Central Montessori School

323 North 20th Street

Richmond, VA 23223

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-4
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 11, 2022

Poor communication from administration. Forbidden from talking to the teachers directly unless it’s during a twice a year parent teacher conference. Too much staff rotation during naps and poor record keeping. The owner of the school, Anita, said she doesn’t take action on parent feedback because she has no problem keeping students at the school. No transparency into how your vigils is doing at the school. Any concerns are brushed off as it being a “transitional time period” for your child. You are not allowed to directly talk to the teachers for SIX weeks and then only with Administration present and only during that meeting another parent teacher conference. No one at pick up or drop off at the gate know the Primary children (ages 3-5 years old). Unfortunately if your child is too young to communicate well you won’t know what is happening. Please see the multiple violations for this facility on the social services website (they conduct state inspections).
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2022

We had a very unpleasant experience with this establishment. From a revolving door of teachers to the absence of communication from staff and administration, much was lacking at Central. The communication issues were evident from the start. We never received a school calendar or got added to the mailing list upon enrollment, so we were surprised with several school closures in our initial time there. Over the course of roughly six months, the teachers were unable to follow through on the meager commitment of one short note per week to let us know how our child was doing in class. We had no idea what he was doing during the day and eventually he returned home with language and behavior consistent with a complete lack of Montessori principles being used in the classroom. ("I'm a bad kid... I'm going to sit in the corner....etc.) After voicing concern about multiple changes in teacher with no notification, the director told me the new assistant teacher wasn't certified, didn't have the requisite experience, but was "super interested in teaching Montessori." At this point, I started enquiring about our location of waitlists elsewhere. It is clear that Central knows they have parents trapped due to the lack of options for childcare in the area, because they let the disorganization and unprofessionalism continue. We eventually could tell that our child was not receiving the care or education we were promised, so we found a new school where he is absolutely thriving. I sincerely hope that a change in leadership can turn the ride at Central for the sake of the other children and families still enrolled.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2021

We have been at Central since 2018 and could not be more satisfied. Our child is thriving, even with the great disruption of the pandemic. The school focuses on not only academic skills, but practical life skills, healthy living, and social responsibility. We could all learn some lessons from the modeling the school provides!
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2017

Outstanding in every regard. Our children love Central Montessori -- and so do we!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2016

Our son is thriving at CMS! I can't say enough positive things about the teachers, atmosphere and education.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2016

I am a founding family of this school and have seen the growth from the beginning. Our family has relied upon the Montessori principles taught to us by Central staff in our home. It has made our parenting less stressful and more organized. My child automatically responds to the Montessori language.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2016

I love this school! The teachers are fantastic and the students are learning in a really supportive and positive environment. The curriculum provides students with a strong basis in math and reading, and the classroom environment fosters self-discipline. The school also prioritizes student health and encourages healthy food choices and lots of outdoor play time. Plus the school is open from 8 AM to 5 PM throughout the year. Brilliant!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2016

I have been so impressed with the staff at Central. My two children are blossoming and are so happy. Our toddler's language development and his interpersonal skills have become so much better and I know part of it is due to the staff's attention to him.
Submitted by other on November 20, 2015

Central Montessori has done a terrific job at cleaning up a dilapidated building. The finished product is a benefit to the neighborhood and will certainly raise property values! Thank you, Central Montessori, for your contributions to making the neighborhood overall a better place.
Submitted by other on November 12, 2015

Central Montessori has two locations, the infant program on East Marshall and the primary and up on North 20th. The Infant program has really brightened that once depressing corridor. The planters full of plants always cheer me up. The site on North 20th has a really neat solar tree house that is really inspiring. What great places!
Submitted by other on November 12, 2015

Both the infant/toddler program and the elementary school are staffed by caring and talented teachers. The grounds are lovely and geared towards education. The students are happy to share their love of learning. It is a breath of fresh air! We need more schools like this!!
Submitted by other on August 17, 2015

Not talking about the school academically, but as a neighbor. When the school opened on East Marshall we were all delighted to have them in the neighborhood. However after several months we would rather have almost anyone else. During the renovation they constantly left building materials, nails etc. on sidewalk. Now on the Marshall St side the grass is at least two foot in some spots. Are they simply ignorant in the law that they are responsible for this area, (which I doubt) or simply don't care. The front planters that they built are a eyesore. This school is a disgrace.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2013

I love, love, love this school. I looked all around town and by far this is the best choice. I am so happy my granddaughter is there.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

The administrator/owner wasn't truthful about not having space at the school for our children. She told us to apply for the upcoming school year after we visited and we did. We spent two hours on the applications and mailed the applications, we received an e-mail stating they didn't have space for 2013-14. However, the administrator sent my friend an e-mail stating they were only accepting Montessori families and we are coming from Montessori. We wouldn't have spent so much time on the process had we known that our applications wouldn't even be considered. We would have appreciated a straighforward & honest answer up front.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2011

Central is a wonderful full-day/ year-round Montessori school in Richmond, VA that is tailored for working parents. Tuition is affordable (no after school costs needed) and can be paid monthly. Admin costs are offset by parent volunteer hours. The school currently serves toddlers up to 3rd graders, with plans to create a 4-6 grade class. Teachers are certified and well-trained in the Montessori method. The school has a strong community and conservation focus. All children learn about proper nutrition and how to care for the environment. It offers a strong arts and science curriculum and students as young as 3 participate in a science fair each year. Older students often take field trips to the Science and Fine Arts Museums. Parent involvement is incredibly high. The kids play outside in an organic "outdoor classroom" for up to 2 hours each day. Piano lessons, girl/boy scouts, swimming lessons (at the YMCA during the summer months), and soccer are offered as extras. The staff and teachers are great and they truly appreciate and welcome parent involvement in their classrooms. My daughter started 2 years ago at age 3 and we will be keeping her there for elementary school.
Submitted by parent on April 20, 2010

I always knew I wanted to send my son to montessori school, most schools were 2 days a week, 3 days a week or have day for his age. I needed a 5 day a week full day program. Central Montessori is an amazing 5 day program. It has a diverse student body. Students have an appreciation for learning, eating healthy food and respecting the earth. Parent information meetings are the icing on the cake. Parents and children volunteer together most weekend to improve the school. I strongly recomend this school.