Montessori School of New York International2546

There have been many statements made about this school that are negative for a reason- they are all true! I taught at this school for over a year and I can confirm that it is NOT an appropriate learning environment for your child. It is, however, a place where teachers are constantly put down for their race, religious beliefs (particularly those who are Jewish), marital status and domestic circumstances. In other words, the director of the school makes terrible disciminatory remarks to teachers and students. She has her daughters "working" for her so they can gossip about other teachers and sabotage any friendships teachers have made with their coworkers. It is not a friendly or positive environment. Students are constantly taken out of class to "help" the director or her daughters carry bags and other heavy items. There is little time for academics and a lot of time spent waiting for a bus or a van which I don't think is safe for young students under the age of five. The director tells teachers to lie to parents and other community workers for her benefit. The person answering phones upstairs goes under the pseudonym Donna but her real name is Lina. (I suggest you read articles about the scandal that occurred in the school not too long ago) When I was hired, I thought the school was different and I didn't know I would have such an awful teaching experience where I have literally shed tears because of the anxiety I felt every day I had to work there. I implore parents not to send their child to this school. They will not be prepared for high school since there is no technology, other than an archaic computer that gives limited color and has no sound, students do not spend enough time learning academics and a lot of the teachers I met who worked there are not qualified to teach. There are a few good teachers there who are suffering and are afraid to speak out since they have been imtimidated by the director and her daughters. I am not afraid to speak the truth and say this is NOT a decent educational institution!

It's that time of year where my wife and I begin our search for our son's new academic environment for next fall as we are moving into the area. This was to be our primary pick because it is the closest private school to our new home. After reading the reviews for the school I am EXTREMELY skeptical. I want to believe that this school has had happy customers but to be honest all of the positive reviews are grammatically identical in syntax and punctuation. The school must have written these positive reviews. I have had teaching experience and one of these reviews literally sounds like a bullet points list of accreditation requirements that their child supposedly received. After going through the reviews with my wife we've come to the conclusion that there are only 2-3 legitimate positive reviews out of 44. This school must not be the ideal place to send your child for a school to accrue this many negative reviews from parents, teachers and students in such a short amount of time. There seems to be a common complaint about the administration's demeanor...towards the students, this is unacceptable. The positive reviews boast about parent/teacher conferences. The negative reviews state that parent involvement is extremely lacking or non-existent. My wife and I will not be sending our son here if this element in the system is even questioned. The positive reviews are alluring but masterfully crafted. So our guts are telling us, No.

PLEASE do not send your child here. As a teacher who has observed this school firsthand, it is a deplorable "school." The facilities are dirty, materials are old - my own parent used one of the books when she was in school! These poor children are not ready for what public/private/charter schools have to offer. NO technology! NO set curriculum! NO consistency! Teachers are not encouraged to talk to parents about progress/help their child may need. The director speaks to these children in such an unacceptable manner - I would NEVER speak to my children like that - no matter what they did. Children are not given creative activities - all memorization and basic recall of facts. These children have no higher-order thinking skills. These poor children are so unprepared. The teachers are spoken to and treated in quite the unprofessional manner by the "administration." There are "certified" teachers in the rooms - who is Donna? Have you see her? PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO THIS SCHOOL!

Twin Parks Montessori has accreditation from the American Montessori Society (AMS), the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (MSCES) and the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYAIS). Montessori School of New York International has which accreditations....

My son attended and the school and to be very honest, is just weird. There were no teachersâ?? conferences and the report card was never discussed. If you ask to speak to the teacher, it is done in a hallway and in a rushed manner. Parent involvement is not encouraged and instead seems to be discouraged. The school will not give you a warm comfortable feeling, especially when they ask to take your two year old swimming or on a three day overnight ski trip without explaining anything and you will find the lack of communication and parental involvement disturbing.

I attended a parents' meeting yesterday night and left with a warm comfortable feeling. I met some of the teachers as well as two of the administrators. One of the teachers took me around her classroom and proudly (too cute!) showed me her setup and answered all my questions. She said she has parent conferences monthly and then reviews when they get their report cards (I'll have to frame my baby's frst report card!) I also met two parents - one from the current toddler class and the other was a junior high parent (I think!). They were also relaxed and dedicated. I'm going back to spend a morning in one of the preschools with the love of my life- I think she will enjoy her morning and as a family we are all looking forward to her visit.

