Sacramento Montessori School

Director did not keep her word so anything she says make sure that she also puts it in writing. At first I thought I was dealing with an honest person therefore I did not feel a need to request her quote and information in writing. Seems faulty and unprofessional.
--Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this preschool for the following reasons: Administration is negligent, lack of communication with families, absurd teacher turnover, false claims (teacher training in progress is not valid), failure to honor contracts with various consultants (ie. music program), inconsistent messages about the school's mission. Children are cared for and guided by the hardworking teachers who are there day to day. This is something that I value and appreciate greatly. Recently, various teachers have either moved on, or been terminated. My rating of remaining teachers is poor due to their inexperience and ability. The setting is lovely - a children's garden, a historic building, and inhouse kitchen, however, they have pest control issues (rats, mice, skunks) as well as structural maintenance negligence. While work has been done by a number of parents, the administration harnesses any improvements to the preschool thus diminishing its reputation.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of our boys have attended SMS since the summer. The teachers are great. One day when I was picking up my son I was asked to wait a few minutes because he was going to the 'work out' table to talk it out with one of his classmates. It was really nice to see two 3 year olds talk about a pushing incident. When the weather is nice the kids don't want to leave because they love to play in the parklike playground with their friends.
--Submitted by a parent

During the period we were enrolled at SMS there was a great deal of turnover in staff and in class schedules. Outside time was reduced dramatically. We waited 6 months before moving on to another school. Our son learned how to interact with others respectfully, but when we changed programs we felt he was behind in letter recognition and small motor skills like writing and drawing. This was due, I'm sure to his lack of self-motivation to work in these areas, but guidance from his teachers to expore these areas would have been appreciated.
--Submitted by a parent

For those that don't know, Montessori is a method of education, not a franchise and any person can use the name. Having come from a wonderful Montessori school in Illinois, I was immediately aware that this school was not on the same level. It seems like much more of a daycare center than anything else. For some parents that may work; but for those seeking a Montessori education for their child, I would look eslewhere.
--Submitted by Kathryn Wainwright, a parent

This a great school...lots of learning, caring teacher, the meals are great and play ground has a lot of variety and lots of shade.
--Submitted by a parent

I have just enrolled my 4 year old and 20 month old at Sacramento Montessori.. So far my 4 year loves it and seems really happy. As for my 20 month old, he is still trying to get used to it. We'll see how it goes from here.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had two children at Sacramento Montessori for about 1.5 years now. The school has improved tremendously since the 12 Street Collaborative purchased it in Jan. 2005. More montessori jobs and trained teachers have been added. The teachers are very caring and the school chef is first rate! They use all organic ingredients. Gymnastics is offered for an extra fee. The administation is very responsive to parents needs. They have the top montessorian trainers from Chicago and South America come to refresh the teachers on teaching methods periodically during the year. The diversity of the student body has also improved over the last year. The potty training curriculum and toddler self-care curriculum (like toothbrushing) could be improved, but we are very pleased with the care our children are receiving. I recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent