In June 2024 I had an information session at this school. I decided that I wanted my son to go to this school. They actually had quite a few bad reviews, compared to the other Montessori schools in my area, but most of them were for kids in the older grades and my son is only 2 and I really liked the teacher he was going to have, so I decided I would still give them a try. On June 28th I took my son to the teacher/child meeting so my son could meet his teacher. In early July I paid my registration fee and thought I was registered. A week before school was set to start and 45 minutes before my orientation, they called me and told me they were denying my application because I wasn't committing my son to go to school there through elementary school. I've been to the school twice and have spoken to them on the phone at least 3 times and never once did they say you have to commit your 2 year old through elementary school! it's obvious they had another kid that they just wanted to put in my sons spot, which is fine, it's their school, but to do it a week before school starts was so unprofessional. ALL the other Montessori schools in my area are full now. How can you say you care about kids, but not treat them all with the same respect? They didn't care about the fact that my child doesn't have a school to go to now. I'm not sure if it was a money issue or race (I'm black), but my child definitely got push aside for another child and they way they did it was cruel and unwarranted. On top of all that, the Administration Director had the nerve to get annoyed when I wanted to know exactly when I would be getting my application refund. I would not recommend this school. read more

DO NOT enroll your minority children at HOMS--your kids' mental health is far more important than any Montessori curriculum. The severity of the prejudice, retaliation, and negligence toward my family does not capture the levity displayed by HOMS regarding the incidents BOTH my black sons of Egyptian and Jamaican descent experienced. -------------------------- Incident #1: My kids were placed in a vehicle during pick-up and not one single person thought to ensure the safety of my kids by verifying the actual adult. When I brought this issue to their attention, I received excuses to justify how busy carpool can be especially as they iron out challenges in the beginning of the school year. Incident #2: My 2-year-old's dread loc was completely "combed out." The school assured me there were no combs in the classroom so technically his hair wasn't "combed out." His hairstyle represents our connection to Africa, pride in our blackness, and a spiritual connection to God. When I brought the removal of his loc to their attention, it was explained that the staffer was ensuring his comfort for naptime by removing the sand trapped in his loc'd hair. I received an excuse by the lead teacher that she had no idea what his hair was. Incident #3: My family's nanny had been accused of spanking my eldest in the parking lot of the school (and no, there are no cameras or video to support this allegation). This accusation was made by a 1st grader, whose mum initially stated she witnessed said spanking too. I incessantly questioned the mum through the Assistant Principal Colleen Crewey as this is a serious allegation. Colleen, on the other hand, was bothered by my need for data points on this fireable offense. Anna then began engaging with me taking questions to the mum that witnessed this spanking. Again, HOMS showed no concern for the welfare of my children when I asked questions. Instead, my questions were deemed too much by these women. The mum later admitted she had not seen anything as she was focused on driving. I was given a reminder of what is not allowed on the school's premises. Incident #4: On January 6th, 2022, BOTH of my children were "released" from their contracts with HOMS. On December 15th, 2021 my eldest had been bullied then jumped by students (boy-girl twins) in his class. When he successfully defended himself against the twins, he was described as impulsive & aggressive. I was mandated to create an action plan for my eldest son's teachers. I was told that part of my action plan needed to include him seeking medical attention to address his impulsivity and aggression. I spent my winter vacation chasing these mandates. Once submitted on January 6th, there was no discussion. Instead, my efforts and concern for my son were dismissed by HOMS. Both boys were released from contracts with HOMS. If this decision was intended to be a consequence for my eldest, then why was my youngest son released too? -------------------------- Furthermore, if HOMS is "dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment while nurturing a child's natural desire to learn, to teach valuable skills, and to instill the love of learning that will last for a lifetime," why did staff allow my eldest son to be targeted and bullied by other children? Why did he fear going to school? Where was the nurturing? What valuable skill was taught by "releasing" my children? Where was the love of learning [about different hairstyles] when my son's loc was being combed out? However, what does last a lifetime is the prejudice, retaliation, and negligence inflicted upon my family by Harbor Oaks Montessori School. I, like many other parents, want a safe learning environment for my children. I am even more cautious and cannot trust that my black sons will not be judged by the color of their skin by a school that encourages this type of behavior. I am also concerned for the children left behind and under the leadership of these 2 sisters. I KNOW my sons are not the first to experience this, and I am afraid they will not be the last. read more

Our 3yr has old daughter has only been going here for a few weeks and she absolutely loves it. She has had some issues at daycares and preschools in the past so it's really nice that this seems to be a good fit. She was always so reluctant to go and would usually cry and get very upset when we dropped her off. It's night and day compared to this school. From the very first day she walked right in and felt at home. Sometimes she doesn't even want to leave in the afternoon. We absolutely love her teacher ms. Leslie. She's really sweet and always open to answering questions. Hopefully it continues to go well! read more

