Sterling Montessori Academy

Morrisville, NC 27560

Phone: (919) 462-8889
Fax: (919) 462-8890
District: Sterling Montessori Academy School District

6

GreatSchools Rating

charter • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7, • 620 students

Sterling Montessori Academy, a charter school located in Morrisville, NC, serves grades PK-8 in the Sterling Montessori Academy School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Sterling Montessori Academy is a charter school located in Morrisville, NC. 620 students attend Sterling Montessori Academy.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 8/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Student Growth 3/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Posted: August 1, 2026

This school used to be a spectacular school that was worth going, as someone who went their in it’s prime and when it started dropping off I can tell you it went from being great to average which is reflected in the ratings, family engagement, teaching, and many other things declined. Sterling Montessori obviously offers a different type of teaching in the Montessori method which is better in early stages of a child’s educational learning but isn’t as strong in the middle school program, the Montessori method doesn’t help prepare for high school particularly well. Sterling is an alright school if you want your kid to have good reading skills but is rather weak in its math program. Overall it’s an average school.

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: August 1, 2026

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: October 23, 2025

There have been many unexpected and concerning incidents involving my young child during just two months at this school.
We had sent our kid to other schools we never had to worry about.
For safety reasons we decided to leave - it's the best choice we can make.
The teachers are unable to manage students properly, and LE director is not supportive when children are hurt or bullied.
We've experienced multiple cases of assaults and bullying in the classroom, only for 2 month, but the school did nothing to protect the victims.

If you read other reviews, you'll see this in an ongoing issue here.
I would only recommend this school to parents whose children are bullies - because the school is extremely generous and protective towards them.
GOOD LUCK.

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: October 23, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

Posted: July 8, 2025

My child joined Sterling Montessori mid-year, and I have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and support of the entire staff. As a first grader new to the Montessori environment, there was naturally an adjustment period, but the teacher in B2 was exceptional. Her dedication to my child’s development and success truly reflects the core values of quality education.

The level of communication and engagement from both teaching and support staff has been outstanding—far beyond what is typically found in traditional school settings. I’m deeply grateful for how smoothly this transition has gone and feel confident and optimistic about the upcoming school year at Sterling Montessori.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School is an exceptional educational institution that combines the best of Montessori philosophy with the rigor and structure of a public charter school. I have a child in the PreK-K Academy as well as the Charter school and both are truly exceptional. From the moment you step onto the campus, it's clear that this is a place where children are not just taught—they are inspired. The faculty and staff at Sterling are truly remarkable. Their dedication to each child's personal growth and academic success goes far beyond expectations. Teachers are not only highly qualified and experienced, but they also genuinely care about nurturing a love of learning, independence, and self-confidence in every student.

The Montessori approach at Sterling is implemented with care and fidelity, allowing students to thrive in a hands-on, student-centered environment. Classrooms are beautifully organized, peaceful, and filled with a wide range of materials that encourage exploration and critical thinking. The mixed-age classrooms foster mentorship and collaboration, which builds a strong sense of community and leadership among students. Sterling also shines in its commitment to the whole child. Social-emotional development, creativity, and global citizenship are deeply embedded in the culture of the school. Students are encouraged to think deeply, act compassionately, and contribute meaningfully to their community.

Parents are highly engaged and valued as partners in their children's education. Communication from the school is consistent, transparent, and thoughtful. The administration is responsive and forward-thinking, constantly working to improve and enrich the student experience.

Whether you’re seeking a strong academic foundation, a nurturing environment, or a school that truly honors the individual journey of each child, Sterling Montessori is a standout choice. Both of my children have blossomed here and grown academically. It’s more than just a school—it’s a vibrant, supportive community that prepares children not only for the next academic step, but for life.

Five stars, without hesitation!

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: May 27, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

My oldest son began at Sterling in kindergarten and has had a great experience overall. My second son also attends and had a little rocky start in Kindergarten due to teacher turnover, but now that both are in lower elementary, we're very pleased with the teachers and curriculum. We evaluate each year but do feel things are looking up. My children's teachers are amazing and are in communication with us regularly and I feel safe when they're at school. The families and teachers are what makes the school and that's where I feel Sterling Montessori shines. My sincere hope is that the administration supports the teachers in ways that they feel confident and want to stay especially since consistency is key. My children's well being has been good and both feel loved and supported by their teachers. Overall, I recommend Sterling Montessori especially if you're looking for a good overall charter school.

Posted: March 27, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

This school is horrible. The teachers are incompetent and have absolutely no control over the classrooms. The curriculum is not meeting the education standards of NC. My daughter has experienced endless bullying and misplaced blame from inattentive teachers. Bruises, cuts, chipped teeth. Racial bias appears to run rampant amongst the staff as well. We’ve decided to enroll our child elsewhere and pursue legal action. Do not enroll your children at this school!

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: February 11, 2025

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: September 29, 2024

As a parent of a child at Sterling , I have been impressed with the warmth of the school and the genuine desire to help all children learn. My children are young and have always attended traditional school settings but I was always curious about the Montessori curriculum and knew of current families who were very happy here so we decided to transfer. The teachers that we have had thus far are excellent! Our middle child has blossomed in a very short amount of time. I look forward daily, to hearing him share his 'lessons' from the day or sharing how he explored outside of his classroom and the things he found in nature alongside his teacher as a guide.

Although there has been some changes in the school, what I appreciate most is their transparency which allows me to continuously make the best decision for my family. We have not always received this from other schools which is disheartening. Overall, I know how much I appreciated seeing reviews from parents when making my decision and I hope that this will help others.

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: September 29, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

We have had our children enrolled in the pre-school and the charter school for four years now. The curriculum and classrooms is exactly what we are looking for in a Montessori school to provide this education for my children. The classrooms are beauitful and calm spaces where the child can lead and learn the best way for themselves. The teachers are positive and supportive the students via the Montessori methods. Beginning in Kindergarten, students get to do PE, Art and Music for special instruction beyond the core academics. My children are excited to go to school each morning which makes me happy!!

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: September 4, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

We started at Sterling in kindergarten and had full intentions to stay until high school after that first year. Then things start to really go downhill. I think this school has a lot of administration baggage that it is still trying to climb out of since COVID. Teachers are woefully unprepared and under-resourced to handle classroom management issues. My child was beaten by another child, in front of the door to the principal's office, and not a single adult at the school claimed to witness the incident. There have been incidents of children being stabbed with scissors, heavy objects being thrown at other children's heads by a classmate, chokings on the playground, the list goes on in the past four years. The physical safety of my child is the primary reason we left the school this year. Second was the high turnover rates. Despite the "selling point" of Montessori having the same teacher for three year cycles, my child never had the same teacher. This became very disruptive for the teaching environment as each year a new teacher had to figure out where the kids were in their learning cycles. The final reason was the lack of extracurriculars and community outside the classroom. Our first year, Sterling offered a range of clubs for the kids, violin lessons, etc. I don't think they offer any after school activities for the kids now. There was almost zero parent engagement that I saw over the years and it really showed come fundraiser time. For a school with that many upper middle class families, they should be able to raise plenty of money to fix the crumbling infrastructure at the school. Yet it seems like the parents at the school don't really care.

Sadly my child has gone from one that was so excited to start school to now she hates school. Yes, Sterling took the joy of learning out of my child. I really hope that with the transition to a new school, she regains that spark.

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: August 6, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Speaking as a former student and member of the community, over the last five years I have seen a sharp decline in the quality of education at Sterling Montessori. I cannot express how disappointed I am with the current board and administration of this school. Test scores have dropped significantly and teachers are fleeing this school in droves. In the interest of your child’s education consider other options first.

