St. Joseph Montessori Elementary School

The current administration does not deal with current parents nor interested parents truthfully. Conflicting statements are made regularly... which leaves both current and prospective parents confused about how to deal with certain situations. There are major changes that need to occur in order for me to recommend this school... from the admissions process to upholding true Montessori ideals to dealing with conflict appropriately. My disappointment is unfortunate.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience at the school was extremely negative. We had a CH teacher who took a very hands-off classroom approach, with the result that bullying, aggression and inappropriate (violent, gory, mean, sexual) language occurred frequently and were allowed to continue uncorrected. We believe this is not consistent with the Montessori concept of freedom within limits and certainly did not create a nurturing environment for 3-6 year old children. When we brought our concerns to the administration, we thought they would be addressed; after some initial responsiveness, we encountered dismissiveness. Consistently, when problems arose during class, including accidents and aggression, we were not told. Instead, there was an active culture of discouraging communication with parents. We had expected teachers and administrators to partner with parents to support our children. It never occurred to us that anyone would conduct a preschool classroom in this manner. It was simply shocking as we discovered the depth and seriousness of the classroom issues. It is possible that there are better classrooms in the school, but we cannot recommend this school based on our experience.
--Submitted by a parent

We recently finished our first year of Children's House (3-6), and I will say that the educational experience has been amazing. Our daughter is learning about things that I am confident I was not exposed to until much later on. The "works" method of Montessori school is also something that I recommend as an effective way for young children to learn. That said, it takes a certain breed of parent to be comfortable with the way teachers and administration communicate with parents, which is to say not much and not well. We try to understand that Montessori is all about creating little individuals, but we struggle to be as hands-off and trusting that this will all work out as the teachers and administration tell us we need to be. They say all kids are Montessori kids, but not all parents are Montessori parents, and I'd say that is our situation exactly. Our daughter will be here for one more year of pre-school, but then we'll send her somewhere else for K-12.
--Submitted by a parent

We had high hopes that the new head of school would make some much needed staff changes. Sadly, this has not happened. Because of a couple of teachers, many families have left mid-year. The board's main focus seems to be on raising money for tuition assistance rather than responding to problems and attempting to retain families who are currently there and are paying tuition.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately my son's experience at SJMS has been more than horrible. We have a very spirited impulsive 6 year old in a single teacher classroom. He came from another school (non Montessori) and the teacher's guidance into unfamiliar territory for our son was minimal if not non-existant. Her way of communicating messages leave you wondering as to what she was trying to say. Emotional situations in the class get out of hand, because of her inability to intervene early and set clear expectations. The other classrooms I observed are very different from hers though. The interim head of school teaches her own class, so - understandably- as a colleague she is not willing to compromise her position by questionning this particular teacher's approach even though we were not the only parents who complained.
--Submitted by a parent

My grand childern attended St. Joseph Montessori for 5 years. It is a wonderful, nurturing educational environment. I have recommended the school to many young parents because I believe in the school and its ability to prepare children for today's world.
--Submitted by a parent

As a Montessori school, St. Joe's fosters children's social and emotional well-being as well as academic. Students graduating from St. Joe's are very well placed into high achieving high schools, but are strong, capable, independent young adults.
--Submitted by a parent

SJMS is a real gem in Central Ohio. It has a dedicated leadership team and amazing faculty. The Montessori education approach is child-centerd, and students at SJMS certainly enjoy the spirit and practice of this approach at all-levels. Students learn not only 'hard-facts' but take with them an amazing gift of hainvg develop sound skills for analytical thinking. In a caring enviroment that celebrates and encourages the child to be all he/she can be, SJMS students are nurture to achieve their full-potential and beyond. Our school philosophy is 'educating the human potential'; these works are not merely a nice platitude--SJMS teachers, faculty and administrators live by these words and work tirelessly to educate the whole child. SJMS provides a unique learning environment for its student.
--Submitted by a parent

SJMS is an awesome school, providing our kids with the perfect environment for them to reach their fullest potential. SJMS kids leave 8th grade prepared to take the head of the class in their respective High Schools. And best of all, SJMS turns out well rounded human beings who can help bring peace and connectedness to the world.
--Submitted by a parent

My sons are in second and third grade at St. Joseph Montessori School. I am continuously amazed at their work and their true understanding of the concepts they are learning. Even more impressive is the wonder that is inspired by the teachers and educational philosophy at St. Joes. In addition to being well prepared academically, I know my sons are well equipped to peacefully resolve conflict with their peers and with adults. The environment at St. Joes is a safe one where children can truly realize their full attention. On an adult level, a new strategic plan was approved in 2009. The interim leadership team is perfectly poising St. Joes for continued success for years to come.
--Submitted by a parent