My family has been going here for years. We are so pleased with the way this school is run. The students and staff are very diverse which is one of the reasons why I like it so much. my kids are mixed and I never wanted them to deal with exclusion like I have at other schools before. Harbour Oaks allows each student the opportunity to reach their potential without having to worry about what skin tone they have. It also comforted me to know that ms Laughlin has fostered two young black men and one special needs child. The owners brothers.? the staff always keep in communication with us if our children have a difficult day (not often) they let us know what is going on in detail and never make me feel like my kids being attacked. 10/10 I would recommend everyone come here. read more

I chose the Montessori approach for my children because I wanted them to experience the benefits of the program. My children are 6 and 9 and they attended Harbour Oaks for two years. Recently, I started seeing a change in them and they were very resistant to go to school some days. One day my oldest came home crying and shared he needed a break from Harbour Oaks. I asked him to explain what was wrong and he shared that other children were being racist towards him. Furthermore, my youngest was sent to the office a couple times for defending his brother against racial commentary, the school never told me. I addressed the issue at home and tried to ease my child's concerns. The next day I discovered very inappropriate sexual behaviors occuring in my childs class. I couldn't believe my eyes! I brought my concerns to the school administration and they sent me an email disregarding my concerns. I emailed back about how unsatisfied I was about their response and they promised to address the concerns. They never did, instead they made up lies and tried to cover everything up. The school administration took absolutely no accountability, I gave them ample time to make corrections. My children no longer attend this school and I hope in the future they rid the racial tension, provide better supervision and give all families an equal opportunity to benefit from a true Montessori program. Do your research and find certified Montessori Programs. -- read more

I wish this review did not have to have any star but 1 is the lowest I can give. My child was here a year and a half. Could NOT read when we left. Had to go into 2nd grade instead of 3rd and be home tutored all year (twice a week) to catch up to children her age. This montessori school should be ashamed of themselves. I echo previous reviews of them being far more concerned with fundraising than helping the children learn. My child is quite the gifted reader now, scores are off the charts. So, she had it in her, they just couldn't be bothered to bring it out. So glad we left when we did. read more

The teachers appeared dedicated, but after 3 years at Harbor Oaks, my child slipped two years behind his grade level. Harbour Oaks was great at first, telling us that our son needed to be tested for some learning difficulty (but they didn't know who to send us to for this), hiring paradors, agreeing to meet with an educational consultant, and communicating daily about his good and bad behaviors. When I would go to special educational conferences, one of the teachers was aways there. However, even when I raised concerns that maybe he needed to be held back or needed remedial work, I was told over and over again that everything was just fine. It wasn't. I put my heart and soul into being a part of this community, and it hurts me to have to say it, but if you want to send your child here, make sure you do third-party academic testing yearly to be sure they stay on track. read more

My daughter has thrived at this school for over 3 years now! She has learned so much already in a short amount of time. Most of all she is the happiest child going to and leaving the school. This school is family run, and I feel confident that they are raising my daughter with as much attention as they have raised their own wonderful children. I especially love their policy on no junk food at the school and promoting organic gardening. Tour the school and you will see the difference. This is a true Montessori school teaching critical thinking for the 21st century. read more

My child attended HOMS for two years very disappointed, my child was behind amongst peers basic reading and math skills. Montessori in the early 1900's very feasible especially resources scarcity. What I experienced Harbor Oaks isn't' regulated check credentials....MY CHILD failed current grade struggle last year math and reading comprehension. The entire summer spent catching up filling the gap adding, subtraction, multiplication, division and reading comp all basic learning. My child goes to afterschool tutored class this year B student when she should be A student check your child for basic skills they will need that foundation to build on higher learning. My strongest opinion everything has to be measured "principles of laws" HOMS has no accountability to you or child education the ONLY concern FAMILY business sucking money out your pockets so Please check your child skill level we live in a real world not a Montessori world. My views overrated Daycare Center with the name Montessori no accountability they stay away from the truth. I warn =ed you don't let that happen to your child. read more

We regret every day having sent our child here for the year we did. That is a year of learning and joy he'll never get back. We'd searched very carefully for a good Montessori program. Unfortunately, we let ourselves be sucked in by the buildings, the campus, the location and ignored the warning bells we felt. Our youngest child was enrolled in a different Montessori program, which just highlighted for us what a mistake Harbour Oaks is. Both children are gifted, advanced learners, which is why we chose Montessori. My oldest son ended up meandering around a lot at Harbour Oaks while the teachers focused on projects and school fipundraisers. The experience at the other Montessori was what we were looking for: a program that allowed our children to advance at their ability, a compassionate environment, caring, loving teachers. Walk away from this school. read more

I am so happy to have my children learn in a way that makes sense. The majority of students these days have little to no retention of information they study, but at Harbour Oaks, my child has grown leaps and bounds because of the fantastic one on one lessons with tangible materials that make learning last. read more

Horrible experience, safe your time, your child's time, and your hard earned money, do not take your child to this school. It is cheap and only worried about money. They don't care about your child, only the money. All the other bad reviews were more than correct, read them! I can't stress it enough..please, please, please...do not bring your child here! I wish I could leave zero stars!! read more