Montessori School of Raleigh

I am a grandparent of 2 kids at this school, and I believe that the Montessori style of teaching is the way of the future. I retired from public school teaching and unfortunately most public schools are no longer providing our kids with the skills they need to be a successful part of the 21st century. By its very nature, the Montessori method fosters collaboration, critical thinking, respectful communication, teamwork, intellectural curiosity and self-motivation. All important tools heading into this conceptual age we are now in when many of our jobs are being outsourced to Asia or eliminated due to advances in technology. Please come and check out the Montessori School of Raleigh, as it is the premier educational setting if you are a believer in the tried and true Montessori method. I was a doubter until I saw it in action, and see in real life what it does for my grandkids. As for the negative reviews below, to each their own. I am glad these parents have found a better setting for their kids. We all love our kids and want to do what is right by them.

It would certainly be upsetting if your child was miserable and you did not know it until after the fact. It is unfortunate that some former MSR parents have that experience. The school is now under new leadership, and hopefully some of the things that contributed to the below complaints will be better-managed going forward. As for my wife and I, we have been really happy with the school and are excited for our second child to start in the Fall of 2012. As an aside, neither my wife nor I are board members or serve in any volunteer roles for the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent at the school and have been for 5 years. I am not a board member, as I work full time and do not have the extra bandwidth to serve the school in any volunteer capacities. MSR has gone through a difficult but much needed transition in leadership, and as a resulf this has been a great year. The upcoming 2012-2013 year promises to be even better, as our new Head of School takes over her role full time. In addition, some exciting new hires were just announced (one is coming to us from Yale!). I encourage any prospective parents interested in the Montessori method to check out the Montessori School of Raleigh. Like the other parent said below, you owe it to yourself to come and see the campus, the positive energy, the community culture and the fabulous prepared classrooms yourself. Love This School!
--Submitted by a parent

I actually agree wholeheartedly with the parent who felt that her son was shortchanged by a teacher who failed to understand her son was miserable and not learning challenged. Parents reading these reveiws need to keep in mind that many of the positive reviews are being posted by the parents who sit on the school board and in many cases contribute to the problem.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended this school for more than 6 years and has loved it! All schools will have ups and downs and not all schools are right for all people, but I am very pleased with the education my child has received. As a whole, the faculty is excellent and has cared for and educated my child very well. But don't just take my word for it, go visit the school and ask more than one person about their experience. By all means, don't listen to a few bad reviews on sites like these. Take them with a grain of salt.
--Submitted by a parent

One of the biggest mistakes I have made as a parent was selecting this school for my children. While it was barely adequate for one of my boys it was a colossal FAILURE for my other son. My super sweet, shy child was bullied by the students and belittled by the teachers. One teacher, who is still at the school in upper elementary, kept trying to attach labels to my child. This teacher insisted my child had a learning disability! Even after testing, which showed above average intelligence, this teacher kept insisting my child belonged in a special school!!! It never occurred to this "trained professional" that my child was desperately unhappy, and therefore not trying academically. Shocking! I challenged the teacher and the head of school, who had gotten involved, and tried be an advocate for my child but they were adamant that my child was learning disabled. I didn't believe their label and I was 100% correct. From the very first semester after leaving this school my child has been on the "A" honor roll every semester. Leaning disabled? Laughable. I'm quite sure other reviewers will refute my claim, but how can they? It happened to my family not theirs. Be afraid, be very afraid!
--Submitted by a parent

I've had children or nieces/nephews at many of the elite private schools in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. Due to re-marriage, I became affiliated with MSR. I can honestly say that this school is the cream of the crop. It is so worth checking out. Go on a Wednesday morning when you can observe the students and teachers in action, and you'll see what I mean. "The proof is in the pudding."
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have been at MSR since the toddler program, and we're now in our fourth year at the school. I am amazed every day by the quality of the teachers and my children's growth and development. I could go on and on about my passion about the Montessori philosophy and how that is benefiting my 3 & 5 year olds, but it is really best to just go to the school for an info session and tour and see for yourself. The sense of community created by the teachers, students, families, administration, facilities and class environments is so compelling to our family, and our continued role in that community is something I never question. It is the best decision we've made for our children, and are so fortunate for this amazing school to be a part of their early lives.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has gone o Montessori School of Raleigh for 3 years and began at 2. He is about to enter his capstone year for children's house (which is the equivalent of kindergarten). He can read, add, write, skip count, and many other things. He can take care of himself and we think that we will see an even larger difference in his maturity through this capstone year. Our daughter will start in the fall in the toddler program. My children will be independent with a solid foundation for a love of learning that will carry them through their life.
--Submitted by a parent

The Montessori School of Raleigh is a leader in providing a first rate education, preparing children as critical thinkers and life-long learners who will be most successful in our rapid evolving world. My child has attended since age 4 and is now rising into the capstone 9th grade at the Middle School. What a wonderful place to grow and become, aided all along the way by truly excellent faculty!
--Submitted by a parent