We transferred our 5 year old son and 4 year old daughter from a "traditional" preschool in Old…read moreCarrollwood to Montessori during the 2015 - 2016 school year. We love the Montessori's individual approach to teaching and our children have thrived. Mrs. Linda and Mrs. Carol are excellent teachers and have made outstanding progress with both children. Crystal, the school's new director (or associate director??), has been extremely helpful and is incredibly knowledgeable about the Montessori philosophy and methodologies, among other things :-) I would not hesitate in recommending The Montessori House.

Very teacher dependent. School has limited financial resources, horrible website, no technology for…read morethe kids, no online access to information. Owners are older and not tech savvy at all.Had some good teachers, but high turnover rate, they hired first year teachers when we were there with virtually no experience and the kids suffered.There are much better options for the price. Here's my response: Unfortunately the schools response shows a large part of why we left. They are wrong and ruthless so they need to lie to support their comments. I paid them over $15,000 before we had any financial problems, and my children were there for 3 year not 2. I have the records so saying we paid them nothing until they sued us is a bold faced lie. There was a recession, we did have financial issues as many Americans did during that period and they were ruthless, they let our children return for a third year knowing this knowing we had some problems and then sued us when they found out we were leaving. Here's why we left. We paid over $9,000 for first grade thinking we had a teacher that had been with the school for years. On the first day of school we found out that she had left, that's a fact. Her replacement, we found out a few months later, was the daughter of another teacher at the school who had been there for years. We paid more (much more after they sued us) for a first year teacher, one year out of college who was pregnant from the day she was hired, I assume they knew it, assuring she would not even finish the first year, which she didn't, and she's did not come back the next year. It was the worst year we've had with our kids and we paid through the teeth for their hiring practices. My comments to prospective customers is, the school is only as good as the teacher. They had some good teachers when our kids were younger, no idea if they are still there. But paying $9K a year for my child to be taught by a first year, pregnant teacher, when no one at the school told me her mom was in the other room and was the main reason she was hired was just plain wrong any way you cut it. We paid dearly for that hiring mistake, hopefully no one else will. Oh and a static web site with no ability to log in, view your kids grades, communicate with teachers or review your child's work is not very useful. But hey, they think Al Gore invented the internet....

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

My granddaughter., who I've been watching while my daughter, who is active duty Air Force, was…read moredeployed for 6 months loves this school. They were happy to work with us when she returned home.

If you are looking for a warm, caring educational place your your little one, this is the place! We…read morelove the Montessori approach and small yet intertwined classroom setting. We do use the wrap around care as well because we both work full time. Our little one's days are long, so finding the right place was very important for us. The staff are wonderful and genuinely care for our child. The outdoor play area is very safe. This is THEE CLEANEST preschool I have seen and I have looked at MANY in this area. The owner has been doing this for many years and it shows. She knows how to educate the children throughout all parts of the day. Everything is a teachable moment and we couldn't ask for anything more!

From the owner: Dunedin Montessori is committed to quality education through a varied curriculum that attends to…read moreeach child's natural curiosity and innate desire to learn. We adapt a syllabus that is self-directed & disciplined. The staff is able to give each child the opportunity to satisfy their developmental needs & a chance to realize their ultimate potential in a nurturing, environment. Our program accomplishes this with a committed staff dedicated to giving children freedom to grow in a specially prepared setting. (License #C100965)

A great learning enviroment with a Christian emphasis. Classrooms are top notch with all new…read moreequipment and learning aids.

My daughter loves this school! So happy we found a place where the teachers and staff are so…read morewelcoming. She's learning a TON!

Wonderful School! My daughter loved coming to school everyday! The teachers are so sweet and…read morecompassionate! The administrator is amazing!

We've been with WCMS for over a year now, and it's been such a wonderful experience. All the…read moreteachers are incredibly caring, attentive, and always prompt in their communication. The environment is nurturing, the kids are learning so well, and they're genuinely taken care of every single day. My daughter absolutely loves it here. After doing a lot of research around the area, we decided on this school, and it's truly been the best choice. I highly recommend it to any family looking for a warm and educational Montessori environment.

Beautiful school, caring teachers, great program... small classes. We love it here and so glad we…read morechose it for our two year old.

We have had two kids here and absolutely love it! Management is incredible, every parent of a…read morestudent here will give this place 5 stars! We currently have our kids at Carrollwood Day School and was very happy with our experience here. Highly recommend!

