Montessori School of Syracuse

Our 4-year-old is in her second year at Montessori School of Syracuse. In addition to beginning to read and write and do basic math, she knows some French, some biology, some geography (can identify all the continents and all the states on a map of the U.S.), some astronomy (brought home a drawing of the Big Dipper the other day), some geometry (knows multiple kinds of triangles and other shapes), and many life skills, like cleaning and organizing. Most important, she loves, loves, LOVES going to school. We are regularly astonished by all she is learning and doing at Montessori School of Syracuse. The tuition is a sacrifice for us, but it's one we are willing to make for this excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at MSS and I really can't imagine them thriving as well anywhere else in Syracuse. One of our children is very advanced academically ("gifted & talented" or whatever) but he is getting the individual attention to stay challenged. I've always felt that the administration and the teachers have been very accommodating and genuinely interested in our childrens' success. We had initially put our children in the primary program uncertain about whether they would continue to the elementary classes. Now, we're convinced we should keep them at MSS as long as possible. Teachers and administrators aside, our childrens' classmates are confident, articulate, curious, and intelligent. I think the best way to see for yourself about the school is to visit the school during one of the Open House events. Talk with the students there. It's a great learning atmosphere where the children are actively involved in helping one another.
—Submitted by a parent

My experience with this school was primarily in the youngest classroom (3-6) yrs. Some aspects of the program are great...foreign language immersion, lots of outdoor time, small community, etc. But...there is also a strict adherence to rules and rigidity that I feel has little place in a preschool classroom. A lot of this school seems to be a big dog-and-pony show for the parents and a lot more outcome than process oriented. For the amount of money that is spent to attend this school, I believe it is not worth it. I taught at a Montessori school and would not have sent my child here for free. I have also heard administrators refer to "money parents", which should not be the point. The two best teachers here left a few years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

unexceptional school. We've had our children in Montessori schools all over the U.S. The directress at this school is one of the most clueless leaders we've ever encountered. The Montessori materials are taught in such a rigid fashion that there is no room for individuality.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School. We've been to montessori schools in different states and different countries. The directress at this school is one of the kindest, caring school leaders we've ever encountered. The montessori materials are taught in true montessori fashion and the children each learn at their individual pace.
—Submitted by a parent

fantastic school. So much creativity of the teachers, so many great Montessori resources, so much individual attention for the children, so much opportunity for growth. I am so grateful that we have a school like this in Syracuse for our children to enjoy.
—Submitted by a parent

My children, who are now 8 and 11, have spent their entire school careers, starting at age 3, at the Montessori School of Syracuse, and it's been wonderful. School for them is a pleasure, not a chore. They work independently, are taught responsibility, and love learning. The outdoor nature education is outstanding. Their teachers have been wonderful, from preschool, right through sixth grade. The negative review from December 2010 is very far from our experience. We have found the teachers and administration to be warm caring people who deeply care about our children. We don't always agree with every decision, but that would be the case at any school. We are convinced that our children are receiving the best education available in the Syracuse area, and we owe MSS a great debt of gratitude for being there for them.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to MSS until I graduated in 6th grade. Montessori does more than teach the material required by New York State, it instils a love of learning in children. I loved going to school, and begged my mom to take me there earlier. I loved doing work in the morning and all my specialty classes, like Music and French, in the afternoon. I loved my teachers, I loved my faculty, and I loved my classmates. Some parents are worried about Montessori because there's a lack of tests and report cards. But I went on to graduate high honors from CBA and I am now a dual major in Newhouse and Whitman at SU and am on the dean's list of both schools. I am not an exception. I went to their annual Gala two years ago and found out that 100% of their graduating sixth levels that year went on to be on the honor roll at their next school. The Montessori School of Syracuse is a great school with a great community. I feel lucky that my mom valued my education enough to send me to MSS and I would recommend it to any parents.

My wife and I have made a commitment to our children that they may all attend the Montessori School of Syracuse for their entire elementary grades. Why drive forty minutes each way from Oneida to bring our children to MSS? It is easily the best school for our children in central NY. We both agreed that the Montessori method was the type of education we wanted our children to experience: stimulating one's curiousity, encouraging one's independence, nuturing one's love of learning. Many schools talk about these qualities however MSS actually promotes them AND allows parents to observe them in action. The Montessori Method of using a child's natural gifts to learn and explore and building on them are amazing to see. At MSS, our oldest daughter has become more self-motivated to attempt new task and "assignments." I can't even call the "assignments" because she doesn't even view them as a chore. Instead, she views them a new challenge to accomplish or a fun thing to learn. Her teachers are very adept at steering her when she occasionally gets frustrated but they in no way force her.
—Submitted by a parent