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: March 4, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

coming from a student, this school was UNBELIEVABLY TERRIBLE. sterling is no different from a prison. they restricted so much pointless things such as using your phone to call your parents, eating chips (even during lunch), mirror usage, etc. I experienced and got a lot of trauma and discrimination from my peers and teachers. the teachers are TERRIBLE at preparing you for high school. when i went there i would come home without ANY new knowledge, because they made everyone do more working then learning. the current principal is a terrible tyrant who i'm sure has said a number of racist things. if you want your child to grow up mentally stable, take your child out of that school as soon as possible, or don't enroll at all.

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 31, 2024

Posted: January 5, 2024

Sterling is an exceptional school. It performs in the top 10% of schools in the state. Negative reviews here seem to be based on limited perceptions and changes that occur over time in almost all school environments. Sterling offers a healthy school culture where children have a positive learning experience, they are respected by teachers and independence is cultivated. Teachers are skilled and Montessori education is implemented with fidelity. I am a former educator and attended Montessori school as a child. I find Sterling to be a gem within the current public and private educational systems. My children enjoy going to school each day. Strong connections are made with teachers and peers as children remain with one teacher in the same classroom for 3 grades (Montessori 3-year cycle). This model offers so many learning and development benefits for children academically, socially, and emotionally. The scope and sequence of the curriculum in not just content-based like traditional schools teaching standards, rather there is an instructional and inquiry base with a foundation in the prepared classroom environment, foundational literacy approach, and self-directed learning aligning to children's development. My children are learning well and are enjoying their experience. Having been an educator in traditional public schools for over a decade when I had my own children I knew I wanted better for them. I find better and more at Sterling. My children's love of learning is cultivated in a healthy and thriving environment. While not being testing-focused, the performance scores of children speak loudly about the quality of education. Parents are engaged and high-quality education is a priority. Montessori education has foundations in peace education and inclusiveness. These aspects add to the overall stand-out quality of this school.

Posted: October 3, 2023

We were encouraged by all the positive reviews and were ecstatic when our child got picked through the lottery. However, our experience in last two years has not at all been positive. The teachers are okay and do engage with parents but not to the level we were used to at other schools. We also feel like the faculty are not that motivated and we can see why. Most of the problems with the school seems to arise from the administration. They have made lot of policy changes in the last year that at quite anti-parent/student. The 15 min drop off window with congested roads...ridiculous late check-in procedures....the last min cancellation of summer camps and after care/before care programs...lack of extracurricular activities....lack of student support...we can go on. Just cannot recommend this school to anyone. Please look elsewhere. We certainly are!

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: October 3, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

This school is a sinking ship. Staff turnover is 90%. Check out the nosediving student test scores at the school report card website. There are students graduating from their middle school program not knowing their times tables. Too many directors and administrative staff working here. Some staff are good, many mainly care for their job title and pay. The school board is completely out of touch with reality with a very woke agenda. Take your child elsewhere.

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: July 25, 2023

Posted: September 3, 2022

The current board of this school is driving it straight into the ground. They are more focused on pushing their own personal agendas and not the students success. The fact you have board members serving longer than last 3 heads of school should tell you how toxic of a group they are. Would not recommend this school if you value your child’s mental health and want to ensure you are aware of what is taught. This board has actively fought to remove parents rights and was a main reasons the last head of school left. The board would routinely ask the head of shook to act against attorney guidance in matters of patents rights.

Posted: September 3, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

My kids have had some great teachers at Sterling who will always hold a special place in our heart. However, the great teachers there are nearly all GONE.

Unfortunately, the new administration has created such a toxic environment for so many of these wonderful, experienced teachers that those that were not let go felt forced to leave or chose to find another job. Of the teachers that were let go, no one knows exactly why they were fired, not even the teachers! Likely petty differences, ego, and/or vindictiveness got in the way. Some of these situations involving teacher terminations were handled in the most egregious manners and unfortunately there is no accountability for those in charge. Misconduct by those in power are being swept under the rug and dismissed, and it is the teachers and the children and community that suffer. It is unfortunate that the administration cannot extend the Montessori values of grace and courtesy to our beloved teachers.

