Richmond Hill Montessori Preschool

I’m hoping that our experience was just one random mistake, however it was a big one. Our child was given a spot at the daycare and notified in advance. We had a start date of August requested. We were told that her enrollment would be held until August and she could complete all of the paperwork the month before. We show up for our scheduled tour and appointment to complete paperwork three weeks before her start date, only to be told that they forgot about her and she did not have a spot. As working parents, we did not know what to do. We tried to work with the daycare and administration assured us that they would assist us and compensate us. Unfortunately, the administration was unethical and very difficult to communicate with. They misplaced my child’s birth certificate and paperwork that included her Social Security number. I was notified, while my child was at the daycare and I was at work, to come and get her, because they didn’t think they could make it work. So while in trusting this administration to correct their mistake, they left us traumatized and without any help. The owner was difficult to reach and the enrollment director was horrendous. She was not there long enough to gauge the quality of teachers. Im sure they’re great. We were fortunate to find placement quickly elsewhere, and the difference in my child and my peace of mind is substantial. I’m hoping this was just a one off, but I felt the need to report our experience, so it does not happen to anyone else. GET DOCUMENTATION and trust your gut.

In response to RHM: yes there was a misunderstanding, however the enrollment director Loraine, notified and assured us three times before that drop off date (three weeks from our scheduled tour) that we were “all good and it was taken care of”both via phone and in person while dropping off paperwork. It was not lack of communication on our part. I specifically spelled out my questions such as “so my child will start on x date and you guys won’t be over ratio” -the response was always “yes” until I got that phone call while at work as mentioned above. We received emails of her enrollment and start date FAQs. We even attended open house and were reassured by the front desk and Loraine (again) that she was on the roll for the class. Additionally, the communication with Loraine and Kimberly was extremely difficult. Loraine often said one thing and then retracted at a later date, I assume in attempt to cover for her mistake when she spoke to assure us without admin approval. And Kimberly spoke with me once in regards to the situation despite one phone call/week and two cold visits to the daycare over a four month timeframe after unrolling my child. She never called me back to directly address the situation and often diverted to Kathryn, who was thankfully, always kind, but could never provide an answer or solution. Overall, I pray you guys do what’s best, because your business involves CHILDREN and their families livelihood. I felt the need to pass along our experience due to the severity and sensitivity of that mistake. We wish your business well, but want all families in vulnerable situations like ours to be aware and prepared.

My child seems to genuinely enjoy the activities and level of engagement. It's not just someone watching her, she's learning and having fun

I love this school, the teachers and the staff! As an educator of 12+ years and a parent that has taught/ placed my children in daycares and schools all over the world, I can’t say enough great things about this school!! From the wonderful people that work there to the activities and the school building itself. I leave the school each morning with full confidence in the education and care my child is receiving. I also love the app they use to keep us informed and the real time response when messaging the school on the app. Thank you Montessori!!

I can go on and on about how AMAZING this place and the staff are. Every experience and interaction we have had has been super friendly and sweet. They definitely make me feel at ease having my son in their care. They are very helpful and answer all of my questions and there’s been a lot, sorry y’all! The waiting list was well worth it even tho tbh it didn’t take as long as we had expected. I see why everyone says this is the best place for your kids in Richmond Hill. They really do go above and beyond. My son didn’t want to leave on his SECOND day. Definitely broke my heart but it’s such a relief to know that he is being kept happy and healthy while I go to work. Thank y’all for everything y’all do !!

Unfortunately this was a disastrous disappointment of an experience. to begin with this is NOT a real Montessori school, so please do not be fooled. Secondly there is absolutely zero communication with incidents or issues. Our experience is the perfect example. Our son was only with this preschool for ONE week. during this time we were told he was having a difficult time adjusting. As any parent, id check in and confirm with the teacher first thing in the morning whether there was any improvement and was told slowly there was improvement. What I wasn't aware of was the multiple meeting they were holding pertaining to our child and deciding on dismissal from their facility. I received a phone call one week later asking to pick up my child and being told that wed not be able to return with no real explanation from the individual making this decision (Kimberley-director). she pawned this off to other staff to make this uncomfortable conversation. thereafter, reaching Kimberley and discussing matters was miserable. she is full of excuses and ridiculous explanation, even blaming her staff and that they need to work and learn from this when SHE is the one who is responsible and should be taking responsibility for her actions. at no point did she reach out to discuss matters prior to the day we received the final news. in addition, i was charge a full month and am still waiting for a refund. The security at the entrance does not include any sign in and sign out so anyone can walk in and pick up your child. Minimum security. overall, DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER THIS location if you want a reliable trust worthy preschool. I myself am a full time working mother as well as my husband, and putting someone in this situation without at least a change to rectify the situation in my opinion is completely unprofessional. that being said, despite the lack of communication, we did appreciate the efforts from the teachers we met. that was the only plus. Just looking out for my fellow full time working parents that are unable to abruptly quit working and left in a vulnerable position without so much as a warning. BE CAUTIOUS WHEN CONSIDERING THIS SCHOOL. much better alternative options in the Richmond hill area.

update: i have read the reply and absolute garbage only fueling my frustration even more. they informed us that we would not be able to return. i NEVER un enrolled my child. once again.... DO NOT CHOOSE THIS SCHOOL. PLEASE DO YOURSELVES A FAVOR AND AVOID THIS PLACE.

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