Aventura Montessori School

This is a very good school. Its definitely not the owner writing the good reviews. You are 1 parent with a bad experience. I enrolled my daughter last year and am very happy with my decision. The school is super organized and the children are always engaged. The school is not a fancy one, but parents need to look beyond that. The education is really good. Many parents complain that they are very strict, but Its only in their policies not with the children. My daughter is super happy every time I drop her off and pick her up. I don't think all the teachers are highly qualified, but that is a common element among all the preschools around Aventura. At least here the principal does have a lot of experience and is able to guide them. This is what I like the most about the school, that the principal is involved and is constantly walking around the classrooms, knows whats going on, and is a true educator not only a business woman like in many other schools. I would really recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is so excited to learn ever since we enrolled at the school. The school is much bigger once you go inside than it looks on the outside. Management is really organized and they make you feel comfortable and there is a good group of teachers. After worrying about where to put my child, I feel very relieved to have found this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't understand how this school has got 5 stars from some people, obviously it must be from the owner and her employees. They always have vacancies, that should tell you something, no one that cares about their child should send their kids there. They are way behind on academics compared to other montessori schools, not to mention that they hardly ever smile DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE
--Submitted by a parent

After visiting many schools I decided on this one. Even though other schools may be more aesthetically appealing, the warm and positive vibes you receive upon walking through this school are unmatched. The children are happily and productively working away (an amazing thing to see), the noise level is low, the facility is clean, and organization is excellent. Every classroom was running so beautifully and the teachers looked efficient. Highly recommended.
--Submitted by a parent

This is such a nice school with great teachers and the owner is so helpful and warm. When I first saw the school I was concerned that I couldn't see a playground but be assured there is a large playground to the side. I feel very comfortable at this school and my child is always so happy and learning so many new things.
--Submitted by a parent

After moving to the area we placed our child in this school as this was the only one with vacancy. That should have been a red flag....Anyway it was not long before we realized that it was a big mistake. They have few teachers who are unable to provide your child with the loving care they deserve. The atmosphere is unfriendly. If you are greeted with a smile when you pick up your child it is a lucky day. Once a child had a diaper accident and I heard the owner call the parent in to pick up the child or have it changed...I am a little surprised and skeptical of the good reviews on this site.....some of the 5 stars are from the owner. The biggest drawback is the owner herself who is moneyminded and runs a business rather than a school.

There are about 98% wonderful parents at this school but there is always that 2% that you just cannot understand or please no matter how hard you try. The parent below who is eager to shed light on the school forgot to mention that they once sent their child to school after she had thrown up on herself in the car. They did not send eating utensils in her lunchbox or a sweater on a very cold day. Before enrolling they did not ask specific questions but after enrolling they demanded the child not be sent to the playground (a teacher was expected to stay inside with one child), they were upset lunches were not provided (the school never claimed to offer lunches), and complained about staff not catering to them (The ratio for younger children is 1:5 and overall average is 1:8). They also forgot to mention that the child's space was held for two months before actually attending. All reviews, positive and negative, can be exaggerated and I suggest parents visit and ask questions rather than basing opinions on a one-sided review site.

We read the reviews and placed our child in the school. We realized later the reviews were not genuine. The teachers are overwhelmed and unable to provide attention. They do not report back or discuss your childs daily activities. Little attention is paid to nutrition. They do not supervise your childrens meal times. The cheese wrapper came back unopened for our child with her poor bite marks on it. It sickened us and we brought it to the owners attention but she was disinterested in it. Our child was never happy to go to this school even after a week though it usually took her no more than 2-3 days to adjust elsewhere. When asked why they could not allow a hot lunch catering service the manager mentioned that the service was not willing to share their profits with them hence the absence of warm meals at this school. We promptly took our child out within 10 days and lost 2 months of fees which the manager flatly refused to refund. Beware parents and do your background research. There are many better schools and daycare centers and this is not the one you want for your loving child. Hope this helps to shed light on this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Ok, i must say that my child was so excited to go to school everyday!! If i see my child that happy about his school daily, then i know something must be going well. I think the teachers discipline well, and keep the class in order. They teach them how to pick up after themselves and manners. I find the noise level low which helps kids focus. I think the things they learn are amazing and advanced and you don't learn these things in regular preschools. The level of knowledge taught is broad, detailed, and very impressive. I don't think reading is strictly enforced and would like to see more time spent on teaching them to read well. But they catch up quick. The school is very organized and security is tight. You can speak to teachers fine, they just prefer appointments and not long conversations at the door while kids are walking in. I must say that the owner of this school is very impersonal and only cares about the money, which is unfortunate, but she's not my kids teacher so whatever. They are a little too strict with their rules toward parents , but besides that, great overall experience. and would recommend the school.
--Submitted by a parent

my daughter had a wonderful social and academic experience at AMS. her current montessori teacher commented on how well prepared she came to her new school. while there is not a lot of room for parent involvement at AMS, in hindsight i think it is a wise decision. while i do love being involved at my daughter's new school, there are far too many occasions and holidays to be involved -- to the detriment, i believe, of the children's academic growth. there are only so many hours in the school day, shortened further by lunch, outdoor play and the children's attention span. they need time to focus on their lessons and use the montessori manipulatives properly, hopefully growing their attention span over time. this could not happen if they were constantly distracted by parents and celebrations. there is plenty of opportunity to celebrate after school and at home. the teachers at AMS are ready to teach and they will most definitely prepare your children for a very successful educational journey.
--Submitted by a parent