East Cooper Montessori Charter School in Mount Pleasant

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	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 2024 End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) Tests data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2024 College and Career Ready Assessments (READY) data from South Carolina Department of Education.
Student Growth	4/10	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 - Elementary Level data from South Carolina Department of Education, and using 2024 Student Growth - Middle Level data from South Carolina Department of Education.

Posted: August 20, 2026

I was a student at ECMCS for 9 years and I felt extremely seen and loved every single one of those years. I joined ECMCS at 5 years old and I just graduated and am now in 9th grade at Academic Magnet along with 3 of my peers. My kindergarten teacher, Ms. Kendra, is still there after all 9 years and would regularly greet me in the halls! The school is great when it comes to the needs of students and making learning fun at all ages. ECMCS greatly prepared me for high school education by teaching me skills like planning my work and how to ask for support when needed and how to be confident in my education and social circles. ECMCS is the kind of environment where I would regularly see previous students before me come to visit the teachers that taught them and the teachers would remember and catch up with previous students which really does show how strong the sense of community is there. When I left, i'm proud to say that all of my teacher's told me I had to visit and that they would miss my presence very much. I am now in AP Human Geo in 9th grade along with Algerbra 1H, ELA 1H, Biology 1H, and Spanish 2. ECMCS was a HUGE part of my identity growing up and it still shapes me into the person I am today and I will be forever grateful for the 9 years I spent there. I know that almost all reviews on this website are from the parents of students so I thought it might help people who are thinking about enrolling at ECMCS to hear from a graduate that got into one of the best high schools in SC. As one last final note, I would also like to say that when I reached out to 3 of my previous teachers (after graduating), asking to write letters of recommendation for a volunteer program, all 3 responded with the form filled out with outstanding comments about me and how fit I would be for the role. All in all ECMCS is the perfect school for your child and I'm extremely happy I went there for my K-8 education.

Posted: August 20, 2026

Posted: January 31, 2026

One worst experience of my life. Fork in the road I wish I turned right. Do not go to this daycare. Its not a school. My biggest regrets sending my kids to the school.

Posted: January 31, 2026

Posted: February 11, 2024

ECMCS has become a second home to our family. Each of my children have had a unique and incredibly supportive experience as they've gone through primary up to upper elementary so far...middle school is next! We have had different teachers for each child and have found each one to be 100% invested in their educational and mental health. It has truly been a privilege to be invited in and allowed to interact and participate so often as a parent. The feeling of home is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the school - each administrator, staff and teacher addresses my children by name, knows me and my husband and is so engaged in the whole child. We couldn't imagine being anywhere else for 11 years!

Posted: February 11, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

East Cooper Montessori Charter School has created the most positive, engaging, loving environment for my child. She is challenged academically, supported emotionally and truly loves going to school every day! We feel so lucky to have found this school and are planning on sending our younger child there as well although Montessori might not be the right fit for every child, it has been a wonderful fit for us. We have nothing but good things to say about the school!

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 8, 2024

Our experience with ECMCS has been nothing short of exceptional! As a parent, finding the right educational environment for our child was paramount, and we couldn't be happier with our decision to enroll them here.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this school is its embrace of diverse learning styles, particularly the Montessori approach. This method has truly unlocked our child's potential in ways we never imagined possible. Unlike traditional schools, where our child struggled to find their footing, the Montessori philosophy caters to individual learning needs, allowing our child to thrive and excel at their own pace. It's amazing to witness their growth and confidence blossom every day.

Moreover, the staff at ECMCS is genuinely caring and nurturing. They create a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. Knowing that our child is surrounded by such loving and dedicated educators gives us peace of mind as parents.

Another aspect we love about this school is the emphasis on outdoor time. The abundance of sunshine and fresh air not only enhances the learning experience but also promotes overall well-being. Our child comes home full of stories about their adventures in nature, and we couldn't be happier to see them embrace the outdoors with such enthusiasm.

East Cooper Charter Montessori School has truly exceeded our expectations in every way. From its commitment to diverse learning styles to its loving staff and ample outdoor time, it's the perfect fit for our family. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for their child.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Amazing school, the best community for our kids around. They are excelling academically and socially. The overnight trips are wonderful and the staff is terrific.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Posted: September 20, 2023

Weve been in attendance for 5 years now and adore this school, the teachers and the administrators. Jody the principal is a force and has done so much for this school and it shows.
We love that it is a charter school as it requires parent involvement to be a success.
Cant recommend enough.

