Montessori Children's Center Falls Church-- What is your experience?

[Anonymous]

We are thinking about sending our son there when he turns 3. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Rachel

[Anonymous]

I am considering their toddler program for my 2.5 year old daughter as well but have not heard anything about it. Most of the other Montessoris in Falls Church and Arlington have several reviews but this one has none.

[Anonymous]

I went there on a tour recently and do not recommend. That was just my gut feeling. I stood outside ringing the buzzer for a quite awhile until a parent left and told me to come in. When I walked in all the classrooms were empty - children and teachers were outside. I wandered around looking for someone who might look like a director whom I'd be meeting with for a tour. Eventually I walked up a stairway that had "office" posted outside. There was no one upstairs. Lights were out. I just had a very strange feeling. Eventually I was introduced to the person who I guess runs the place. Her office was a mess. She instructed another worker to take me to see the play yard. That person took me outside and just left me unescorted. I am very concerned about security and I didnt feel like my child would be very safe there. Will not be in my consideration of choices.

They do not provide lunches either.

[Anonymous]

My husband and I (and our 12-month old son) went on a tour at the Falls Church location this morning. It was a very impromptu appointment -- I called yesterday afternoon and was told that I could come by anytime the next morning.

We're looking at enrolling our son, who will be 16 months (their minimum age) in October. I was surprised to find out when I called yesterday that they would probably have an opening. (Surprised b/c I'm still on wait lists for other schools from before my son was even born.) The opening in the fall is a result of the advancement of three or so children to the next level at the center.

The woman who gave us the tour of the classroom says she has been there for 20 years. She was energetic and enthusiastic and showed us all of the procedures, schedules and activities that the children in that age group participate in.

I, too, have lingering questions about the security of the building. We rang the bell and faced the camera, following the instructions for individuals without a pass, and were immediately let in. Now, we probably looked like we belonged there because we were holding our son, but still, I'd like to feel reassured that someone with malicious intent can't just come in off the street. I'll ask about that in my follow up with them.

The children in the classroom we visited were playful and were tended to by two teachers -- at the time there were only four or five children in the room. The teacher indicated that there were four teachers for the 13 children that attend. We were able to go outside and see the play area, which is small, but for one class at a time seems like it would be plenty of space. The equipment appeared to be well maintained.

Still, I'd like to know more -- I should have made more of a concerted effort to speak with some of the parents dropping off their children, but I guess we let that opportunity go! Has anyone had experience with this center or its affiliates?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anyone have their child in this center? Can you provide a review?

[Anonymous]

We are interested too. Please if you take your child there write to us! Or if you decided not to, write to us too!

[Anonymous]

Bump! I'm recently looking at this center and hoping someone can provide a review!

[Anonymous]

Also looking for a review! What does it mean when there are no recent reviews?

1) not bad enough to complain
2) not a lot of people go there

I still haven't seen any reviews of people who actually attended

[Anonymous]

could you tell em about the $?

[Anonymous]

It's $1200 for young toddlers and $1025 for preschool.

[Anonymous]

my kids go there and I have mixed reviews. The teachers are very kind and good with the sudents. We especially like the toddler room. our kids learn, play and seem happy. Our kids have friends there and it is close to home but we have had a couple of problems.

The school ratios are off. There are 27 3-5 year old kids in one classroom with 2 teachers, the other classroom with 26 kids has 4 teachers. something is just not right about that. Some times we'll pick our kids up and you'll see one teacher and 20 some kids which is a high ratio for their ages. Espeically since there was a kid that constantly hit others and the school did little about it.