Our priority is our children. If the school is providing a healthy environment and safe space for staff and teachers, we can trust our children are doing well at the school. However, when there is lying and covering up and manipulation happening at the administration level, it is difficult to trust that the school will be a safe place for our children

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: May 25, 2022

Posted: April 27, 2022

Sterling has sadly changed for the worse over the years. It is no longer the wonderful, nurturing school it used to be. Most of the great teachers that made Sterling amazing are gone. Some of the newer administration do not care for the teachers, children, or parents. They have their own agenda and have made a lot of changes to the classrooms/school that are not all Montessori values. While we do appreciate the current executive director's work and efforts, and believe she had great intentions and vision as a Montessori educator herself, there have definitely been some concerning and questionable decisions made by the school as a whole over the years. It is hard to pinpoint what forces are to blame, and we acknowledge that administration is often tasked with making difficult decisions. However, no one can dispute that the teacher turnover rate at Sterling in recent years is inordinately high. Sterling has gotten rid of countless excellent, experienced teachers over the last few years- either their contracts were not renewed, they were pushed out, or fired. The lack of transparency and communication regarding these decisions is alarming. Sure, we must respect privacy and confidentiality with regards to personnel matters. But there is something wrong when the reasons for termination are SO confidential that even the teacher being fired is not told specifically what they did to result in being fired. Where was the grace and courtesy? In addition, the admin's reasoning behind not renewing contracts of so many wonderful teachers does not pass muster considering the nationwide teacher shortages. The teachers are unfortunately treated as expendable and replaceable, even during the middle of the school year. This is so damaging for the children in these classrooms, who experience no continuity nor stability with the constant turnover of staff.
As a parent who is concerned for my children's academic and social/emotional health, I have mixed feelings about this school. We've had our share of fabulous teachers that have left a positive mark in my children's lives, yet we've seen so many signs that the teachers are operating in a hostile environment. Admin retaliating against teachers who speak up and advocate for their students and classrooms. A 3-month-new lower elementary director who seems to lie and manipulate the parents/teachers/admin to maintain control and remove threats to her power. How can we entrust our kids to someone we know is lying to us outright?

Posted: April 20, 2022

We have been apart of Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter Since 2018. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about every teacher I have encountered. From the safety protocols placed during covid, the fantastic communication platform recently implemented, to the administration team dedicated to ensuring Sterling Montessori lives out its mission of providing an authentic Montessori experience for every student, my family loves Sterling. I believe every student is valued and every decision made at the administrative level is for the students. If a traditional educational model is what you are looking for, then Sterling is not the place for your family, and that is ok, but if you want dedicated teachers and staff who are true Montessorians, then I highly recommend Sterling.

Posted: April 20, 2022

Posted: April 20, 2022

Posted: April 20, 2022

Posted: April 20, 2022

Posted: April 20, 2022

Posted: April 20, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

The teachers at this school are overall fantastic. My children have had fantastic experiences with them from kindergarten through middle school. Unfortunately, the administration is atrocious. Teachers are clearly not being supported, and three of the most senior teachers at the school (two of whom my kids have had and loved) have been fired with no reason given. Children stay in the same Montessori classroom for three years; continuity of staffing is very important to this mode of instruction. This administration is rather new (approx 4 years), and during that time I've watched the culture of the school, which used to be fun and inclusive, become one of fear among the staff and lack of fun for the students. The things that make school fun for kids have been slowly taken away by administration.

Additionally, the school talks a good talk about diversity and inclusion, but that's all it is. I've witnessed really egregious things happen to students with disabilities. And while the school is racially diverse, it's socio-economically privileged, with no apparent moves toward making the school more accessible to kids with fewer financial resources (i.e. no free lunches provided, no bussing, etc.).

The executive director is leaving at the end of this year, and I hope that we'll see improvements with new leadership, but at this point, I'm beyond appalled by the treatment of the teachers, who are the heart and soul, of this school. And I'm completely flummoxed as to why the Board of Directors, tasked with oversight, have allowed a leader who is on her way out to make such sweeping staffing decisions that will affect the student body negatively -- especially in the midst of a teacher shortage. It makes absolutely no sense.