Attend the open house and then listen to your gut feeling. A few points you may want to ask: (Note-get concreate answers and don't let them talk you in circles) Questions: How has oversight and protection of the children improved since the sex abuse scandal? What are the qualifications and educational background of the teachers? How often do parents meet with teachers? What is the level of parent involvement? What Montessori association is the school affiliated with? Things to consider: Website is outdated and supplies no e-mail to contact the school. There is very little interaction with the teachers and no parent involvement. Occasionally, you will be allow to watch the class (peek in), but there is no interaction with the teachers. Teachers almost appear to be afraid to communicate with parents. Also, there are no parent teacher conferences. Get everything in writing; please donâ??t take anything they say at face value. It is a very bazaar place, so consider all the facts, ask questions, get answers and listen to you instincts!

I'm the proud mom of 4 year old-who is now in his second year at Montessori International - and we're both loving it.:) I work at a law firm up the street and this gives me the capability of visiting my son whenever I can spare time from the office. This has given me ample opportunity to drop by at different times of the day and I have always been happy and confident at the treatment my child is receiving. The building is a new townhouse - modern but warm and inviting. There are always new centers in his classroom and the projects and centers seem relevant to the time of year and world events. Since my son is biracial, I appreciate the different cultures represented in his class- seems to be from all over the world. They have biweekly themes which depend on parent involvement which I admit I can't always give, but many of the other moms don't work and are always a part of these themes. He loves his field trips and swimming classes. I like the music and foreign language exposure - and did I mention he already is reading. In my opinion, this is the perfect well-rounded program to help families like ours that want as many educational and cultural experiences as possible for the center of our world.

I'm considering putting my child in this school. The main reason it is half the tuition of other Montessori schools in NYC, and with two children, this seemed like an affordable alternative. What I have read on this site is rather alarming, plus the sex scandal. I've noticed that the posts are rather old.

Please, I would love to hear from parents that currently have their children in this school and a way to contact them so I know it is really parents and not the school posting. I can be reached at roxanaarroyo@yahoo.com.

My two sons completed their preschool years here. I think the school gave them an excellent first school experience - traditionally with a inclination on math and reading. I wanted more than just a typical preschool experience - I wanted them to learn academic skills so that they would have a leg up - and they did. They got into excellent schools all the way through, and now my eldest is at Brown and the second at Townsend Harris. A great place if you don't buy into the hype of trends and names, but want a solid education and a head start. I strongly recommend this school to anyone with the same values and goals as my husband and me. It's a competitive city and I wanted to give my kids every advantage I could.

My son just finished his third summer at this school and has had a good time again. He is going into the third grade and works well, but is not as social as I would like. He has friends that he meets at this school every summer, and he feels comfortable and more outgoing in this small environment thanks to his caring teachers than in his large public school. I wish I could afford for him to be in this school for regular school - but for now the summer camp will help him to be happy, outgoing and confident in his schoolwork and outside of school. I recommend this school to anyone wanting an individual program that helps you where your child needs the encouragement and doesn't treat everyone the same.

I would strongly encourage an interested parent to look into this school and check references carefully. Notice the pattern on any site related to feedback for this school...negative feedback is rather quickly followed by 3 positive ones so someone quickly looking at the site will not page down to view further comments. This school is very controlling and poorly managed. Please research carefully and talk to people in the neighborhood of the school.

My daughter just completed her third year of the preprimary program - and I feel she did very well. She is confident, outgoing and seems to have been exposed to many topics that my husband and I did not introduce her to. She took a few weeks to adjust when she first started, but once she was comfortable she was an enthusiatic student. The school is in a large converted mansion, and I felt this helped give a close family type invironment to the school. My daughter enjoys dancing which she did here - and this saved me the cost and time of a Saturday dance program. She also learned to swim (with a float though) which also helped me. Of cousre our main concern was her academic development as we are a three language household - she did well and will be attending a gifted program for KG in the fall. She will miss her teachers and we will be back next summer.

