Khalsa Montessori Elementary School at Virginia

"My son went to Khalsa years ago and we loved it at first due to the wonderful teacher he had. When he moved up to fourth grade he basically was picked on by his teacher. She choose him as a target and it continued until he started becoming very emotional and terrified about going to school . When the other kids and some of the parents backed up what he was saying we removed him from the school. He never really enjoyed school again after this happened and still talks about the torment as an adult. I would not recommend anyone send their child to Khalsa. Khalsa is also notorious for holding kids back because they want you to leave not because your child needs it."

"I DO NOT recommend this school any longer! My child has been at this school for 7 years now, and the teachers were phenomenal and staff were great and always attentive! The children used to go on field trips every month and have speakers come in and give lectures. They used to interact with the other children, and now, no more, nothing for the past 2 years! Can’t blame it on Covid anymore, other schools are back to normal, but this one is in the ice ages now! I was holding out hope that it was going to change but it just keeps getting worse. Ever since Karen Paxton took over the school is has gone down hill since then. She is scared to get the children out anymore because of Covid, not an excuse! They have to wear masks all the time and and they are not aloud to interact with the other classes anymore. Karen Paxton has gone through teacher after teacher after teacher and all the phenomenal teachers are now gone! It’s horrible! There is no NORMAL in my child’s life now!"

"My children transitioned to Khalsa from a traditional school in 1st and 4th grade. If you are looking for a school that respects individual lifestyles and promotes a collective approach, this is the one. Academically they have outperformed some of the “more competitive schools.” This might not be a good fit for all families. It is a collective effort, and not all children may thrive in this environment. Teacher turnover has been a concern in recent years, and that is very worrisome; however, even in these circumstances, Khalsa has met our family’s needs and individuality. Although the school has made some changes, I appreciate the effort to provide Montessori fundamentals and instructors with Montessori training. Both my children have excellent academic outcomes in comparison to other competitive schools. The socialization approach is also ideal for families that are seeking a Montessori method. Adjusting to the socials norms has been quite the experience. Going from a highly competitive school system to a school that encourages individuality and community has been quite the experience. Learning and adjusting to the collective process has been an adjustment for my children. My children love going to school. Until now, Khalsa has seen us through the pandemic and respects our lives style."

"While they have good academic yields in children "qualified", the administration has been known to rid itself of students it doesn't look upon as desirable. This is most often done under the guise of holding kids back. There is relatively little work discipline taught, and competition is directly discouraged. If you are looking to raise a motivated child, this is likely not the environment for you. The most disturbing part, however, is the constant teacher turn over that often causes good teachers to leave while others sadly remain. Some take their passive aggressive frustration out on the kids. Kids are often treated harshly, in both tone or actions. Teachers often whisper and insist kids do the same. This makes a place that already has a cultish vibe, even more creepy. Additionally, the school's overreach in a student's private life is disturbing. Teachers literally stalk the lunch tables, listening to every word they kids are saying and pull children aside the minute it doesn't fit their narrative/thoughts. Children are often afraid and the environment is punitive. I would not choose this school again. Best of all, we don't ever have to sit through another Holiday program again."

"I would highly recommend NOT sending your children to Khalsa Montessori. I am no longer interested in investing in the education available at Khalsa after this school year. My child has informed of numerous unethical circumstances involving the children and teaching staff. - A book is held within a "teachers closet" in which students are written about in nearly every situation. My child/peers have noticed that after nearly every confrontation with a staff member, they go immediately to the closet to speak negatively about the children. - A few specific children are targeted by the staff, who continually speak negatively about the children, while even spreading lies about the students' reputations . - Teaching staff members are required to follow children around and specifically eavesdrop on their daily conversations. It has been apparent throughout the years, but has become even more out of hand. My child finds this especially uncomfortable because classmates are unable to have a conversation without an adult following them around. - Teaching staff takes an unemotional and unethical approach in teaching the children. They tend to be aggressive and accusatory, which oftentimes results in threats or being condoned with "disciplinary reports." - The school director is aggressive and promotes an unhealthy environment through the staff, which negatively impacts the students in their daily curriculum."