I write this review not to bash Lutz Montessori, but in the hope that their leadership and…read moreprocesses might evolve to prevent similar experiences for other families. What my family went through caused significant stress, anxiety, and sadness, and I would not wish that on anyone else.
Overall, Lutz Montessori is a good school. The teachers appear experienced and genuinely care for the children. My son was enrolled in the VPK class for nearly a full year (with just two months left) and we had planned for him to continue into kindergarten there.
Toward the latter part of the school year, we began receiving concerns from his teacher about behavioral challenges--such as difficulty sitting still during circle time, interrupting, or hesitating to transition indoors after playtime. The teacher offered several strategies, including using weighted blankets, sand timers, and even seeking occupational therapy. We followed through on all of these recommendations. I stayed in close contact with his teachers, frequently asking for updates and doing everything I could to reinforce positive behavior at home.
I even raised concerns multiple times about whether the Montessori method was the right fit for my son, wondering if he might do better in a more traditional classroom. But I was reassured by staff that he was thriving within the Montessori environment .
Like many four-year-olds, he had moments of energy and impulsivity. Still, his pediatrician, the occupational therapist, and a county counselor (whom the school referred us to) all offered consistent advice : "He is a young boy. He's too young to diagnose with ADHD, and many children outgrow this behavior." None of them felt alarmed, and importantly--his behavior never interfered with his academic development.
Unfortunately, things changed drastically. Just eight weeks before the school year ended, my husband and I were called in for a meeting with the leadership team. During this meeting, we felt pressured to pursue ADHD testing for our son. Statements were made that strongly implied a diagnosis--despite the fact that no one on their leadership team was qualified to make one. The tone and approach of the conversation left me feeling so uncomfortable.
Despite my concerns, we decided to allow him to finish the school year, not wanting to disrupt him socially or emotionally so close to the end. But during those weeks, we noticed changes in him: biting his nails, chewing on his sippy cup straw, and acting out in uncharacteristic ways.
Then, I received a phone call from the school director. She informed me that she had recorded my son's behavior on her personal phone--without my knowledge or consent. The video was heartbreaking. I saw my son overwhelmed and unable to express his emotions. Rather than offering him a break or comfort, the director questioned him repeatedly and continued recording, placing the camera close to his face. I was shocked. I pulled him out of the school immediately.
It's now been almost 3 months since that decision, and my son is in a new school where he is thriving. His new teachers speak highly of him, and I have not received a single behavioral complaint.
I will likely always carry disappointment in the actions of the leadership team at Lutz Montessori. Writing this review was not easy. But these are children, and how they are treated during times of emotional vulnerability matters. My hope is that by sharing this necessary changes will be made so that no other child--or parent--has to go through what we did
