Spring Valley Montessori Academy -both before and in the COVID era

[Anonymous]

If you have sent your child to SVMA, can you share your experience and thoughts? And if you are a current family, what are your impressions of how SVMA is handling the ongoing pandemic?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My kids were there a few years ago and we loved it. Such a sweet and nurturing place. We were sad to move on!

[Anonymous]

My child has been at SVMA for two years and will be going back for a third next year. We love it and picked it over places that would be more convenient to our house and work. It's a small, caring school where everyone seems to know each other. There is good consistency in the programming and my kid seems to really enjoy school. They do themes for the month and my child seems to learn a lot about a variety of subjects, as well as letters, counting, etc. They also have a strong emphasis on social skills and interactions with others, and I think it's been really valuable. It's not as strict in Montessori as many other schools, so that's something to consider if it's important to you.

After COVID they transitioned to virtual school and it actually created a great deal of consistency in my child's day that we really appreciated. The same two teachers came to the school and held "class" every day for a little over an hour on zoom, then sent an email with a variety of worksheets, links, and handouts for optional activities at home. Of course, the social element of school was missing, but I really appreciated the time and thought put into the program and my child seemed to enjoy it. It actually gave me some insight into what they typically do at school, which was also helpful. They had a few times where you could come pick up goodie bags from the school to stay connected and mailed multiple letters to my child, which she found thrilling. They also extended school for three weeks past the planned end date, although admittedly we were paying for three hours a day and got less (although three hours of zoom sounds horrible). I don't believe they gave refunds, but I didn't ask. In talking to my friends who had kids who were similarly positioned at other schools, I was pleased with SVMA's posture and response.

They've opened camp for July for 15 kids (moved from June) so I anticipate that they'll be in person in the fall, unless they legally can't. Camp will be a good test run for them on procedures and I completely trust them to take appropriate precautions.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child has been at SVMA for two years and will be going back for a third next year. We love it and picked it over places that would be more convenient to our house and work. It's a small, caring school where everyone seems to know each other. There is good consistency in the programming and my kid seems to really enjoy school. They do themes for the month and my child seems to learn a lot about a variety of subjects, as well as letters, counting, etc. They also have a strong emphasis on social skills and interactions with others, and I think it's been really valuable. It's not as strict in Montessori as many other schools, so that's something to consider if it's important to you.

After COVID they transitioned to virtual school and it actually created a great deal of consistency in my child's day that we really appreciated. The same two teachers came to the school and held "class" every day for a little over an hour on zoom, then sent an email with a variety of worksheets, links, and handouts for optional activities at home. Of course, the social element of school was missing, but I really appreciated the time and thought put into the program and my child seemed to enjoy it. It actually gave me some insight into what they typically do at school, which was also helpful. They had a few times where you could come pick up goodie bags from the school to stay connected and mailed multiple letters to my child, which she found thrilling. They also extended school for three weeks past the planned end date, although admittedly we were paying for three hours a day and got less (although three hours of zoom sounds horrible). I don't believe they gave refunds, but I didn't ask. In talking to my friends who had kids who were similarly positioned at other schools, I was pleased with SVMA's posture and response.

They've opened camp for July for 15 kids (moved from June) so I anticipate that they'll be in person in the fall, unless they legally can't. Camp will be a good test run for them on procedures and I completely trust them to take appropriate precautions.

Hope this helps!

i am in agreement. From what I heard from other moms, SVMA did far more than other preschools in the area. They quickly put together a distance program which offered routine to our day. My husband watched the zoom classes with my DS and loved them. I am confident the teachers will be mindful of the CDC guidelines. The school has been consistent communication with families throughout all of this and very helpful DS is going to the camp and is very excited

[Anonymous]

We have 2 children enrolled at SVMA and one graduate. The teachers are wonderful. Lots of learning with fun. My oldest was overly prepared for kindergarten The school is welcoming and inclusive. As PP said, during the closure, they provided a great zoom program, extension activities, sent cards and goodie bags. They kept the learning going and stayed in contact. Most importantly, they kept our spirits up. All in all it really is a great program.