website: www.montessorifamily.com

See also: Montessori Family School Preschool (Berkeley, CA)

We have a 7-year-old son in his second year at this El Cerrito school. He enjoys the work and gets significant attention from the teachers. We chose MFS because the teachers let the students learn at their individual paces and the teaching staff is made up of simply amazing people. The school also places a great deal of weight on each child's social skills -- which is essential for our child. MFS offers various art, music, jewelry making and language classes as well. MFS Parent

Re: Warm and Fuzzy Montessori?
My child is a student at Montessori Family School, and while I think MFS has that "warm and fuzzy feeling" I may be approaching this concept in a slightly different way. While schools and teachers can be welcoming to children and families, ultimately this feeling is created through meaningful mutual relationships. At MFS my child is seen for who she is and loved for what she brings to the school community. In a rich and challenging academic environment she has built an internal sense of being capable and competent. And, in this environment she has developed meaningful relationships with her peers and teachers to create this "warm fuzzy" feeling.

In Montessori schools children learn what it means to be a part of a community. They are seen and valued for who they are as unique individuals as well as members of the group. They learn how to be independent and responsible. Working within a community leads to a true and deep "warm and fuzzy" feeling. Schools can't give that to a child (kind of like how parents can't "give" a child a sense of self esteem).

The teachers are MFS are incredibly happy, compassionate, bright and dedicated educators. If you visit a Montessori classroom during work time students are often independent and focused on their learning. You may not immediately see the warmth and connection that children feel with their teachers and each other. But, if you observed over a day and watched class meetings, lunch periods and other times of day you would see children and educators who are truly happy, connected and engaged. At MFS you would experience the "warm fuzzy" feelings of a thriving school community. Please take a look at MFS since it is an incredible school. Good luck in your school search! Catherine

When deciding to move from LA to the East Bay earlier this year, our search started first with the right choice of schools for our two children ages 5 & 7. Both were having an exceptional experience with the Montessori school they'd been attending for 3+ years, and we were anxious if we would find another community we enjoyed as much. Montessori Family School in El Cerrito was highly recommended by several leaders in the American Montessori Society, and it has become our instant and treasured home. The administration is proactive and professional, the staff is thoughtful and attentive, and the families of the students are deeply invested in the experience the education delivers.

If you are not familiar with the principles that are at the heart of Montessori, I invite you to consider some of the many benefits we've enjoyed with our children: -An individualized curriculum that invites children to interact at a pace that develops their competence AND confidence -Scientifically developed learning materials that provide children the opportunity to ''figure things out'' - a real blessing in this world where creativity and not compliance are dictating the direction of our developing industries -An appreciation for the larger world we live in, and our responsibility to a social contract -Emotional maturity development through conflict resolution understanding and skill development - grace, respect, and courtesy

More and more research about how a Montessori education provides a lifelong learning advantage for children is surfacing. There are several articles and books that provide valuable insights when making the decision and commitment for your child's schooling. A quick google search for ''Montessori research'' delivers a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Montessori Family School is an exceptional model of Montessori practice at work. If you are seeking a school from which your child(ren) will develop a sound foundation for the adult(s) they will one day become, Montessori Family School is the perfect choice. Our children are ecstatic about the school, and we could not imagine being happier. R. P.

This is the second year our 7-year-old son has attended MFS in El Cerrito. He is one of the few kids I know who tells us how he enjoys school. The teachers keep him and his peers academically interested, which makes us happy of course. But as parents we have prioritized the importance of social growth because our son has sensory integration problems and has always had challenges playing appropriately and making friends. The teachers and after-school counselors make themselves available to discuss how to work with our son, and they go out of their way to give him attention unique to his needs and direct him so his days are as successful as possible. The teachers give a sense of enthusiasm over their jobs and the challenges that children present. Also, all of the families we have met are exceptional people. MFS Parent

My son is four and a half and has been enrolled at Montessori Family School in Berkeley for over a year. It is a loving environment, and his teachers are both highly skilled and deeply invested in his development. I love their curriculum - he has developed a profound curiosity in science, and is able to engage what he's learning with the world around him. MFS has also taught him to be independent and self-directed, yet connected with his friends and classmates. He has learned to negotiate (lucky us!) and problem solve with his peers. I've seen his teachers encourage and support these skills. In sum, I feel like my son is loved and supported to succeed in these pivotal learning moments at MFS in the beautiful and unique Montessori way! alegria

