Maria Montessori Language and Cultural Center354

Very well run organization. I found children to be attentive and the environment highly organized during my visit. Children have some freedom to cultivate their talents but not too much where they run rampant.

I observed this school, and was shocked! During music, the specialist repeatedly told the kids that the music he was playing was for their bodies, not their voices - even sitting one little guy out because he was humming along! He started by teaching them about the composer of the week, which turned out to be forcing them to memorize pictures of famous composers - he didn't even play any of the composer's music! During choice time, there was only one easel, but two kids who wanted to paint; rather than having them take turns, the teacher insisted that the child who ran over to it first got to use it until that child decided to let the other child have a turn, and if that was never, then fine. The child who was waiting was made out to be the bad kid because he was disappointed, and nothing was ever said to the kid happily hogging the easel. The kids are forced to go about in strict silence - there is no youthful exuberance here. One child spilled some water, and the teacher's extremely irritated reaction was bizarre, especially since she knew I was right there. What a horrible place!

The highly skilled and Montessori certified teachers at this school work one on one with the children doing the Montessori work. They plan many enrichment activities including ones in Chinese and Italian. The atmosphere is quiet and supportive. The children move purposefully from task to task. About 90%of the children remain at the program for 2-3 years, as is the ideal for Montessori. They are often followed by siblings. (The other review must have been posted in error. It cannot possibly apply to this program)

This is really more a day care, and poorly run at that. Their retention rate is extremely poor, and they try to weed out all kids who are more active than potted plants.