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 9, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

We joined Sterling 6 years ago. I raved about the school and how inclusive and diverse it was. The learning opportunities were phenomenal and the teaching modalities were innovative and thoughtful. The past several years under the guidance of new administration, and a board of directors who doesn’t intervene to maintain the direction of the school, has led to a school that has fallen apart. When other parents talk about inclusivity and diversity - they are referring to performative diversity. The school has less than 1% of the population that is from low income families. Approximately 50% are white and then 35% are Asian. Less than 10% are black and less than 5% are Hispanic. It is a very affluent community. So from the outside it looks extremely diverse. However, upon looking closer you can see there are no support systems in place for the diversity and inclusion. The EC program is majorly lacking support. Students with medical needs and needed EC services are pushed out of classrooms by the administration. They don’t fit the Montessori environment. The campus, specifically the playgrounds are not accessible. Low income programs are not participated in (Sterling chose not to participate in free meal programs for the past 2 years offered by the state during the pandemic). The school utilizes money from federal programs for things such as a school nurse but doesn’t make the school nurse visible or accessible to students (again a equity issue). Teachers have lost autonomy in the classroom and are ruled by administration telling them what they can and cannot do. All school celebrations have been stripped from classrooms and the community. So students don’t get to participate in season celebrations, enjoy season decor and the lightness that comes with a fun school community.
In addition valued teachers this year who stood behind their classrooms, advocated for their students and pushed back on administration were retaliated against and lost their contracts. Teachers with decades of experience. I used to recommend this school and was vocal about how life changing it was. Now I am telling people to run away. And I’m also looking for ways to pull my children out before they ruin their education with their discriminatory practices. It’s super sad.

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

This is our second year at the school and we absolutely love it. The teachers we have had are so wonderful and caring, the campus is inviting. We particularly love that each class has a patio and garden. Our child loves it there, enjoys learning at his own pace, enjoys coming home to no homework and having the freedom to read or play after a day at school. He often brings his book to school and gets to read there on the patio if he wants.
They offer some neat after clubs as well.
They offer garden days and international festivals ! Its very inclusive and diverse as well. Our child learned about a lot of different cultures and traditions and we love that. They have many specials, art, spanish, PE, long recess and lunch break ( outside) which we love!
The children are together for 3 years with one teacher which is also wonderful.
We were there during the pandemic and it was very very well handled bu administration. It must have been a very hard job to to but we were pleased with the options. The admission person is so helpful and friendly . The Front desk person as well! The Children House Director is passionate about Montessori and early childhood education and even offers parent seminars that are very useful. The new LE director is so friendly and introduced herself to families at Carpool.
We are looking forward to spend more years here. I think the only downside is since its a charter school its harder to know and meet people so maybe a few more community building events added would be great !

Posted: April 4, 2022

Sterling Montessori used to live up to their name. Our oldest started 2nd grade after winning a lottery position. That was 2010. 11 years later and my youngest is about to graduate the middle school program. It can’t happen fast enough. Sterling is no longer the amazing Montessori we raved to friends and family about. The Executive Director is vindictive and petty and thankfully, on her way out. The Board of Directors is useless, and in stead of retaining amazing, qualified teachers, they allow the contract cancellations for the best of the best. If you want a true Montessori education for your children, don’t come to Sterling. It breaks my heart to say that but it’s true.

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

This school is amazing! My daughter has been there since Kindergarten and now in 7th grade. It is a welcoming environment to all cultures!

