Longmeadow Montessori School

777 Longmeadow Street

Longmeadow, MA 01106

43 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-K
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 07, 2020

Longmeadow Montessori is a wonderful preschool - both of my children attended and had the most nurturing learning experience. They built independence, learned valuable foundational skills, and were both fully prepared for kindergarten and beyond. We are grateful to LMI for the amazing talent of their teachers and the incredible memories and the strong connections we made with other families that continue to this day.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2016

Our family loves LMI, the teachers and the staff. Our son felt comfortable and enjoyed learning since his first day. The size of the school gives it a very personal feeling; this is not a preschool center with frequent teacher turnover. This is an excellent place for young children to learn, grow, and play during their Preschool and Kindergarten years.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2015

LMI has been the BEST PART of moving to Longmeadow, MA. Moving to a new place can be daunting and downright stressful for children and parents alike. LMI eliminated that for us by providing a sense of community and ensuring a seamless transition for our two boys. They were excited to go to school and were just as happy when they returned.The staff is composed of wonderfully good natured people. Our boys responded particularly well to their happy, loving, and patient disposition. With two very different learners, LMI provided for both them. They were nurtured in a learning environment that allowed both of them to thrive.We share a wonderful relationship with the staff thanks to the phenomenal "open door" policy they have where no question is too trivial. The communication with the teachers is outstanding and they are very responsive.LMI has given our two boys great preparation and readiness for Kindergarten and 1st grade. My older son has now graduated from LMI and is currently in his 3rd month of Kindergarten. He was completing 1st grade workbooks with ease all summer long and is now moving on to 2nd grade workbooks. My younger son has two more years to go at LMI and is following in his older brother’s footsteps. I continue to be amazed daily by the strength of LMI’s program.Finally, my favorite component of the LMI education is that character development is at the core of the curriculum. Coupled with the outstanding academic preparation, this mainstay ensures that LMI's "graduates" are equipped with the necessary social, emotional, and intellectual tools to succeed in life, both in and out of the classroom. We wholeheartedly recommend Longmeadow Montessori Internationale.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2015

I have had two children attend LMI over the years, and we have had the most incredible experiences with the folks there. My two kiddos have vastly different learning styles. My oldest (8 years old now) has always been super verbal, very bright, and super strong willed. My youngest (now 5 and in LMI's pre-k) has had a speech delay for which he's been treated since he was two years old. He is quiet, easy going, and until recently lacked self confidence in a school setting. Because he was working so hard on his speech, his other skills took a back seat. He has been in "catch up mode" for a while. The folks at LMI have been incredibly responsive to my very different children. My daughter went to kindergarten after her two years there confidently with all the skills and then some that she needed. Her math skills were well above kindergarten expectations. My son, who is now in his second year there, has gained so much confidence. He is excited to explore letter sounds and is spelling words for me in the car. As a parent with a child whose learning was an area of concern, it is impossible to describe how it feels to see him beaming with pride and excited to share his learning. This school has a very responsive team of teachers who work closely with parents to help children learn in ways best suited to each individual. It has an enriched curriculum. Best of all, it is a very warm, happy, safe place for children.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2015

You will not find a more personalized and professionally run Montessori school in Massachusetts. My wife and I have been extremely happy with the growth and development our children have attained while attending LM I. We feel it truly is the best school around.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2015

So happy that Longmeadow has instituted full day Kindergarten, even if it is tuition based. Being new to town, we chose LMI on a referral from a neighbor. What a disaster. The swap program was horrible for my son. Apparently, he was a disapline problem at LMI, Yet, we have never received negative feedback from any teachers, past or present.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2015

The program and staff at LMI are excellent. They go above and beyond basic requirements. I feel so fortunate that my daughter can attend LMI preschool.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2015

My daughter has been part of the LMI family for two years and words can t describe how pleased I am with this school. The staff and administration at LMI are nothing less than amazing. My daughter has not only thrived academically but socially and emotionally as well. The headmaster and teachers are very in tune to each student s individual needs. When I drop my daughter off at school in the morning I feel nothing but confidence that she is safe, well cared for, and loved. Her proud, beaming smile at the end of the day assures me that sending her to LMI is the best decision I have made for her thus far.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2015

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't reflect on how lucky we were to have been a part of the LMI family. I will be the first to admit that my expectations, especially those related to my children, are incredibly high. LMI exceeded them every day, in every way. If the world was full of people like you, it would be a truly incredible place.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2015

I have two kids at LMI and have been pleasantly surprised by how well they have done here. MY first child began when she was just 3 (shes 5 now!) my second child began this year at 3 years old. At LMI I know my kids are well cared for, loved and challenged. Each teacher at LMI really cares about the kids and takes everything they are teaching them very seriously. My 5 year old is reading with ease, adding, subtracting, and even speaking a decent amount in French. She's been teaching me all about different cultures and lands, I am always shocked with the knowledge she is gaining every day! My 3 year old knows all of her colors, numbers and letters and is happily meeting new friends and was even potty trained by her teachers!! I've seen some negative reviews on these types of sites and am really surprised. I wonder if people who have had a bad experience at LMI are negative people themselves and can't handle being in such a gentle kind environment. I urge anyone interested in learning more about Longmeadow Montessori to visit the school and get to know the staff and program.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2014

I have mixed emotions about this school. Yes many of the negutive comments were removed from this site. We personally had a bad experience at this school that left a bad taste in our mouth. The directer of the program is fine until she has a problem with your child then her attitude and treatment towards your family will change. If you do not have this situation happen then it's unfathomable to you, but if you do , you will be shocked at the behavior and treatment you will receive. Ask around and you will hear both the good and bad and decide for yourself
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2014

