Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School

Posted: December 5, 2022

My experience with this school was horrible. My son (lower elementary) loved being able to go to school to learn everyday, but he hated being bullied by a child twice his size in the process. There is a lack of communication between the teachers in regard to bullying that is taking place in different classrooms. If you are having an issue with something that happened in a class other than your child's homeroom class, 9 times out of 10 the homeroom teacher doesn't know about it because the other teacher didn't mention it. The learning environment was about as average as any other public school. It can be very busy at times and a bit overwhelming for a child if they're not use to making decisions for themselves about what activities to do next. I don't understand how they claim to be a school that is based on allowing children the ability to move around freely, but then the teacher complains if your child moves around more than other children. As far as bully is concerned, the students are able to get away with bullying because the principal doesn't have a clue about what is going on. Then when an issue is brought to her attention nothing is done about the matter either way. When an issue of one child doing something to another child is brought to the attention of the teachers they hold the children accountable by talking to them about how they could have handled a situation differently and what they should do in the future instead of what was done this time. They are great with communicating with parents about events such as fundraising, changes to the calendar, and other activities. In my opinion, if you're child gets accepted into a different charter school definitely choose that one.

Posted: December 5, 2022

Posted: December 5, 2022

Posted: December 5, 2022

Posted: December 5, 2022

Posted: December 5, 2022

Posted: December 5, 2022

Posted: March 28, 2019

School is strong at identifying students with potential disabilities then educating them. However, some guides are not strong in this area.

Posted: March 28, 2019

The bullying is rampant. Students know they will get away with it.

Posted: March 28, 2019

I would give this school four out of five.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Posted: March 28, 2019

It's very hit or miss. The Children's House (PK3-K) has solid classrooms with remarkable Guides. Lower Elementary has some very good classrooms and two remarkable Guides. Upper Elementary has great teachers in half of the classrooms. The AC however, is another story. Half the students work very hard, the other half have no Montessori background and the teachers have no cultural understanding.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Many students are advocates for themselves and learn valuable lessons on how to be a good person, but there is a bullying issue. The issue isn't the kids, it's the lack of consistent repercussions for being a bully.

Posted: March 28, 2019

The problem is that there is not enough admin. Each level should have a VP or AD (assistant director). 1 for children's house, 1 for elementary 1 for middle school.

Posted: December 14, 2018

Posted: December 14, 2018

Posted: December 14, 2018

The Children's House program is strong, with a diverse staff. From there it's downhill, with class sizes that are too large, and less diverse guides.

Posted: December 14, 2018

Low cultural competence. The principal is uptight, and uses other admin to compensate for her weakness.

Posted: December 14, 2018

There are not enough services, or extra supports. They do a good job of seeking aides, however, and the one on one Aides they do employ are top notch.

Posted: December 14, 2018

Posted: December 14, 2018

As an employee, I felt unsupported, discriminated against, and micromanaged. I believe in empowering students, but these students had little to no consequences to their own detriment. They were clear that they need not follow rules. I am, certainly, disgruntled, after being forced out, not even mid-year, after putting in sincere effort, but this had only happened twice before in my 27 years of service. I wish someone had warned me of the micro-management, and lack of support, so I would not have been forced to find alternate employment. However, the work environment was so toxic, I was actually relieved to be fired. I felt horrible for my students though. I must admit that I would recommend their preschool program, but I'd transfer after.

Posted: June 9, 2017

I love the school and many of the teachers here. My children have had wonderful teachers. However, I get the sense that bullying is not addressed at all outside the classroom spaces. Some teachers do address bullying, but there is no cohesive approach throughout the school culture. Aftercare is a mess. Kids are throwing rocks! There does seem to be a disconnect between most parents and leadership. There is a vocal group of parenst who have the ear of the leadership, but they are a small handful and not representative of the school as a whole. I am uncertain whether my children will continue after the next year if positive changes are not made. I also don't understand the high rate of teacher turnover and the way in which dedicated staff seem to be shuffled around with no rhyme or reason from year to year. If high teacher turnover is a problem, why choose to cut dedicated teachers who contribute to the school?

Posted: June 9, 2017

Posted: June 9, 2017

Posted: June 9, 2017

Bullying is not addressed. In theory it does, and in some classroom spaces, but not as a culture.

Posted: June 9, 2017

Posted: June 9, 2017

Posted: June 9, 2017

Posted: May 12, 2017

This school lacks leadership and they have a high turn over rate for staff. My oldest daughter has been through two teachers and the youngest working in the third one. The principal is very passive and doesn't handle violent situations well imo. This school has a serious bullying issue. A lot of the staff members are young they are more worried about engaging in personal conversation they pay very little attention to the kids during recess. A lot of the staff members have relatives in the school so they receive favoritism. The bathrooms and halls are always disgusting. Some of the teachers are really great but some aren't stern with the kids they have no control over the classroom. This school has very little resources for families found through a crisis. They are constantly asking for money for something yet never had any resources for low income households who maybe experiencing a rough patch. This school need firm leadership to really prepare these kids for the real world outside of the Montessori. I am strongly considering taking my kids out due to the frequent staff changes it's very unstable

Posted: November 7, 2016

This school is awesome. Our son enrolled in the 4th grade. His old school recommended meds. and said he couldnt focus on his work.
His reading and math were below grade level. In Montessori the same teachers are with a student for 3yrs. His teachers had so much patience. Now in 6th grade he is a focused student who is exceeding his level expectations. Most importantly, he loves school and learning. His old Baltimore County school had almost destroyed that enthusiasm.
That school expected all children to learn the same thing, the same way, at the same time all while sitting still in a seat for long periods of time. No wonder so many children can't focus. It's totally in contradiction with their development. BMPCS is an oasis in the Baltimore City and County School Systems There are 1000+ families on the waitlist If the Baltimore City School Board would embrace this school model and open many more Montessori schools, Baltimore city would become a beacon to parents. I personally know 3 families that would move to the city if they could go to this school. The only other Montessori opportunities in the area cost $15000 per student. Public Montessori is wanted and needed. Thank you to Allson Shecter, founder and director and her amazing staff.

Posted: September 8, 2016

My two daughters are in the Children's House at BMPCS for the past two years and they love it. I enjoy the Montessori way of teaching especially for the younger grades. Both their teachers have taught at private Montessori schools and provide the same level of teaching you would get at a private school. I am impressed by some the concepts they are introduced to such as multiplication in pre-k! I believe it may be difficult for students used to traditional teaching to migrate to Montessori environment initially and may take time. In my opinion its best to be introduced at an early stage. They don't give homework which is my only disappointment. But overall I am very grateful to have been able to get into the program and to have this opportunity for my kids in the city.

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: November 29, 2015

Posted: November 29, 2015

Posted: November 29, 2015

Posted: November 29, 2015

As a parent of two children at BMPCS and a longtime believer in both Montessori education broad curriculum and public school education, I feel that Baltimore Montessori is doing a great job at educating our children, looking beyond the barriers of testing to the social/emotional needs of each child and focusing on real world connections on a daily basis. The leadership shows a great deal of trust in her community both within the school and surrounding the school. She is outside the front door every morning to greet both parents and students each morning with a smile. She entrenches herself in issues beyond the classroom, focusing on the needs of students and the surrounding community. The teachers seem to be constantly learning and growing from each other and the surrounding community as well. It is a welcoming environment that allows parents into classrooms for a variety of activities. In regards to the comment that my children's school is unaware of white privilege seems very off in my opinion. The staff does a great deal to educate themselves on race and class issues. The daily community meetings that happen in my child's class seem to not only focus on present day issues, but help students look beyond their neighborhood or community to a larger world view. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a balanced education for their students and for themselves.

- BMPCS Parent

Posted: September 10, 2015

School leadership is generally unaware of white privilege and is off theark when it comes to addressing race issues. There is a clear divide inside the school and the ainistration feels its being addressed but clearly its not.

Furthermore the curriculum is so underwhelming, children will not go one to succeed at a more competitive school without a lot of external extra curricular support.

Posted: February 17, 2015

This school has wonderful parent involvement and a really friendly staff. There's a dedication to the flow of the school that you can't help but to appreciate. When in the office I feel completely welcomed and at random kids walk around to offer warm cookies they just made in the kitchen with the cooking aid. I love that about the school. Also the parents have the same goals for their children's learning environment that bring us supportively together. The only reason I gave my school 4 out of 5 is because there are challenges for new families to get the hang of the pace of the Montessori curriculum especially if you don't start you kid at a pre-k level. It can be hard to gage where your child stands right away because your not going to see graded work. It would be helpful to have a workshop to coach new families on tips and tools to improve the overall understanding of the learning method before school starts. I would suggest doing research on the lifestyle and learning style of Montessori teachings before you start this school so you can have the tools to encourage your child from home also.

Posted: January 14, 2015

BMPCS is an amazing school. My family and I are so fortunate to have this gem in our backyard. The staff are dedicated , caring , and extremely knowledgeable. I have 5 year old twins, who have attended BMPCS for 2 years, and every day they literally run top speed to school. We LOVE BMPCS!!

Posted: November 21, 2014

Honestly, this school should have been shut down a long time ago. My son is exceedingly bright, and did well above advanced on the MSA. One year at this school, and he became basic in math. How could this happen unless the staff was negligent? And how can we, as parents, help our children when there is no homework and nothing to study? Great concept, lacking appication.

Posted: April 20, 2014

This is an absolutely wonderful school. I love the Montessori style of education and Baltimore is so privileged to have a public Montessori school that students can attend free of charge. The teachers and staff are amazing, the school is extremely well run, and it is a wonderful learning environment for children.

Posted: March 24, 2014

I can't figure out why the school does not offer a full-day program for the 3 year olds. Where is the extra cost? 3 year olds are part of the 3-5 year old classrooms. When they go home, no teachers or aides from those classrooms leave. They stay with the 4-5 year olds. So if there is no additional personnel cost, what is the issue? I understand the difficulty of finding an aftercare vendor for 3 year olds (staff ratio problems for that age), whether the kids are released at noon or 3pm, but with those children already in the building, they have the ability to create their own aftercare program. There are other inner city, public Montessori programs in other cities where the 3 year olds are included in the full-day program, and have an aftercare program. Only certain families can afford and arrange the logistics for the 3 year old program, and it shuts out working and middle class working parents especially. As the entry point to the school, the design of this excludes children of working parents from the school long-term, as those 3 year olds move into the 4 year old slots.

Posted: March 22, 2014

I wish I could abstain from the star rating as my child does not attend this school, but I am not able to do that. I do want to chime in regarding the 3-year-old half-day issue. My 3 year old was accepted to Baltimore Montessori via the lottery, but the fact that it is half day for the 3-year-old class WITHOUT ANY AFTERCARE made Montessori not possible for this working mom. And while it is true that there are no other public school options for 3-year-olds, a 2.5 hour day is harder logistically and more expensive for working parents (assuming you have to hire a part-time nanny) than most day-care facilities. I do wonder what is behind the half-day/no aftercare policy and what effect that policy has on the demographics of the families who accept places in the school.

Posted: February 22, 2014

I have to say in response to the 02/09 post that I have never seen open wires in the school and that I know for a fact that the leadership does send there children there since two of the kids are in my daughters class. Also, where else can you send your 3 year old ALL day? five days a week?? besides daycare. I would venture to say it may be BCPS policy that three year olds can not attend an all day 5 day a week program but I do not know for sure. I don't think it exists which is one of the reasons this school is so popular because it is a free pre-k program.Regardless, its too long of a day for a 3 year old anyway past 11:30. I feel genuinely welcomed.

Posted: February 19, 2014

I once felt the way the person who posted on 2/9 did. Most of what s/he says is true. (leadership does send their kids here and I never saw 'open wires') To bring a free Montessori school into a depressed neighborhood is tough and I don't see a way around the problems mentioned. People who love Montessori are going to flock to the public version of it, and that's going to create a cultural disconnect between 'hipsters' and others. I'm not sure how hard the school is working to fix that. It also is a pretty tough thing to fix. But my daughter loves it, the interactions between all involved are loving and real, the kids seemed challenged in ways I haven't seen ever in public school. I always have a nice feeling in the school despite my desire to be a hater. Montessori education is about the whole child, and that's evident here from top to bottom. I think it may be difficult for kids to come in after several years of regular public education because the focus is on self-motivation, not the system of rewards they are used to. But what more valuable thing could you learn than to be self motivated? When I consider the public school choices, this is the best one by far that we have.

Posted: February 8, 2014

What could be a great school suffers from ineffective leadership, inconsistent teaching, and a social divide between the upper middle class white hipsters and low-income black parents at this school. The school leader is cold and doesn't have control. The half day 3 year old program, the entry point to the school, in effect discriminates against working parents, as those 3 year olds must pick up their children at 11:30am. I believe this is an intentional admissions policy meant to attract a certain demographic to the school. School leadership seems wary of parents. The motions of welcoming parents are performed, but the feeling of being truly welcomed in the school is missing. I think it speaks volume that school leadership does not send their children to the school. The elementary school lacks air conditioning, and the school is filled with open wires. The school does have some positive points: a nice outdoor space with gardens and play areas. The kids have recess. The 2nd graders have the opportunity to cook. The school embraces art. I think with different leadership and a culture that blends the demographic divides of the school, the school could really shine.

Posted: January 20, 2014

The teachers, some of whom are fantastic others just okay, are doing the best they can with absolutely no support from the administration or board. The leadership is erratic, decision-making is sporadic and the sunshine attitude is generally unhelpful. The school is all vision with no means to fully implement the fantastic curriculum the teachers plan. So it ends up being, in so many ways, a dishonest experience for the children. That said, my child is happy and learning from a wonderful teacher. But the school is not what it should be.

Posted: August 26, 2013

This school has its pros and cons just like every other school; however, if you want heart, mind and the social integrity of your child to be in tact this is the school for your child. If you are only interested in your child meeting the test score requirements and focused only of the academic accomplishments send them to any other decent city school... This school is uniquely for families that want their children to think outside the box and create a better more socially, emotionally humane community for our future.

Posted: August 3, 2013

This school is hit-or-miss depending on the classroom. Our class was so bad that we had to pull our child out. Other parents we know seem to love the school. However, every year should not have to feel like a crapshoot. While granted, this is a Montessori model, due to the high student-teacher ratio and the eclectic mix of kids (ie, some are a bit spastic), the classrooms could definitely benefit from more STRUCTURE. A completely laissez faire environment is dangerous for kids, counterproductive for learning, and doesn't help the children feel grounded emotionally.

Posted: December 10, 2012

My family currently has one child in lower elementary at BMPCS and she has been at this school since 4 yrs old. We are consistently impressed with the teachers and staff involved in her lessons and amazed sometimes with the level of math and reading she's doing at that age. We like also that the Board is mainly comprised of former teachers and also includes others with finance, legal and real estate backgrounds.

Posted: October 25, 2012

Charter schools generally, and this one in particular, are about property, not education. It's a shame, because it could have been a great school. But the founders and many members of the board are real estate developers or related to developers, not educators. They leave critical educational needs to volunteers or completely unfunded and undone, but seem always to have enough money to chase the next property purchase. Don't send your children here. Stay in the district schools, even if dull and uninspired.

Posted: August 19, 2012

Baltimore Montessori Public school has many issues that it needs to work out. While there seem to be some good teachers at the school, the leadership does not understand the needs of the community. The school also doesn't run well. When visiting the school, it is chaotic and the principal doesn't seem to know how to handle the issues. Each year many of the good teachers leave, and it is a bad sign that the school cannot keep good teachers. The leadership has many nice words to say, but they are not truthful. As a member of the community, I find this dishonesty to be the most problematic, and want to warn parents that they need to have both eyes and ears open when visiting the school.

Posted: January 11, 2012

I currently have 3 children at Baltimore Montessori. They are in both lower and upper elementary. We are very happy with the school overall. I feel that both the teachers and administartion truly care about the well being of every child. The school strives to teach not just academics but social and physical well being as well. The whole child. I think it meets this goal. The children are not taught to the test - if this is what you want, and you are not willing to teach to the test a little at home - than this may not be the school for you. We love this school because our children are not only getting a fantastic base for all the traditional subject areas, they are also getting truly amazing lessons in art, music, community and being inspired to make a good contribution to society.

Posted: August 16, 2011

It amazes me that this school is allowed to expand to include middle school-aged children. A previous responder talked about the changing demographics, but he stopped short of saying that more Black children are enrolling and that throws a wrench in the plans of the founders who wanted to cater to well-to-do white children from the surrounding affluent neighborhoods. The staff has not demonstrated cultural competence and instead of meeting the needs of the Black children, the staff labels these children as problems, angry, disobedient and frustrated. The demographics of the school on the City School s website says it all. How is it that a public school in a poor Black neighborhood end up with a majority white affluent population? Most of the White families are pulling their children out in droves because the school is not living up to the Montessori philosophy. The slots are filled by poor Black children and even more Whites pull their children out. Pattern? When you look at the MSA scores, only the Black students are failing especially the Black males that get labeled. What is wrong with that picture? At this rate, the school only has a few more years of existence.

Posted: August 4, 2011

I don't feel these posting are inaccurate. The test scores speak for themselves, the children are not learning and/or thriving as they should. I found some staff to be racist, students were being bullied with staff present and the ratio of children being transferred out of this school is as high as staff turnover. Do the math!!! This school is well known by North Avenue, because of the numerous complaints!!! If you dont' care about your child's education this is a GREAT school. If you do, don't even bother stopping - a true waste of time!!

Posted: August 2, 2011

The mission is great. The initial plan was terrific. However, it is changing as the demographics are changing. The school is great for the younger ages, however once kids reach an age where they need to know certain work techniques it is not happening. There is the love of learning but also the actual process that needs to happen. There are a lot of new teachers (which is good & bad). New teachers have to learn how to be receptive to parents. A better city school but not a huge gem in the rough.

Posted: May 18, 2011

There are some wonderful things about BMPC, but also very serious flaws that threaten to undermine its mission. They are currently failing to meet the needs of a great many students. Certainly the faculty are dedicated and work hard. But many faculty are inexperienced, with an irrational devotion to principles that are not working in the classroom. Frankly, some faculty believe in their approach to the point of arrogance, dismissing parents' concerns, even blaming us for the problems. Some children do well, especially in the younger grades. Some kids really enjoy the school, and so their parents are thrilled. But, there is a serious failure to teach skills and work habits. They neglect anything that requires repeated, consistent practice. Parents have no way to meaningfully track their kids' progress other than the MSA! Reports provide only a subjective impression of whether the child can work independently in an area. But teachers do not know if students are LEARNING, or even if they are finishing any work. My kids are HAPPY there, but the school is a failure so far. The open classroom and individual work plan is so promising, but their implementation shockingly naive. So sad.

Posted: May 12, 2011

Honestly, there is so much inaccurate information in some of these reviews, that I'm surprised they haven't been pulled. This is a completely unmoderated site and a great example of why the internet can be both a boon and a bust. It is so obvious that these slanderous reviews are from the same person!! If you are honestly interested in this school, do yourself a favor and attend one of the information sessions/open houses held in January/February. If your child is fortunate enough to be offered a space in this school, come back and meet with the director, then have your child shadow for a day and meet the teachers. See this school in action firsthand and decide for yourself if it's the right fit for your family.

Posted: April 17, 2011

My belief is that the testing scores speak for themselves. How will these children ever survive academically once they leave this school?