This school offers something that many public schools do not or cannot: flexibility for the child. At MSS, our child is given freedom to learn at her own pace, while still covering all the important topics. There is no homework (so far), so she can enjoy the freedom to think and play on her own at home (more important than any extracurricular). The concept of testing is radically different from the public school format, so there is less (or no) pressure to "test well." The focus is on learning and loving to learn. Does MSS lack some of the fancy things other schools have? Maybe, I'm not sure. But there is no evidence that children ages 3-12 need those extras. A child who is kept busy with computers and multiple extracurriculars may look good on paper, but do they regard learning as fun or work? At the end of the day are they truly happy to discover, or are they just trying to add to a resume? The resume-stacking educational system is no longer sustainable; only those who have developed a true love of learning will survive what changes may come. MSS fosters that love of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

When we enroll our children at the Montessori School of Syracuse, we enroll them in a school that will provide them with a superior education and instill a love of learning AND we enroll them in a community that will help them develop confidence and nurture their spirit in ways that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
—Submitted by a parent

Montessori School of Syracuse is excellent choice for a learning environment. I have three children that attend MSS and they are all treated as individuals. The entire staff knows all my children from the youngest to the oldest. The school offers a good balance for the children they serve. It s not for everyone! My oldest child has been there for seven years, he has grown so much both academically and socially. It s a great school and has been wonderful community for me and my family!
—Submitted by a parent

When I enrolled my daughterat the Montessori I was just looking for a place which would take my three year old &which would not be just a daycare. This great school gave my child not only a school setting but is a plcae where my child and her learning ablities are nurtured.She is given a chance to learn,explore and experience the world.Not only this she is growingup to be this well rounded, confident and focused child. I was amazed how my three and a half year old was able to talk about Metamorposis and Amphibians with total confidence and ease.If you are looking for a great learning enviornment for your child ,The Montessori School of Syracuse should be in your top three list.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher in elementary education, I was very disillusioned with the Montessori School of Syracuse. The quality of the teachers was mediocre, and the response of the administration to our concerns was poor.
—Submitted by a parent

The Montessori School of Syracuse is the finest private school in Syracuse the only school I would consider for preschool and elementary education. My children attended and graduated from the school, and I cannot say enough about every aspect of its operation. My children are very different in their personalities and learning styles, and the teachers at every level were able to meet their needs and guide them towards excellence in all areas of the curriculum. The friends I made among the parents are still some of my best, as we share values about education and child-rearing. I loved doing volunteer work there, sharing some of our family celebrations and cultural background when they were young, and later doing cooking projects and assisting with school-wide celebrations like the Harvest Festival with the older students. For such a small school, they have very high quality art, French, Fitness, and of course the music program is exemplary. My children starred in plays that brought their very best qualities out, and enhanced their self-esteem. The Nature Education Program is amazing, and I have never seen anything like it at other local schools. All in all a wonderful community to be part of!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student at MSS, I had an acceptable experience, although it was far from stellar. I've attended both public and private schools, and MSS was mediocre in terms of quality. The teacher was nice, but the facilities and extracurricular activities were poor. I was not afforded the same opportunities that my local public school offered, and I left MSS to return to my neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a student

I read all the reviews and realize that each person has to make up their own mind about what is best for their child. I have children with two different personalities -- one serious and the other, goofy. I was concerned that the goofy one could not handle the Montessori rules. Boy was I wrong! Both have thrived in this environment, developing far beyond their cousins of similar age both emotionally and academically. The best part is that they love learning, music and their school. Any social problems between students are handled swiftly and are considered teachable moments by the staff. The teachers and staff are extremely caring. I keep in contact with the teachers by email and always get a response within a day. I couldn't dream of a better school than MSS.
—Submitted by a parent

Awful school! Disappointing at meeting the needs of gifted students, and little or no flexibility in meeting different learning styles. Also, a very closed community--try breaking in to volunteering in the classroom, it is ridiculous. I tried for over a year before I finally gave up. My advice? Go somewhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

It is such a loving, creative, supportive environment for learning and embraces a rich and diverse student body.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family is very happy at MSS. Our children have been here for 3 years and are always excited for the next year to begin. Not only do we love the school, administration and faculty but we feel a real sense of community. It has been very easy to make friends, carpool and swap childcare with our MSS friends. The staff are all very warm and attentive to our children. Even teachers not of our children's grade know them and myself by name. Our children are progressing at a wonderful pace and each is happy and secure with themselves.
—Submitted by a parent