The school doesn't communicate well with parents about changes/events. 1) My son was told he couldn't bring his lovey to school (after 2 years of bring it) anymore but we weren't told, so he has nightmares that night. We ended up asking the school about it and they said it was a policy they were enforcing. If they told us it would have been much easier. - it is a minor thing to them but big to us. 2) the 3&4 year olds practice the graduation song and were prepared to sing and graduation - parents were told their kids would be in the performance, then a few days before they decided not to include the younger kids, but they didn't bother to tell the parents - so we all left work early to attend to find out our kids weren't involved in the show. 3) class picture day is scheduled for a certain day, we come in to find it was rescheduled and no one told us - not notice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking about sending our son there when he turns 3. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Rachel

I would like to suggest you not send your kids to this Montessori Children's Center at Falls Church. One of my friends sent his 2-year-old to there and withdrew in two month. He told me the teachers’ manner was terrible. They refused to do something that they should do. And the school always stood up for the teachers. Also, all of teachers in his kid’s classroom were not English native speakers. Even the head teacher spoke English with strong accent.

[Anonymous]

Both of my kids have been going there since they were able to walk. My son has been there for 3 years and my daughter started last year.

Here's what I can tell you. The teachers there are good and caring. I can honestly say that my kids are learning and learning well. The physical facility itself it ok, I wish it had a bigger play area outside and that the classroom sizes were a little bigger but the main point for me is the education they are getting.

Regarding security, I had the same concerns when my wife and I first visited. Somebody just let us in without asking questions or checking but I can also say I ran into this same issue at multiple daycares/learning centers we visted. You do have to have a FOB to get into the school. If you are planning a visit, it is best to call ahead of time. The current administrator is also one of the teachers. So if you do visit, you could be waiting outside for a while before somebody comes to the door to open it. The previous administrator passed away in case you were wondering.

Regarding the parent that was told their kid couldn't bring their favorite toy anymore, we too ran into that problem; however upon review, it really was both the teachers fault and ours. It states in the handbook that it's not allowed and they have it posted on their boards. In the early classrooms they let this slide more.

We haven't had any problems with any of the teachers thus far, so I can't comment on whether or not they always stand up for the teachers. I will say that whenever I have brought up a concern to any of the teachers they have listened and worked with me.

My kids love their teachers and enjoy their classmates. More importantly they want to go to school. To me, that is a positive sign.

If I had to sum up the school, I would use the phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover". It is a good school.

There were other schools we wanted to send our children too in the beginning but the waiting lists in Arlington are sooooo bad that it's hard to get into a school. You truthfully have to start planning about 5-6 months before you give birth. Most of the schools we visiting had a 15 month waiting list.

[Anonymous]

I was one of those parents who -- at 3 mos pregnant -- starting the journey of freaking out about care and got on several paid waiting lists and heard nothing from the multiple Arlington day care centers of which I PAID to be on the lists -- for nearly 2 years. Called for updates, emailed for updates. Rarely heard back until I called this winter and was told by 2 that they PROBABLY would be ready to accept our son this fall - when he was 2 -- and to call back later in the year. Left me with a really bad taste.

Not so at MCC -- they were enthusiastic and responsive from our first outreach. We had a meeting scheduled right away, loved the child-teacher ratio and activities - as well as clearly loving staff (with very low turnover) and diverse student community! We were encouraged to apply and we will begin sending our son in August. If there are any new (or existing) MCC parents who want to connect, please let me know.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

My daughter is attending this school from 18 months and she is graduating this summer. This is THE BEST School ever; she learned so much I cannot even start to describe. She can read 2nd grade books, do math, sing in 3 or 4 languages (teachers speak Spanish, French, Tamang, and Nepali and probably more). She learned to be very independent and can express her opinion. The teachers are wonderful and loving, the principle is great. The staff is very professional and caring. The principal is a very knowledgeable and a wonderful educator. During their circle time, the kids are encouraged to solve logical games and be patient, wait for their turn. Somebody commented on kids of different age groups in the same class. This is a part of education, so older kids would know how to teach the little ones, learn to be “teachers” be patient with smaller kids, read to them etc. Besides Montessori education system is one of the best if not the best education program in the world and teaches your kid to be independent, smart and curious. It is the best investment!!!!