I graduated from montessori brooklyn branch two years ago and it is a great school academically and has a wonderful environment. I had a great learning experience there where i would not have learned in another school. Students always have great privileges like going on trips and school plays. Its a great place for students to learn .

My child just finished his second year at Montessori school Brooklyn preschool and is thriving . Teachers were very warm and supportive to us . We were so comfortable leaving our son . He was doing kindergarten work in preschool and learned a lot. This is great place for children to learn.

We currently have a daughter at the Brooklyn Park Slope location who will not return next year. We are well-experienced with Montessori schools. Overall, we don't believe this program embraces a fundamental Montessori value - it does not guide or encourage a child to progress and learn at their own pace. We were ok with keeping our daughter in this pre-K program for 2 main reasons: 1) we knew it was short term and nothing else was available 2) she is articulate and advanced enough verbally to tell us what is going on. She enjoys going to school but does find the teachers yell a lot. As parents, we find the school to have a very controlling atmosphere (with children, parents and in general, its dissemination of information). The pre-K teachers seem better suited for grade school..they are a bit abrasive and not-so-nurturing for pre-K level. To their credit, they also seem frazzled by # of kids in their rooms - something I can understand in a public school but not for this more 'private'/paid school environment. The school's location to Prospect Park is great but I have yet to see a field trip there. Be wary when there is a slot open...many times it is due to a parent pulling out their child...the school appears to have a very high turnover (I don't know for sure) and most parents we have spoken with this year are also not thrilled with it. But, I'll stick to our experience...I would not recommend this school for a pre-K child, particularly ones who are 1) really advanced and need special attention or 2) ones who need a softer touch, whether its due to separation anxiety or less advanced dev't

My daughter went to the Brooklyn campus of the school last year and has done exceptionally well. She is just 4 years old and is doing first grade work. Her teachers are supportive and understanding and she absolutely loves it. The field trips are great. The school is constantly updating their materials and the student body is very diverse. The teachers spend individual time with the students and over all it is a great place. The only thing is that you cannot be passive with the administration, you have to assert yourself and tell them what your child needs even if it is a simple request.

My family and I live in Miami, FL. My mother lives in New York where my children spent the entire summer with her two years ago. I registered them in the montessori summer camp program. My husband and I were very impressed with their academic progress. Both children writing skills reached far beyond our expectation. They were academically prepared for the up-coming school year. The children enjoyed the fun activities offered by the school. They couldn't stop talking about their experience. My mother was very impressed with the staff pleasant attitude and professionalism . My children are now ages 9 and 10. They are looking foward to this year's (2008) summer camp; Frankly, ME TOO!!!!

My husband and I are both architects - we have visited the school twice so far- and we are impressed. First the building itself is a historical landmark, and we even saw posting of movies and tv shows that were filmed there. While the facilities were not ultramodern, they were clean, well-maintained .More importantly, the children seemed happy,and enjoying their time in school. I observed a closeness among the staff and feel that these are the things that have made my decision easy.

the school is very dirty esp. bathrooms. Everything looks very old, not nicely kept.

Please specify the school location being reviewed. The review is not that applicable if one does not know which location is being reviewed,. Thank you Interested mom

The last time I went to the school to drop off the last of my paperwork for September - it was in June. The director was going over the forms with me when one of the parents stuck her head into the office and asked her to come out - so I followed. What happened really warmed me - there were about 15 fathers and mothers there in the preschool class and they presented the director with a camera, printer, computer screen and some other things for the school that I really couldn't see too well. They thanked her and the teachers for another great year and apologized for interrupting. When I walked out of the building I made it a point to walk out with two of the dads because I think it is unusual to see fathers take off time in the middle of a workday - they were dressed obviously ready for work. Talking with them I learned that one of them had attended this school himself, and now had his child in school, and that the other would be coming back in a few days to set up the equipment that the parents had just presented. Needless to say I was very touched and impressed and am looking forward to joining such a committed community!

My son just finished his first summer and had a smooth transition into full time group experience. I was apprehensive as all his experience prior was mommy and me types, but the teachers were warm and supportive of me and my husband. I was especially surprised by the support of the other parents who had been at the school for a few years and kind of showed us the ropes and helped us to adjust - it made us feel so much more comfortable leaving our baby at such a big boys school! He loves going to school now - I don't know what we'll do in the two weeks until regular school opens - but we're looking forward to it!

