The Aquinas Montessori School

My son now only 3 years old has had a remarkable progress. I feel very fortunate to have such an outstanding school so close to our home. my son will definitely continue his education at Montessori... Great job by the teachers and a better eductaion than any public or day care in the area... has to be a number one choice for parents...
--Submitted by a parent

The school does not encourage a parent-involved environment. If there are issues, they will implement change if they agree with you, otherwise it goes into a blackhole... And they make it intimidating to bring things up. My son did well there academically, but when we made the decision to put him in public school kindergarten, he came home saying he wasn't going to "learn as much" and that he would be "bored". I do not know where he got these ideas from, but they were not helpful, to say the least. Also I agree with the other reviewer on having an active child... I was called almost every day because my son was "misbehaving"... after having him in Kindergarten last year at public school, I realized that my son wasn't "bad" - he was normal. A normal smart active little boy. I do not know if the teacher that taught him is still there (from the reviewer before, it sounds like some left). Hopefully not. Also, even though the school offers before/after care, I always felt they didn't understand (or care to try to understand) the needs of a dual-income household. The Montessori academics were great, but their attitude left a lot to be desired.
--Submitted by a parent

I agreed with the previous comment about the administration...rude, curt, unprofessional. This is definitely NOT a "parent involved" environment. The reason this school stays in business is strictly due to the Montessori philosophy in which they subscribe, and the lack of competition in the immediate area. They have lost two primary teachers this past year, and have not updated or renovated the facilities in decades.
--Submitted by a parent

I just wanted to reply to the comment about the staff. My own experience has been quite different---everyone has been responsive and kind. Since my children just started, it's too early to give a full review. Thus far, it's been a great experience and I adore the Montessori method (AMI), the teachers, and the staff. My children are excited to go to school and appear to be learning a great deal.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is mediocre. They may be great at teaching the Montessori Curriculum, but the staff is curt. One person borders on downright rude and unprofessional. The students do not get enough outside time and beware, if you have an active child, this school may not be for you. Some children just don't want to sit still for 3 hours tracing shapes of the continents...
--Submitted by a parent

I have sent 3 children to Aquinas and have mixed feelings about the school. The teachers in the primary level are all dedicated and engaged. Beware though - If your child is preschool age and not staying in daycare after school, the children get very little time outdoors - sometimes only 5 minutes! The Montessori method of education is very sedentary for the little ones with a 3 hour work period indoors. Just know this before you commit to this school. The time outdoors increases as the children get older and stay until 3 p.m. Also, the school also needs improvement with how they communicate with the parents. There is no parent association and no email network for notifications, etc. This school does a good job practicing the Montessori method of education, but if you can afford it there are other local private schools that offer a better education.
--Submitted by a parent

Its a gem of a school--fabulous staff and overall educational program. True Montessori learning, both of our children attend and adore school. We cannot say enough great things about Aquinas. We changed military assignments simply due to this excellent school! Two thumbs up!!
--Submitted by a parent

Aquinas is a fantastic school! Our son has been there for 3 years and I just can't say enough about the positive and nurturing environment
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs are great. They teach the kids music, art, and sport... The level of parent involvement is very high. The academic program is great. they teach the kids how to use their hands, mind, intelligence, my son been going to that school for past two years and he's six and has a second grade reading level and his math level too.
--Submitted by qasim, a parent