Re: School for sensory seeking 1st grader
Our son is 7 and also has various sensory integration issues. And also, in class he keeps it together, but during the less structured time after class, it takes a lot for him to control himself. We found Montessori Family School in El Cerrito, and it's amazing. For starters, the teachers are great teachers. But they also work with our son and with us as parents putting together programs that help our son succeed. I know it's a challenge for them, but they understand sensory problems and take the challenge as an opportunity. Regarding classroom size: it's small. I don't know the exact number, but for instance, 10 kids and two teachers made up his kindergarten class. We have not had his former-OT come to class, but I believe some other kids have helpers for attention deficit problems and such. We are so thrilled about the school. bg

I would just like to let everyone know about our experience at Montessori Family School. We are in our 5th year at the school and it has been wonderful. The staff works very well together and with the student's. We are about to transistion to public schools. We know that we have set our children up for a wonderful smooth move and everyone is very excited. Thanks to all of the staff at MFS anon

Re: School for socially anxious 9-year-old with ADHD

Re: Schools - children with different learning styles
Montessori Family School, with the k-8 located in El Cerrito, is a wonderful gem of a school that addresses the needs of the individual student. Because it is a Montessori school the children progress at their own pace and are guided to make their own discoveries by means of engaging with meaningful and mulit-sensory materials. More than this, however, is the fact that the teachers and staff are knowledgable and supportive all of types of learners.

Please don't make the common mistake of thinking ''Montessori = strict and/or unfocused.'' It is so far from the truth.

My oldest son, who has Down syndrome, attended MFS for 4 years very successfully (please see an earlier post of mine from 1/05, it begins with ''I feel compelled...'' ), my younger son began MFS in preschool and is now in 5th grade. He is a strong student who works above standard grade level, but is very sensitive and has had periodic issues with anxiety and focus. The teachers are willing and able to meet with me and with him to support him in the most appropriate manner possible. They don't coddle - they learn, advise, and figure out a way to support all of their students in the best manner appropriate.

MFS has learners of all types and students who come from a variety of backgrounds and home situations. They strive to create an environment that supports and respects this diversity. I urge you to check it out. The elementary school is at 510-236-8802. -A grateful and happy MFS parent

We took our child out after many years because the upper elementary classroom (grades 4-6) was so disappointing. Teachers are very kind, but academics are so lax, our child was testing 1-2 yrs behind grade level on state standardized tests - now is loving public school and finally catching up to grade level. Wish we'd changed sooner, but I listened to public school horror stories and am so pleasantly surprised. It's great to finally have challenges. It was just way too loosey-goosey in MFS 4th-6th classroom. They typically take a whole week or more off work at end of semester for no particular reason. Homework extremely light, and no one minds much if you don't turn it in. Now my child is seeing the problem with MFS, which offers one math lesson per week (none if the teacher happens to be out), and the rest of the time is independent study, which is easy to neglect there. Nice community at MFS, and people love the middle school, and not everyone perceives lacking academics in that classroom - but we sure did! Disappointed

My son has been attending Montessori Family School for 4 years now. We have transfered him from another local private school and could not be happier. In fact, this Fall, he will be attending middle school at MFS and is very exited about this opportunity.

In the past, I did not know anything about Montessori education and was somewhat uncertain if this is the right choice for my son. During these several years, I am convinced that there is very unlikely I could ever find a better fit for my son.

From the head of school, to every teacher, to office support personal every one loves working with kids, extremally knowledgeable, helpful and really enjoys what they do.

As most boys, my son had various discipline and organizational problems. The school staff was working with our family on the way to improve situation in unbelievable cooperate manner. Our family together with teachers would met and come up with various strategies on how to help my son to do better in school.

The results are incredible. My eyes often tear-up when I see my son doing so my better at school and at home. He is now well behaved, much more responsible, doing very well academically and socially.

MFS offers Montessori curriculum from preschool to grade 8th. I would encourage anyone to contact MFS if in the process of selecting school. In fact, I am often feel envious that I myself did not have a chance to go to school like MFS. Happy Parent of MFS Child

Re: Challenge with Transitions & Kindergarten Choices
I would like to recommend Montessori Family School, just up the hill from Windrush in El Cerrito. My son started there in September and is thriving. He is in a class of ten, with two teachers, and they all get individual attention. Transitions are not a problem for him but he does have some difficulty with focus and staying on task, and the teachers have been great in working with him on this. Feel free to email me if you want to know more. Lori

Re: Seeking schools that have no homework, or much less
The Montessori Family School (MFS), 7075 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito, 510-236-8802, has a very reasonable approach to homework. There is very little outside work in the early grades and it increases in a way that is manageable. I have relatives who attend public school in Berkeley and the West Contra Costa School Districts and the amount of homework they have from even kindergarten is very excessive. It really cuts into family time during the week when things are busy anyway. I was so happy to learn about MFS's policy of not piling on the homework so that students can enjoy their families and participate in activities that are educational within the context of family activities. I am relieved to know that we will not be robbed of family time while my child is a student at MFS. Give them a call and learn more. The school is great. Happy parent

My son is 7 years old and has been attending Montessori Family School since 2009. We moved to the east bay from the central valley and were searching for an authentic Montessori school like the one he had attended since preschool. We found that and more at Montessori Family School!

MFS is an amazing school beacuse the teachers really take the time to know every child and they work tirelessly to address the needs of the children individually. The MFS community is vibrant, the academics are challenging, and the teachers are proactive (not simply responsive). My son has trouble focusing at times, and his teachers have been in constant communication with us regarding his progress and potential solutions.

As the students progress in the classic three-year classrooms, their confidence, self worth, and thirst for knowledge grows. I often find the older students in the classrooms mentoring the young ones. Like most Montessori classrooms, the children are not limited to the academics of their year and my son often comes home all excited about the curriculum he learned from the older group.

Montessori Family School is the best place for my son because the school truly incorporates family. The children at MFS are respected and nurtured. They are not only encouraged to be individuals, but also taught how to function and thrive as a group. At the opening pot-luck this year, a rush of good feelings prompted me to tell the Head of School, Jane Wechsler, that being back on campus felt like coming home. My son was running around the playground, happily greeting old friends and teachers alike. I couldn't imagine a better place for my son.

Please feel free to contact me with any specific questions about this remarkable school! Jennie

I highly recommend Montessori Family School. We have two boys who attend MFS's elementary program. One is nearly 7 yrs old, and is in the ''Lower Elementary'' (1st-3rd ''grade''); the other is 9 and in the ''Upper Elementary'' (4-6th ''grade''). We have been at MFS for about 5 years, since my oldest son was in the Kindergarten program in Berkeley (my younger one also attended the preschool program there), and we have loved every minute of it.

MFS provides a strong academic program that is based on Maria Montessori's deep understanding of how children learn and grow. The method supports the child's natural developmental learning process, seemlessly integrating physical, language and cultural ''work'' and ''play.'' One thing I have really appreciated is the 3 year classrooms; as a newcomer, the first year child is mentored by the ''older'' 3rd year students, and as they progress through the 3 year classroom, she/he in turn becomes the elder, able to nurture and support younger students, developing their own sense of kindness and responsibility. I've often been touched to see on the playground, how swiftly other children stop what they are doing and come around to check on any child/fellow student who may have fallen or been hurt. I've also been impressed with the deep commitment to ''education for peace'' which is the school's slogan. In case of any disagreement between the children, even if a matter of hurt feelings, the children are encouraged to write their concern down in the class book, for group discussion in a calm and considered way that respects all persons' points of view.

The teachers have many years/decades of experience, and bring deep insight, warmth and compassion to their daily interaction with the students. Extracurricular activities are rich, with especially incredible art and music programs. History, science, literature and math curricula are also stimulating. The staff are professional and always helpful, while the community of parents and families provides a genuine warm experience of the ''family'' part of the school's name. I can't imagine a better place for my children to be. -MIE, a parent delighted with MFS

