The Montessori School of San Antonio

This is our first year at the school and we could not be more pleased. My daughter is three and just started reading! The Montessori method allows the child to be introduced to the subject matter when they are ready. They are not held back or pushed on if they are not ready. It is truly a self-paced curriculum. The teachers are nurturing and always have the student's best interest at heart. We are looking forward to a long relationship and wonderful eduation at MSSA!
—Submitted by a parent

Do your children a favor and DO NOT send them to this school!! The preschool teachers are tired and some are just downright rude!! The administrators seem more concerned with the appearance of the school than the success of the actual students. I truly wish I had trusted my gut and not sent my child to this school. The campus is beautiful but that in no way makes up for the poor quality of the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Our two children have both done well at MSSA for the last 4 years. The environment helps children to develop a love of learning while also promoting respect and responsibility. They've learned the importance of time management during their work periods and they have experience working in groups as well as on their own. Academically, I've been impressed with the programs in place. Children are often guided by teachers individually and also in groups. The school does a wonderful job of making sure the children are being challenged. I would recommend an observation in at least 2 different age level classrooms if you'd like to better understand Montessori. It's amazing and you won't be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at MSSA since Primary and are doing exceedingly well and most exciting is that they are very well rounded, independent and thoughtful children. The teachers at this school make it their personal mission to know and fully understand each and every student's strengths and weaknesses and they lead them accordingly. For those who say that the students are tested only once a year, is completely false, The students take weekly tests in some portions of the curriculum and are tested on all levels regularly (not always in a "test" fashion). Studies show that success in a students academics is supported by a parents involvement in any school environment so I have to question the reviewer that says their child was completely unprepared and did not transition well because they were so behind. The results of the MSSA graduates speak for themselves, they are quite impressive. If you have never experienced a Montessori school, I highly recommend you visit this school and witness the nurturing,enriching and balanced daily life the children are immersed in.
—Submitted by a parent

I want to add another data point to those reviews addressing academic achievement, since it is often difficult to form an opinion based on few reviews. My child attended MSSA for 10 years and just finished his freshman year with a 4.11 GPA. He did very well on the SAT, taken through Duke TIP, and received an academic scholarship to a local private high school based on stellar high school placement exams. He was able to take pre-AP Spanish II because of the Spanish he had learned at MSSA and was well prepared for pre-AP Geometry, World Geography, English, and Biology. Is my child an Einstein? No. He is intelligent and self-motivated, and he was also very well prepared. The MSSA middle school is nurturing, accepting, and rigorous. Subject rotations only have 5-8 students, a key factor in academic success. Homework, which is meaningful and complementary to the core lessons, help students to transition to public/private high schools. I am 100% certain my child would never have participated in a musical or drama production elsewhere. Here, because of the intimacy, trust, and small size, all students participate in theatre and music. To me, going thru 8th grade is key.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not usually one to write reviews on line, but I was really disappointed to see the (2 I think) reviews of MSSA. This school has been a terrific fit for our daughter! The teachers are kind and caring, and are involved in every child's "work". When looking into a Montessori education, you MUST ask yourself if this teaching style/philosophy is a good fit for your child. Not every child will do well in a Montessori environment. Do your research. If your child is self motivated, independent and has a love of learning, he or she will EXCEL in this environment. If your child learns more effectively with a teacher in the front of the classroom and directing the lessons from his or her desk or chalkboard, this may not be the best fit for you. Most children that I've spoken with that have matriculated on to other schools have excelled. i have found all of the teachers, administration and board members to be very involved in the school and involved in extracurricular activities. I'm sure we can all find "bad" reviews of every school in San Antonio, but if you think that a Montessori education may benefit your child, then you will be very happy with MSSA
—Submitted by a parent

