Norbeck Montessori Center

This school is FABULOUS! My son is in the JK program and he is doing first grade work. We were at another Montessori School a year ago and what a difference. All Montessori schools are not a like. Hands down, Norbeck Montessori if the best. It is a perfect combination of Montessori and a traditional pre-school. Don't let the trailers keep you away. This was something that was a turn off to me, but the rooms are spaceous, neat, and clean. And most importantly, they will have your child prepared academically for the next step. The teachers are wonderful. and my son LOVES learning.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 kids attend Norbeck as well and will be sending another in the fall. We have loved this school, it does really prepare the kids for kindergarten. I have heard negative reports about the new admin/director from parents that are there now, but the teachers we have had have been great. I will counter with the TV issue, there were many times that my child came home saying they watched TV at school (not sure how educational) and it upset me. Norbeck is not cheap and a huge reason we send kids there is so they can learn and get away from the TV! That was my biggest issue with them (and the large classrooms, but with the economy being what it is, the classroom sizes had gotten smaller when we were there). Otherwise, very nurturing environment and many of the teachers will allow you into the classrooms for special events.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous review in that the teachers are great! I have had two children there who graduated from the kindergarten program and they were more than ready for first grade. I also have a two year old there now. Not all Montessori schools recommend ages 3-6 grouping. I think Norbeck is tyring to get the littlest ones acclimated as soon as possible rather than transitioning them again when they turn 3. I too was disappointed that the two events were cancelled, but strongly believe you cannot hold the director responsible. You can't help rain and from her explaination, it sounded has though she had the kids best interest in mind when making the call to cancel. Also, don't get the wrong idea about the tv. All of the classrooms have tv's, but they use them to show educational videos, books on tape and exercise videos for the kids. They don't just sit them down in front of cartoons and let the tv do the babysitting. Norbeck and all the is staff fabulous. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, nurturing environment for their child to learn and grow!
--Submitted by a parent

*3.5 stars* I have mixed feelings about this school. Had 2 kids there; 1 attended with the previous director, and 1 currently attends with the new director. Between 2 kids/aftercare/summer camp, we've had lots of experience here. Most of the teachers are wonderful. Your child will definitely be ready for KG. They encourage independence and provide a challenging environment. Great playground. There is not much of a sense of community. For the morning program, there is carpool. So, no chance to interact with your child's teacher or other parents at drop-off/pick-up. It'd be nice to have the chance to say 'Hello/Goodbye/Janie has the sniffles', but they prefer that you simply send a note. So far, this year, the director has already canceled the Family Movie Night and the Halloween Parade. Both canceled due to rain, but neither were rescheduled. Most of the other preschools in the area were able to do a Halloween parade, but when we (parents) emailed the director to reconsider, she refused to budge. They do allow the kids to watch TV sometimes, which may be an issue for some parents. And, they accept kids as young as 2, even though Montessori recommends an age 3-6 grouping.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have excelled at Norbeck. The teachers are wonderful, and appreciate all the challenges and rewards of working with young children. My children LOVE learning, and that is the best outcome I could ask for. I can see how some might find the office staff off-putting, BUT, the classrooms are filled with love, excitement, encouragement, challenge and everything I want for my children.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school and excellent program. I have two kids currently attending Norbeck. Both are way ahead when compared to those in traditional schools. My kids love their teachers and friends and can't wait to go to school each day.
--Submitted by a parent

I have not been very impressed with the school's adiminstration. The teachers seem competent, but the administration is not very well organized and can be off-putting.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school so much! I went there as a child and now our daughter is enrolled! The Spanish classes they have there are great, my daughter learns several new words each week and is excited to practice them at home. I feel she has progressed socially and verbally beyon expectations since she has been at Norbeck because of the multiple ages in her classroom. The staff is friendly and caring. We couldn't have made a better choice.
--Submitted by a parent