Overall, our experience at Pebblecreek Montessori has been very good. There have been issues from time to time with some teachers, but no more than any other school. Most are very willing to work out any issues with the parents and children. Though I will admit, at times, that I have felt judged or "looked down upon" when my children misbehaved.
My biggest complaint is that the school administration constantly badgers parents to attend fundraisers and other activities. I am not talking just talking about a childrens play or something. I am talking golf tournaments, formal dinners, auctions, parent training classes, etc.
I understand their desire to create a community around the school. However, we have older kids in public school, sports activities, church activities, civic activities, etc. Our time and financial resources are already so limited. We shouldn't be made to feel guilty that we cannot give more than I already do. However, that is exactly the tone of some of the emails that we receive from them. We already sacrifice to give a large pct of our money to the school for tuition. I wish they showed more respect for that. We want our children to have the best start possible in preschool, and that is why we have them in Montessori. Still, it is just preschool, and we have to have some perspective.
I know they are trying to build the elementary program and a new building. It seems to me that they are asking the primary parents to fund the elementary programs that most will not attend. Other than constant badgering for money and fund raising, for the educational experience taken alone, the school is recommended.
Pros: Great teachers, great educational and learning experiences, extra-curricular activities
Cons: Expensive, Constant requests for additional money, Slightly arrogant
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