I am a mother of four and college professor in a related field. We are very pleased with the school in terms of leadership, teachers, academics, social development and setting. Setting: The school buildings are clean, organized, safe and inviting. Social: LMI provides curriculum and activities to foster social development within the school day and other events. Teachers: The teachers are wonderful - professional and engaging. Academics: Certainly, research the Montessori methods and curriculum (in relation to Common Core). However, LMI provides experiential learning opportunities and a balanced curriculum, including the arts. LMI teaches math and literacy in an individualized and practical way. Leadership: While some reviewers are critics of leadership, we are proponents. The director is someone parents can communicate with directly. She knows the children, guides the faculty and is very invested in LMI. When we had a concern about our son, I called her late on a Friday. She talked through the entire issue. The following Monday, she took it upon herself to work with my son. He had a successful learning experience with her, which was a turning point in his literacy development.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2014

We love LMI, it has made such a positive difference in our child's life! The teachers are a wonderful, caring group who are truly invested in their students. The academics are amazing and social skills of being caring and kind are taught and expected. If you are looking for a wonderful preschool experience, please consider LMI, it's worth every penny!
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2014

My son has been going to Longmeadow Montessori School since last year. He absolutely loves it. Ms. Joanne Hirsch the director of the school is the best. She is very friendly and approachable any time of the day you see her. All the staff here is terrific as well. They are always smiling, happy and have a positive attitude about everything, which I think is very important especially if this is going to be the first experience for your child going to school. And I can say this about each and every teacher here. They all genuinely care about the children. Unfortunately I am moving out of town and will have to find another school for my son. But I don't think I can find such nice staff anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2014

We loved LMI for both our kids. Both of our kids are "spirited", and all the teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to work with them. They have taken the time to understand what makes things click for them and have shown an individualized approach to teaching them. It is definitely not a one size fits all approach and has worked wonders for our children to grow them both academically and emotionally. Our littlest one will also be going there as soon as she is old enough to do so.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2014

My children had wonderful experiences at Longmeadow Montessori! As a Montessori teacher it was important that my children attend a Montessori preschool. At LMI, I believe they take the best pieces of Montessori and supplement with additional activities to meet the needs and interests of every child. Not only do the children use the amazing Montessori materials but they also participate in art, french, gardening, science projects, cultural celebrations, etc. My sons loved the volcano work and woodworking. There is lots of time for socialization and children are encouraged to express themselves. The staff was always extremely caring and supportive to my boys. My older son has moved onto public school and is doing great! I would highly recommend this great school!
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2014

My son began attending LMI when he was three years old. He is now enrolled in the kindergarten program there and truly enjoys it. As a public school teacher in the town of Longmeadow, I know the the demands of the Common Core Curriculum. Each day, I am amazed at what he is learning Because he does the KSwap program, he attends the public school kindergarten as well. My husband and I feel that LMI has more than prepared him for the LPS school system. The teachers at LMI present lessons in a non-threatening way that makes learning fun. There is a healthy balance between lessons related to their social emotional development and academic development. The materials used allow for concrete AND abstract thinking. My son has grown so much in so many ways because of the time the staff has spent nurturing him. There is an open line of communication. I don't hesitate to contact a teacher if there is a concern (although it has not happened often because of the staff's honesty). The monthly newsletters, First Wednesday Parent programs and social events they offer support communication and my child's social development. We look forward to sending our younger son there in the fall.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2014

My name is Gina, I am a mom of four (my oldest attended preschool and kindergarten at LMI and my four year old is there now) and a former educator. I m writing a review because I know how difficult it can be to determine where to send your kids to school. When my husband and I began looking at schools we made sure to go into the buildings, observe, meet with the faculty and directors and asked lots of questions. We felt very strongly that LMI was a great fit for our kids. My older two children are very different kids. One is outgoing, artistic, and a kinesthetic learner the other is a more reserved visual learner. Both children s needs have always been met and most importantly they are happy and love going to school. I just recently volunteered at LMI and was impressed by the activities the kids were working on and the materials they had to choose from (I actually tried to buy a few things on Amazon!). The faculty and director are terrific. They are approachable, easy to talk to and truly care about the kids. Their commitment is unparalled. Don t just listen to me or anyone else on this site, go in and see for your self. You won t be disappointed. Good Luck!
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2014

When we were first looking at pre-schools, I spoke with a friend who is an educator who had sent two of her children to LMI and loved the experience. Now, both of our daughters are currently enjoying fantastic experiences at LMI. The teachers are professional, courteous and kind, and our daughters speak highly of them on a daily basis. Our daughters' creativity has been encouraged and nurtured, and our older daughter has really blossomed at LMI. As an educator myself, I am thrilled with the progress our daughters have made at LMI, and wish all students could have the same multi-modal, differentiated pre-school education that LMI provides. I am especially impressed with the varied curriculum, especially (but not limited to) the exposure to classic art, Chinese and French. I would not hesitate to recommend LMI to any family.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2014

We had an awful experience with LMI this year and would advise parents to really do their homework before enrolling their child. We found that certain staff members do not have a lot of patience or tolerance for children who do not perfectly fit their Montessori mold or exhibit challenging behavior. If your child is extra spirited, particularly shy, inattentive at times, gifted and easily bored, delayed in meeting milestones, or just has an occasional meltdown or two, please ask around to see what other parents in the community have to say. We made the mistake of not doing this and regret it now. There was also a lot of employee turnover last year. I would ask about that, too. I think a lot of the negative reviews were deleted from this site because they reference a certain staff member which is against the site's policy, so I will refrain from doing that here. Our child is much happier at a new school this year. I do wish we could have taken a couple of teachers with us though. Some of the teachers are outstanding.