This school is amazing. The ownership, procedures, maintenance, and overall running of the school…read moreare absolutely wonderful. As someone with an advanced degree in Education, I am hypercritical of schools and curriculum, I examine curriculum and teaching effectiveness all day in my career. The school is definitely Montessori enough, Montessori schools provide students with freedom within limits, and maybe that seems unruly to someone who has no idea what Montessori even is. The school is better priced that 7 of the schools I looked at in the area, only Primrose was more expensive. The school has a few entrances, all of which are locked by key and only a few members of the school have the keys. It is extremely safe. The owners of this school put me at ease. The school itself is immaculate and the outside areas are pristine. The communication is incredible, I can always follow up if I have a question or concern and get immediate feedback and help. My daughter goes in and comes out happy every single day. She has bloomed into a wonderful little human and at each checkup her doctor is amazed at how much she knows and does for under 3. I give full credit to the teachers and owner of the school for that. The teachers are a mix of backgrounds, some speak English, some speak Spanish, some might even speak more languages- I don't really know. I absolutely love the diversity and inclusion of the school and I couldn't be happier. My daughter did go to a different school and it had many of the same aspects but my daughter wasn't happy. The owners and teachers of this school are incredible and it shows in the kids that go there.

So the reviews you see below are clearly old. I agree, 2 years ago before my kids joined, the had…read morewonderful leadership & curriculum... we got the tail end of that and then watched this place completely fall apart. I have waited all summer to write this because I wanted it to be as un-emotional & succinct as possible. My kids attended 2 years of Montessori here. They loved the teachers but left for summer with very little support for the upcoming school year. Granted, one year was complex with COVID but there is no excuse to conduct a teaching environment if you're not following the Montessori method and actually teaching. I feel so sad for the teachers. They all mean well & love their students. However this place has had multiple admins turnover in a matter of 2 years, and teachers came & went just as easily. Unfortunately this was evident when multiple parents came together towards the end of the year and realized their kids (8-10) year olds still could not read at their grade level. This same group of parents spent their summer paying alternative schools (Kumon is who I hired) to supplement everything these kids had missed. Mind you, my son was complex and has not done well in any school due to a minor disability, however this wasn't just my son who required remedial tutoring & this review isn't solely based on my son's issues. They weren't proactive in helping me with educational resources , I had to get a 504 plan from a local elementary school, which he didn't even attend but they were willing to take me through the process. Along with charging a ridiculous amount of monthly tuition, they also had so many extra days off throughout the year...then charged extra for those care days if you were a working parent! I'm not talking holidays and 2 teacher work days. I'm talking once every month or two for no apparent reason, it was not on schedule with public schools many days they took off. They didn't pro rate, instead they charge you to "care" for, not teach your kids on those days off . the last month of school, also didn't prorate so you pay a month, get 21 days & then they charge you extra to help care for your kid the rest of the month! They also increased their tuition intermittently, I was paying approximately $1400+ per child. I'm telling you, this place will charge you & then send your kids home with subpar education to succeed thereafter. I am forever weary of Montessori going forward & have opted for charter.

Absolutely the worst staff you could imagine. It's too bad because there are many great Montessori…read moreschools out there that are excellent. The majority of the teachers are unprofessional and the principal does not have the leadership skills to identify or correct the problem. My child is in the 6th grade and several children have been inappropriately touched by other students and experienced racially related bullying as well. When parents spoke up, the staff retaliated against the students by taking away most of their privileges and cancelling all school events. Police have been present on the campus twice this year. My child, who has always been an A student, came home crying because his teacher led him to believe he is an F student. When I met with his teachers and principal, I found her story to lack any evidence and my son brought home all A's a few weeks later. I truly believe that the teacher was just being nasty. The principal and assistant supported this behavior from the teacher. I'm also shocked at the lack of education level of the faculty. There are very few times when there aren't spelling or grammar errors in what they distribute. My son has brought home reading materials with a set of questions for him to answer that didn't match the material. For the sake of the children in the Palm Harbor community that could benefit from a good private school, I hope there is a change in staff. This is not an inexpensive school by any means, I would not recommend considering this school at all.

Wonderful environment, wonderful teachers, full philosophy integration. My child is emotionally and…read morephysically safe, a happy learner and academically prepared for high school.

We've been at this school for almost 3 years now and feel this is one of the best things we could…read moredo for our daughter to give her a good moral and academic foundation.

I have been a parent for 8 years straight at The Montessori House Day School, with two children at…read moreeither the Hanley or Ehrlich campus at different times. My children started the Montessori curriculum at 1 1/2 years old and are growing into amazing people due in large part to the Montessori method of teaching and the loving faculty influence of this school. They have had many teachers, and we love them. It is the only accredited Montessori school within 25 miles of either campus (others are not really Montessori). Montessori children are generally more independent, observant, smart, and love to learn. I highly recommend this school over all others out there (I have reviewed other options recently, just to make sure). It's best for the children. Check out the website they launched earlier this year, and go on a tour of the school.

From the owner: Montessori House Day School - Town 'N' Country is an independent private school with renowned…read moreMontessori preschool & kindergarten programs for kids 18 months to six years old, located in Tampa, FL. MHDS students receive individualized and hands-on education from fully credentialed Montessori teachers and a proven Montessori curriculum, including advanced math, STEM, Spanish language, fine arts, and more. Montessori House Day School was the first school in the US to receive accreditation from the prestigious American Montessori Society and remains the only school in Tampa with AMS accreditation. MHDS is also accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Limited spots for students 18 months to kindergarten still available!