Maitland Montessori School

"I went in July to see about enrolling my child and could not find an open door to get in.. when I called and said I couldn’t find the entrance I was received by a some what snooty assistant named Tina, that said over the phone “I guess I’ll just come out and and open the front gate since you can’t find your way in”, she expected me to know the back entrance when this was my first time doing a tour of the school, besides that I had an appointment so they knew I was coming. So that made me feel like - “I guess” she didn’t want to get up out of her chair to make a new potential parent feel welcome, so I just brushed it off and continued with the tour. I was introduced to the director who was a really kind and educated woman, she showed me the room and explained a few of the developmental skills the kids learn which was nice. However after the five to ten minute tour of what seemed to be a fairly small area for my child to be in all day, she exited the room and I was left with the snooty assistant, who gave me some paper work, her body language and the way she spoke was as if this school was too “rich or too good” for me. Upon me getting up ready to leave I did have a question for her which would determine whether this school was fit my son. When I asked Tina, how does the school go about respecting religious beliefs. (my child attended a facility who respected my wishes, they did not leave him out nor shun him, they would just print him out or have him do a different activity) Her already snooty demeanor hit another level, she had the door held open as to escort me out and responded “ Oh well I can’t promise you anything, she wouldn’t have his teachers be worried about just one child’s beliefs because they do all religious holidays there (which clearly I understood that, I wasn’t asking for them to stop their traditions, I was asking that MY child not take part in it) than she responded “That there a nondenominational school so they celebrate all religious backgrounds in order to have the kids grow up being members of society who can respect others faith and beliefs, so I don’t think this school would be a good fit for you” I was a bit taken back and in disbelief, by her arrogant and condescending response.. to insinuate that I don’t raise my child to respect others.. Well, No Tina I think you have us confused, we are members of society, maybe not your rich society, but I teach & raise my son to love all, respect all even if were not of the same faith and color. I also teach him at five years old to stand bold and firm in his faith and not just fall in line with what the world or your school may believe is right.. I was done with the conversation at this point, I personally escorted myself out as she followed closely to make sure I made it out the back exit entrance this time. Upon going home I threw away the enrollment papers. I’ve had this review on my list to do’s since July to state that I would never recommend nor refer anyone here. Whats disappointing is that I was recommended by one of my clients who even responded to me that Tina was a difficult personality when she too first went to visit. Maybe because we are colored, I don’t know nor care - but I happily found a Bilingual Montessori school in East Orlando who gave me a amazing tour of there newly renovated facility, who treated me with kindness and who to this day respect me and my families religious beliefs. So I enrolled my son here.. and this Maitland Montessori school lost out on a bright wonderful student. I would recommend that they never allow Tina to do another tour and re-train her on how to smile, be welcoming and warm to all who are potentially new students."

"Where can you start. There are so many truly great things and outstanding people at this school. My son now 7 has been at this school since he was 3. Since day one he has loved this school, and always ready to jump out the car and get his day going. They offer him an environment to learn, socialize and embrace him. As a parent, it is so nice to be welcomed anytime to come in, volunteer and just see how things are going in the class. I am always amazed at how well the kids get along and seem happy to be learning. My son also enjoys the After Care and all the extra activities. School Events throughout the year are also so much fun and a great way to meet all the other families. The Directors, Teachers and Office staff are always happy to help too! They all give a great sense of community. I highly recommend this school!"

"Our son has been attending this school for four years now (Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade). We could not be happier. He is absolutely thriving as a student. We have seen tremendous growth in his academics and his social skills, and we attribute this directly to the school. Beyond that, Maitland Montessori has created a wonderful community for families to to connect with each other. We look forward to continuing our son's education at Maitland Montessori for years to come."

"Our daughter was new to the Montessori system (having entered in 1st grade), but the school, administration and teachers have been wonderful. She is excited to learn and the school does a good job of fostering her areas of interest. We sat in during my daughter's birthday celebration and each and every kid said something very sincere to her and really lifted her up. It is great dropping her off each morning where she is greeted by name by whoever opens her door. This has been a great environment for our daughter and we have been very happy. Being a kid can be tough, but this school has definitely helped."

"Our three year old daughter goes to this school and they did an amazing job in making her comfortable while teaching her English which was not her primary language. Teachers are so caring and compassionate that we think of them as dedicated family members who happens to be the teacher of our child. She loves being in this school and even on holidays she asks us to take her to school."