Lamplighter Montessori School

I've heard people talk about what Lamplighter used to be ... Well, I don't know what it used to be but I can tell you that in the last 10 years enrollment has gone from over 200 students in a year to below 100. It seems to have a high teacher turnover rate and hires teachers who are available but not necessarily the most qualified for the position. The head of school lacks leadership and doesn't hold herself or her staff accountable. The standard for excellence is low and the expectation for the staff to perform at a high level is nonexistent. The middle school class seems to be the best aspect of the school and yet all of the 2011/12 6th grade students have chosen other schools for the Fall so there will not be a middle school class next year. If you are moving here and have previously experienced a quality program, Montessori or otherwise, you will most likely be disappointed by what Lamplighter has to offer. It has the potential to be great but under its current board and head of school it is mediocre. They seem to be more focused on what's best for the administration and staff than the development and well being of the students who attend.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was enrolled in a great city school but I believed his needs were not being meet due to the large classrooms and other children with discipline issues. The teacher would spend more time settling problem issues and paperwork. My son would come home from school so stressed out he would break down into tears and tantrums. This was not his normal behavior..I decided to return him to the Montessori learning environment and he would come home singing, laughing, and stumping me with questions and answers of the many things he learned. He began to love learning again and enjoys the freedom to learn as much as possible with out the many interruptions. It is fantastic!!!The teachers, staff and parents help enable the children learn independence, life lessons such as cleaning up after yourself and skills that enhance imagination and a childhood full of fun and learning!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just completed kindergarten and absolutely loves Lamplighter. She is surrounded by other kids of different ethnic backgrounds and learns about different cultures. The teachers are warm and caring. There are frequent workshops that discuss the Montessori Method for parents to attend. The parents are actively involved in the PTA. I am frequently asked by others what school does my daughter attend because her level of learning/social skills are very good. The tuition is pretty steep, but worth it. You just have to sacrifice and cut back in other areas. My daughter is looking forward to the 1st grade.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very expensive, but well worth the money! Our kids absolutely love Lamplighter. Not only do they do an excellent job in teaching the kids what they need to know, but they actually make the kids excited about learning! We love the diversity of the classrooms--boys, girls, different races and religions, and multiple ages. It's great to see kids teaching, and learning from each other. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the classroom, and in school events. Our kids aren't into sports right now, but they do love the art, music, Spanish, and knitting. We feel very comfortable with our children at Lamplighter. I know that they are learning, and that they are physically and emotionally safe. I love that they are able to be in such a positive environment. My only regret is that I wasn't able to attend when I was a child!!
—Submitted by a parent

Lamplighter was highly recommended by a friend. Our son just completed his first year, and we are moving out of state. I would take the entire school faculty if I could. Lamplighter is absolutely wonderful! The ethnic diversity is great! Intellectually the children really excel and grow in an open, positive, non-competitive learning environment. Each year they focus on a new foreign language, a hope project (where each class helps an under privileged child). They offer music lessons. Parents play an important role too. Everyday members of the faculty including the dean of school greet you with a warm smile as the children are dropped of at car line.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers, great method of teaching!Had a child there 1987 to 1995 and another there 2000 to 2003. We would be there now if could afford tuition and it had a more designed plan for special-ed students, and we hadn't moved so far away...They have a lovely new building and are the best for parent involvement and ex-students and parents. Family environment fostered (pot-lucks, sports teams, picnics). Parent education meetings. PTO learing & info sessons. Children respected and teachers respected. Learning is loved and lived here.
—Submitted by a parent