Julia Brown Schools

Posted: February 26, 2026

General flow of day to day for your child:

There are plenty of well kept resources and learning that you can visually tell is academically benefitting the children. There is a big emphasis on the children learning independently first before staff support and intervention. I love this part, especially since it helps the children learn more independence at a young age.

However, The staff are literally taught not to help the children at all, even if you see them struggling, until they verbally have to ask for the help themselves …..very strange “rituals” especially dealing with children. Children shouldn’t have to feel the excessive need to struggle, just to receive basic help. It’s ok if they try something, can’t do it, and an employee then steps in to help and assist to completion. Not contributing intentionally, just increases the chances of a child having more unsettling reactions based out of disappointment, anxiety, fear, etc.

This would be ok, if these were elementary school kids, but pushing these excessive standards and rituals on the young Pre-K to K kids is concerning honestly and just flat out too strict.

Culture/atmosphere: SELECTIVE employees are generally bright, kind, and nurturing. Parents are given nothing but respect, though they could be catered to as well, in terms of more updates on their child’s academic learning, physical safety, and socioemotional development and safety. Parents like to feel included and not left in the dark on what is going on with their child in school.

The main issue this is all pointing to is the directors and how they choose to run and conduct this business.

They view it as a business to make profits off of parents. Your kid will definitely learn a lot here, but honestly for better management, practice, and emotional security, you can find somewhere else that knows how to treats their students and employees better.

Because if they’re not treating the employees well, that affects the kids, and the kids affect the parents. So we’re all in troubled waters here, if management doesn’t improve and isnt more culturally progressive with each other and the children.

Posted: February 26, 2026

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Posted: January 8, 2026

My daughter attended the kindergarten program at Julia Brown Schools in Columbia. The school was highly recommended to me by my long-time daycare provider, and it has been a perfect fit for my daughter. She is challenged, encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, and has learned a lot of sign language. Her classmates are kind, and the teachers have been welcoming and forthright in providing feedback and insight into how she is progressing in school. I highly recommend Julia Brown Schools!

Posted: January 8, 2026

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Posted: August 5, 2025

I have had 3 children go to this school and they loved/love their time there. The ability to learn at their own pace and explore things that interest them has been huge in sparking my daughters willingness to read. Every interaction I have had with staff has been professional and enjoyable and I can tell they care about what's going on with my kids.

Posted: August 5, 2025

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Posted: November 17, 2023

My children have had a wonderful experience at Julia Brown School (Columbia location). They have learned so much academically and I also love to see their social development. The teachers allow students to grow at their own pace (a hallmark of the Montessori approach) and that helps to build their confidence. My babies really enjoy learning and love their school in general, and we will miss the school when it's time to move on.

Posted: November 17, 2023

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Posted: January 28, 2018

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Posted: January 28, 2018

We are very happy with the Montessori method and both of our children have attended Montessori schools through first grade. I do not recommend this school. As others have stated, parents are not allowed to communicate with teachers. There was a English language barrier with my son’s pk teacher and she was unable to pronounce his first name. She pronounced his name as idiot. She would then put him on a time out when he would be embarrassed and cry. Instead of trying to find out what was bothering him, she would punish him. He was 3 years old! Also, he had not learned to put his coat on and she refused to help him as it was against policy. Therefore, he was not allowed to go outside to play. When my son told me what was happening, I contacted the school director and received no response. I removed him from Julia Brown and enrolled him in another Montessori School in the area. He is very happy and doing well! The teachers even pronounce his name correctly.

Posted: January 28, 2018

Posted: September 27, 2017

JBMS is a wonderful eniviroment for children. The Montessori method/enivoriment is much different from traditional education. Parents should ways research before you enroll your child in a school. All 3 of my children have been to JBMS, and every issue I have had has been addressed. Of course, I could suggest something’s that I disagree w/ but every school your going to disagree w/ something.

Posted: February 24, 2017

I removed my child because she says her teacher continues to take her in the bathroom and wont allow her to use the bathroom by herself which SHE IS OLD ENOUGH TO DO. In addition to this my child complains about the staff I spoke to the administration SEVERAL times about different issues and nothing gets done. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE.