Posted: April 17, 2011

I totally agree with the submission made the teacher below. Too much nonsense happens at this school. Be prepared tp teach your child combat techniques as a means of survival and to teach your child at home because the school's learning environment is completely disruptive. The school's leadership does absolutely nothing to enforce discipline or correct unruly, disruptive, direspectful or abusive behavior. If you are looking for a school that values the arts but nothing else, not education, not discpline, not respect or common decency then this is your school. The school's high turn over rate of quality educators and quality students is indicative of same. The clustered copious rosy pcture comments are obviously not self directed because the dates are very close together.interestingly enough all of the negative comments that previously existed are no longer present. In true Montessori schools none of the above would be tolerated. -Soon to be former parent

Posted: April 17, 2011

I don't have a child in this school but a very dear friend of mine has several. I myself find the children to be quiet, well mannered & very respectful of each other, their instructors & visitors. I absolutely love the art teacher & think that she's the greatest asset the school has. This is because she's fun, energetic, loves her vocation, loves children & loves to use her imagination! I wish that I could take her class! I think that the majority of the staff are awesome & that they really get a kick out of their jobs. I only ran across one instructor (Ms. Debeker) who really grinded my gears because she was not only very rude to my friend but to my friend's son as well. The Principal seems to be a really kind lady who tries very hard to bring the very best to her school. I wish that my own son could attend this school but he's too old. Education begins at home and ANYONE who thinks that it's solely the job of any school to teach your child(ren) are sadly mistaken & income bracket doesn't determine a parent's dedication to their childs learning! To me This school utilizes things to interest the mind, body and soul of it's pupils!

Posted: March 13, 2011

If the parents of the students knew half of what goes on in those classrooms there wouldn't be a school anymore. This is not opinion it is fact. There is no discipline in this school. I personally believe deeply in Montessori principals but one has to be a realist when considering that this is an inner city school and discipline is necessary. In general, the school survives because of the demographic. The wealthy children from Roland Park have parents who won t let them fail and can tolerate the lack of basic education because they force their children to do homework at night. The impoverished children from the immediate area have negligent parents who aren t really paying attention. Please be careful with allowing your children to go to school here. I'm disappointed that my tax dollars are funding this experiment.

Posted: December 29, 2010

I second Dr. Alonzo's call for opening more schools like this in Baltimore City. It's no surprise that he would say this about Baltimore Montessori Public Charter. The city and all of the parents I know at the school love what is happening there. I have one son at this school and he has really taken to the challenging curriculum and the engaging surroundings. The principle, Allison Schecter, works tirelessly at knowing every child and their families. The involvement of the parents, teachers, staff AND the local community, make this school a gem. Intensive academic instruction is exceptional and teaches kids to really understand the depth of each track. (Not simply staring into a textbook and reading back the words) I'm also very impressed with the exposure that the kids have to everything from planting organic vegetables, doing yoga, learning to cook healthy meals, and the list goes on. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone at the school and the leadership that Allison shows on a daily basis. Locking down plans for the new middle school is yet another example of her dedication and creativity in a part of the city that needs it. If you can, get your kids into this school!

Posted: December 29, 2010

I find Ms debeka to be truly outstanding and wonderful. A true asset to this otherwise dreary and poorly run institution, I suggest that they, the administration,ask Ms Debeka to give lessons from her vast wealth of 37 years of teaching in the Montessori school system how to run this school better. It could only be a big improvement. I would rate this school as excellent if all the students were lucky enough to have Ms Debeka as their teacher.

Posted: December 3, 2010

My child is in his third year (also the school's third year open) at BMPCS. He's in a classroom with a new teacher, but she already knows him and can challenge him in a direct and personal way I can't imagine possible elsewhere. This school just attracts great people -- great teachers, great families, great students! I'm also thrilled with the extras that happen -- Bridges, sciences, yoga, bake sales, chess. No matter what he's involved with or not, we love having him here. It's relieving to know his development is progressing positively across all aspects, not just academically, but socially and relationally. The academics are wonderful alone, but with everything else it's just what he/we need.