Fountainhead Montessori School (Dublin)

I’m writing this review in regards to my sons experience at fountainhead. My son started fountainhead at 18 months & has made great strides in his time there. The teachers have worked hard and have always had open communication with me. It feels really good being able to take him to a school every day in which I feel is safe and provides wonderful teachers who make learning fun!

My boys have been at Fountainhead Dublin for about a year and a half, and I have nothing but positive things to say about the teachers and staff. Ms. Irau, who teaches Primary, is a truly extraordinary teacher and person and even though my youngest aged out of her class, I still try to channel her when my kids are misbehaving- such grace and authority and warmth, all at once. Ms. Karen is so kind that my youngest boy ached with missing her when we pulled them out of school for a few months due to COVID.  Mr. Tom has magically turned my wild older boy into a gentleman (most of the time!), and is also SO patient and calm, like an oasis of peace in a horde of energetic preschoolers, and he brings that peace into the classroom, and creates an expectation of it with the kids. Ms. Marzilla is the nicest person in the world- even before my son moved into her classroom, I was always delighted to see her at dropoff because she just exudes warmth to everyone. I'm leaving out the names of many other teachers that have cared for my kids in different settings, or taught them music or science - I can't think of one person I've interacted with at Fountainhead that wasn't lovely. The administration is great- they are professional and warm, and in this new age of COVID, they are prioritizing in person learning while taking the exact precautions I would take if I were trying to keep kids and teachers healthy without creating more anxiety. My kids have been back for a month now and we are all happier for it. And I can't speak for the teachers, of course, but I get the strong sense that they do feel supported by the administration and have the resources they need to keep themselves healthy. I'm so happy we've found this school- I live in Castro Valley and it's only about a 15 minute drive down 580 to get there. Also, I work from home and have a rather irregular schedule, and one of my favorite features of the school is their flexibility around extended childcare- so long as they have 24 hours notice, I'm able to leave my kids there for a longer day than usual if I need to. It's SUCH a blessing.

My daughter has been a student at FMS since January 2018. We moved across the country & she could not have been more warmly welcomed into her new school than she was at FMS.  She started in the 2-year-old room but the teachers quickly perceived she could be moved up to the next classroom & is now in the traditional 3-6 year-old room. She is already sounding out all of her letters & doing math at age 4. The teachers truly individualize their instruction to each child while also encouraging independence. Most importantly, my daughter is happy & clearly loves her teachers, her classmate & her time at school.  Do not hesitate to send your child here!

I continue to be impressed with the personable and friendly staff.  The teachers and staff always make the students their highest priority and can always answer any questions I have.  I know they genuinely care about my daughter.  I even get after hours emails in response to the most minor of inquiries.  My husband grumbled about the cost but you get what you pay for.  We were not interested in some bargain basement day care but a quality, structured program run by real professionals.  We are grateful we picked Fountainhead.  We have already decided to have our daughter go to their elementary school.

We have had an excellent experience at Fountainhead. Through the three plus years of our child's attendance we feel our child has developed in so many wonderful ways. The fountainhead community is very caring and supportive. It would be great to see a continued effort in having more consistency in the Montessori education format as well as a stronger childcare program. All and all, I would recommend this place to family and friends.

Schedule	Time	2 Days	3 Days	4 Days	5 Days
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