Country Montessori School

Our son is in his 3rd year of the elementary program at CMS, and we believe beyond a doubt that he is getting an exceptional education. We have seen him blossom both academically and socially. We chose private over public school so our son would have the opportunity to advance academically at his speed and not be limited, for the low student-teacher ratio CMS provides, and for the feeling of a caring community of students, teachers, and parents. CMS has not disappointed us. In fact, we plan to stay through upper elementary which is something we had not intended to do originally. It is a well-rounded program that strives for academic excellence while also emphasizing educating the whole child- one that is socially responsible, an independent and confident learner, a good public-speaker, caring about fellow students, and respectful. CMS offers experiential learning in the indoor classroom, the outdoor classroom (their amazing garden), through their global classroom (their new Spanish Internet Pen Pal Program with their partner school in Honduras) and through awesome curriculum-enhancing field trips. After looking around at the cost of other private schools, CMS is a true gem! more

My daughter was very unhappy to leave her old school but relocation made it necessary. The school answered all of my questions when I was touring, and I was impressed by the children all applying themselves to their work. Montessori in action is a thing to behold. The teachers always go the extra mile, communicate closely with the parents if there are any issues at all, there are many activities centered around the children. ""Donuts with Dads"" allowed my daughter to show me around her class and introduce me to all the materials. My daughter is now very happy and thriving. An improvement over her previous school, which we were also happy with. Pros: dedicated school community Cons: can't think of any more

When we moved to San Diego, I toured every preschool in the surrounding areas. Some places boasted great equipment and grounds, but I was dissatisfied with the evidence of Montessori principles in action. CMS is a wonderful community where teachers know not only their own students, but all of the children. They are fully committed to Montessori in its pure form, and they do it well. The fact that it is run by a board of parents makes it BETTER, rather than worse. I don't understand the other reviewer's contention. The fact that decisions are not made by an owner (business person), or an administrator under pressure from an owner means that the children's best interests are always served. The board members have nothing to gain, except to protect their own children's education. This is another reason I was drawn to this school, and all of my hopes have been met. Pros: committed and engaged teachers, true montessori approach Cons: website is hard to read and not updated regularly enough more

Our son was bored in the public school. When it was time to get ready, he dreaded getting up in the morning. It was always a fight. We did some research and decided to check out the Montessori school options. Once we set foot into the classrooms at CMS we were amazing at how all of the children were so happy and busy working. I think we were mostly shocked by the amount of work we actually saw the children doing. We then made an appointment with the Administrator. She listened to our countless questions and assured us they had an open door policy. The staff contacts us with us with updates and welcomes us. Our son has been there for three months. Now he can't wait to get to school in the morning. He loves all of his teachers. He even knows the people in the office. Everyone has made an effort to make him and our family feel welcome. The reading program is out of this world. Our son is actually encouraged to read challenging books and have discussions. It is nice to be able to work as a team with the teachers in the school. Parents are encouraged to get involved. My husband and I have gone in a couple of times to do crafts and other things in his class and the others as well. We have already enrolled him again for next year. Thank you Country Montessori School. Pros: Administration! Cons: We should have found them sooner. more

I looked into this school with high hopes. Unfortunately, once I asked around in the general Montessori community in San Diego I was dismayed to learn of the school bad reputation. The school is in constant flux as far as administrators and what grades they offer in any given year. I was also told that the fact that it is 'parent' run makes it exceptionally dysfunctional. Parents with no educational background, and with children in preschool, are a great majority of the 'parent' run board. The 'award' was a fake business association token. It is laughable that they claim to be the best. If that is so, save your money and go public. Pros: Teachers Cons: Poor Reading Program/Administrative Problems more

Visitors to the Country Montessori School are impressed with the self-discipline and independence of even the youngest child. Several alumni transition to high academic private school and excel. We are thrilled with the success of our three girls. Parents are happy to be directly involved with their child's success. It is a non-profit that has a loyal group of teachers. Alumni families are still involved as well. It just won another award two for their preschool and one for the elementary level. Not a surprise considering the academic success the children accomplish there. Thank goodness we found Country Montessori School. Pros: Experienced Staff Cons: Only goes through 6th grade. more

These reviews were all written by the same person - who happens to work at the school. This school is run by a parent board. Their power supersedes that of the weak and inexperienced administrator. The school is a mess because of this combination of factors. Longtime teachers are afraid to leave because of the tough economy for Montessori schools that are struggling to survive due to dropping enrollment. They don't want to lose their jobs. The children, whose parents are on the Board, are not always very well behaved, and this puts a real strain on how these students are dealt with. My children attended this school for over five years, all of the families who started attending when we did, have left. We were the last one to stick it out. Give the school a thorough look before committing your child's time here. Pros: Past Reputation Cons: Bad Administration more