Re: Kindergarten for a Math Geek
I can't speak to Park Day, but your son sounds like my daughter, so I wanted to reply. Our daughter has always loved math (one of her favorite preschool pastimes was adding huge numbers in the calculator on my husband's IPhone and then solving the problems on paper before pressing ''='' to see if they matched) and science (we have a ''science lab'' in our garage, her 5th Bday party was a science party, etc). However, ever since toddlerhood, she was a bit socially awkward. She was always the one on the sidelines at birthday parties and group playdates; she played by herself or sometimes with just one or two good friends at preschool; she never liked ''being in the spotlight'' and shied away from situations where she had to perform publicly or call attention to herself. After looking at a VAST number of k-8 public and private schools, we chose Montessori Family School (MFS) in El Cerrito and couldn't be happier. The Montessori curriculum is extremely strong in Math, and with the individual, child-led approach to learning, the kids can take it as far as they want to go. My daughter's Kindergarten teacher gave her a long division problem as a challenge last spring, and using the materials in the classroom, she solved it--beaming proudly as she did! However, in addition to the strong academic curriculum, the focus on social skills and justice is one of the main reasons we chose Montessori Family School. The slogan of the school is ''Education for Peace'', and they live and breathe that throughout the school. They have a zero tolerance policy of exclusion and bullying--and it is enforced by the kids. They use Jane Nelson's ''Positive Discipline'' approach, holding weekly classroom meetings to co-create rules and solve problems together as they arise. The teachers all treat the kids with respect, valuing their individual talents and challenges, and from what I've seen, the kids do the same with one another. My daughter is now in her second year at MFS, and the change we've seen in her since she started there is dramatic. The small class size and individual attention she received last year allowed her to feel safe, take risks and make friends in a way she has never before. This led to a developing sense of confidence in social situations that extends beyond the classroom. Just the other day, we went to a birthday party where she only knew one other child. Instead of sitting back and watching the kids from the side as she used to, she immediately dove in and started playing with all the kids. Also, this year, she signed up for the children's theatre program at Contra Costa Civic theatre, and actually auditioned for (and got) a part, singing by herself, in front of everyone! She would NEVER have done that before. Anyway, I know this post doesn't really answer your question, but if you are interested in a school with a strong academic curriculum (that can truly customize work based on a child's skills) AND a strong social curriculum, I encourage you to give Montessori Family School a consideration, or feel free to email me with any additional questions. Good luck in your search! Happy MFS Mom

I would like to give a recommendation for Montessori Family School. My son who is almost 7 and in 1st grade LOVES SCHOOL,something I was almost postive was not going to happen. My guy is an independent free thinker and having to learn like everyone else in public school just did not reach him. I would hear him complain frequently when it was time to do homework. (which is ridiculous anyway at 5)I thought he was too young to have a bad attitude about learning so I found myself at MFS on a tour. At MFS they are able to teach my Son on all levels.He gets to touch,feel,talk and move. Working together is encouraged,working things out in a postive way is encouraged,having feelings is encouraged and embraced. They treat the kids like people with a say. The kids get a real sense of how they fit into this world as a whole and how they can make it a better place. I will continue to update my review as years go by, but right now I could not recommend MFS more. Alexandra

Re: Race to Nowhere - Questioning Public Schools
If you can afford going private, consider montessori learning for your child. Not all montessori schools are equal though. We have had a wonderful experience so far at Montessori Family School (MFS) and are pleased with both the academic and social/emotional learning and growth we see in our child and other children at the school. It is such a balanced, kind environment and we appreciate the community focus. Next year our second child will start in the preschool and our first is moving on to a kindergarten transition classroom. We feel our children are a good fit for montessori and they do not need supplemental external pressure. They get enough of it from us at home. Montessori Family School continues from age three through middle school or eighth grade. I never believed we would stay in montessori past kindergarten. After doing research for awhile and exploring a variety of school options, I came to similar conclusions expressed in Race to Nowhere. I started to relax a little and am grateful for the insights. It's never too late to change your course. A child is a child only once. Happy Parent at MFS

Re: Kindergarten for son w/Auditory Processing Disorder
Anu, I am at the other end of raising children - as my son, who had several learning problems including auditory processing is just about to graduate from college. He was diagnosed at 6 and was attending Montessori Family School in Berkeley. I found that because of the way they taught (small circles with several children and a teacher only a few feet away)and their awareness of his learning style, that he was able to do work around the problems. I would recommend a small classroom situation (and would recommend Montessori Family School)in addition to learning specialists as your daughter gets a little older. Amy

I would like to recommend the new middle school program at Montessori Family School. In the last decade or so Montessori education has been establishing middle and high school programs, and this program is an outstanding example. It utilizes current research and was developed especially to meet the needs of this age group.