Posted: February 17, 2015

Former parent. My child - kicked out because, among other things, I questioned their evaluation of her performance - is now doing far better at another school. To get her into the other school, we had to have her take IQ and standardized tests: 130 IQ, 98th percentile in language arts...and 35th in mathematics, exactly what I questioned when JBMS said she was performing "at grade level." I have a bright kid who I believe they did a poor job of teaching. Several times, when picking my daughter up, I noted spelling errors on the boards they use to teach; the education at JBMS is nowhere near what we're getting at another school in terms of STEAM or breadth. Where is my daughter now? In the advanced 2nd grade class, even though the instructor noted we lost several months while JBMS brought the new Montessori kids "up to speed" on the Montessori method. They kick kids out of this school so frequently that they have a *protocol* for doing so. Ask what the average amount of time a teacher has been there - at Columbia specifically - is. If you want to trust your kid to somebody who says they're "safe in our hands" - I suggest you might want to look a little harder.

Posted: December 17, 2014

JBMS at Columbia is a wonderful place for students to grow and cultivate fundamental skills of how to learn and to love learning. Our child thrived there and in his future elementary school. His ES teachers consistently commented on how well he had been trained. They noted that he was able to excel so quickly in a new environment and was advanced in many reading/language and math areas. We could not have been happier with the broad based, hands on education he received at JBMS. The parents had the children involved in local community based activities to supplement (music, sports) the exposure at JBMS. I did not find this to be an issue as we would have enrolled in these activities anyway. For us, the school was a great fit.

Posted: December 16, 2014

We're looking at our child's next school. JBMS was ok at the PK-K level, but the instructor turnover and student departure rate has affected the educational quality. They have a new (young) administrator; the previous administrator called occasionally with status reports, and sent home notes when events were happening. The current one sent a note indicating a student had pink eye - and I believe that's all we've received. We ignored some obvious signs that we are now looking for. A music/arts program, an PE program (not simply "let them outside and run around in our tiny yard"), as well as solid science and some type of social studies or history. JBMS said these programs were in place and they really aren't - what JBMS has is superficial, at best. There's also no sense of community fostered by the school. As noted previously, Montessori schools don't encourage parental participation, and JBMS has the same approach. They also don't facilitate family interaction - that would allow the parents to band together and get the school to improve. Their position is "trust us with your child and give us your money." And that would be a mistake on your part.

Posted: December 5, 2014

This school is just as bad as Crossway Community Montessori School, DO NOT HAVE YOUR CHILD COME TO THIS SCHOOL. Scandalous administration.

Posted: June 16, 2014

We have been sending our daughter to this school for the past two years and are very happy with the quality of education provided here. Our daughter has developed well and is learning a lot of stuff from the Directress (Ms. Anderson) and the Assistants and has a good group of kids to learn and play with. Clearly the communication style practiced with the parents is different here compared to other schools and might add a bit more anxiety early on for parents that are sending their kids to a school for the first time (and might expect frequent feedback on how the kid is doing each day/week). Once they are past this phase, this is no longer an issue. Of course, the school encourages parents to set up meetings as often as needed with the Directresses. The one suggestion we have for the school is to add a few more "play area equipment" for the kids. We absolutely plan on sending our son to this school when he is ready.

Posted: May 29, 2014

Parental involvement: When I visited various other Montessori Schools, they all seem to have varying degrees of limited access to the classroom and teachers. It seems they all feel that the parents presence can often be an intrusion or distraction to the daily process. Expulsions: I do agree that the school should give reason for the dismissal of a child. However, in majority of private schools you will find that the schools are able to terminate a relationship at any time if they believe that a child/ parent is not in line with the schools mission. However if no specific reason was given for the dismisal upset feelings are understood. My personal experience: The classrooms are in good order, the teachers & assistants are all involved and the tone is very calm. This is a school environment, so the happy go lucky tone of a daycare would be absent here. The school is on the older, more lived-in side, however due to the fact that the tuition is much (significantly) less than surrounding Mont. schools, give me the clean older environment over a new building any day. I will update as my experience goes further but as for now, I am more than pleased.

Posted: April 27, 2014

Great schools! For those of you who are complaining, remember, you had your chance to check the schools out before YOU enrolled your child! My child left for public schools and could have been placed 2 years ahead of where we decided to place her! Maybe trying to be a parent at home and working with your children on things for their development would be a better idea instead of expecting teachers or schools to do so for you! All I will say is the staff is almost always professional, and the children seem to really mature and develop abilities beyond their years! My advice is to research what Montessori is! It's about teaching children to be more independent, the way the classes are set up, just look into it more! You would be very surprised. My children were in more than one of the locations due to the purchase of a new home and never had anything but positivity and professionalism! They are not a day care center, or parents, they molders of young minds!