This is a very troubled school, and I believe it should be shut down. It is no place for children. The recent sex scandal and director's imprisonment should speak for itself. Here is a link to the most disturbing story : http://www.nypost.com/seven/03232007/news/regionalnews/field_trip_to_teachs_sex_trial_regionalnews_laura_italiano.htm

I would not recommend this school to any parent. Not only is it extremely expensive but the children learn nothing. My son is now in a Catholic school and within 6 months has learned what he never did or would have at Montessori of New York Int. Please think before placing your child in such a place.

As a former student of this Montessori school I must say that I was appalled by my experience. My educational experience was severely lacking to say the least. Despite high test scores, I was doing 5th grade work in the 7th grade. The teachers did not attempt to give me any accelerated work. Rather than challenge the individual student(and in class of 7 or 8 individual attention should not be an other worldly expectation), they chose to ignore her. Moreover my experience at this school was horrible for my self esteem. At the awkward age of 12, to be called spastic in front of the class by the dance intructor was devestating. To be made to perform with the 7 and 8 year olds because the teacher didnt want to work with you one on one, was humilating. Before entering this Montessori school I was academically advanced and so much more self confident. I spent the much of the following year playing academic catch up. I eventually did catch up, and I now attend a prestigous college, however any academic success I have attained can not be attributed to my one disappointing and slightly tramatic year at the Montessori school of New York. My parents have said time and time again that sending me to this school was a waste of time and money. So please think very carefully before you send your children here.

My son went to the Manhattan school for six months when he was 3, and they were the longest six months of our lives. It is a completely creepy school. It is family-run, and there seems to be absolutely no accountability. Parents are discouraged from being involved with the school and the teachers; it's unclear what the teachers' credentials are; there were several bizarre and unwise decisions made by the staff there that I won't go into. Suffice it to say we were quite traumatized by the school. The graduates of the school (although I'm sure they are high achievers)seem to be brainwashed, as if all their personality had been bled out of them -- it is very very strange. The sex scandal (which we read about in the local newspapers) happened after we had pulled our son out, but it basically just confirmed our feelings about the creepiness of the place.

Why does this school stir up so much controversy?? Does it have a bad rap??

Who cares! I've never heard so much fuss made over a school.If you hate it, don't put your kid in.Sooneror later truth will come out.

As a parent I must say that I feel pity for the child whose parents have so much jealousy and animosity for an educational institution. As a devoted and caring parent, my energies go to providing what I feel is the best for my child - and so should all parents. As this is my son's school's 38th year, the school obviously has a stellar reputation, as is obvious by the teachers', childrens' and parents' committment. It is true that they are selsctive in who they grant admission to,and perhaps negative comments are posted by those who have been denied admission? What I feel is that every parent should visit any prospective school and evaluate for themselves. I prefer a school that does not spend money on ostentatious pretentious things, but rather spends their funds on educating my child. Is the outside facade of a school what you evaluate rather than the quality of the instructors and their work with the children? Why waste time belittling a school that is loved by its students - go find a school that will accept your child and will emphasize outward appearances if that is what you feel is more important than the education of your child. I wish your child and you the best....

I saw this website and, with all curiosity, decided to look up the school my daughter attended almost 20 years ago: The Montessori School of NY, International. Obviously, many things have changed in the past 20 years. I remember a very beautiful school, pleasant neighborhood and great staff. I had many great memories and my daughter loved it! However, the Montessori of long ago is not the same of today. Not only has the neighborhood changed for the worse but (1)nothing has been done to make the school more attractive! I believe one large sign was placed on the outside wall to draw attention to prospective students, that's it!I have not been inside the school, but I did see one the administrations wearing a T-shirt and sweats on the FIRST day of school (standing at the entrance). I hope she was not receiving parents and teachers that way! My memories of school staff were of strict, yet caring, teachers who set an example which children should follow. In the afternoon, the chidren coming out of the school wore cheap and ugly looking jackets bearing the school's name. The same case took place with the bookbags, as the looked like a blue burlap bags made for carrying potatoes and not books. Is that what the tuition is going towards? Whatever happened to the beautiful weather proof bagpacks? Where is funding for the Montessori of Queens going towards: Brooklyn? Manhattan? Are the Queens children getting the deep-end of Montessori quality education? If so, a word to the administration: IT'S STARTING TO SHOW.