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022

Posted: August 9, 2021

We have had children at this school for many years but are glad to call it quits. New leadership is atrocious and does not have the students best interests in mind. What used to be a great Montessori school has become just another traditional public school. As our children have gotten older we have begun to notice the academic holes that are not being filled at Sterling, particularly in the area of mathematics. Our middle school aged child used to love math but has had a horrifying experience in the middle school program. Towards the end of last year (2020 - 2021) a new middle school math teacher joined and frankly has no clue as to what should be taught in mathematics. A complete waste of a year for my middle school child. The hopes are that with some extra tutoring, we can make up for the debacle that is the Sterling middle school math department. I strongly suggest you stay away from this school unless new leadership and new staff in some areas are brought in.

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: August 9, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2020

Exception school with teachers who really care. 2 teachers per classroom of about 28 kids. No complaints here!

Posted: June 16, 2020

There is no homework unless your child has not completed their work in class.

Posted: June 16, 2020

Posted: June 16, 2020

Posted: June 16, 2020

Posted: June 16, 2020

Posted: June 16, 2020

Posted: June 8, 2020

We loved this school but over the summer, we are withdrawing and moving to a different school - mainly due to changes in the curriculum and dress code. The curriculum is no longer Montessori - it's just a massive packet of stuff. The child receives no feedback so they could be learning it wrong and never know it. For the sake of my children, we're going elsewhere.

Posted: June 8, 2020

The school gives a lot of busy work. It overwhelms the child. The work is not reviewed so the child doesn't get feedback or even know if it's correct.

Posted: June 8, 2020

The teachers are amazing. They are being hindered by the Executive Director.

Posted: June 8, 2020

The school recently changed the student dress code. For the boys, the dress code remained unchanged and includes mainly what boys typically wear. For the girls, they can only wear loose fitting clothing and cannot show skin. No leggings. No shorts. They have to wear loose fitting pants under skirts. I am withdrawing my children from this school. I don't want my daughters to feel ashamed of their bodies.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Two years ago, the leadership changed. The first year, the Executive Director made mainly administrative changes. The second year, she made curriculum changes that adversely impacted learning.

Posted: June 8, 2020

The students are given a massive packet to learn. If a student struggles, they are told that they don't have to complete it. That's not sufficient.

Posted: June 8, 2020

We haven't had bullying issues, so I can't properly evaluate.

Posted: March 30, 2020

I used to be so grateful that my children were lucky enough to attend Sterling. No longer. We have ten years of experience in this school; this year will be our last. We can't wait to leave it. The new Executive Director has made changes that are detrimental to the children - in so many ways.

Posted: March 30, 2020

Children are now given a ton of work to do. They are overloaded.

Posted: March 30, 2020

Teachers don't teach any more. The children are expected to teach themselves. Teachers are little more than rule enforcers now.

Posted: March 30, 2020

All they do is punish children. Not very character inducing. And the new clothing rules are hurtful to girls. Girls are only allowed to wear long, loose-fitting clothing. Skirts to the knees with pants underneath.

Posted: March 30, 2020

The new Executive Director has made a lot of changes - that has hurt the education in this school.

Posted: March 30, 2020

Children are expected to teach themselves. If a child is unable to do that (and what child, honestly, can??), then they will not be successful here.

Posted: March 30, 2020

Posted: May 24, 2018

Its a hit /miss... some of the teachers are great some not so much...

Posted: May 24, 2018

Posted: May 24, 2018

Posted: May 24, 2018

Posted: May 24, 2018

Posted: May 24, 2018

Some teachers are great !! some could put in the effort!!

Posted: May 24, 2018

Posted: December 9, 2016

Been to this school today for the very first time. The person at the main office wasn't very friendly. Inspite of being very busy, its the duty/responsibility of the School to respond to the need of the people in a proper way. Hope the rest of the school would be good.

Posted: April 16, 2014

I have a high functional special needs child. He started at Sterling Montessori Academy. All I can said is my child is very lucky to have such caring and loving teachers. And most of all they all believing in him and they have all high hope for him. He loves his teachers and his teachers love him. He even wants to go to school even on the weekends. I can said good enough about Sterling teachers. We are very lucky to have our child in there. I feel safe and happy when in my heart knowing my child is being love by all the teachers.