The program not only prepares students academically, but teaches leadership development skills which enable the student to take responsibility for their own education. In the classroom these skills may take the form of being class leader on a reoccurring rotation, where a student leads the daily community meetings, greets classroom visitors, sets the agenda for the Friday morning Council Meeting, and numerous other responsibilities. The students are given many opportunities to practice these skills. A recent example that impressed me was the planning of a stone soup event for fellow MFS students and teachers. The middle school students took responsibility for the planning of the entire event. They wrote letters to area merchants and received food donations. They made seating arrangements and divided tasks among themselves, and organized the community to bring ingredients for the soup. The students also cooked and served the meal to 120 guests.

Academically, the school year is broken down into 5 week work cycles where the student learns to manage long and short term assignments. Research indicates that at this developmental stage, a cause and effect cycle of 5-7 weeks is ideal for students to learn how decisions made at the beginning of a work cycle impact the end of the work cycle. More importantly, the 5 week cycle also gives the student multiple opportunities during the school year for self assessment--to ask themselves: What worked? What did not? What am I going to do differently next cycle? The program also practices ''Mastery Learning'' where each student must master 80% of the academic material presented in order to move forward. On a regular basis, students assess how they are doing which gives them the information they need to focus on areas where they may need improvement. This practice culminates in parent/teacher/student conferences where the student leads the conference, giving a self-assessment of where they are academically and shows a prepared work portfolio to support their position.

Alissa, the teacher who leads the MFS middle school program, is quite amazing. She has a keen sense of knowing what each of her students may need, whether it is encouragement or someone who will talk them through the process of solving a problem they may have encountered. The most impressive trait I feel she possesses is that it is obvious that she absolutely LOVES working with adolescents and thoroughly understands them and the physical and cognitive changes they are going through.

I feel extremely confident that my daughter will have the academic, time management and leadership skills that are needed for high school, college and beyond. If you would like to know more about this program, I encourage you to attend one of Montessori Family School's Info Sessions or call Nasi Maghsoudnia White, the Admissions Director for more information.

Please note that we have moved! The new school contact information is as follows:

Montessori Family School
Elementary/Middle School Campus (new site!)
7075 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito, CA 94530
Tel. 510 236-8802
www.montessorifamily.com

Re: Challenging Progressive School?
Montessori Family School provides an excellent, progressive Montessori education. The Early Childhood Campus (for ages 3-6) is located across the street from UC Berkeley on the corner of Hearst and Scenic Avenue. The Elementary and Middle school campus (Upper Site) is in El Cerrito. A shuttle transports children between the two campuses.

I encourage you to explore the Montessori method which allows children to delve deeply into the learning process at their own pace. Exceptional children are able to go as far as they need to go. We have seen examples of mathematically gifted children at this school eating up high school level algebra and trigonometry in the fourth and fifth grade! Actually the preschoolers and kindergarteners are doing pre-algebra (e.g. ''Fill in the blank...5 + ___ = 7''). Children become critical thinkers, write well in many styles and write expressively from the heart. Children receive an individualized curriculum and over the course of time, they develop amazing self- awareness and time management skills that will serve them well for life in the 21st century.

This is an extraordinary education and we are grateful to have discovered Montessori and the Montessori Family School. Montessori Family School is fabulous and we like the community a lot. All children have their strengths and challenges, and what we like about this particular school is that the academics are strong and the social/emotional education and experience is also as good as it gets.

At Montessori Family School there is little teacher turnover because the environment is vital, happy, supportive and challenging. We have taken note that many of the alumnae of this school are happy, focused, self-aware, socially responsible and successful individuals making a difference in the world. We are personally engaged in a program to reach out to alumnae now in college to document outcomes from the school.

Visit the website at www.montessorifamily.com Please feel free to contact me with questions. -Sharon

I can wholeheartedly recommend Montessori Family School for any child. The school is large enough to be dynamic for the children, but small enough for all of them to feel personally known and loved. I can't recommend it highly enough. My daughter came from another school where she had many struggles, and when I found that MFS had a kindergarden opening, they simply embraced her despite her past challenges. Within a week she was settled in and doing amazingly well. Her teachers not only understood her for the unique person she is, but they embraced both her gifts and her challenges and gave me the confidence that she was going to shine in this environment, and she has. Communication with all the teachers and administrators has been easy and natural. Her specialty and after school classes have been very fun and interesting. In particular, for anyone currently interested in a small kindergarden for their child, MFS started a second kindergarden class that still has openings and I would highly recommend it for any child that needs a little extra attention. Your money spent at MFS will go a long long way. Good luck in your search for schools! Grateful and happy parent

