Monocacy Valley Montessori School

Posted: April 11, 2026

As a parent of a current student that goes here, please do not send your kids here. The principal is so rude and doesn't listen to the kids, often telling them to shut up. It is so disrespectful and unfair to the children at this school. Children get suspended for false accusations all the time and the teaching is mediocre at best. The only good teacher for my student was the science teacher, who actually cares about the students learning and about the student. I feel that my child is unprepared for high school because of the bad quality teaching.

Posted: April 11, 2026

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Posted: April 2, 2026

I am a former student of this school - I would absolutely not recommend this school to any parent looking for an "alternative method" to public schools unless your child is in the 5-10 age group. As soon as you are transferred to the middle school, teachers start to treat you differently. Students are out of control, the counselors have little to no care for any of you given your "bad reputation" and none of the electives teachers really care about you.

I was bullied for a majority of my middle school years, and so was my little brother who, at the time, was in 5th grade. My little brother was getting everyday harassment, bullying (physically AND emotionally) and the principal told our family that if my little brother hadn't 'started a feud' in the first place, none of this would've happened. Not only is the school principal ridiculously self-righteous and rarely present, she made no effort in my brother's bullying. We had to file a restraining order after my brother was hit in the face with a ball and knocked unconscious.

There was one kid who had threatened to school up the entire school - sent pictures of a weapon, shared it with classmates, scared everyone half to death. They made him read a note *apologizing* to us a week later. He faced absolutely ZERO reprimands for what he had done. There are very few teachers in the middle school who are outstanding, and treated me better than anyone had in that school, one in specific, but that is absolutely not enough for teenagers. Do not send your kids here. And if you are, keep them OUT of the middle school.

Posted: April 2, 2026

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Posted: March 12, 2026

A Caucasian special needs boy called my daughter stupid twice, to which she responded and she was written up for bullying/harassment. He called another black child the N-word and the boy he called the N-word report it to the teacher and he was disciplined for repeating the word and the white boy got off with no consequence. Tried reaching out to the principal and she tried to shut me down telling me her staff reported the matter and she believed them as if adults hear and see everything with no proper investigation. While I was talking she was so disrespectful, sighing aloud expressing her frustration to my concerns. I will be taking my black child out of that school. I gave two stars for the prek teacher and the science

Posted: March 12, 2026

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Posted: May 28, 2025

I am a current student and they treat a lot of us terribly
We get screamed at everyday
I am separated from other students everyday and whenever I try and talk I am shushed or yelled at. While other students are able to scream and yell.
This school sucks

Posted: May 28, 2025

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Posted: May 19, 2015

My child has been here for 5 years and we love this school. The Montessori method of teaching has been a blessing for our child and most of the staff are clearly passionate about their students and seeing them succeed. While there have been some bumps in the road (as all schools have) a new principal has come in this year and she is FANTASTIC. There is a fresh feel to this school that just celebrated 13 years of service to Frederick County students. I love that it is a small school of only 300 students and goes all the way thru 8th grade so that my child will not have to endure the hard transition middle school often brings. I look forward to 4 more years working with the parents and teachers to maintain this excellent learning program.

Posted: April 3, 2014

We are very fortunate to be one of the lucky ones to get into the charter school we have been at this school for over 5 years. Yes it's a charter public school (free) not a private school so there are Obstacles to our funding. I ask my children if they are happy and that's what is important for us. The teachers here have been wonderful and I have never been dismissed by the faculty with questions or concerns. I will never forget how fortunate we are:) they have learned a lot not just on paper but as a good person in life.

Posted: April 2, 2014

If I could give this school a negative rating I would... it's very sad, because the environment of Montessori is so positive, yet the administration and the newer teachers at this school do not live up to that. My children do not use the fantastic manipulatives that are part of Montessori, they rarely get a lesson (maybe 1x per month) and complete packet after packet of math materials vs. the hands on learning that is part of Montessori. The school is not the same it was when the founding families started the school, nor is it living up to the vision that the founding families had for the school. The administration does nothing to address teacher issues or student issues. Complaints or concerns are ignored unless escalated. My children have been at the school for many years, but it has gotten so bad recently, I will be finding another alternative for them because this is not a positive environment.

Posted: July 13, 2012

We were overall pleased with our first year at this school--our child was happy and made great progress. I think it's a good teaching method that accommodates her restlessness. One thing I especially liked was the large number of field trips--this made school extra fun and interesting. I also appreciate the Spanish instruction and wish there could be even more of that. Good emphasis on theater and music. This school has a high level of parent involvement, and there are lots of fun events throughout the year (plays, picnics, swaps, etc.) I thought the principal was good--seemed hardworking, not "goofing off" as one parent said--I didn't encounter any problems. One downside was some rude infighting among parents over the music program that spilled onto the school's list serve--very inappropriate. I think charter schools have a tendency to attract people who aren't happy with the school system for various reasons--and some of these folks will be unhappy no matter where they are. Building has its charms, but the biggest downside is no gymnasium.

Posted: July 1, 2012

Well, the school has a terrible principal, and she did these TERRIBLE things: Didn't provide a student the strings program, and she also tore apart a good terrific strings program. Plus, there's been no AP (assistant principal) since the old one there left. The principal and another teacher don't care about their jobs, so they just goof off to get their paycheck.

Posted: June 17, 2012

We just finished our first year at MVMPCS and love it! My son was in Kindergarten and learned so much - not just learned it but actually understands what he learned! Small community feel to the school and a lot of opportunity to volunteer in the classroom.

Posted: February 11, 2012

We have attended this school for several years. Since Mrs. Bowan left, the school has gone down hill. It used to a school governed by the parents, the teachers the board and the principal. Now, it has morphed into a school that has the same problems most public schools have and then some. The current principal does not support the parents if there is a problem in the class room. This school may be better than some of the local schools but it is no longer the gem of Frederick County Public Schools. It is very sad to see something that was once so special turn into something that is only better than the worst performers in the county. We will not be returning next year.