their academics and the new principal is doing a fantastic job. The christian education is great and that is one of the reasons we chose a christian school. I am glad that we decided to wait it out.
—Submitted by a parent