My son has attended The Montessori School of New York International (Queens) for 4.5 years. I'm a little dismayed about the comments that were made by Ripped-Off Mom, Kelly Rochet and Name Not Given. The first person did not even bother to go into detail about what she felt "ripped off" about. Kelly, what time of the year did you visit the school? I am curious since the only times I have seen chairs and desk piles anywhere is when they are either preparing for the upcoming school year or for summer camp. As for the Director's attire, they do not have the staff that a larger independent school would have, therefore she was probably helping to re-organize. When school is in session, all teachers are properly attired. $9,000 is a lot of money, but compared to other independent schools, i.e. Nightingale, Trinity, Dalton, ECFS, Kew-Forest School, The Garden School, West Side Montessori, it is not bad. My son loves his school and loves his teachers. He is in the 3rd grade and doing 4th grade work. They do not hold him back. They began French lessons and they did not give me a hard time when I asked that my son continue studying Spanish. Mind you, he has been taking Spanish lessons since pre-K, so I don't understand where you would think that the school is not "progressive". I work in a "progressive school" and the curriculum is similar to the Montessori school, as well as there approach to teaching. As for "Name not Given", I wish that you would have given more detail since I would like to discuss with the Director you're seeing someone smoking in the basement, which is a big no-no for me. I am not an employee of Montessori for those of you who think that only employees would have something positive to say about the school(for privacy issues concerning the students in the schhol I work for, I can not publicly state the school). Maybe the unhappy parents should try the Manhattan campus or the Brooklyn campus. I know for a fact that the parents of the children who attend those are very happy with the school, since I see them at the end of the school year production. Also, the graduates come back to help with the end of the year production. What other school are you going to find that the children who graduate are more than happy to come back and help out? I wish these parents and all others parents who were unhappy with the place good luck. I know parents who have pulled their children out and who now miss the varied curriculum, gym and swim program, and field trips. Their kids miss the school too. These parents will boast to me that there child was skipped a grade, but that would not have been possible if the child had not attended Montessori, since as I stated above, they do not prevent the child from pushing themselves to do and learn more. As for my rating of 4 out of 5 stars, I never give anything a 100% rating since there are always things that can be improved. Please feel free to contact me at dmg11062419@yahoo.com

It seems as though some parents agree and disagree about the service Montessori International delivers. Perhaps it is because of the legacy the name "Montessori" carries; past and present. However, it is important to remember that, although some Montessori schools are great, others lack in educational and image value. I am a soon mother-to-be and decide to research schools in my area (Queens). I took it upon myself to visit The Montessori School of NY, Int.Since I could not visit during school hours, I made an appointment with the coordinator. The exterior of the school was filthy and unattractive. Upon entering, chairs and desks were piled on top each other when immediately the coordinator closed the door to that room. The school materials were disorganized and gave off a musty smell. One of the 2 bathrooms in the building was filled with even more desks and chairs. The "teacher's" attire was unproffesional for a school setting; as they wore only beaten up t-shirts and sweat pants. I found it odd that the coordinator mentioned that the children are to dress in uniform-like clothing. I think I've said enough. Obviously this school lacks in progression on so many levels. Not to mention the tuition is out of this world! One small child can cost almost $9,000 a year, just ONE! It is obvious that the Montessori instructors take home a pretty hefty pay check; since parents, aside from tuition, are to pay and but all school materials, prepare lunches, pay for trips, pay for transportation and end of the year events.Therefore, it is up to each parent to take it upon themselves to visit and see for themselves what, in my opinion, is a disaster of a school. Offensive comments will not make a point across as only seeing for one's self will. I hope that the administrators of The Montessori School of NY, Int. will read these comments and use it to their benefit; hopefully it can lead to a drastic change. Good luck to all mother's on this journey we call "education".

The school is dirty and smelly, the materials are not well kept, and when we were downstairs, someone was smoking. There was a no smoking sign but we could still inhale it. We don't want our child having second hand smoke in a preschool enviroment. They claim to be cheap and that's exactly what they are "CHEAP" not worth the saving for my child.

