Rockingham Montessori School 7 Attwood Way, Rockingham, Western Australia 6168

"After 3 years of fighting the government education system, my son’s flame having near flickered out, and my hope failing in an education system that supports a child’s growth and sees them as children, rather then mini adults, Montisorri has been a saviour. Granted it is not a school that suits everyone, if you focus on grades, and have your expectations set on the standard educational curriculum, you will be disappointed. Some students excel in some areas, are doing high school subjects in lower primary classes, and in others areas, their interest has not yet been sparked. My son, is finally able to pursue his interests, he was bored with the lower level maths in public school, and more interested in problem solving concepts. He knows more than my University education already and he applies it to his life, to have a greater understanding of himself and his world, tackle problem solving in his way, and he is set up to succeed, rather then fail. This is all we ever wanted and more, we are grateful."

"My kids have been at RMS from primary school through to high school and it's been a fantastic experience. The curriculum is amazing, the teachers are brilliant and they are focused on the development of the child as a whole instead of NAPLAN/ATAR scores like private schools. Kids are given freedom to express themselves how they like and the school is very LGBTQI+ friendly. My son has ADHD and Dyslexia and the teachers have helped him so much. If you are tossing up between a private high school and a montessori high school, come to RMS High because it's everything I wished a high school would be for my kids based on my own stressful high school experience (I went to a certain private green-and-gold Anglican high school in Mandurah)"

"A really wonderful school. The teachers seem so much happier and calmer at RMS and they are really able to work so well with the kids. Every time I go into the class there is at least 2 teachers for a small class size, but usually more support staff helping. Some times we think of moving away for work opportunities but I don't think we would ever find such a loving school, especially not one with fees as low. It's the only place we have ever felt comfortable leaving our daughter and trusting that she will be safe/well looked after with all of her needs met."

"I took my son out of RMS at the beginning of Year 6 after I discovered his maths level was at early Year 2. After homeschooling for just 4 months he has caught up 1.5 years in maths. Teachers are stretched to their limits with the large class sizes and don't have time for one on one help. There's no bullying policy because the principal seems to think all the students are angels and one isn't required, and when children are teased or picked on they are basically told to put up with it. Complain and you get told "kids will be kids". Even though my son was offered a year for free after I told them I was taking my son out, I declined. The suffering of his education isn't worth the money that would have been saved. Definitely not recommended for neuro-diverse children."

"SEE EDIT BELOW!: This was my original review: My son loves going to Rockingham Montessori School. Small class sizes are great, stability of having the same class and teacher for three years, progression to higher levels when student is ready and not on a date on the calendar. The teachers are fantastic, and any issues were have had have been dealt with with great communication and understanding. I have taken two stars off for issues concerning possibly low vaccination rates (they will not disclose numbers), lack of social support in the school community, lack of communication on various issues. EDIT: As of 2022 I have removed my son from this school. The class sizes are now 32+ with only one teacher and part time assistant. The school has opened a new "campus" which is actually a massive shop space next to Harvey Norman with no outside space adjacent to the building. One class had to close for a week because of COVID in the classroom, and the teacher could not handle online learning so it was a waste of a week with no financial compensation for the massive fees charged to parents. When I told the principal that I intended to home school, she became very cold and defensive, but then offered a year for free. I still took my son out, because saving money is nothing when it means my son is still not learning anything. My son has ASD and ADHD, and from spending time volunteering in two classrooms, I saw that they allow the ASD kids to wander around, leave the classroom whenever they like, and don't encourage buddy system as I was told would happen. My son left with no friends in his class, being picked on (physically poked by other children and name calling), and barely a Year 2 level of maths - at Year 6. There is no anti-bullying policy, because they don't believe bullying happens at RMS. Complaints about teasing etc are met with responses like "they are kids, it's what they do." The principal promised all sorts of things about RMS, like kindness and responsibility of the children (not true, they behave in the same way as kids from public schools), supportive community (also not true, the Community Spirit group just raises money for social events, not community support or outreach to local charities or families in need. Also promised was a lot of one on one learning with my son, but his anxiety meant he was too scared to read aloud, so even though he is advanced at reading, they had him practicing the same early phonics books day after day which he was bored with. I am homeschooling now and he is doing well at Year 2 maths, even though it's challenging because he was not taught properly at RMS. He was given answers to copy from the board, and allowed to sit and daydream instead of doing work. Homeschooling is showing me everything RMS failed in teaching him. I had such high hopes for the school but have left completely disappointed."