Southampton Montessori School

This is an established school that keeps improving. Every time I look around more money is spent on the classrooms and the grounds. My only theory for people complaining about the owner and office staff is that they don't like following rules. The administration here is very fair. If you just talk to them, they will help you with generosity and understanding.

I have 2 kids in SH right now. I am very pleased with the school. I do not find the office staff to be rude, in fact they are attentive and friendly. They are busy though, so patience is necessary to have a quality conversation. My kid's teachers are great. I LOVE the baby cottage and think that the care is unsurpassed anywhere. The Primary classes are very good, but as one other person commented, if you have a heavy 3-year old class it can be chaos at times. The school could do a better job balancing ages in the primary classrooms.
--Submitted by a parent

I still remember the day we received the call from the school's founder to let us know we could start in their summer class, that was 3 years ago. I believe she was just as excited as we were. We now have both of our girls there and it is the best decision we could have made. Every teacher and administrator have always been available to us at any time. They have guided us and given our children an incredible foundation for there academic careers. Our girls look forward to going to school each day. We have several friends and neighbors who are now part of the Southampton family also. They have all taken part in keeping us informed of anything going on at school, whether it be a bump on the knee or that they didn't feel like eating all their lunch. Every little thing is important to us, and we appreciate them looking after all the little things from each and every student they have. If you are looking for the best possible school with an incredible staff for your children, you won't find a better place than Southampton. All you need to do is visit once, then you, too, will be thrilled to get that phone call.
--Submitted by a parent

I was puzzled by these so polarized reviews until my son entered the school. To my experience, I would say my son just loves everything here---the most important thing to parents. Teachers are very nice and everything runs efficiently even we don't have a lot chance to talk to them. Who cares the administration as long as your kid is happy everyday? Besides, I think these ladies in office are just friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

A very disappointing school experience for our daughter. Starting from a young age she liked the school. Since moving up to primary classroom we have had large number of problems. The classroom was over crowded with more students than they said in the parent handbook. Large classrooms are not a problem but teacher would complain about it. Teachers did not want to spend time on social and emotional learning. Crowded parking area in mornings. One day I over heard teachers complaining about students. Not professional.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parents who are dissatisfied with this school. We pulled our two kids out in 2010. The owner and daughter are selective in who they treat with professionalism or acknowledge. Good if you are one of those but otherwise you will be ignored or even worse, be rudely treated. The teachers we got were ok. Nice but one was inexperienced. Large class sizes are fine if your child gets the attention they need, but it was always hit and miss here. For the money, get better value elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

It is very upsetting to see such bad reviews for this school. We had three children go through the school from 12 months - Kindergarten. We left in 2008 and are still friends and in regular communication with many of the children's friends, families we met whilst there, the childrens teachers and even the owners - they do care. The large classes and high student:teacher ratios is an aspect of montessori education, not a fault of the school, do your homework about Montessori education before critisizing the school. Finally, don't be put off by the Pottery barn catalogue look, be attracted by it. We loved our Southampton experience and will treasure those years for many more years to come.
--Submitted by a parent

The buildings are cute and the landscaping and decorations look nice, but the school is appalling.I was disappointed by the unprofessional behavior of both the administration and teachers. They make very little attemp to understand or teach the children in their care.
--Submitted by a parent

Racists, they don't really care if they disinfected the toys because if there are more kids sick is less work for the teachers. If your toddler is still wearing dipper they will change him(her) until they cant take it anymore... (to see if the other one will change him(her) before they say anything.) The main office will treat you like if you are a queen but on your back they will say so many things... :S

I went to school here when I was a child, about 100 years ago. :) Back then, the school went up to grade 7. I know it really isn't indicative of how the school is now, but I felt compelled to say something on the school's behalf after reading some of the negative reviews. I absolutely loved my time at Southampton. It was the happiest time in my life, without a doubt. I hate to see that it seems to be slowing down. Now that I have a child of my own, I would love to find an educational environment for him that is as wonderful as this one was for me.