Les Enfants Montessori School

Both of my children attend this school and they are cared for and loved. My oldest is in Pre-K is reading at least a first grade level. This is not done through drill and rote (because kids will inherently reject that) but through the Montessori approach to literacy (and numeracy). My toddler loves the environment and comes home signing songs daily. They are happy and bright. The teachers, including the directors, treat the children like family. This includes being warm and creating structure and boundaries - something all children need to thrive. It amazes me that some folks make completely unsubstantiated accusations, but the reason the school has been around for so long is because so many can attest to how their children got a solid academic and social foundational there.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is new to the school, but so far it is great! She is happy to go every day; she is happy when she comes out. She comes home with lots of work to show me and is proud of her work. The parent involvement is good - there are bake sales, holiday shows, a spring fling. It is great! The facility is beautiful. And they have piano, ballet, karate, and other activities during school hours.
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked at the negative reviews. My son is 2 1/2 and has been anttending Les Enfants since September. When I drop him off every day he runs to whom ever opens the door. This makes me very comfortable and shows me they are very caring and loving towards him. When I have questions there is 1 out of 3 teachers ALWAYS available to speak with me. He has learned so much in this short period of time and his vocabulary has expanded a great deal =) My daughter will start there next school year
—Submitted by a parent

We both consider ourselves lucky for finding such a nice school with passionate and knowledgeable professors. Please take time to learn more and understand Maria Montessori methods and how that helps your child development. Our family just moved to the USA and our 4 year old son is starting to learn English now, he is attending this school for 1 month and we can notice progress. We feel that the staff of Les Enfant School understands the uniqueness of each child, helping them develop excellent intellectual and social skills at their own rhythm. We are very happy and highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the biggest regrets of my life so far was having my kid attend this school for as long as she did. I am grateful that she was not permanently emotionally damaged by the various demeaning events she (and by extension, us, her parents) at the school due to the arrogance of the administrator and one of the teachers. Fortunately, she is very happy where she is now - an A student - at a school where she is treated equitably and with respect. To sum it up, I was a fool to not pull the plug way before I did.
—Submitted by a parent

I find the reviews here troubling because they are contrary to my experience. I have had excellent communication with my son's teachers, the administrators and the principal of the school. My son is happy and excited to go to school every day. And since he started attending Les Enfants, he has shown great growth in social skills, as well as progress in cleaning up after himself and in his potty training. The communication could always be better but it hasn't been half the problem for me that it has for some of the other reviewers.
—Submitted by a parent

well... its unfortunate about all the complaints. because they care. and they're great with the kids. it seems that all the complaints are about how the administration isn't communicating in a way that prospective student's parents would like. and thats too bad. yes.. they need better people skills. true. but i can honestly tell u this. my daughter know's French, Spanish, addition, subtraction, she's learning co-ordination, she's happy, talks about her teachers and has made many friends, and she's FOUR and did all that when she was THREE. and when i got her in at 2 1/2 they were GREAT in helping me potty train her and as a single dad, all this was money well spent. so call that what u want. but my daughter is smart and happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Appalling administration ! Interaction between the teachers and parents is severely restricted. There is absolutely no way of knowing what goes on over there except via a few "staged" Q/A sessions. Unless you have absolutely no choice stay clear. The principal is RUDE !
—Submitted by a parent

I FORGOT TO SAY SOMETHING. GOOD REVIEWS MAY BE ADDED BY ADMINISTRATORS POSING AS OTHERS OR FRIENDS OF THEIRS TO BRING UP THE SCHOOL NAME. IT MAY BE A GREAT SCHOOL, BUT HOW DO PARENTS KNOW THAT WHEN YOU HAVE A WALL IN FRONT OF THEM????

