Washington Montessori
Washington, NC 27889
Phone: (252) 946-1977
Fax: (252) 946-5938
District: Washington Montessori School District
GreatSchools Rating
charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 • 403 students
Washington Montessori, a charter school located in Washington, NC, serves grades K-12 in the Washington Montessori School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Washington Montessori is a charter school located in Washington, NC. 403 students attend Washington Montessori.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 6/10 | 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. |
| College Readiness | 8/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 Average ACT score data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 ACT percent college ready data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 demographic data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 1/10 | 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: February 13, 2026
I go to Washington Montessori and I can confirm that the Middle School (Grades 7-8) and most Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6) teachers only care for the paycheck. The only teacher that actually cared about our learning experience was let go last year for not having teaching credentials. The HS teachers are for the most part wonderful, and will help when you need it, but can be difficult for student with special needs, which brings me to my next point. The students with special needs are treated horribly by the current math teacher in the Middle School. On multiple accounts I've watched her be demeaning to the kids with disabilities and ridicule them for not understanding subjects that she didn't explain thoroughly. Multiple students have reported her to admin, to which they did nothing. Which goes to show how horrible the administrators can be. I personally had an awful experience with an admin who no longer works here. I found out that she was talking bad about me to other students and calling me a bad influence. This supposed "bad influence" on the other hand, has all A's and takes honors classes, while the student she was talking bad to was at a third grade math level? All of the teachers have favorites and when people point it out, they pretend to be oblivious. My next point of why you shouldn't let your kids go here is the elective teachers. When you see the electives that our school offers, your first reaction is going to probably be that they offer so many good classes, but most of the classes, it's assignments that make no sense with the course. The High schooler's for the most part don't get enough free work time, which is something that Montessori advertises a lot of. The freshmen have a maximum of an hour and thirty minutes a week, while I've seen seniors with a full free day just to work, and the teachers for the classes I've taken so far, have figured out that they can take all of our time if they desire. It's completely unfair and unjustified. I wouldn't recommend putting your children here, especially at a young age such as Kindergarten or preschool, because if they try to leave for a public school, they won't be able to adjust. It's not that there's that much more freedom from public school, it's the fact they treat you different. If you plan on putting your kids here because they have special needs It's a horrible choice. I've seen a special needs teacher snap and yell at an autistic kid like he was a dog. I don't recommend and never will.
Posted: February 13, 2026
Posted: February 13, 2026
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Posted: December 2, 2025
I was a former student of this school (both the West and East Campuses) from the age of 7 to the age of 15 and I have been treated very differently there; the teachers I was assigned to were not friendly and were really pushy and expecting of all of their students and were never afraid to automatically suspend you if you do something stupid like hurting a fellow student (even if this student pretends to be your friend). I was trying my best to learn but I was never up to their standards or to their liking due to me having autism back then (I'm VERY ashamed of my disability) and I never had any good friends there and I just got really toxic friends which made matters worse for me. The other students were not different to the teachers as some of them were smarter than me and really never liked me, almost as if this whole school was persecuting me for my creativity and love of learning, some of the teachers were very hostile towards my sensitivity and just wanted to crush my hopes and dreams and whenever I tried to stand up for myself I was called in their words a so-called "Mean Boy" by them it hurt me badly, sure I had met some nice teachers but that didn't make up for how the school treated me. And the worst part was that my parents actually supported this school and even my own mother would scream at me when I thought negatively of it, they just wanted to break me and it worked, I never "liked" or "loved" it there, I HATE it there, I really did. Now if you have any care in the world and that you truly love your children then take my advice. Do NOT send them to the Washington Montessori Public Charter School, that place can crush your child's dreams and ruin his/her life. PLEASE! STAY AWAY!
Posted: December 2, 2025
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Posted: December 2, 2025
Posted: September 10, 2025
Our experience with Washington Montessori has been extremely disappointing and concerning. The staff has repeatedly shown unprofessional and disrespectful behavior toward both students and parents. Instead of working with families in a supportive and collaborative way, we were met with hostility and dismissive attitudes.
When we tried to address issues, rather than listening or resolving concerns, staff escalated the situation, spoke to us in an aggressive manner, and ultimately banned us from the school. This type of treatment is not only unfair but sets a poor example for the children they are supposed to be guiding.