As the mother of a 19 year old and now an adorable three year old, I am constantly surprised at the ways things have changed. It seems that every school program has some type of a gimmick. I was very happy (and relieved) to find this school - where my daughter has been building a strong academic foundation for the past two years. When I visit her class, I see her excited to participate in anything the teachers are doing. She has now even begun to read - simple words but reading! She loves her French lessons and her weekly swimming classes. I'm so happy to be a Montessori Mom!

My son is entering his third year this fall - he is actually excited about returning. The classes are small, and all the teachers seem to know each of the children - even in other classes. I like the exposure to different cultural events in the city. I don't always have the time (or money) to take him, but know that his experiences are wide and varied. This summer I was surprised at how well he swims and how confident he has become.

It seems that that there is a disgruntled parent posting false comments in an attempt to malign this school - what I say to any parent is to visit the school yourself and to talk to parents CURRENTLY in the school - rather than parents whose child was probably denied admission.As parents, we are the only ones who can know what is best for our children - and can only speak of what we know. Let me take this opportunity to say that my 7 year old daughter has been at this school for four years now, and is doing very well. This summer she was tested for a gifted program and scored off the charts! I credit the school for motivating her to do her very best - and most importantly to enjoy learning. I love discussing her day's events each evening - and feel our relationship is developing and growing as I get to discover her reactions and enjoyments. Anyone is welcome to reach me at vagabond74@aol.com.

I believe that the last three postings have been made by Montessori intructors in a attempt to change bad reputation Montessori has. I'd rather hear "actual" parents posts their thoughts and idea on this site.

My daughter is entering the fifth grade - and will be starting her third year at Montessori. I was thrilled to find a Montessori school that includes elementary school as well. Her curriculum this year broadened my knowledge as well - it's amazing how technological advances impact the children's daily lives. I was very impressed with her performance in the school's end of the year production. She has gained so much poise and confidence. I recommend this school to everyone -an intellectually and socially expanding experience!

My two sons have just completed their fourth successful year, and I am extremely happy with their academic and social progress. My eldest scored in the 99th percentile in most subject areas, and he is now a strong swimmer, actor and dancer - thanks to the opportunities provided at this school. As a single mom I have neither the time nor the funds to provide my children with all the experiences that I would like to - and therefore am grateful that my children are given a strong academic background as well as exposed to gymnastics, dance, swimming and drama as part of their regular curriculum. My younger son is especially proud of his knowledge of simple phrases in French and Spanish!! Kudos to the staff!!

As the mother of a 13 year old, I have been involved with educational institutions for over a decade. This school gives my daughter so much, and strives to make her well-rounded. I do not have to spend my non-existing time or extra fees to take her around to extra classes as she get swimming, dancing, foreign language, gymnastics and drama as part of the regular curriculum! I am also appreciative of all the field trips that I can't make the time to take her to - like Dorney Park and a five-day-trip to Montreal. This school is the best out of the numerous ones I have been invoved with. My one-year-old is already on the wait list!

My child has just finished his second year at Montessori pre-school and is thriving. The school has a rigorous, but age-appropriate and child-driven curriculum. The children who come out of that school are gracious, curious and eager to learn. Around for more than 30 years, the school has some elements that some progressive parents may find old-fashioned (there is a dress code and firm rules for both children and parents), but we have found these to be positive and not negative aspects. The tuition rate is very reasonable, teachers are loving, parents are all very supportive of one another and most importantly, the kids do brilliantly!

...strict and repressive. No communication with the parents. A complete business establishment with more and more fees all the time! I am taking both children out after 1 year.

An absolutely horrible experience. Outdated facilities, high (unexpected) costs, no curriculum. It was extremely disappointing. After 1 year I moved my daughter to a near by school.

I agree with Unhappy Mom. School is disappointing. After having my son there for 2 years, I felt that the public educational system did more for him that The Montessori School of NY, Int. I'm sorry to say, it's just a business establishment.

Parents are pressured financially to pay FULL tuition. Curriculum is repetitive and outdated. I would not recommend this establishment to parents. School lives only through the name of it's founder.