Xavier University Montessori

We are finishing up our daughter's third year at the Lab School and we are so excited about all of the great things that are happening as the school moves through a big transition of growth and rebirth. It has never been a better time to be a Lab School family. We are constantly amazed by the high-quality instruction and community of care that has made our daughter's time their so special. As a former teacher I can attest to the academic quality of the program in comparing the level of academic achievement of children at the Lab School versus average children in those age groups. As a parent who deeply values principles of community and social justice, I just can't say enough about the beauty of raising children who are educated in such a diverse, peace-education-focused environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at Xavier University Lab School for 2 years and we LOVE IT! I say "our family" instead of "my child" b/c it truly is a family environment. The parents, teachers, and faculty work together to provide the most nurturing and educational of environments. They are authentic in their Montessori ways and techniques. We are so excited the Lab School has expanded!!!!! We hope to be at XUMLS through all 8 elementary years,
—Submitted by a parent

About a year and a half ago, I was on this site and stressing as a parent who wants the very best for her children. I felt that Xavier Montessori's elementary program was where my son should be but was very nervous of the low ratings and reviews on this site. I am so thankful I went with my gut! We feel it is a phenomenal program. Our son has done wonderfully and really enjoys it. There was some teacher turnover as stated in other reviews, but they did not have anything to do with the school specifically. One teacher left to stay home with her baby, one teacher's spouse was relocated, another teacher had unexpected family needs, etc. We are thankful the school has expanded for next year and can't wait for even more expansion in 2 years. We pray our son will be able to attend through 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

XUMLS is a great school that adheres to the principles of montessori education. The lab school community is friendly and open. We have been impressed with our child's emotional and intellectual growth over the past several years. Our experience with the pre-primary classroom has been nothing short of amazing. We are excited about the expansion of the school next year and the addition of a 9 to 12 program.
—Submitted by a teacher

Our son has been at the Xavier Lab School for 2 years and each day we are grateful for the creativity and love that surround him. Both the teachers and the administration have worked tirelessly to implement strategies that have helped him integrate and succeed with some of his learning and social challenges. We know these early years are critical to his development and we couldn't ask for a more supportive community environment!
—Submitted by a parent

What a great start to a new year. The children are engaged, happy to go to school and telling me about their lessons on the ride home! That speaks volumes to great teaching. The school has sponsored two opportunities so far for parents to get to know the workings of their school and the curriculum. The principal is beginning a "coffee series" which will be parent field trips, with topics such as 'montessori in the home', art from the perspective of the child and natural playscapes. The parents are open, involved, friendly and invested. All in all, the energy is harmonious, serene and a trusted place for me to send my children everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

We could not have been more disappointed in the direction of the school this past year. The children are the ones that have suffered the most during the past year.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of Xavier University Montessori Lab School I can not express the gratitude I have for staff of this school. My children not only continue to evolve academically, but also continue to learn inter-discipline and self awareness. I can not imagine my children being in any other school in Cincinnati.

Xavier University Montessori is a unique program in that it is under the XU administrative umbrella, serving both the Department of Montessori Education and a population of outside children and parents. It is a small school, with only two classrooms offering 3-6 and 6-9 curricula. This past year the administration did make some mis-steps in terms of communication with parents regarding recent staff turnover, but since then have made a credible effort in reaching out to the parent community. This is what matters most to me as a parent: the materials are phenomenal; the quality of the teachers and the curriculum is very high; the classroom environment is nurturing; and there is ample opportunity for parent involvement. I have every confidence that this school will continue to be an excellent institution.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent at this school who has trusted the school and paid many years of tuition, I find it pointless to debate the reasons why staff members left. The bottom line is that the teacher turn-over is unacceptably high. The school can bend over backwards to explain each individual departure - but there must be a reason staff are looking for other options. My feeling is that the current (fairly new) administration is not working out. They are dismissive to parents and seem to have more interest in the university level program than the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Having worked in the field of ethics for a lifetime I can tell you it is not only ethical that the administration inform the parents of the behind the scenes decisions made which affect their children, but it is their legal responsibility regardless of the possible exposure.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has ruined my faith in people. We can only hope it gets better from here on out. Don't get involved. You will regret it deeply.
—Submitted by a parent

Xavier's Lab School is in transition, no denying. Staff turnover happens- such is life. No one was forced out. A non-teaching staff left for another job opportunity, a teacher is leaving to stay home with a baby, one was promoted to principal, and one left under less than ideal circumstances. As a parent, we need to understand we cannot be privy to all the behind the scenes dynamics, legally or ethically. Frankly, if you don't feel you can be part of a community then quietly move on. Do it for your child/ren and while you are doing it, model a little dignity, respect, and honor in the process.
—Submitted by a parent

An Excellent and True Montessori Education. I have 2 children at this school in the 3-6 classroom. I could not ask for a more gifted and kind teaching team for my children. In addition to teaching reading and math; peace education, cultural studies, and science are a focus rather than an afterthought. By design (preK students just stay in the am), my kindergartener gets to spend his afternoon with a gifted teacher and just 6 other children. Also, he receives spanish and art classes at the school in this small K grouping. What a gift to have such focused attention at a crucial time of development. My children are thriving in this engaging and caring environment. The school also offers excellent childcare. We lost a great director of childcare but, the woman who took her place is also wonderful. I look forward to next year in the 6-9 classroom. Although there has been turnover I trust that we will find excellent teachers for this classroom. Being in a Lab school requires this and Xavier U. has an excellent reputation for Montessori Education. I could go on and on!
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, XU montesori has undergone a rapid deterioration over the last year. From the end of last year to now all teachers except for one has been fired, forced out or in the case of one made the principal. This change in status is not working out well. Next year the last remaining teacher (elementary) will also be leaving. Teachers AND parents are fed-up with an extremely poor administration (principal and director) who have treated staff poorly and are suffering the consequences. This was once a great school and may return to its former status but right now it is a mess!
—Submitted by a parent

Xavier Montessori is STILL a wonderful, nuturing and academically challenging school. True, there was a staff change over the past semester which wasn't handled in a sensitve manner and the administration needs to step up. Change is hard but the only way to improve any situation is to be an involved parent, make your voice heard, and work collaborativelly with administration and teachers for positive change. The teacher's are still outstanding and extremely nuturing. And, we are thrilled with the cultural diversity that our sons classroom strives to maintain.
—Submitted by a parent

Used to be a great school, but now is poorly run and very disorganized. Also it lacks the nurturing element that other Montessori schools have. Parents have no say in major decisions of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandchildren attend this school and I would love for them to get add'l funding. It is a private school but they and not without needs. The children really flourish in the environment. It is an excellent school and I would like to see them make opportunities avaiable for one or two children with a scholarship.
—Submitted by a parent

XU Montessori Lab School has been wonderful for our child. The academic bar is raised very high. It is a great school for a child on target or above the target. Although Montessori should be a conducive environment for all children, XU Montessori Lab School is more conducive to the child and the 'parent' willing to partner with the educators to provide a lab/role model school experience. This is not the school for a parent relying on the school to create the path of success. Both home and school must work together. It lacks a formal music and art program. And, teachers are quick to call an indoor recess or cancel gym if 'they' don't want to be out in the cold or walk. Overall, I love the school, but it isn't practical when compared to the real world. It lacks ethnic diversity, and it is a hand picked community.
—Submitted by a parent