Hi! Any current comments on the new MFS campus at Cutting and Arlington? Specifically, size of the classrooms, daily schedule, make-up of the classes, community spirit,arts/music specialists? Thanks!! curious parent

Re: Academically strong and liberal private school
I can strongly recommend Montessori Family School in Berkeley. This also relates to the family who requested a recommendation for a shy toddler. My son was PAINFULLY shy when he began MFS when he was three years old. His teachers were very good with him and all of the students. This school and all of the teachers focus on the whole child - academics, social skills and community awareness. It is well worth a visit.
Laura

Re: Berkeley Montessori vs. Montessori Family
Our daughter was in BMS for preschool-kindergarten, after which we moved her to to MFS and have been wildly happy—and certainly happier than we were at BMS.

MFS is a smaller, much less top-heavy (bureaucratic) school, still run by the founder, who is also still a teacher in the Upper Elementary classroom; so really there are no administration vs. teacher conflicts—as there were at BMS—conflicts that led, a few years back, to several BMS teachers fleeing to MFS! Though I gather things have settled down.

In any case, MFS, both for preschool and beyond, is a very happy, well- run school, with incredible, creative, devoted teachers and a very responsive (small but efficient) staff. BMS also has many wonderful teachers, but I do think the administration is (or was) a real issue; also (at least when we were there) the emphasis was on raising money for the fancy new site—so tuition was on a steep upward trend.

In short, I'd cast a strong vote for MFS. Feel free to email me if you'd like more info.

[an additional letter from the previous author]
I just wanted to sing the praises of Montessori Family School a small, focused, happy, intellectually serious school. The teachers (including ''resource teachers'' for PE, yoga, etc.) are absolutely amazing: totally dedicated, with fabulous ''kid sense,'' demanding but also keyed in to the different needs of their students. We visited several schools (traditional and non-) when we were looking for a first grade class for our daughter (a refugee from Berkeley Montessori), and we were just blown away by the atmosphere in the classroom at MFS: all these students busily and intently going about their work; an amazing blend of excitement and concentration. Our daughter is now in her 3rd year at the school; she loves it, and so do we.

One thing we appreciate about MFS is that it really is a ''family'' school, in that parents are strongly encouraged (though not compelled) to spend time in the classroom, helping with reading groups etc. Several teachers and staff members are also parents of current students; and the founder and head of the school is still teaching in the Upper Elementary classroom; so there is as close to perfect harmony between administration, teachers, and parents as one could imagine. That this matters became clear to us at Berkeley Montessori, where the sometimes tense relations between these groups did in fact ''trickle down'' in various negative ways to the classroom. (Though BMS also has excellent & dedicated teachers, I hasten to add)

Like all Montessori schools, MFS has mixed-age classrooms (1-3 grade, 4-6 grade), a feature that MFS fosters by means of a buddy system (each incoming first year student has both a third year and a sixth year buddy—an arrangement that all parties enjoy). Each spring the whole elementary school goes camping (in cabins, not tents) for 2 nights—something the kids absolutely adore, and that also increases the sense of community. The mixed classrooms also enable students to learn at their own pace—e.g., our daughter is very advanced in reading but very average in math, and the work she is given in school reflects this, so she is neither bored nor frustrated.

Another small ''plus,'' but one that can be important to the quality of daily life: the elementary site is peaceful & secluded, with amazing views of the bay—and painless for drop-off and pick-up (no lines, no difficult parking, etc.).

All in all, this really is a special school. But the best way to get a sense of it (or any school) is to visit it yourself. EO

My son is now in the elementary program while my daughter attends the pre-school. They are both thriving and I am so grateful for the community the school creates. I’m pretty sure the school is giving tours now. Seeing for oneself is always a good decision maker. Good luck! -Trina anon

In contrast, BMS (where my son goes now) has, in our opinion, a warm and happy feel to it, and the children are not being shushed so they can hear the Mozart! Our son is flourishing there. BMS parent

We switched schools and now have a greater social circle for my son and also he is rising to the new challenges with excitement! Regrets

I read the recent negative comments made about Montessori Family on this post site and felt I needed to respond. Those comments didn't ring true to me with what I've experienced at the school. Every parent, student and teacher are not going to agree all the time, but I have found at Montessori Family that the students' best interests are being looked after. There are some students at Montessori Family that have benefited from outside tutoring as students elsewhere can benefit from tutoring. I don't see this as a negative issue, I see it as the teacher recognizing a situation where the student can benefit from additional instruction.

