Metropolitan Montessori School

We just finished pulling our children out of this school. They are counting the days. What was once a small unique school has taken a turn for the worst. The new head of school has proven to be a failure. Parents are forced to band together and attempt to overturn various poor decisions she has made. While the academics are challenging, children who cannot keep up are encouraged to get tutoring to keep up or are counseled out. This leaves classes that dwindle each year after K with very few children entering. There is high teacher turnover, teachers do not stay for very long, even those with children at the school. The school prides itself on their exmissions process, yet this year many children were not accepted to any ongoing schools.
--Submitted by a parent

It seems that this site has one or two Metropolitan Montessori School stalkers. Statements that children were "not accepted to any ongoing schools" is blatantly false. The author of the recent posts clearly has his/her own issues that need to be worked out, but has chosen to use this forum as a medium through which to spew venom with bitter posts about MMS. As a longtime MMS parent, year after year I have seen children graduate MMS and continue their education at the top secondary schools in New York. These children leave MMS well-prepared for their next school and, more importantly, the children possess values that ensure their successful growth both inside and outside the classroom. MMS has a devoted staff of teachers and administrators that instill in the children a strong love of learning, a sense of responsibility, and respect for their community. The new Head of School arrived this year with enthusiasm, determination and years of Montessori experience. She is working closely with the long-time Associate Head of School, administrators, faculty and staff to continue the successful educational program MMS has offered to children for over 40 years.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent at MMS, and my children have been so happy at MMS, and have learned so much, both academically and socially. It is a warm and inviting environment, the teachers are wonderful and are so good at focussing on each child, and figuring out what they need, and supporting both their strengths and their weaknesses. There is such an emphasis on teaching the children how to be respectful of one another, and of their environment. And there is also such emphasis on teaching the children to be proud of their work and of their accomplishments. We are so happy at MMS, and I would suggest any family that is interested in the Montessori approach to learning, to take a look MMS. The administration is also amazing, they are caring, and thoughtful. I feel that the new headmaster has added so much, and the parents are all thrilled with her energy and enthusiasm in her first year at our school! There is a great spirit of community among the MMS families.
--Submitted by a parent

Terrific academics but the school is riddled with serious problems. First the positive there are several excellent teachers. I wish I could name them. However too many parents of children teach at the school & too many teachers & staff perform at an unsatisfactory level. I was grateful that the school brought about change & hired a new head. I was hopeful. Instead she is focused on herself & what she wants e.g. assemblies & gym uniforms rather than real change. The website is antiquated & hard to navigate. Communications are often missing or contain incorrect information. I have children at other schools but MMS fundraising is relentless & forceful. The new head berates parent volunteers until she achieves what she wants. Most have quit or moved on after working with her & I have not spoken to a room parent or volunteer who liked working with her. The worst thing to take place under her leadership is an ongoing bully situation. Many parents thought new leadership would fix the problem & swiftly. Instead the response has been so poor families & children have given up. As a result the problem is worse than ever & many great kids & families are leaving early.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I went there until i was 7 and started when i was 3, and then I moved to Boston and in MMS i had the best time. when you first waled through those doors it was like one big happy family. everyone there was nice, happy, and helpful. me and my older brother went there and i swear every time my dad had to tell me its time to go I would get upset from how much fun i had there
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at this school for a number of years and have truly enjoyed the experience. They have done a great job at engaging my children and creating a love of learning. The school has recently hired a new headmistress so change is afoot. But given her background, I'm sure the school will continue to meet and exceed the needs of both the parents and their children.
--Submitted by a parent

I go to this school and everything from teachers to pencil sharpenersis great about it. The kids are nice and students get to know the teachers as a friend, not a teacher.

Metroplitan is an oasis of love and warmth where the development of the individual is honored.
--Submitted by a parent

I really love this school. Children learn in classes of mixed ages providing a wonderful community and learning opportunity. The curriculum focuses not only on academics but also on grace, courtesy, awareness of, and respect towards themselves, others and the environment. The environment created here fosters self confidence, self esteem bringing the children up to their potential in all areas of life and developing a sense of being a responsible member of the global community.

Too expensive for what is offered. Some teachers are great, others are very inexperienced. They don't know how to handle individuals and fall back on reinforcing the Method. Your child will conform. They are extremely rigid. The facilities are limited. Kids adapt well, so most are fine, but too many lose an appreciation of learning. If students perform badly on standardized tests, the school explains it by saying 'we're on a different time table'.
--Submitted by a parent