The Richmond Montessori School

Our son is about to start his second year at RMS and has simply thrived at the school. The teachers are phenomonal, and we love being a part of this community. I can't imagine a better place for our child.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school where each child is their own person rather than merely a number. Lots of private schools claim that they teach to the child, but in my experience (my daughter attended another prestigious private school for the first couple of years), RMS is the one that lives up to this credo. School leadership has a very clear vision and lives this everyday. Purchase of neighboring property will allow the school to expand and live up to its potential. The teachers are exceptional. As I said earlier, each child is valued for their unique qualities. Do go on a tour and see the Montessori magic for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is a primary one student and he has flourished mentally and physically here. The teachers here really do want the best for your child. The parents and overall community of this school is great. Being new to Richmond, I found the parents and staff very welcoming and understanding. If you are new to Richmond, I strongly recommend you check out this school!
--Submitted by a parent

We've really had a successful year so far. Teachers are involved and frequently communicate. Parental involvement is high. Students are caring and a respect for the child and their learning preferences are highly regarded. Only wish they had more afterschool activities/clubs which were not so costly.
--Submitted by a parent

Over the last few years, RMS has lost the Montessori philosophy and is changing itself to be just another private school. The teachers are wonderful, but it seems they are not receiving the support they once had as the adminstration is more focused on maintaining a private school and losing the overall direction and feeling of a Montessori school.
--Submitted by a parent

RMS is a wonderful, small school. The Montessori methods, when they are appropriate for your child, lead to a happy, curious child with a lifelong love of learning. However, Montessori is not for everyone. When it works, it's awesome. For some, though, it's not a good match. Some pros for this school are the Montessori methods, small size of the school, caring teachers, diverse student body, and lots of parent involvement. Some cons are limited after-school enirchment opportunities (like any small school,) lots of recent turnover in the administration (ending with a current Head who is well-liked and respected), and that the school may become too small socially in later grades where there are fewer students. Some students might find this limiting while others enjoy such a small peer group. Overall, it's a great school and worth a look to see if it's a good match for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

RMS is awesome! We have two boys, and after six years, we couldn't be happier with our choice! As long term Richmond natives, we knew the choices out there, and chose RMS. As parents, one of our major goals was giving our children the basis to learn to independently think. This crucial process is occurring in amazing ways. Our kids actually ask us for 'work' to do and read independently at several grade levels higher. RMS is a safe, nurturing place where our boys can be challenged to succeed. What more could you want as a parent, than for your child to want to go to school each day! Because parent involvement is encouraged, we have the unique ability to see the kids work, and are often blown away at what they are doing. Most importantly, the Montessori methods are creating independent leaders. RMS is truly about and for children!!!
--Submitted by a parent

A lot of folks from the 2007-08 class have been dissatisfied with the low focus on students. The teachers need help. They are accepting more students then they can handle. Folks have taken their kids out of here to collegiate.. Check out collegiate reviews, before making a decision.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school which develops the whole child. The staff are caring, encourage independence, and best of all develop in the students a love for learning. I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended RMS grades 1-8. I'm very pleased with teacher and parental involvement. Class structure allows flexibility to express individuality in caring environment. Academic instruction is good to strong, but range is sometimes limited by small environment. New academic improvements may help correct this problem (new science bldg.). Teachers stress importance of respect, responsibility and cooperation with others. Great place to instill self-motivated learning. Downsides: RMS is poorly equipped to address special needs/learning disabilities; RMS tends to be a very insulated and protected environment where competition is de-emphasized, which works for some children, but maybe not all. I've worried this could make high school adjustment difficult on social level. However, several parents told me their children did very well during transition to other schools, and hopefully we'll experience same. Overall we've been very happy with RMS.
--Submitted by a parent