I suggest if you\222re considering any school, you should visit that school more than once and attend an open house where you\222re able to talk to the students themselves. Montessori Family has many open houses throughout the year. A private school education is expensive and you need to feel that you have a good school-student match. I\222m very happy that we found it for our children. MFS parent

He attended MFS for four years. He was accepted, graciously accommodated, and embraced by the teachers, staff, administrators, students and families. I feel so deeply grateful to MFS for not only accepting my son, but for believing in him, challenging him, and understanding that although he is more like his peers than different, he is different and he does have a disability. The person who posted the comment about the intolerance for learning differences also wrote that ''Many of the children require outside tutoring.'' Just like most all schools today, some students do receive tutoring (or other support) outside and inside of the school. This should not be viewed as a negative aspect; it is certainly not due to the teaching methodologies (which are superior). Some students simply require more academic attention than others. To me, this speaks to MFS's willingness to work with such students - and they are willing. I have seen it not only with my son, but many children with learning differences and disabilities in the preschool and elementary school. As long as the student isn't aggressive toward himself or others, MFS is willing to work together with families to create a structure that works for everyone involved.

There are occasions when a family isn't ready to acknowledge that their child needs extra help. I understand that feeling and also understand that as a school, they can't help a student if a family isn't ''on board'' to address an area of difficulty. This is the only time when I have seen tension between the school and families of children with learning issues. Also, a montessori education isn't necessarily the best choice for every student and/or a student might ultimately be best served by their public school district. In these cases some students do move on - but it is certainly not for a ''lack of tolerance.'' Rather, it is due to lack of parental support or simply because the student may be better served in a different setting - as was ultimately the case for my son. My son is doing as well as he is today in large part because of the terrific education that he received at MFS for 4 years. When he ''graduated'' from MFS at age 6, he was reading, understanding basic math concepts, had formed true friendships, and most importantly had confidence in himself. jennifer

My two children went to Montessori Family School. A great school. The school has pre-k through 6th grade. Contact me if you want more info. Zp

RE: Kindergarten programs

My daughter attends the Kindergarten program at Montessori Family School. We've been extremely happy with the program and best of all my daughter LOVES going there. Her teacher, Mary, has 30 years of teaching experience and somehow empowers her students to simply love learning. I would suggest also setting up an appointment to look at the MFS upper elementary school in Kensington.

1998

The Montessori philosophy of education is a little strange to me, but it suits my daughter. What I really like for her is that she gets a lot of individual attention from the teachers, and my daughter is thoughtful and able to focus so all of the little manipulatives of the Montessori system suit her just fine. The teachers continually circulate among the students so I have more a sense that all the children are getting some attention.

There are next to no discipline problems. Children are not allowed to punch each other and shout out at circle time. I think having a mixed-age group really helps in that regard, but I give the teachers' classroom management style high marks. At the MFS, the teachers decide where the children will sit at circle time (they keep the same seating assignments for a month at a time), so they nip a lot of disruptive behavior in the bud. It might sound "over disciplined" but it's not. It's a thoughtful approach that works.

The MFS doesn't have a library, but each classroom has it's own collection of books. There are a lot of specialists: science, art, music, PE, and Spanish. At the MFS, she is learning useful things, like reading and math, but she is also being exposed to geography (which she really likes for some reason) and "concepts" like the scale of the universe from atom to galaxy. So I think it's a very rich education.

I don't have experience with the elementary school (the Kensington site, I believe), but the school as a whole seems very well run, with a good blend of traditional (AMI) and innovative (AMS) Montessori curriculum. If we could afford to keep him in the elementary school there after this year we would, but he will going to public school here is Albany for 1st grade. Mark

Our son was young to enter 1st grade, but the teacher paired him with another child that was young, and the use of Montessori materials and curriculum helped him immensely. His basic reading, writing, and 'rithmetic skills are well developed, but he also was able to pace himself for his needs (a plus for one who has developed a bit of perfectionism). The teacher also recognized this tendency and helped our son work on not having to be perfect (a real plus!)

If you are prepared to be involved heavily in the school, and can afford the tuition, I think MFS is a wonderful school. Karen