East Cooper Montessori Charter School

My daughter started in second grade after 2 years in neighboring public school. At her old school, I mostly heard at the end of the day, who got in trouble in class, who had to walk at recess and who hit someone else. I never have heard these things at ECMCS. She talks about what they are learning in class, projects, and even how "mean" her teachers can be when they hold her accountable for completing her work! The bottom line for me, is this school has high expectations for the staff, parent involvement, and most important, for the students. Like all schools, there are oppurtunities to improve - I would say math scores indicate a need for more math instruction in the class or more hands on math projects. Overall we are very happy with this school, and the passion from teachers and administration.
--Submitted by a parent

I taught at this school and have only positive words. The Principal is open to new ideas, supportive of professional growth, and sets high standards for all. The staff she brings on are dedicated to Montessori education and their students. It was a place you loved to work at everyday - I haven't found a school quite like it yet. Public Montessori may not be for every parent or every teacher, and I feel some of the negative comments represent the small minority, vs. the large majority that feel ECMCS has changed their child's life.
--Submitted by a teacher

Another teacher just quit and the year hasn't even started! Honestly, you can't keep fooling yourself by the pretty building and smiling faces. Just look at the unheard of amount of teacher turnover at this school. In the five years since my son was there and later removed, the entire staff except for one teacher is gone. The excuses are always there but they all come from the true cause of these problems: the principal. It seems that people try to do something but give up because unless this principal is replaced nothing will improve or change. She is a control freak and has a horrible grip on teachers. It is unpleasant to work there as many have claimed because of their dealing with her, otherwise, it would be a dream job and school. It's a real shame.......many would return if she left.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 sons who attend this school, and they are very happy there. We are zoned for a "Blue Ribbon" school, but chose to go to ECMCS because of the impressive amount of time the teachers spend with individual children. There is a true sense of community, as well as an interest to do what is best for each student. I would gladly recommend this school to anyone who knows what a Montessori education is all about!
--Submitted by a parent

I was a student.This school is awful.The admin is completely incompetent. I came into the school ready to learn-however, my 3rd grade teacher decided that though I knew how to do long division,I needed to learn how to count to 10,with a 1st grader.To learn any real math,I studied by myself.Scores on standardized tests did not affect what I was taught.I was denied many opportunities offered to favored children.I was disorganized;never was I taught organizational skills.I had to learn organizational skills in high school.I was never told how to study.This lowered my grade dramatically,as I had never been able to gain these skills that everyone else seemed to have.Also, the social experience at ECMCS is horrible.The principle chooses favorites.ECMCS has more biases than any other school I ve heard of.It offers great opportunities to select children.The favorites are allowed to do whatever they want;without regard to anyone else.The favorites can bully the rest of us;the admin does not care.They lack compassion.They refused to investigate learning disabilities,which were revealed after I left this school.ECMCS overlooks every indicator.ECMCS is absolutely horrible.

I feel I have to defend the school after reading the couple negative reviews. We love the school and feel our kids are learning a lot. My kids entered reading at grade level and have both jumped in a year and a half to reading almost two grade levels ahead on standardized tests. They are also both scoring above 90th percentiles on standardized math tests. And the beauty of it is they are learning much, much more that doesn't appear on standardized tests which is part of the Montessori curriculum. It is a very nurturing, caring environment. As another positive reviewer said, if you have doubts, visit the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a feeling the negative comments on here are from one disgruntled parent. My daughter has shown phenomenal growth since in enrolling at ECMCS. I can't believe that anyone would have anything but wonderful experiences at this school. If you're thinking about enrolling, come for a visit, you'll see for yourself what a great school it is!!
--Submitted by a parent

We love ECMCS. We have 2 children at the school and they are both thriving in the nurturing environment provided by the teachers and staff. The teachers go above & beyond the call of duty. The individualized workplans are wonderful.....challenging/encouraging the child to their fullest potential. The school teaches the child to be a caring human being with Year-Long Peace projects. The principal is very dedicated and knows all the children and interacts with them.
--Submitted by a parent

This is by far one of the best schools in the area. My second grader is absolutely thiriving here. She receives great academic instruction- her math skills are right on track for her grade level ( I am judging this by MAP scores) and she is reading two grade levels above hers, thanks to the individual attention she gets. Her self-confidence has increased dramatically since she began attending here. I love that children are taught how to treat one another with respect daily and to work to help one another. It is like a family there. This is definitely not something you find in other schools. The teachers and staff treat my child as an individual, not just a number. The principal is very responsive to concerns. I was surprised how well she knows all of the children and interacts with them. I was concerned that perhaps a public school would not be able to stick to the Montessori method and be public, but they really do. The science that she comes home and tells be blows me about and my husband away. I know she is learning things that she would not be learning elsewhere. I give the school an A and feel grateful that my child is fortunate enough to attend there.
--Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this amazing school. I have a 2nd year student there that transitioned beautifully from her primary montessori program in the first grade. She is always excited about going to school and is excelling in all areas. I attribute a large portion of her success to the loving , attentive nature of her teachers. All of the teachers at ECMCS go above and beyond the call of duty. They work tirelessly to ensure the best possible experience for the students. The credit for such a dedicated staff goes to the Principle who has the enormous responsibility of making the school exceptional. The misinformation stated below about testing is truly a shame and comes from sources that have not done their due diligence. If your child has the opportunity to attend this school , please don't hesitate. If you are passionate about Montessori and want a school that concentrates on the development of the whole child, this a is the perfect place.
--Submitted by a parent