Experiences with Aidan Montessori?

[Anonymous]

At the younger ages, Toddler and Primary level, this is a good school. Kids benefit from a warm environment, Montessori techniques and a strong community. But from then on, beware: the school is a steep drop off for first graders on up. The school adheres blindly to Montessori pedagogy without regard to its appropriateness for kids as they get older. If your child is smart, he will accelerate through the "materials based" curriculum but be restricted to using these materials even when they are no longer needed or useful. The small size of the classes mean that children often have only one or two kids the same age/gender to work and play with - a serious social development issue. The lack of outdoor space and physical education is a huge problem, as are sub-standard substitute teachers - a particular problem with aging teachers. They also do not test. That means that when your kid moves on to another school, he will be at a real disadvantage. The head of school is a self-promoter who lacks management and financial skill and is not even Montessori trained - all while insisting on strict adherence to it. Sadly, while early years are lovely, in the end, I cannot recommend Aidan.

[Anonymous]

At the younger ages, Toddler and Primary level, this is a good school. Kids benefit from a warm environment, Montessori techniques and a strong community. But from then on, beware: the school is a steep drop off for first graders on up. The school adheres blindly to Montessori pedagogy without regard to its appropriateness for kids as they get older. If your child is smart, he will accelerate through the "materials based" curriculum but be restricted to using these materials even when they are no longer needed or useful. The small size of the classes mean that children often have only one or two kids the same age/gender to work and play with - a serious social development issue. The lack of outdoor space and physical education is a huge problem, as are sub-standard substitute teachers - a particular problem with aging teachers. They also do not test. That means that when your kid moves on to another school, he will be at a real disadvantage. The head of school is a self-promoter who lacks management and financial skill and is not even Montessori trained - all while insisting on strict adherence to it. Sadly, while early years are lovely, in the end, I cannot recommend Aidan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At the younger ages, Toddler and Primary level, this is a good school. Kids benefit from a warm environment, Montessori techniques and a strong community. But from then on, beware: the school is a steep drop off for first graders on up. The school adheres blindly to Montessori pedagogy without regard to its appropriateness for kids as they get older. If your child is smart, he will accelerate through the "materials based" curriculum but be restricted to using these materials even when they are no longer needed or useful. The small size of the classes mean that children often have only one or two kids the same age/gender to work and play with - a serious social development issue. The lack of outdoor space and physical education is a huge problem, as are sub-standard substitute teachers - a particular problem with aging teachers. They also do not test. That means that when your kid moves on to another school, he will be at a real disadvantage. The head of school is a self-promoter who lacks management and financial skill and is not even Montessori trained - all while insisting on strict adherence to it. Sadly, while early years are lovely, in the end, I cannot recommend Aidan.

Do you have/did you have children in the elementary program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We, too, interviewed with Ms. Antonucci a few years back and had a negative experience. She was rude, cold, and, among other things, scolded my son (who had just turned two) when he clapped for himself after successfully completing one of her “tests.” She told me that my son was “perfect” for Montessori, but warned that our chances of getting into Aidan were slim to none given the number of applications received each year. She also expressed particular concern that my husband didn’t attend the interview since Aidan wants to be sure that the entire family is “on board with the Montessori philosophy.” Suffice it to say, I was not on board, and our son does not attend Aidan or any other Montessori. He’s at a wonderful preschool that we love and where the teachers are actually warm and friendly!

Contrary to what some have suggested here, my reaction to Ms. Antonucci has nothing to do with “sour grapes” because my child was not accepted, and I suspect the same is true of other posters who’ve shared their negative experiences with this teacher. I’m sure many of our children have been rejected by other preschools (e.g., NCRC), and I don’t believe there are similar posts about a rude/cold teacher at NCRC. If I were a current parent or administrator at Aidan, instead of immediately jumping to Ms. Antonucci’s defense and assuming all the parents on this forum are bitter and ridiculous, I would be very concerned by the numerous posts about this teacher and would consider doing something about it.

C'mon folks. It's just not cricket to anonymously and publicly attack by name an individual who is not a public figure. I hope that the moderator deletes this and similar posts.

