Bethesda Montessori

[Anonymous]

Hi- anyone have any feedback to share on Bethesda Montessori? We're thinking about sending our daughter next year. She'll be 3 1/2 and is kind of a reserved kid, so would also be interesed to know your experiences with Montessori in general and kids that tend to by a bit shy.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

have you visited? I called it "the school of no smiles."

[Anonymous]

OP here- haven't visited yet, but am planning to soon. Are the teachers rather formal? Thanks

[Anonymous]

bumping this post back up to see if there's any more feedback out there. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I visited it recently and found everyone to be pretty friendly during my tour. I've been to quite a few in the area and have a child currently enrolled in another montessori. I really liked the school. The only (minor) drawback for me is the drop-off at the classroom instead of at the door since I have another toddler to get in and out of the car. I would love to hear if anyone has a child there. I'm also curious about others' experiences.

[Anonymous]

Just posted above. I noted your description of your child above and wanted to give you my experience with preschool so far. My child is also a reserved 3 1/2 year old and I originally thought that a quiet, calm environment would be better for him. I regret not picking a more lively school/classroom, which is why I'm looking at schools again. I've found that the environment he's in now makes him dislike school because it's not fun and he worries about making mistakes. It could just be my child, but it's something to think about.

We really like montessori school so far. If you'd like to leave your email address in the post, I'd be happy to contact you about our experiences so far.

[Anonymous]

We have a shy, quiet child who has attended Bethesda Montessori school and really thrives and enjoys the school. Our child did take some time to used to it, but never fought the change and the teachers didn't put any pressure on the students at all.

We would be the first to admit that Bethesda Montessori doesn't feel like home away from home. Bethesda Montessori is a SCHOOL. We are not sure exactly why this is this way, all the teachers are really nice. Maybe it is just because Mrs. Burr is the principal that you never wanted to see in school. However in person, she is a very nice lady , very professional and respectful. It seems other parents feel the same way. Never cross Mrs. Burr. That said, the students LOVE HER and she (and her teachers) get RESULTS. I've also never seen such a professionally run business, especially around here. I suspect one could learn a lot about running any business from her. One other tell tail point about this school, there is almost no staff turn over. They all have been at the same school for years. There are few other places that can say the same. We also understand from a few of the local elementry schools that they love the students that come from Bethesda Montessori and that those children from Bethesda Montessori have a very easy transition.

So, the students love Bethesda Montessori and seem to thrive in that environment. The staff enjoy working there (as evident by the almost non-existent turnover) and the school is run with a sense of professionalism and respect rarely found around here. So, if you walk into Bethesda Montessori and feel you better be on your best behavior or you'll be off to the principals office is the worst thing at Bethesda Montessori, then I'll take that any day.

Each student and parent is different but for us and our child Bethesda Montessori works and works well.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any recent experience at Bethesda Montessori? What's the difference between the teachers if you had to choose? Are the children happy there? Does it promote high self-esteem? I like the fact that the children are able to talk while they are working on activities, as opposed to some Montessoris where everyone sits in quiet. How is the playground? I didn't get a good look at it when I visited last month.

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Hello- would appreciate if anyone could share their recent experience at Bethesda Montessori, I am considering for next Fall. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I'm hoping to revive this discussion....anyone have a child currently at this school (or recently)? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My child attends another Montessori school and I would definitely say it is not "cold" at all. Are they constantly being hugged by the teachers? No. Do I want that? No. So it's all about what YOU want. Go to the open house, have a chance to observe the kids, ask questions, look at the website, and never settle just cause it's close by. Check out AMS or AMI websites where accredited programs are listed.

[Anonymous]

Hi, this is an old post, but I'm wondering if there are updates. I'm considering sending our daughter to this school - does anyone have any recent feedback to give? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Our son was there for a while. Lovely teachers. Have you visited and met with them? important that you do this, for your own assessment and theirs.