Palmetto Montessori

I have sent my children to this school for several years and have only kept them there b/c of the teachers. I have seen numerous heads of school move through. The montessori focus has been completely lost overall. The lack of leadership from the top is beyond dismal. The staff are leaving in two weeks and not returning. The "leaders" left are incompetent at best. And I would not feel safe leaving my children there. We will be leaving this year and moving to better school. As long as the current company that contributes to the school remains, the place will never thrive and cannot be trusted in the care of my children.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of Palmetto Montesori for many years with multiple children. The school used to be top notch with great educational opportunities and great leadership, However as of late the school has NO leadership, oh except a select few parents who think they can run a school. School will be gone in less than a year with them trying to run it. The solution to everything is parents pay more money (reminder the school is already double the average price of other private schools). The school has hit rock bottom and needs a new management strategy and needs to be made affordable for the rural community that it is in and not made a school for the "elite" who can pay the price. We love the teachers and are impressed with the educational instruction, however the management is making this a terrible atmosphere to be in, which in turn will untimately affect the moral of students, parents, and teachers, rendering the school helpless and straight down the path to failure.
--Submitted by a parent

Initially we were more than happy with this school. But as time went on we began to see the school for what it is. They claim to be Montessori, but when Montessori methods are not followed, they always have an excuse and do not own up to their mistakes and short comings. The indiviual teaching staff is great, however the administration and management is far below par. Parent involvement is encouraged but unless you are one of the group your opinion really does not matter and they do what they want in the end, so why bother. The school claims above average standards and teaching, however when my child was tested to enter 1st grade he failed miserable and had to hire private tutor to get him up to par. We have left and would never consider going back, I would not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has been at Palmetto Montessori since he was 18 months. He is now 4 and reading. His teachers deserve a great deal of credit for his development. He has learned valuable life skills, maturity and confidence. We are very happy with the school, its teachers, and our son's experience here.
--Submitted by a parent

Palmetto Montessori is an amazing school. My son has been enrolled for a year in the toddler class and he knows all the continenets and can count in English, German, and Spanish. He can also speak some French. This is NOT a daycare, it is a great school! I have to drive 25 minutes but it is well worth it! He and I both love it.
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with the school has been great. From the minute I walked through the door I felt welcomed. My daughter LOVES her teacher. The school is accredited by NAEYC which means they meet the guidelines of the most rigorous national accreditation process available. Staff all have education degrees, several have master degrees, and the teachers have their Montessori certification. My daughter has flourished and it is amazing how much she has learned both academically and socially. I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We were not happy with this school. The initial tour was great and we believed we were getting quality child care. The teachers are great and care about the children but the leadership is poor. Teachers do not feel listened to or valued and the director is not respected by the staff. Enrollment seems to be a major focus but the rooms are packed already and teachers are burned out. I think a lower enrollment, more staff and a new director could really make this a wonderful school. Until those changes take place I think there is better child care out there.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two pre-school children at Palmetto Montessori School. Both have thrived in the toddler and primary environments. The teachers have played a critical role in our children's development. They offer knowledgeable, sensitive advice without judgment. We are a better family because of Montessori.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a student for more than a year. We love it. They offer top-notch education in a relaxing, friendly and very interactive environment. Everyone is free to shine and develop at their own pace. The teachers are wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. I learned many great parenting tips from them. At 4 my daughter knows all the continents, can read and write her name and short words and knows so much about our country history and culture. Last week she told me that Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address! I'm so impressed by the Montessori learning experience, this is a great school if you live in Northeast Columbia, Lake Carolina, Blythewood and in Fairfield county.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my daughter's are part of Palmetto Montessori. I have a difficult time of saying 'attend' because it is so much more involved than 'just attending'. The school embraces your child and nurtures their minds to become the best they can become. Everyone should take a deeper look into the Montessori Method and rethink traditional education. By the way, if my daughter attended public school; she would be in the highest ranked elementary school in our area but with an additional 35 kids.
--Submitted by a parent