I have sent two of my daughters to the Montessori School of Palm Coast (also known as CASA…read moreMontessori) (first our eldest daughter and a few years later our youngest). When we signed up my eldest daughter, we were impressed by the classroom and teaching staff led by Ms. Puqui, who had been formally trained in Montessori education. Mr. Albert (Puqui's husband and school director) made us feel quite comfortable with leaving our kids at the school. Our eldest daughter did quite well and seemed to learn a lot starting in the toddler room and then moving the the primary room with Ms. Puqui. The summer programs had also been great with activities such as a water slide, zip lining, etc. Then, unfortunately, we felt that things changed as the school underwent expansion at the Palm Coast location (more classrooms and more kids). Our first major issue came from the Summer 2014 program prior to the opening of the new classrooms. We felt that some of the planned activities such as zip lining did not happen as frequently as expected. There was no communication on why the program seemed to have changed. In the end, it did not live up to our family's expectations. Our second major issue came during Fall 2014. As our youngest daughter started at the school in the toddler classroom, we learned that Mr. Albert and Ms. Puqui would be significantly reducing their role at the school. This caused major concern as Puqui being education director was a necessity in providing oversight that Montessori practices and teacher training was being maintained. This change was a surprise for our family as well as some other parents we spoke to. Other concerns after this change included. * We felt that we were not given enough information regarding the background of the new teachers despite making several requests for more information. * We had concerns regarding the adequacy of teaching materials as they were now supporting additional classrooms at the Palm Coast. * We felt communication with the school was significantly worsened during this period. What would have received a prompt reply took more time and sometimes additional follow-ups. Finally, my wife and I felt that a trust issue existed between us and the school, which is something you should not have with your childcare. For all parties involved, we felt it was time for us to move on to a new school. Upon turning in our one month notice, we asked Albert about our final balance. I sent a follow-up email several days later asking for confirmation of receipt of notice and again the final balance. By email, Mr. Albert informed us that our daughter was no longer enrolled at the school effective immediately, which left us scrambling to find child care for the following week. We also felt the email included some mean spirited personal attacks, which I will not restate here, but left us disappointed. Regarding the VPK program, our eldest had a rough transition to kindergarten in public school. We are unsure if this is due to the change in classroom culture, the CASA VPK program, or both. However, my wife and I wish we had chosen a public school VPK option, and will be doing so for our youngest. All kids learn at their own pace so your mileage may vary.

We decided to change our son's care from a daycare to Casa Montessori and it is the best decision…read morewe ever made! I can't say enough good things about this wonderful school, the amazing teachers and the positive influence they are having on my son. After just one month in the toddler room, I am amazed at how much he is learning... every day he surprises me with new skills from saying and understanding new words and expressions to recognising letters and numbers, and he's not even 2 yet! He has become more independent, confident, attentive, affectionate, sociable and has developed a deeper love for books, songs, puzzles and learning. We are so fortunate to have become a part of this community and look forward to watching our son continue to thrive and learn life lessons in this wonderfully challenging but caring environment.

My wife and I love Guardian Montessori Academy. The class sizes are small and this allows the…read moreteachers to have more one on one time with the kids. My daughter loves it here and learns so much day after day. The teachers are all very kind and caring. highly recommend!

From the owner: Welcome Guardian Montessori Academy is located in the heart…read moreof St. Johns. It is a co-educational school catering to children from 12 months to 10 years. The facility includes indoor Gymnasium, Library/Music room, covered Play Areas and gardening areas for children to learn more about nature. GMA provides a rich academic environment founded on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori with a strong concentration in math, language, art, music, world cultures, and the development of a social conscience. We follow Maria Montessori’s principles to inspire a passion for excellence and to nurture curiosity, creativity and imagination. Our goal is to develop in our students a love of learning that will guide and sustain them throughout their lives. We respect the uniqueness of each student by helping each child to develop skills at periods of greatest readiness and sensitivity. Our goals for developing your child’s full potential: Promote inner directed discipline Foster respect for the environment and contribute to their community Develop independence and critical thinking Teaching the cycle of work – there is a start and finish Inquiry based learning We encourage you to call us or come and talk to us; we will be happy to answer all your questions.

Probably not for everyone, but our daughter hated the chaos of a typical daycare. A Child's Place…read morehas provided her a structured and safe learning environment where she is free to express her emotions. The staff has expectations of the parents which requires an adjustment period, but it is intended to provide the children consistency throughout their day. This school promotes a pacifist culture rather than an aggressive one. The curriculum leverages a student's interest to cultivate their natural abilities. For example, students interested in art can spend more time doing art while students more interested in math can focus on math. This allows the children to define themselves. Conflict resolution is also built into the culture and no staff member ever raises their voice at the children. The facilities do not have a commercial feel to them like most daycares. Operations are very transparent and not governed by corporate policy. COVID-19 created some hurdles but those were widespread. I can't imagine sending my child anywhere else.

