The Montessori School

This is everything that turns people off to Montessori. This is the most rigid of any Montessori school we've encountered, and is almost cult-like in the application of the teaching principles. Some children learn well in this environment, but some do not - no matter what the claims of the "true Montessorians". During our time there, it often seemed to me that much of the duty of teaching - actual teaching - was put off on the parents, rather than the teachers. I don't mean shared, I mean put off. I would argue that no matter how rich the environment, there is a necessity for teacher interaction more extensive than the occasional pass-by and pat on the shoulder. The tuition rates and amount of time required for volunteer work seem to me to be at a point of vastly diminishing return based on the quality of other schools in the area. My advice to parents of prospective students is to attend one of the meetings and pay close attention to the use of language, such as "partner" and "community". In my experience they are used in an Orwellian manner at this school. Community means parents volunteering without aid of the staff and partnering means "do it yourself". Good luck!
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to the WS Montessori School for three years. The Children's house experience was great and my child learned and thrived. Then my child transitioned from CH to LE1 with the second new teacher, who, could not decide if she was going to stay or leave. The Montessori education is Awesome, but you must have diversity and equality in the class room. The transition was like night and day from childrens house to LE1...no preperation of the child. Only the children of the parents that worked were groomed. Very disappointed with LE1 especially for the amount of tution you have to pay for so much change that is not supposed to happen.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has thrived in the toddler program at this school. She is more independent and constantly learning and growing. I am so thankful that we've had this opportunity, and I look forward to many more years with the Montessori School of Winston Salem.
—Submitted by a parent

Clearly these reviews are from another era in the school's history, before my child's time in elementary. Two fantastic new Montessori elementary teachers were hired in 2006. My child has thrived, developing a true love of learning alongside the independence of thought and creativity that the Montessori system at its highest level can offer. I could send her to any school in the area, public or private, but I have chosen this school because of the strength of the elementary program. Anyone interested should come by and take a look. You will be blown away.
—Submitted by a parent

This review applies to the elementary program only. My child previously attended the Children's House (age 3-6) and it was outstanding, however the difference between the two programs is like day and night. If you are at all educated in the Montessori methods, you need to know that this elementary program is just attempting to follow them, and rather unsuccessfully in my opinion. The fundamental problem comes from very weak, inexperienced teachers and an adminstrator with a non-Montessori background. The classroom is chaotic, unstructured and nothing like the harmonious community that Maria Montessori envisioned. The 'specials' or extracurricular classes are very weak as well, including a french program that is highly impractical with our increasingly spanish-speaking population. As the previous reviewers stated, parent involvement is an essential part of Montessori education, but overall involvment with the school has little impact on the poor quality of the elemetary program.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school, my child is doing wonderful things! I love the Montessori way of learning! If you decide to take your child to the Montessori School, unless you are a stay at home parent, be prepared to feel overwhelmed with what they ask of you as a parent. Also, do not miss a function because the teachers will be sure to let your child know! I love the learning process, but I think they need to be more considerate of those parents whom must work to give their children such opportunites as going to the Montessori School.
—Submitted by a parent