Posted: November 11, 2013

My two kids have been at Sterling as preschoolers. And yes, this is a real review from a parent. The school is wonderful in many ways and now has a strong leader in Mr. B and an apt lieutenant in Ms. K. We have been at the school for 6+ years now and could not be happier. The previous principal made some questionable decisions including screwing up a lottery, and keeping incompetent teachers around. The current administration takes education seriously and is quick to remedy difficult situations. The key is to find out about every classroom in the K-8 level to make sure your child is a good fit. This is where parental involvement comes in. Don't select a old school teacher's class if you believe in a more flexible approach for your child. If you have problems, approach Mr. B or Ms. K in a polite and professional fashion. They will listen and help. Been there done that. It is also very easy to volunteer in the classroom in a meaningful fashion. And this does not mean picking up trash after the annual picnic. Get into the classroom and help the teacher. Become a room mom/dad. You will be rewarded. As always, get involved in your child's education and reap rewards for a lifetime.

Posted: October 2, 2013

Not a very friendly school. We have been here 5 years, I work close by, but definitely our biggest complaint is that it's not very warm or friendly. Families are spread out from all over so making friends that you ever play with outside of school is challenging at best. Some teachers are great, others are very hard on their children and don't welcome parent involvement. Every class is different, teachers get to make a lot of their own decisions about how they run their classroom. Academic education is good for children who excel if you get the right teacher. Difficult to get involved and volunteer, not a very welcoming PTA, a small group of moms who have been there forever and want to do everything themselves. We will leave for our base middle school this year.

Posted: September 9, 2013

Poor patience on little ones, like 3 years preschooler. Teachers don't have an efficient communication with those who need them most.

Posted: July 12, 2013

Being at Sterling was a wonderful experience. I was enrolled nine years ago, and just finished my last year a few months ago. Not only were the teachers intelligent and phenomenal at teaching the subjects, they were relatable and likable. They created a special bond with their students. The special education program has improved over the last few years by interacting and teaching in helpful and unique ways. The middle school was especially memorable. The middle school teachers did an exceptional job of preparing us to transition into high school. I'm glad that I was given the honor of attending Sterling Montessori (SMACS).

Posted: December 13, 2012

My kids attend this school and have now for three years. We love it. The teachers and administration are terrific, the parents committed and the kids thrive and learn here. We couldn't be more pleased.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Eagle Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Raleigh NC 14.7 mi
2 Hedingham Neighborhood/Subdivision Raleigh NC 16.4 mi
3 Winston Pointe Neighborhood/Subdivision Clayton NC 22 mi
4 Forest Oaks Neighborhood/Subdivision Bunnlevel NC 37.1 mi
5 The Summit Neighborhood/Subdivision Sanford NC 37.6 mi
6 Sunset Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Sanford NC 38.1 mi
7 Anderson Creek Club Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 38.3 mi
8 Carolina Seasons Neighborhood/Subdivision Cameron NC 39.4 mi
9 Overhills Creek Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 40.6 mi
10 Forest Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Cameron NC 41.9 mi
11 Ellerslie Subdivision Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 42 mi
12 Castlebrooke Neighborhood/Subdivision Linden NC 42.6 mi
13 Deerfield Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 44.5 mi
14 Kings Grant Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 45.7 mi
15 Woodlake Neighborhood/Subdivision Vass NC 45.8 mi
16 Stonegate Apartments Apartment Complex Spring Lake NC 46.4 mi
17 Inverness Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 46.9 mi
18 Patriot Park Village Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 47 mi
19 Kinwood Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 48 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 North Ramsey Road Fayetteville NC 43.8 mi
2 Princeton Princeton NC 45.7 mi
3 Spring Lake Spring Lake NC 46.4 mi
4 Carthage Carthage NC 46.8 mi
5 Spring Lake by Ft Bragg Base Spring Lake NC 46.8 mi
6 Vass Vass NC 47.1 mi
Base Distance
Raleigh National Guard 7.4 mi.
Pope Field 46.7 mi.
Refine Search

National Ad
Advertising Homes