As a former parent I can not speak highly enough of the wonderful parents, administrators and most of the teachers. The school is both welcoming and accepting. And it is this warm feeling that keeps parents with the school for many, many years. However, when your child makes the break from the school and moves on in their educational endeavors it's many educational weaknesses become extremely apparent. The gaps in learning are so great that you are amazed you missed it all those years. You will find yourself disheartened when the realization hits that while "testing" and "homework" are deemed unnecessary at Montesorri they are the foundation of their next educational journey. And if they don't have the deeper knowledge that goes beyond the basics they suffer academically. I wish the Montessori School of San Antonio focused on educational attainment/knowledge as the child ages, ironically assuring parents feel good and are catered too is not the answer for your child's future and wasn't the answer for ours. So when they tell you the one test they do a year, "doesn't matter", please remember that it does. Assure your making the right educational decision for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

As a current parent I am a bit perplexed by the comment pertaining to bullying in the school. This is the safest, and calmest school environment I have ever seen. The children are taught from a very young age about respect for themselves and others and it shows. My daughter is in Primary and is reading at a 3rd grade level. We are extremely happy with this school and would never entertain the thought of leaving!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former parent, I don't recommend this school beyond lower elementary. Academic standards are very poor and students are ill-prepared for a transition. Bullying exists and is not addressed.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this environment. My son was very shy and soft spoken when he began, but now does so well socially with other kids. The last school he was at was so different. He seems to really love what he works on now.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just began Upper Elementary this year and we couldn't be more excited. She bgan MSSA when she was only 3 years old, and to see her grow into such an intelligent, well-mannered, motivated young lady is so exciting to us. Private school has always been a sacrifice for us, but we are thankful every single day that we made this choice. It is so fun to see her learn more about not only her studies, but also the environment and her responsibiltiy as a "global citizen." We love The Montessori School!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! We love it. Our daughter is excited and happy to attend each day. She is WAY ahead of her peers at other schools in reading and math and geography, etc. But beyond that, she loves school and is excited about learning. Our reviews with her teachers have been excellent -- they are detailed and helpful and clear. We have NEVER experienced any RUDE behavior by any of the teachers, administration, students or other parents. It is a respectful school. The children are challenged and never bored.
—Submitted by a parent

Please stay away from this school! The teachers are extremely rude and criticizing with the kids, they seem really bored and burnt out... just nothing to do with Dr. Montessori s way of thinking!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school for 6th,7th, and 8th grade. I have learned so much and made so many friends who I am always going to remember. The teachers are all so very nice and caring. Go MSSA Go!
—Submitted by a student

My child attended this school in lower elementary. This was a very disappointing experience for us. The teacher was cold; the administration and staff are not welcoming. Her high achievement, motivation, community involvement and social development have been a result of home education . Read Home Education Magazine.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for 3 years and could not be more thrilled with the personnel changes. The morale of the staff and parent organization is outstanding! What a change for the better. Our children are happy and learning - what more could you ask for?

We have had 2 children at this school for 4 years each, what a fabulous experience!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The Montessori philosophy is closely followed at The Montessori School of San Antonio. The classrooms are very well-equipped and are beautiful, large, open rooms. Each classroom has an outdoor learning area that the children can work in freely. The students are independent and montivated even at three years old! I have never seen students who are so happy and engaged in their learning. All of the teachers are Montessori trained and do a fantastic job. The new director at the school has done very well at getting the mediocre teachers replaced with wonderful, energetic individuals who believe in what they are teaching. Repect for others and the environment is evident in every part of the school. The Montessori School of San Antonio is fun and welcoming. It is a joy to come to work each day! I also have a child attending this school and could not be happier!
—Submitted by a teacher

I love this school! The teachers are caring and nurturing. The curriculum follows the Montessori philosophy which encompasses so much more than the public school curriculum. I disagree with the comments about Judson Montessori (now The Montessori School of San Antonio) not being child-centered. But I do believe Montessori is not for every child. There are some horrible Montessori schools in this city, but MSSA isn't one of them. It's been in existance for 35 years and has almost 300 students - I think that speaks for itself!
—Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed with our family's experience with Judson Montessori. In an average Montessori classroom a child-centered approach is standard. I found that this was lacking at Judson Montessori - there was a certain coldness and rigidity and a lack of insight in to child development. We were frustrated to find that our child was treated like she was misbehaving when she expressed herself both verbally and physically. We have since moved our daughter to another Montessori where her uniqueness is celebrated. We are pleased with our decision to make the move.
—Submitted by a parent