Central Montessori School

The administrator/owner wasn't truthful about not having space at the school for our children. She told us to apply for the upcoming school year after we visited and we did. We spent two hours on the applications and mailed the applications, we received an e-mail stating they didn't have space for 2013-14. However, the administrator sent my friend an e-mail stating they were only accepting Montessori families and we are coming from Montessori. We wouldn't have spent so much time on the process had we known that our applications wouldn't even be considered. We would have appreciated a straighforward & honest answer up front.
—Submitted by a parent

Central is a wonderful full-day/ year-round Montessori school in Richmond, VA that is tailored for working parents. Tuition is affordable (no after school costs needed) and can be paid monthly. Admin costs are offset by parent volunteer hours. The school currently serves toddlers up to 3rd graders, with plans to create a 4-6 grade class. Teachers are certified and well-trained in the Montessori method. The school has a strong community and conservation focus. All children learn about proper nutrition and how to care for the environment. It offers a strong arts and science curriculum and students as young as 3 participate in a science fair each year. Older students often take field trips to the Science and Fine Arts Museums. Parent involvement is incredibly high. The kids play outside in an organic "outdoor classroom" for up to 2 hours each day. Piano lessons, girl/boy scouts, swimming lessons (at the YMCA during the summer months), and soccer are offered as extras. The staff and teachers are great and they truly appreciate and welcome parent involvement in their classrooms. My daughter started 2 years ago at age 3 and we will be keeping her there for elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

I always knew I wanted to send my son to montessori school, most schools were 2 days a week, 3 days a week or have day for his age. I needed a 5 day a week full day program. Central Montessori is an amazing 5 day program. It has a diverse student body. Students have an appreciation for learning, eating healthy food and respecting the earth. Parent information meetings are the icing on the cake. Parents and children volunteer together most weekend to improve the school. I strongly recomend this school.
—Submitted by a parent