Our child is in her fourth year at A Child's Place Montessori and she loves it. We are so happy…read morewith our decision to send her here! The school environment is enriching, with a huge variety of learning and creative opportunities, and very true to the Montessori method. Our child has benefitted academically because she loves learning and loves going to school. All she wanted to do for her birthday was stay at school ALL day until they closed, and she once told me that Friday is her least favorite day because she doesn't have school the next day. We enjoy reviewing her weekly work log to get a glimpse at what she is currently working on and what her goals are, and the work she brings home is high quality. The staff is supportive and accommodating. Any issue or concern we have had has been addressed and resolved quickly and to our satisfaction. We enjoy the scheduled teacher conferences twice per school year, where we are able to discuss our child's progress and see her work. Outside of conferences, the teachers have made themselves available and accessible for any questions. During normal times, the school offered plenty of opportunity to volunteer in the classroom, and we have delighted in spending time helping -- I wish I could go to school here! If you are looking for a unique, nurturing environment for your child, we strongly recommend A Child's Place Montessori.

Ms.Freddie is a AMAZING TEACHER my son loves her and we love her to HIGHLY recommend herread more

We couldn't be happier with O2B Palencia! Ms. Lu and Ms. Pat are exceptional, and the entire team…read morecreates such a welcoming, family-centered atmosphere. My child is excited to go to school each day and never wants to leave, which speaks volumes about the environment they've created. The genuine relationships I've built with the staff and teachers truly reflect the caring and dedicated people they are. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this community.

Best hidden gem in Gainesville. Family owed Montessori, compassionate teachers. Our daughter…read moreattended pre-school to Kindergarten. They offer early drop off and late pick up. No screen time allowed is a plus.

I am excited to be a part of Team Flowers and love this little school. It is such a pleasure to be…read morehappy and excited about sharing my day with the children at Flowers even after 35 years of teaching Montessori! Team Flowers is SO loving and I hold them in the highest regard.

I put my child in this school because the public middle school had a bad reputation. Well, this was…read morea huge mistake. My son who always had exemplary behavior, got bullied daily by four children. Despite going to the director,Ms.Kelly Libby nothing was done. My son who was a happy child , started crying daily because nobody did anything about the bullying. I reached out to MsKelly to no avail. This one particular boy put a beeping Apple Watch in my son's ear at recess. I didn't find out till my son Logan told me a month later. I told ms.libby via email. Her response was "Oh it happened a month ago, he's no longer allowed to bring his watch" ok so she basically did nothing because it happened a month ago. This is just one example of what was done to my child. I later received an email from her stating there was no evidence of bullying and that I should contact my son's pediatrician. I guess she was implying counseling. My son had two sessions and the therapist felt there was no need to continue. Prior to me putting Logan in this school , he was a happy child. I noticed that was changing. Each morning he was crying and felt very anxious. After trying with the direction ms.Kelly and his teacher ms.esther I pulled him out. These people were supposed to provide a safe environment which they did not. My advice think twice before u put your child in this school.

My daughter went here and it was a great experience for her , mrs esther is amazing , she deff…read moreevolved while at this school. Grateful for them.

Our daughter has been at this Montessori Prep school since she was 3 years old, she is now 11. It…read moreis so much more than a school, its a family. Paulene (the director) and all the women who teach the children, not only give them an excellent start in education with a challenging curriculum, but also teaches them life and social skills. Our son went to Montessori Prep, when he was younger, now he's 18 and graduating with honors, and going to attend Law School at UF. I give much credit to Montessori, helping him to develop good academic habits, and being in a loving environment, that let him be free to create and be himself. Our daughter's Standford testing results are in the middle and high school levels, and she's in 5th grade. Montessori teaches them be confident in who they are, and I know in my heart, any of the teachers would protect my child with their life and being a mom, the peace of mind I have when I drop her off everyday knowing that she is safe, is priceless. I am truly going to miss this school, when our daughter goes to 6th grade. I want to thank Paulene, Angel, Sandy, Gurpreet, Marisol, Suzette, Ingrid, Madi, Rosario, Amallia, Patricia and all the others who have treated my children as their own. I am forever grateful to all of you. Danielle Comas Parent at Montessori Prep School of Ocala

From the owner: MAO was established in 1996 and serves the Marion County community for children ages 3 months…read morethrough 6th grade.