It is clear that there is a pattern of parents experiencing similar mistreatment and a lack of accountability within the administration. Parents deserve respect, students deserve fairness, and neither were shown here.
I would caution any family considering Washington Montessori to look very carefully at how they handle parent communication and student well-being before making a decision. My caring, bubbly, social butterfly, who once loved school became very withdrawn, quiet and scared to go to school because the STAFF bullied him. The people who are suppose to help teach, be a role model, and a support for our kids are far from that.
Posted: September 10, 2025
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Posted: September 8, 2025
This school has been very disappointing. The administration is unhelpful, disrespectful, and does not support families or students the way they should. Communication is poor, problems are ignored, and concerns are brushed aside. We cannot recommend this school.
Posted: September 8, 2025
Posted: September 8, 2025
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Posted: September 8, 2025
Our experience here has been overwhelmingly negative. Instead of working with parents, the administration avoids accountability and treats families with little respect. Issues go unresolved, communication is lacking, and students are the ones who suffer. I would not recommend this school to anyone looking for a supportive environment.
Posted: September 8, 2025
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Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
Our recent experience with this school was very disappointing. When we requested a meeting to address a concern, staff members refused to meet with us in a professional manner. Instead, they raised their voices, got in our faces, and ultimately banned us from the school rather than working toward a resolution.
As parents, we expect open communication and respect from the school that educates our child. Unfortunately, what we encountered was unprofessional and dismissive. Families deserve a safe and respectful environment when interacting with school staff, and that was not provided here.
I hope the administration takes this feedback seriously and improves the way they handle parent concerns moving forward.
Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
When our child reported bullying and other conflicts with peers, the administration downplayed the issues and sometimes implied that the student was at fault. Requests for meetings were repeatedly delayed or canceled, and when meetings did occur, we were met with defensiveness and hostility rather than support. There were also instances where policies were applied inconsistently—students were punished for minor infractions while other similar situations were ignored. It became clear that advocacy for our children was not welcome, and speaking up often resulted in intimidation or being labeled as “difficult parents.” These repeated experiences created a stressful and unsafe environment for our children and our family.
Posted: September 4, 2025
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Posted: September 4, 2025
Posted: September 4, 2025
We have had ongoing issues with this school for over two years. The administration has been consistently uncooperative, often dismissing concerns from parents. There have been multiple instances where they have lied or misrepresented facts, and they frequently pressure or bully both parents and students into following their demands rather than addressing real concerns.
Due to this environment, our oldest son left the school, and now our middle child has been removed because of the lack of respect shown by the administration. Communication is poor, and accountability is almost nonexistent.
While the teachers may be well-intentioned, the toxic culture at the administrative level makes it extremely difficult for students to thrive and for parents to feel supported. We cannot, in good conscience, recommend this school.
Posted: September 4, 2025
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Posted: August 21, 2025
I would not recommend this school to anyone! They pick and choose who they are going to be good.
Posted: August 21, 2025
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Posted: January 10, 2024
People have gotten away with telling my friends to kill themselves. I think that says enough. the middle school math teacher is pretty cool tho we stan
Posted: January 10, 2024
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Posted: August 11, 2021
I have been a parent at WMPCS for over 10 years with students who have gone though multiple grade “levels.” While the school is not a fit for all families, our family have been extremely happy with the individualized instruction, engagement, and community activities for our children. The teachers are great and always go the extra mile for my kids. Each of my children are very different and the teachers always do everything they can for their individual learning styles. If you are looking for a lecture/classroom teacher centered room this school will not work.
Indifferent to homework, since they do not have homework until middle school.
Posted: August 11, 2021
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Posted: July 19, 2021
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Posted: July 19, 2021
This is wonderful school. My grandkids attend here and are very fortune to be apart of this school.
Posted: July 19, 2021
Posted: July 19, 2021
This school is just wonderful! My son has been here since preschool and we feel feel so grateful every day that we found it. My son is now 14 and I constantly get compliments on his character, manners an maturity. I am always quick to give Washington Montessori credit for helping us to raise such a great person. The teachers at this school have always been effective in their teaching and supportive of any issues we have had. I love that the school is educating the "whole child", not just teaching academics. Acceptance, kindness and caring abound among the students, they are truly a family. The education process has taught my son to set his own goals and to develop a great work ethic. The administration has alway been quick to address any concerns we might have. We are extremely pleased with Washington Montessori and would definitely recommend it to anyone!