[Anonymous]

Why the need to respond to posts from like 3 years ago?

[Anonymous]

AMI (Aidan) and AMS (Franklin) have different accreditations but are based on the same understanding of how children learn. We've been at Aidan for years and our kids are very happy. Our experience with Aidan's Elementary program has been very positive. We have heard from parents who regret pulling kids from Aidan as academics elsewhere haven't been as strong. Elementary is not an option at Franklin.

[Anonymous]

I would love to hear any recent feedback on Aidan, including the interview process. We are applying this round. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We are no longer there but loved the school. We still see the benefits of the method and wish we could have stayed through elementary. The day DC went for her interview was beautiful. Good luck and I hope your child loves it as much as ours.

[Anonymous]

My child is now five years old at Christian Family Montessori and it is a fantastic school. When DC was 2.5 we toured Aidan Montessori and I was turned off because the first thing the head of school asked me when she came up to me was what I and DH do for a living. We had the "right" Washington DC response and fit into all the "right" categories, but it turned me off. The under three year old program seemed like glorified daycare, and I was struck by the overall lack of diversity, and the teachers in the lower and upper elementary did not appear to be very warm in their interactions with the students. We also toured Oneness Family, which seemed to be pleasant, but eventually chose Christian Family Montessori. CFMS is reasonably priced, with every kind of diversity imaginable, in a warm, intimate environment. They are AMI accredited and do Montessori VERY well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I would love to hear any recent feedback on Aidan, including the interview process. We are applying this round. Thanks!

We have been recently for tours and interviews, and I cannot stress how warm and positive our experience has been. We've met several parents of current students, and are also quite taken with the parent community. Super engaged, thoughtful group. None of the children I have met seemed like zombies or as though they were interrupted constantly. We were impressed by the well-woven fabric between students, parents, staff and administrators. If accepted, we intend to be enthusiastic accepters! And stay through 6th. We hope to become involved and be part of what we have seen.

We also toured Christian Family Montessouri, but the location was a huge, huge turnoff for me. Between being located in a Cemetery, much less one along North Capitol Street- YUCK! But everyone has different criteria. We will be commuting to Aidan as we don't live within walking distance, but could not stomach a commute to a grittier area with such aggressive driving and bad traffic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I would love to hear any recent feedback on Aidan, including the interview process. We are applying this round. Thanks!

We have been recently for tours and interviews, and I cannot stress how warm and positive our experience has been. We've met several parents of current students, and are also quite taken with the parent community. Super engaged, thoughtful group. None of the children I have met seemed like zombies or as though they were interrupted constantly. We were impressed by the well-woven fabric between students, parents, staff and administrators. If accepted, we intend to be enthusiastic accepters! And stay through 6th. We hope to become involved and be part of what we have seen.

We also toured Christian Family Montessouri, but the location was a huge, huge turnoff for me. Between being located in a Cemetery, much less one along North Capitol Street- YUCK! But everyone has different criteria. We will be commuting to Aidan as we don't live within walking distance, but could not stomach a commute to a grittier area with such aggressive driving and bad traffic.

Same PP here, and I will say that I have not once been asked what I do or what my husband does, or anything remotely related to our SES. Nor have we experienced any of the attitude so frequently noted on here, not a once!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child interviewed at Aidan. The woman who interviewed us was arrogant and condescending. I wouldn't let her walk my dog, much less educate my child. Aidan is known as the "military montessori." My child goes to Franklin Montessori and is flourishing. It's a warm and loving environment, an oasis.

Isn't Franklin Montessori the Storefront Montessori?

[Anonymous]

I see that Aidan is looking for a new head of school. Is that a good thing or not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child interviewed at Aidan. The woman who interviewed us was arrogant and condescending. I wouldn't let her walk my dog, much less educate my child. Aidan is known as the "military montessori." My child goes to Franklin Montessori and is flourishing. It's a warm and loving environment, an oasis.

Isn't Franklin Montessori the Storefront Montessori?

The exterior is deceiving. If you take a tour, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Anonymous]

Is there anyone with recent experience with Aidan for 1st grade and beyond? Our Montessori ends at K, and we are considering Aidan as an option for 1st.