Montessori Achievement Centre

Posted: July 22, 2024

At first, I was so excited to find Montessori Achievement Centre, I was looking for a traditional Montessori preschool for my daughter. During the tour, I asked a few questions to confirm what they advertised on their website -- that they were a traditional Montessori school. I asked Patricia, the founder and director, if there were any ways in which they deviated from traditional Montessori practices and principles and she said, "no, we don't deviate at all from traditional Montessori practices."

So, I was shocked when picking up my 2 year old a little early from "Montessori time" (830am-130pm) to find the entire school huddled around a TV watching Troll cartoons. This is a double whammy of violating the Montessori principles of not using technology/screen time and avoiding fantasy. After asking Patricia about it, she confirmed that they put the kids in front of the television when it was hot outside. (With the location in East County, it is hot a lot in the afternoons.) Given that they lied about staying true to traditional Montessori practices and principles, I didn't feel safe continuing to leave my toddler in their care, because I don't trust that they aren't misleading about other areas of their care. I understand if a preschool decides to use TV sometimes, but I don't feel that it's okay to mislead parents about it.

Their communication has been terrible from day one, from not telling me everything I needed to bring with her on the first day of school even when I specifically asked, to not informing me of major milestones like the first time she went on the potty. Since I've pulled my daughter out, I have not been able to get a response from the school about getting my full refund (they only sent a check with a portion of the security deposit and no explanation on why they are not refunding me for the entire security deposit plus the days she will not be attending in July) nor a reply to any of my emails.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Posted: August 14, 2013

My daughter attended the summer session from June to August. She is almost 4. In summertime, they offer swim lessons during the school day. Bubbles swim school is right next door. They teach the kids patriotic songs and had the fire department come out to visit with the fire truck. Really cut school. The school is located on a quiet street in a renovated private home. It has a safe and familiar feel. They have a play structure and a sand box that is shaded for the kids to play. They have a covered picnic table area where the kids are expected to use manners and clean up after themselves. All the teachers speak Spanish. They offer music, art and Spanish class on select days. Unfortunately we aren't continuing for the regular school year. The 4 year olds are required to attend 4 days per week and the tuition goes up from an already steep price tag. If money is not an issue for you, I recommend this school for your young child.

Posted: June 7, 2012

Love this preschool. I can not believe how much my children have learned here and how caring the teachers are. What a wonderful place for children to attend preschool.

Posted: March 8, 2010