Posted: July 19, 2021
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Posted: May 19, 2021
This school is sick. They bully children out if they donÂ’t live up to their standards. My child waited two years to be tested for learning disabilities. Once tested, he received no help. Current administration , all three of them. Systematically bullied my child out when he could not keep up with his lessons. Once a sweet child that everyone loved became depressed, nervous and his self esteem was on the floor. Thankfully we got out and he is recovering. Nepotism and cronyism is rampant and long serving board members, as well as returning board members really need to look at themselves in the mirror. To destroy a child because they are different, is criminal. They do not work with parents or children. This school should have been cleaned out long ago. Constant student turnover- and well qualified teachers leaving- and never mentioning this sick place again. My child, with an above average IQ, continues to catch up to grade level.......If you love your child or children- run from this place........
Posted: May 19, 2021
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Posted: March 2, 2019
After 3rd grade, the experience went sharply downhill. VERY disappointed.
Posted: March 2, 2019
In lower grades, not much homework given. In upper elementary, the teachers give assignments and say it is the parents job to teach their children. Seriously?!
Posted: March 2, 2019
Lower elementary excellent. 4th-6th grade, good luck. Not much support or help from condescending and excuse-driven “teachers”. VERY high turnover rate...can’t keep the good teachers there.
Posted: March 2, 2019
In younger grades, yes. As they get older, bullying is allowed.
Posted: March 2, 2019
The “directress” (as she likes to be called) of the school is more interested in gossip and undermining growth than actually aiding students in becoming their best. Shameful. Has lied to our faces and worked against, not for/with us.
Posted: March 2, 2019
If you have an IEP or special needs, good luck. They dictate rather than work with parents.
Posted: March 2, 2019
Teachers and students have bullied my child. Repeatedly. Administration did nothing.
Posted: May 10, 2017
WMPCS is both good and bad.
The GOOD: Teachers and staff are generally very caring and it is a kind, safe little community. It is small enough that most of the students know one another and the kids grow up together. Teachers do a very good job of teaching reading throughout most grades (just look at their EOG scores). The classrooms in the upper and lower elementary building are very nice. Perhaps most importantly, they teach students to be empathetic, kind, and courteous.
The BAD: The 'No Violence Policy', while good in theory, places permanent marks on their student's state school record frequently for minor infractions that could best be dealt with by teachers during the school day. For instance, if your kindergartner and his friend push each other in line, even a little and without malicious intent, he/she will be automatically suspended for the remainder of that day and the next if you do not pick them up by 11:45. There is no in-school suspension option/after school detention/principals office. It is an automatic suspension with mark on the child's permanent record (regardless of age). This includes if the incident is not observed by a teacher but rather reported by another student, which is problematic in its own right. By its very nature, this policy is almost discriminatory towards young boys (5-7 years old) who are energetic and almost always the ones who receive suspensions. A student who was verbally cruel to another would likely disciplined, but doubtfully suspended despite actually doing something more malicious than common boy horseplay. Also, this school seems to almost teach 'tattle telling'. There is a big difference between tattle telling and reporting.
The school's math and science EOG scores are, frankly, terrible. The school attests that the EOG math scores do not reflect their student's actual math understanding. I have yet to fully buy into this. They are currently focusing heavily on math throughout the grades trying to correct this. Hopefully, the scores will improve. I do think there is some value into the conceptual way that they teach math. There is also a lack of racial diversity at this school and students tend to be of a similar 'type'.
The mixed age classrooms are both good or bad, depending on the child. They may learn things from older children earlier than you anticipated.
Posted: May 10, 2017
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Posted: May 10, 2017
There is no homework at this school.
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
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Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Great school! Students are taught character education along with math, reading, science, cultural studies, geography, music and many subjects my child did not have at local schools. Information on this site is outdated - they opened a high school 3 years ago. I cannot wait until my child reaches high school here!
Posted: September 27, 2016
I think this is an exceptional school especially compared to most of the public schools in this area. The kids are taught not just how to read, write, etc but life skills. I wouldn't want my children anywhere else :)
Posted: May 15, 2016
Posted: May 15, 2016
Posted: May 15, 2016
This school only seems fair to :parents who donate or those who are Christian. Since the new dual administration took over there is a strong Christian agenda being pushed... and if a child/teen has different relIgious beliefs or If they are homosexual, they are held to stricter rules and face harsher punishment. It's sad because this use to be a very accepting, inclusive school.... not anymore.
