We have several years of experience at Meadow Montessori. For the most part, the staff and teachers are all nice people. The classes are small, which is great, and the students and families are all a wonderful bunch of people. However...When it comes to educational effectiveness and teaching without projecting political bias onto the students, the school needs to SIGNIFICANTLY improve. These 2 issues became a problem in middle school and beyond grades. And perhaps that's why there are usually only 1 to 4 students in each graduating class. Unfortunately, we had many issues in these areas which we tried to resolve with the head of the school without any success. In the end, we pulled our child out and lost over $8,000 for the pre-paid yearly tuition after only spending 1 month into the school year (note: full-year payment is due up front). We expressed exactly why we were leaving, cited exact examples (including the tipping point), and asked for at least a partial refund but no refund of any kind was offered. Of course, this is just a very brief summary of our personal opinions based on our experience with Meadow Montessori in Monroe Michigan. I would like to say this evaluation is focused on the middle school years and beyond. The lower elementary years (pre middle school) were a pleasant experience. The teacher focused on education in a totally non-political manner. There was never a need to engage the head of the school, and our child did get a lot out of those initial early school years.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2015
From foreign language (Chinese and Spanish) to learning air/string instruments this school is above average. The middle school grades and younger score high grades on the ACT and the High School kids take pride in dual college enrollment. Not only do they take pride in education but they use peace as a teaching mechanism the children including the Kindergarten and preschoolers use "i care rules". Another very important part of Montessori Education is Independence, the kids from pre-school to high school wash their own dishes and help clean up their school. My kids are happy too and this school is definitely worth it.
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2012
We moved our boys to Meadow this school year. They are in the 1st and 4th grades. We were a little nervous moving our 9 year old from his old school and friends. We needed to move our children because they weren't being challenged at their individual levels in the public system due to classroom / teacher ratio. Best decision we have made as parents. We continue to be amazed. Our only regret is that we didn't enroll them in MMS 3 years ago. Ms. Cathe is an exceptional leader. Each teacher, each assistant, each MMS staff member is fantastic. I feel very safe sending our children here, physically and emotionally. We were concerned about the drive and the expense, but, after watching our children flourish in countless ways, we have made it our top priority for the next 11 years. This is an investment in our children. We truly feel the benefits they are gaining will be lifelong. The curriculum is excellent and we see them being more respectful, having a stronger work ethic, far more self-confident and sincerely happy. Can't say enough.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2012
My son attended Meadow Montessori School for grades 7-12. He was extremely well prepared for college and life. The teaching faculty is tremendous and the curriculum is challenging. The opportunities for travel let him experience the world. His education was rich.
Submitted by other on November 22, 2012
This school is excellent. Very professional but still relaxed. My granddaughter is in 1st grade and to listen to her vs public school children in 2nd and 3rd grade is amazing. Her vocabulary, her knowledge is above and beyond anything learned in public schools. "When I take her places with me people comment: I will save to send my kids to this type of schooling she is amazing for her age."There teachers are very caring and loving to each and every child. Montessori education not only surpasses traditional education it develops a person into a wonderful human being. To say anything else proves you have not done much research in this area. Anyone who has questions about Montessori education should view Dr. Steven Hughes on utube.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2012
My granddaughter thrives at Meadow Montessori, where she is beginning her third year. The teachers -- all of them -- are terrific and extremely committed to their students. They are warm, loving and caring for each child. The Montessori method of education is outstanding and I have found that Peace really is an attainable goal. The administration has bent over backward to make it affordable for our family. And it is fun! The children are happy and get along well with all age groups and are eager to learn. There are no big discipline issues; the teachers have time to actually teach. And the children do learn. This is a first-rate school.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2012
My child has been attending this school for three years. The staff and faculty are first-rate; they have a vested interest in maintaining the school's excellence as most of them have children attending the school. My child comes home every day tired but happy, glowing with the day's experiences. The cost of the school is comparable to the local parochial schools and is a bargain compared to other Montessori schools. The school has wonderful outdoor space for playtime and the study of nature. Good community, good children, good school!