Posted: December 17, 2013

JBMS has a history of kicking out students on a whim for any reason. It happened to me and I don't want it to happen to you! I was left without daycare for two weeks and had to stay home from work until I found something for my child. I could do it, but others could lose their job! My BIG offense??-- I asked the beforecare teacher about what activities my child does in the morning. That one question got my daughter thrown out without warning or discussion. I was in disbelief. Then I read on here how they have done the same thing to so many children. They are complete wackos and should have their licensed revoked. I'm considering a lawsuit. Please don't send you child here. There is no stability or security for your child here!!

Posted: August 21, 2013

I am very disappointed with the school. The concept of the school is not right for kids. It is just like a small prison. Parents are not allowed to talk to teachers directly which is ridiculous. The school cares their business much more than kids.

Posted: April 16, 2013

I am a parent of two children one currently attending JBMS and one who has graduated. My family has been a part of the JBMS family since 2006 and we are very pleased to have chosen JBMS for our daughter s early education. My oldest daughter now 9, began attending JBMS at age 2. From the first day she absolutely loved it. We were new to the area and she was able to meet lots of friends and form bonds that are still tight today. The Montessori method of education was a perfect fit for my active and curious child. Being able to learn at her own pace was exactly what she needed. During the 6 years at JBMS she flourished. Now as a fourth grader in a public school she is doing excellent. She is on or above grade level in all subjects. She has a strong foundation, established at JBMS. My younger daughter age 2, is beginning the program for the first time this year. She is recognizing sounds, shapes and colors. More importantly at that age, are her manners. She is learning how to be polite, follow instructions and how to play effectively with her peers. Before choosing JBMS we toured other daycare facilities. None were as clean with such polite staff and well mannered children as JBMS.

Posted: September 5, 2012

I am extremely impressed with JBMS. My daughter has been there a little less than a year and the staff has stayed consistent thus far. Every time I had an question or concern my I have never had an issue with speaking with anyone. My daughter is very excited when going to school and has made a lot of friends. I would have to agree with the other parents that if you are considering enrolling your child definitely do your research about the Montessori method because it's not for everyone. Please go visit the school yourself it's a very good school.

Posted: December 5, 2011

My daughter has been attending the Columbia location for 2 years now. I've never seen the rudeness that people mention. One thing I don't like is all questions has to go the directress and not the teacher/assistant. My daughter (who is 4.5 now) has learned a lot over the last two years and especially under Ms America since Fall'11. I think the class size has fallen to about 15 from 25 last year and I think that has given a chance for the teacher to spend more time with the kids. My daughter's reading, counting, adding, singing has improved dramatically in the last 4 months. I gave 2 stars for the policy of not letting parents talk to teachers/assistants directly except for the bi-annual PT meeting. They also have two observing sessions a year where you watch your child but not interact with them during class hours. Also the fact that they serve Vegetarian lunch makes it convenient for us to let her eat at school once in a while as we are vegetarians. I might let my second daughter also attend JBMS if we are still in this area in another 2 years.

Posted: August 28, 2011

I'm shocked at the negatives reviews and I believe many of these must not be for the Columbia location. We have been at JBMS in Columbia for three years and have had an extremely positive experience. We have had amazing communication with all staff members, to include receiving notification from the staff for every bump and scrape on the playground to having telephone messages promptly returned when we had a question. The Montessori approach may not be suitable for everyone and I would encourage anyone who plans to consider this school to read about the Montessori approach prior to visiting so you'll understand the environment and how it differs from "daycare".

Posted: July 18, 2011

I've read through a number of reviews and I'm shocked by the comments. My daughter has been attending this school for 4 years now and is thriving in this challenging academic environment. I have had no problems communicating with teachers and/or the principal. My daughter is WAY above grade level in all subjects. In fact, parents who have switched schools regret their decision. This Montessori school stresses independent thinking and provides a challenging academic environment for its students.

Posted: May 26, 2011

The worst school in Maryland. The environment is prison-like and I can't figure out what the $1000 a month is for. My niece will NOT be attending!

