Casa Esperanza Montessori School

My son started at Casa in 2010 and his siblings will follow this year (2012). Casa is a whole different environment of learning. The environment really is focused on educating young responsible individuals who take responsibility for their own education. It is invaluable and I am so glad my son began his education here and am excited that my twins are beginning soon. The teachers truly are academically fluent in spanish. My son has learned so much conversationally and is at grade level in reading and writing in spanish. He is also above grad level in reading and writing in english. Casa focuses on their grasp of english before they dive into the spanish fluency because the kids do have to pass the state tests. Additionally, I am so glad to bring spanish to my children. I did not get that from my spanish speaking parent so I am glad they get this part of our culture. They are a step ahead now.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is attending Casa now for her 5th year. The school is wonderful! We especially love how the Montessori classroom is child-centered. Although not everything is exactly as a Montessori classroom should be, it's as close as you can get and still have to adhere to the state mandated curriculum. Because students are tested with State End of Grade tests, the Math and English language aspects include other methods of learning than just Montessori. We have loved it so far with our daughter, and our son is starting his second year there in the PreK program. It has been a wonderful learning environment for both of them. The only drawback I could see is the lack of special education resources. Those have been improving in the past year though, so I see it as something that will only get better with time!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is a wonderful place for your child to learn. While some parents cannot be as active in the school, there are many parents assisting and the sense of family really shines through.
--Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a first grader, there are regular writing assignments with a good focus on sentence structure. The children are encouraged to write in cursive, a Montessori practice, but are allowed to write in print for their personal work if they desire. There are daily cursive writing practices. the class size is just right. As a Montessori school, all classes have a lead teacher and a para professional - most of them are degreed teachers who may not have taught in a while or are changing professions. The classes are well-run environments for children to thrive. The administration is very responsive to reasonable requests.
--Submitted by a parent

While teachers are caring and genuinely care about the students, I feel they are set up to fail, at least in the lower grades. Class size is a real concern. 28 students in my daughter's Kindergarten, 27 in 1st grade. I don't understand how basic reading and writing can be taught to this many students (there is one uncertified TA per class). The teacher called my daughter a 'model student', but I fear her good behavior caused her to be overlooked. I pulled her from Casa mid-1st grade. She was not progressing in reading and there was no applied writing practice (such as a journal)-- plus they learn to write in cursive only. The Head of School (principal) has an aloof, 'too good to be bothered' attitude which might work for high school but is hardly engaging for elementary. I do not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the Montessori learning style coupled with a greater emphasis on Spanish than you see in most other schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I love that CASA has a dual language program, and an emphasis on montessori education along with NCSCOS. My children have blossomed in this environment and at their own level. I also love the emphasis they place on healthy eating at school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a wonderful Montessori school and active PFA. Despite receiving far less funding than other state supported schools, our test scores are strong and our programs are thriving. We are the first school in the Southeast to acquire a Touch Tank.
--Submitted by a parent

Where to start. The caring , dedicated, focused and highly qualified staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Casa is not just a school, is an amazing family-oriented diverse school with a wonderful dual-language montessori education for our children.
--Submitted by a parent