Messmore Elementary School

Messmore Mavericks Rock!!! Academics are Great. The science and Math olympiad teams to 1st place last year (2010-2-11)

Best school in Michigan. We left MI and came to east coast, public school not even close to Messmore. Had to pull her out after 1 month of boredom due to really low curriculum (in a highly rated school and town!) compared to Messmore. She was YEARS ahead of the local school. Had her tested, and, yes, YEARS. Found a small private school willing to work with her at her advanced level. Explained that all Messmore kids are like this, they were IMPRESSED. What a treasure you guys have in Messmore, don't bash it.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. Academics are great, and the tests proove it. They go beyond the standard UCS curriculum. They teach them as much as their brains are able to absorb. Note on other parents' comments: I have not noticed bullying (in 3 years my child has been there), but I do know teachers handle well when students are doing something wrong. Which school does well controlling bullying, in this bullying society? Whom ever made a comment about the secretary, must be nuts. She is very polite, and takes care of kids. She is not there to entertain , smiling at all times, she is there to work and be part of the team that makes the school run smoothly. People who say she is rude may need to evaluate their people manners, then maybe you will find a different peroson in her. The Principal has done a great job in keeping scores as high as they have always been, the school is still very well organized. Because there is no bussing, parents involment is high. I like getting to see who my child goes to school with, and who their parents are. Some people question Montessori teachings, but teststing prooves by it self it works. They get the UCS curriculum, with add on in education.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow...I cant believe another school year is almost ending...We at Messmore have met all challenges that came our way this year...New Principal whom has worked on blending into our wonderful school...She did a great job at our play...Great MEAP scores once again...a wonderful secretary whom keeps our children safe..and shows up for all after school programs...I have been very challenged through my children due to this top notch program..Best wishes to our 6th grade graduates...class of 2011.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at Messmore Elementary, my oldest a 6th grader. Academically, Messmore is a wonderful school. Socially, well that s another story. The school, being culturally diverse, (Polish, Indian, and American) I find that there are clicks . The bullying is very present in the school. I also feel that the staff is not properly trained to effectively handle the bullying. That being said, my kids continue to go to Messmore and I have no intention of removing them any time soon. The Messmore families are very helpful and care for all the children. I have high hopes for the new Principle who seems to be on top of things. As for the office staff, I can only say that yes, the secretary is rude and needs to retire.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 3 children at Messmore. My oldest child is in 6th grade. I have been happy with all aspects of the school. My primary reason for writing this review was prompted by the ignorant comment left by a parent about our new principal. How can you bash a principal in the beginning of the school year (Sept 16th) that is new to the school. You did not even give her a chance. You did not even know if the changes she made would work. Which most have. I have approached her with my thoughts and she was very open minded. The things she did not agree with, we talked through. Again she gave me a chance to review my thoughts. This school is a real gem in the district. We are lucky to have it. DO YOU think they would just give it to anyone?
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal at this school has control issues. This is very unfortunate for what was once considered the #1 school in Macomb county! She certainly does not foster a learning environment that incorporates, students, parents and the community.
—Submitted by a parent

We were one of the first transfer families at Messmore and the experience was a total disaster. We were not welcomed by faculty nor the existing families alike. The principal was unresponsive to our concerns. The teachers were rude and condescending to us and our child. We were treated as an outsider who did not belong despite our 4 year experieince at a wonderful private Montessori. There is a strong sense of elitism at this school and respect is only for those who "belong" .There is nothing Montessori about Messmore except the title. We left the school after 2 miserable months and have been blissfully happy with another UCS school. Please do not consider Messmore,especially as a transfer student. Your child's self esteem and well being are a far greater value than than the suppoosed reputation of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The bar is set high at this school. The students are challenged in every subject and at every age level. Very hard school to get into. It is based on Montessori teachings, but still includes the Utica public schools curriculum. In order to go to this school, you have to start in Preschool. It works on a first come first served basis and there are too many people waiting. If your child starts as a 3 year old - they will make it into the 1-6 grade program. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MESSMORE MONTESSORI! I am so GLAD someone told ME about it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending Messmore from pre-school forward, and is now in sixth grade. She has had ample opportunities to work in accelerated learning (advanced math, challenging work otherwise). We've seen her grow emotionally, and learn well through these years. She is a motivated, happy kid, due at least in part to the faculty and program at Messmore. We believe Messmore has provided an excellent, safe, encouraging and fun learning environment. Test scores indicate most all kids fare well at Messmore. This school does well!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school for its curriculum. It is by far the most challenging in the area, and is better than most of the local private schools. However, after 3 years at the Morgan Montessori and now 4 years at Messmore, I continue to be unhappy with the staff at Messmore. In general, the principal can be unresponsive and does not want to take on new academic/extracurricular challenges and opportunities. The teachers can be more than a little rude to students and parents alike, and there is a definite vibe of the 'favored few' families. This is especially evident for academic extracurriculars like Science Olympiad, A.T.O.M, etc. On the whole, love what my student is learning, in spite of this elitism. I would recommend this school, but I am willling to look beyond these negatives and find academic & social support for my son elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough good things about this school. My son has been there for almost 2 years (3 yr old and 4 yr old preschool) and he has made leaps and bounds as far as learning and maturity compared to others his age. The staff and teachers are extremely friendly, organized and very attentive to the students. I continue to be impressed each and every day. Though the parking is a little crowded - any parent would agree that it is more than worth it for the education and overall experience your child receives at Messmore. A+ all the way.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great! Such a wonderful environment for my children to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

A Great Schools Rating of 10 out of 10 - what more can I say? Messmore is the best! A school of choice, parents are dedicated to driving their kids to school everyday and many come from quite a distance. Great students, teachers, staff and parents set it apart from the rest.
—Submitted by a parent

It's the best Public Montessori in the area! We have the best teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are the most involved with there students that I have ever seen!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is wonderful, the teachers are top-notch, and the parents are very involved in their children's education. My children absolutely love their school and the children there. I also really like that it is a Public Montesorri.
—Submitted by a parent

Messmore Montessori is a first class school! The staff is very caring and the parents are very involved in their children's education. As a parent, enrolling my children in this school is the best decision I have made!
—Submitted by a parent

Messmore Elementary School has dedicated teachers and parents who are involved in their children's education. A great environment to learn!
—Submitted by a parent

This school works at your kids level, and doesn't pass them up when their struggling!
—Submitted by a parent