Montessori International School (N. Gilbert Rd.)

Gilbert Campus:
I read the reviews and i was so relieved to hear from the parents who discussed their unpleasant experiences, only because it was so similar to what I heard from some parents and to my own experiences--for such a long time I thought I was the only one having issues with the teachers/school.

In the beginning, I questioned the school about how I would like to be more informed about how my son is progressing in his work--the school was not providing me with any type of progress report, not even during parent/teacher conferences.  Finally, during my child's last year the teacher provided a beginning and end of the school year basic one page summary of what he had been working on at the time.  Unfortunately, we did not attend the 2 parent/teacher conferences scheduled during the school year because our family had an emergency during the 1st and the teacher at last minute cancelled the 2nd end of the year conference--after many attempts of contacting the school/principal to reschedule both, the teacher/school never contacted me to reschedule either one.

My child knew most of the letter sounds prior to enrolling and 2 years later still didnt learn to read.  Their social studies consists of teaching stereotypes and innacurate history, which I discussed with the school and found that the teachers didn't like.  The Gilbert campus did not have any animals and didnt have access to the school library located at the Brown campus.  The school does not appreciate lateness and has no problem locking the doors turning students and parents away.  There was no parent organization for some time and found there had been some issues between the school and the parent group before it dismantled.  The school/staff seem too busy to deal with issues that may arise and instead of working with parents to find solutions, would rather do things their own way.  I was very excited to have my child at a montessori school in the beginning because I love montessori, however I couldnt wait to get my child out of this particular school.  I thought the teachers would get past some of our differences but they never did--i think the moment I finally realized that, was when one of the teachers slammed the door in my face as I was walking my child into the school.  We loved my child's first teacher and at some point she left and my child had another teacher--which was never expressed to the parents.  I dont believe the problems that arose originated from the Montessori method, but instead, from the individual personalities, viewpoints, values, and education of the staff; and possibly from the lack of time and resources of the school/staff.

As long as you don't request for any of their time, question their lessons/teachings, make any recommendations or disapprove of their miscommunication you will do fine at this school.  I hope they do eventually find the time/staff/openness to be able to work with improving their school and relationships.

My daughter is currency enrolled in the upper elementary at Montessori International School and my son just graduated from the upper elementary program this past school year.  Both of my children began in the Toddler Program at the age of two, then attended the Primary school program with Mrs. Bindu, the Lower Elementary (grades 1-3) with Mrs. Sylvia and then the Upper Elementary (grades 4-8).  The children are grouped in classrooms in this way to allow the younger children to learn from the older children and for the older ones to be able to mentor the younger ones.  My husband and I feel very fortunate that our children have been able to attend this school throughout their education.  The learning environment is very calm and the outdoor area is just beautiful- my children have always enjoyed the gardens and animals on the campus. Both of my children have developed a natural love of learning and I believe my son has been very well prepared to succeed in High School.  Thank you MIS for the care and passion you have for all the students.

Disclaimer: I am an Arizona certified teacher, so I may have higher than average expectations for an educational institution.

With that being said, my biggest issue with Montessori International is their deliberate lack of feedback or progress reports of any kind. When questioned about this policy, they explicitly stated that "it's just simply something we don't do" and that "no news is good news" is expected to suffice when a concerned and involved parent wants to know what and how their children are doing at school. Even in our decidedly lackluster public schools are teachers required to provide regular progress reports and HIGHLY encourage (sometimes to the point of begging) the involvement of a student's parents in the academic process.

Any educational system that decides to entirely forgo any form of academic feedback is guilty of at least one of two things: 1.) They are counting on parents to be completely trusting and to show no interest in what is happening in the classroom and/or 2.) They aren't confident in their own educational methods and seek to hide their own shortcomings. Frankly, I find both motivations to be deplorable.

Finally, we had issues with a particular teacher that went against Montessori International policies on multiple occasions. I won't hold the entire school accountable for this person's absurd oversight and breaking of policy but it is still a considerable blemish that should be mentioned.

If you want the true Montessori experience, you can do better elsewhere.

I found out from my three year old that her teacher was sitting her out at lunch recess multiple times for not answering during lesson time and once it was officially confirmed by school they then shut me out of all communication. There is zero transparency about what is happening in the classroom in  terms of academic/social/emotional well being. It's been a very unfortunate experience. As a parent having a once a week communucation should be welcomed not shamed. 8 months = 3 updates beyond "no news is good news."

This is school is amazing! The teachers are dedicated and care about each and every student. We LOVE this school and I am blessed to have my son there.

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