I am very sorry to write this as I am not someone who complains a lot, much less write a negative review. But I feel compelled in order to warn parents who consider attending their child to this school. First of all, it is as some of the previous writers wrote, difficult to know if the Montessori philosophy is followed, because the information they provide about this is very limited. Second, the principal and director are indeed unprofessional and incompetent for the function they have. They seem not to embody the tasks of being a role model and providing a healthy organized place for education. Somehow they just don t want to take the responsibility. I m actually wondering if they have accomplished any studies in education. The third thing I find necessary to mention is the total lack of communication. When you re the head of a school, you need to be prepared to talk to parents and show your good will. But nothing of this is happening here. Overall there is a negative energy, because there is too much focus on the things children are not allowed to do; instead of rewarding and stimulating good behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

STAY AWAY. This place is just awful. They might have a reputation for good academics but the damage to the students as a result of the principal and the administration has not been checked. That's because their discipline methods are a secret and they will not talk to parents. It is just not worth it to risk when the people taking care of your children have something to hide. I have never bothered to write a review about anything, but my experience with them was so bad I felt I owed it to other parents. Do not go even if academically your child might gain something what is he/she losing???
—Submitted by a parent

teachers are 'alright', but even the ones with the best intentions were inaccessible. The admin just didn't seem to want the teachers to tell you what's really going on. My child came home with stories about the way children misbehaved in the classroom, and how the principal herself spoke to some children which I was shocked by. Needless to say, I pulled my son out when he started to dread going to school every morning, fearing the wrath of the principal and certain teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves this school and has learned a ton in only a few months - I don't agree with the previous reviews that say the place is shrouded in secrecy, that's just not true. I am quite a demanding parent and any time I have had questions they have been answered. If you want to find out what your children are doing, you get work sent home every week and you can always ask. The teachers even tell me when I don't ask. You can call and ask to observe. The staff has been extremely professional and very very receptive. They are focused on the students and their learning, which is refreshing. There is a parents association and I get emails all the time about what is going on at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Administrators are worse than going to the DMV office. Run, run, run away from this "Montessori" school (it's Montessori in name only, no accreditation). My daughter attended for 20 minutes. Their secrecy rules and rules preventing parental involvement (you can't even speak to the teachers) runs counter to all Dept of Ed recommendations.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible. Absolutely horrible. Administrators are out of a Charles Dickens 19th century novel. I tried to overlook their rudeness but the administrators are your ONLY point of contact. Parents aren't allowed to talk to the teachers or aides that are providing direct care to your child, except biannual meetings. Isn't that just creepy? How could you ever know what quality of care your child is receiving? You can't. Is it loving? Is it caring? Do they really use a curriculum? You'll never know. This is not normal or acceptable. Our child had been enrolled in another daycare since she was 5 months old and, in comparison, Les Enfants is shrouded in secrecy. It begs the question, what are you trying to hide? I would not recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and my best friend s son had attended LEF since they were only 20 mons old for 4 years. The school offers not only excellent academic programs which is far more advanced, compared to NYC public schools, but kind and loving envelopment (doesn t mean they just baby ed our kids). Because of amazing dedicated teachers, children are well disciplined, understand and treat each other with mutual respect. I also have met a wonderful set of parents who I am still friends with. Now both our sons are 8 yrs old, have been attending PS122 G&T Academy in Astoria together, we still talk about how much we miss the old LEF days all the time.
—Submitted by a parent

We are delighted we found Les Enfants and that they expanded through 5th grade. The teachers and administration of Les Enfants respects children in every aspect of their development, and are resposive to parents' requests and concerns. Our son is flourishing here after a very bad experience in a public school. We are happy to see that he is loved and respected at Les Enfants, learning, and having fun.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is very well care for, socialized, and loved. I am a huge fan and have sent many friends' children to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Children are well cared for, the curriculum is wonderful, and I still can't believe what my 4 year old is doing - she is light years ahead of her peers in other schools, yet is not being pushed too hard. This is not day care - it's a school that really believes children are capable and eager learners. Teachers know how to work to meet the needs of each child, help them advance, and the Montessori approach really engages them. There are classroom observation days, parent teacher meetings, and you can always make an appointment to meet with teachers if you have concerns. The facility is being expanded and will be even more impressive. This is a caring place and there's a reason they've been in business for so long. They know what they are doing. Most of the staff have been there for many years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at this school for 5 years, since he is 3. This has been the best choice by far. They are smart and wonderful. I recommend this school highly. I thank them everyday for all they have given to my child. Much love.
—Submitted by a parent