Posted: May 15, 2016
The atmosphere of this school was awesome through the 2013-2014 school year. After that new dual administration took over and they have been pushing a strong Christian agenda. There are kids who are from different religious backgrounds as well as homosexual kids/teens that are held to stricter rules and harsher punishments than their "Christian" peers simply because they don't meet the administration's standards. They have teachers who push the Christian religion in class and talk down other beliefs. This is not the way a PUBLIC Charter School should behave.
Posted: August 20, 2013
I love this school. I have three children here at three different levels. The administration and staff are passionate about teaching Montessori. The schools academics are rich. My children are becoming independent learners and thinkers. My children's emotional and social needs are nurtured. They are becoming problem solvers.They are gaining a sense of community and world awareness. This school teaches the whole child.
Posted: August 18, 2013
I am a bit stymied by the negative reviews of this school. My family has been associated with Washington Montessori for the past four years, and I can honestly say that it has been a godsend. My children have thrived academically and socially. Two of my children are currently enrolled in this institution, and my third child is a recent Washington Montessori Middle School graduate. Yes, there were administrative changes at the school this past year, and I understand that some felt slighted by these changes. However, it stands to reason that there will always be stress associated with these types of transition. What bothers me is that families would pull their kids from an institution that they claimed to have believed in, rather than to allow a new administration to settle in and find its groove. I hope that these families find an school that meets their particular needs. I can certainly say that my family supports this school, its teachers, and its administrative body. We are thankful that we have had the opportunity to be part of Washington Montessori.
Posted: July 28, 2013
We love this school! The teachers are wonderful and the environment is friendly and welcoming. This is an educational community which helps students with more than academics. It helps students with true life lessons -- working well with others, taking personal responsibility, and using talents to the best ability. Teachers/ administration are receptive to any concerns we make and we are met with sincerity and understanding. Parents are encouraged for participation and thankfully the school seems to effectively deal with bad behavior, instead of letting it fester as in most public schools. In what other school can you witness 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders moving from work station to work station and actually DOING work quietly and respectfully, all while students actively help each other under the guidance of the teacher? If you are looking for a traditional approach to learning this is not for you; but if you are searching for a school which values academic achievement while promoting a loving and giving social environment, then your search is over. I am only ranking this 4 stars because of the lack of extra curricular opportunities, but there is an excellent violin program and soccer.
Posted: July 27, 2013
Success of children is secondary. Something in 2012 - 2013 changed. Kids are being pulled from the school. They are not following the Montessori method.
Posted: May 7, 2013
The teachers, parents and school environment are phenomenal. This has been an excellent choice for our children, but is not for everyone or every child; it is not a one-size-fits-all traditional educational approach. Our children are blessed with the opportunity to learn in an environment that fosters grace, courtesy and creativity as much as it does academics.
Posted: April 8, 2013
Sadly I will remove my children from this school at the end of this school year. Lack of proper administration has caused all sorts of problems. The teachers are wonderful, but overwhelmed due to the lack of leadership. The atmosphere of this school is unpleasant and what a shame that it is so.
Posted: February 10, 2013
You can never please everyone. This is a highly sought after school for a very good reason. The administration cares, the teachers care, and the children learn in a positive, creative way. This is a special place that offers an alternative to the public school testing drill and kill mentality. My son has soared in a few short months at this school! They are working hard to continue to make this the best choice in the Greenville/Washington area. I applaud the administration and all of the parents who work hard in a positive way to seek change and move in great directions for the future!
Posted: January 1, 2013
This school was awesome. My children really enjoyed the environment up till this year. New administration is in over their heads. Teachers are now pressured with added responsibility to take up for the lack of leadership. If things are not changed for next year we will be looking for an alternative.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | River Bend | Neighborhood/Subdivision | New Bern | NC | 33.5 mi | |
| 2 | Evans Mill | Neighborhood/Subdivision | New Bern | NC | 36.3 mi | |
| 3 | MacDonald Downs | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Havelock | NC | 42.5 mi | |
| 4 | Cherry Branch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Havelock | NC | 43.3 mi | |
| 5 | Stonebridge Trail | Area of Town | Havelock | NC | 44.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Bern High School Area | New Bern | NC | 31.4 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Cherry Point MCAS | 43.9 mi. |