Posted: March 15, 2011

Seems to be a trend on this board and one I agree with, the management and turnover at JB Montessori is quite absurd. We met with 2 nice folk at Columbia's JB school in considering enrollment. When enrollment time came we found out both had been fired and a new soon to be on maternity leave replacement had been chosen. We are so glad we got our application declined and money back, since the school refused to take our phone calls. We were shocked to see so many like minded parents on this site. We can definitely recommend St. Mary's of the Mills and Pallotti Early Learning Center for your children, they have been very easy to work with over the years.

Posted: March 12, 2011

This "montessori" school is more like a rigid daycare. The owners do not care about educating children. They run the school more like a dictatorship.The children are not allowed creative expression, they are trained to be "well behaved" robots. If you really care about your child's education then DO NOT send your them here!

Posted: February 15, 2011

I would not send my kid to this school if you want to find a caring school for your kid.

Posted: February 9, 2011

I received a phone call on Monday dismissing my child from the Columbia school because I questioned the high turnover rate of the administrator position. We are on our 5th or 6th administrator in 1.5 yrs. I was told that Monday was his last day, we should pick up all his belongings and he is not to return to school the next day. He is nearly 4 yrs old and has been there for more than 1.5 yrs (since he was 2.5 yrs old) and has made a lot of friends. I had to explain to him that he did not do anything wrong, he is being expelled because they are mad at mommy. He does not understand why he cannot see his friends or favorite teacher anymore. Why dismiss a child in the middle of the school year and disrupt his schedule if your main interest is childhood education? Especially since he did nothing wrong! I am very disappointed. After reading the reviews below, I realize that there is a pattern of dismissing kids as desired at this school. The children should not have to suffer because the adults disagree.

Posted: January 25, 2011

Please DO NOT enroll your child in this school. I recieved a phone call last night at 10:45 PM and was told my child could not return EVER and i was not to come pick up her belonings. My child only went here for 2.5 weeks. I had yet to meet her teacher and to see how she was doing, I am not an overprotective parent, but I think I should at least know my childs teacher. He said I was not to interact with anyone but the directress. They also sent my child home with a 99.1 tempurature last tuesday. She was in school for 2.5 weeks and never brought home an art project or anything. She isn't even 3 yet, she should clearly be doing something creative EVERYDAY. These are children that should be having fun, not programmed into little robots. Please take all of these reviews VERY seriously. I wish I would have known about this website BEFORE i enrolled my child. No one should be recieving phone calls at 10:45 p.m. that there child can't come back to school.

Posted: January 11, 2011

I've read through all of the other reviews and would be remiss if I did not post. My children have been with JBMS for 5+ years now. Both are thriving academically and are happy. The environment at JBMS is nurturing for children to grow and learn. I can say that my children are almost 2 academic grades ahead in certain subjects and I attribute that to the teachers, etc. If either of my children are hurt, sick, whatever, the school calls and informs me. JBMS is absolutely open to parent involvment and communication. I can speak to any teacher, administrator or Julia Brown herself if I need to. Overall, JBMS is an OUTSTANDING school and I am sad that they only go to 3rd grade.

Posted: January 10, 2011

Giving this school 1 start is and overstatement. WORST SCHOOL EVER!!! I am not sure how they are still in business. Its is a business only not a school. The owners are a disgrace to Montessori Education and should have their licensee taken away. PLEASE do your family a favor and remove your child from Julia Brown and never consider this a form of childcare/school. It makes me ill knowing what goes on in that environment.

Posted: November 21, 2010

My daughter was expelled because I asked to be informed on the days when she didn't nap. They strongly discourage parent communication.

Posted: November 18, 2010

The school itself was nice. I liked the uniforms. however... They kicked my child (almost 3 years old) out because when she said her finger got burned and the teacher put ice on it, I went back in to ask about it. I didn't believe it happened (and even told them that), but needed to follow up on what my daughter said. they called my wife 2 hours later and said she may not come back to school because we don't trust the school. We asked to meet and have a face to face, and the directory said there was no discussion. one other earlier incident happened, there was a small bump on her lip. the administrator at the school (ms. America) said if my daughter says anything or complains about pains, come ask/tell them immediately. so following her advice I did so when my daughter was telling what I almost completely believed was a story.