Montessori Childrens School

READ THESE 5 REVIEWS!!!
****The less than positive reviews made by parents were removed from the "Great Schools" website. These are HONEST, unedited reviews previously posted by other parents.****
---Posted 2013-06-24 "I'm a parent that I WOULD do Anything for my children's education. But this school so far is just a Big WASTE. This school ask you for so much money, parents needs to provide snacks ( I thought it was a private school) parents needs to volunteer 30 hours or if you can't volunteer those hours you need to paid 10$ for each hour. -another 300$ for the school) and the list just going and going. This is just a DAYCARE and not a good Montessori private school. And also if you'd don't like the school you still need to paid them for 3 months. So think and search before you WASTE your money in here."
---Posted 2013-06-18 "Please do your search and think before you sign your kids to this school... First that school is like another daycare. My children was 4 when we decide to put her in this school. It was the "worst" decision we did. I agree with the last review! The principal is all about money, the teacher are ok. But when you go to the classroom and see that your 4 years old is in the same classroom with 3,4,5, and sometimes 6 years old!!!!? Really almost 4 differents age together?! It was alot bullies kids. Also if you don't like the school you need to still pay for 3 months. Plus all the money they ask you and can't even update their school with better classroom and playground! Just ridiculous!!!!dont think because have a name MONTESSORI is good.... BECAUSE is "NOT". Go to montessori national association and go where say find school and type their name or by zip code and they are not a MEMBER!!!!!"
---Posted 2013-05-30 "Read before sending your child to this school. Our family just left the school after years of being part of it. This rating is based on old leadership. The previous head of school was amazing, kept the parents in the loop and always kept them as top priority. The current head of school (2013) is the opposite of that. The students are the last priority and the parents are spoken to as if they should not have an opinion. The current head of school clearly is only about the money being brought in. My wife use to sub at the school and saw first-hand the classrooms and the way the teachers were treated. There are many violent children in each class. The teachers are threatened that if they discuss anything with each other or others that they will be fired. The school appears to be wonderful, and once was. The reputation was built with former heads of schools. Currently they have 4 teachers that are great. Be wary of being part of this school. If you are unhappy with it you have to continue to pay for 3 months after you leave."
---Posted 2011-04-29 "This school discriminates against children with disabilities and screens students (and their family) during the interview. If you don't fit their image, your child will NOT be selected for admission." OnceUponATimeIn on 05/31/2013 Read before sending your child to this school. Our family just left the school after years of being part of it. The previous head of school was amazing, kept the parents in the loop and always kept them as top priority. The current head of school (2013) is the opposite of that. The students are the last priority and the parents are spoken to as if they should not have an opinion. The current head of school clearly is only about the money being brought in. My wife use to sub at the school and saw first-hand the classrooms and the way the teachers were treated. There are many violent children in each class. The teachers are threatened that if they discuss anything with each other or others that they will be fired. The school appears to be wonderful, and once was. The reputation was built with former heads of schools. Currently they have 4 teachers that are great. Be wary of being part of this school. If you are unhappy with it you have to continue to pay for 3 months after you leave

I have mixed reviews for this school. The younger children's building is wonderful and truly consistent with Montessori thinking. Children are taught to be independent, to learn through doing and to be responsible. Our children in this part of the school have grown leaps and bounds. We were astounded at how much our children learned and how polite, self sufficient and creative they were in this learning environment. They are loving caring teachers who I cannot say enough about. I would give that half of the school a 4-5 rating.

In the elementary building, the organization of the school and program are lacking. The teachers are not consistently trained in Montessori methods. The school is not certified as a Montessori facility. While some classrooms are exceptional, others are not well managed. Our child was left unsupervised frequently, behavior issues were poorly managed and there was not suffiecent concern for academic progress. Montessori is a wonderful way to learn but needs skilled teachers to direct the process. Unfortunately there was a real lack of direction and communication from our children's teachers in this part of the school.

Quality schools in Jacksonville are limited so I would encourage parents to see this school in person and meet the teachers. If the whole school could function like the "preschool" building it would be truly be the best in Jacksonville. Some new hires and attention to organization could make a huge impact.