Posted: September 20, 2023

Posted: July 13, 2023

East Cooper Montessori did not do right by my child. From Day one, East Cooper Montessori had an agenda to get rid of my child because my child did not fit their perfect criteria of their rendition of a student. This School broke me and my childs spirit, which I have no doubt, will have an affect on my child for the rest of her life. My child has a disability that we came aware of during the school year, so we sought out treatment. We had an Occupational Therapy, pediatrician, and a therapist to help get all the help for my child to get on track for what my child needed. We were working on getting the right medication, which is a long process. Every medication we tried, the administration would come back and tell me this is not what the child needs to be on, going against the medical professionals. To my knowledge, I did not think this is allowed to suggest or say this is not the right medication, as they are not qualified professionals. This Blows my mind! The doctors and occupational therapist would write notes and communicate to East Cooper Montessori on how situations should be handled and what was best for my child. However, like I said, this school had their own agenda and would trigger my child time and time again. The staff was not willing to work with my Child and at the end, the school kicked out my child, breaking my child emotionally. For a public school to have the right to pick and choose children is something I will never understand and I was not willing to fight anymore. I had the opportunity to chat with an ex teacher from East Cooper Montessori, and was told that this was the very reason she left the school. I am sure everyone has had their own experience with this school, but this was mine. I am sharing my story, my experience, of what this school did to me and my child emotionally, breaking my child.

Posted: July 13, 2023

Posted: May 23, 2021

Excellent teachers and administrators! Even during COVID this school is the best school in Mount Pleasant!

Posted: May 23, 2021

Posted: April 14, 2021

I would rate this schools focus to be very lopsided.
In my experience it was fundraising 1st, (squeezing every possible direction. Id never seen a principle behave more like a sales coordinator rather than an educator.
Education is possibly 2nd, but there is so much distance between 1st priority and 2nd priority it doesnt matter. It just gets lost in a sea of teacher resignations and the next big fundraiser.
Lots of drama surrounding staff. Huge turnover year after year. Seems to be much higher than other schools in the district.

Posted: August 10, 2019

Incredible school with purpose-driven values and curriculum. The teachers have a passion for what they do and it is clear across the board.

Posted: August 10, 2019

Posted: December 4, 2016

I rated this school a 2 because my experience leads me to feel that this school has the potential to be great but has bad leadership. My child has been here for 3 years and with each year I hope things will improve but I am afraid that the overall theme is MONEY and GREED. His first year was so amazing and quickly I learned this school is not all it preaches. This school has moved away from the small community feel tremendously. Peace projects are not a monthly focal point, inexperienced staff of non-Montessorians are filling the classrooms, specials teachers aside from two are engaging, and the staff are overworked and disgruntled. Each teacher teaches differently and unless you own a business or pay a large annual fund donation you don't have the ear of the principal to help with many situations. There is no way to track their progress or know what the kids are working on. I feel my child likes this school because they barely work and are left to independently doodle and read versus work....what kid would not love school if they did that all day. I have talked to past staff members who were mistreated by the principal, demeaned, or undermined. Although she is trying her best to fix these behaviors this year she could benefit from an evaluation of her own one by parents and one by staff.

Diversity is lacking, community feel is lacking, and authentic Montessorians are lacking. I know this school has had a huge turnover which is scary. This principal is draining teachers of their passion which is even scarier. I fear Maria Montessori would be so disappointed in this school and I find it highly alarming that more than half of the staff have children who DO NOT attend this school by.

Posted: December 4, 2016

I have heard of bullying in 3 out 7 classes that takes place with little support for the children.

Posted: December 4, 2016

I don't know much about the sped department personally but my friend does and last year alone they had 3 different sped teachers leave, getting an IEP on a child is like pulling teeth, and students with disabilities could use more interventions and parents could use more support. Most parents get evaluations provided outside of the school which is ridiculous and costly (something the school is supposed to provide).

Posted: December 4, 2016

Read full review. The principal is the problem!

Posted: December 4, 2016

This again depends on the lead teacher and their passions for peace lessons, community-related activities,, and characteristics of a strong character. My child's teacher does not touch on this at all and the school no longer does either. So unfortunate.

Posted: December 4, 2016

These teachers all teach differently which would be fine if all followed the standards and effective research based practices. Funny the principal's child has the teacher with the most credentials in reading and a strong Montessori background versus some of the the other lower el lead teachers.

Posted: December 4, 2016

Homework consists of coloring reading clocks and managing your child's own math facts. Highly uneffective without proper resources provided (fact work cards, worksheets, etc).

Posted: November 30, 2016

I currently have a 1st and 3rd grader. My third grader has been at ECMCS for 2 years. I feel that the Montessori approach instills confidence in each of my children, as it promotes independence of learning. I am pleased with their teachers and the love and support they have experienced.

Posted: November 30, 2016

I lucked out in the homeroom teacher area. My 3rd grader is definitely missing some of the specials teachers from last year.

Posted: November 30, 2016

You could say the way the homework assignments are given once a week could put more on the parents. But, I took it as a learning opportunity. My first child learned quickly to do her homework in after school so that she could play when she go home because homework was done!

Posted: August 16, 2016

The leadership at this school is terrible! As a result almost 40% of the staff left at the end of the 2015-16 school year. The principal is very authoritarian and her decisions are capricious and arbitrary and without any sound rationale. Also, there is no clear curriculum other than to say "We're Montessori". There is no curriculum document to guide the teachers and ensure that they are teaching the state standards. As a result the quality of each classroom varies wildly. There is this bizarre culture of fear and passive aggressiveness among the staff. I know this because I was a parent and a lead teacher at this school for multiple years. There is nothing I can recommend about this school. With all of the other great schools in Mount Pleasant, East Cooper Montessori Charter School should be your last choice.

Posted: August 16, 2016

As a parent, I had to teach my children how to write because there was no direct teaching of the writing process in class. Interestingly, each quarter there was a big writing project assigned as homework. It was as if the teachers were trying palm off the responsibility on the parents.

Posted: August 16, 2016

Posted: September 16, 2015

More than the quantity, is the issue of quality. Most times homework does not correlate AT ALL with the lessons presented in class which makes homework seem disconnected and a huge waste of time.

Posted: September 16, 2015

Administration seems more interested in aesthetics, leaving academics in the dust. There is such potential there, but sadly not close to being realized. Administration largely reactive to situations, do not plan ahead effectively leading to many last many changes and poorly thought out "new" initiatives. For example, students this year are leaving for other programs with proven STEM programs because for years, YEARS, parents have been begging for such programs. Only after mass exodus of students (i.e. funding), does the administration react to this "new" idea which other area schools have implemented. Decent experience for Lower Elementary (grades 1-3). After that, students are better served at truly academically rigorous environment where there are not missed opportunities for education. (no wasted days/weeks watching movies or learning to make friendship bracelets, or making presentations, etc).

Posted: September 16, 2015

Posted: August 31, 2015

PARENTS DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE I MADE THAT MISTAKE AND WANT TO WARN YOU NOT TOO

Posted: August 31, 2015

Posted: April 14, 2015

My husband and I have a second grader at this school and are very pleased with the school. The classroom is multi age and is led by two teachers, Montessori and teacher certified with the lead also gifted and talented. The classroom is very structured, contrary to popular belief. The kids in Montessori learn in both large and small groups the necessary life skills of academics, leadership, community, responsibility, time management, independence, task prioritizing, problem solving and creative thinking. My daughter was diagnosed with ADD this year and until then struggled in school. At each conference her teacher came to the table prepared with a strategy to put in place to help her. She was also set up with speech therapy without my needing to ask. The teacher is very willing and open to come up with ideas to help her, or meet with us. It is a lottery with only children of staff and siblings getting priority. Maria Montessori developed this classroom environment and teaching method specially to help low income students, so these schools have the ability to teach all. It is an option worth looking into for everyone.

Posted: August 17, 2014

I just stumbled upon these recent reviews of ECMCS and have to refute some of the comments. Regarding the lottery to get in, there is absolutely no priority given to students who come from a montessori school or any other specific background. It is purely "luck of the draw" and completely unbiased. Our children got lucky and got a spot as incoming 1st graders years ago. They did not have a montessori background. There was also a review stating that children leave ECMCS unprepared for a traditional school. Of course, all children are different and some may not handle change well, but the students I know personally are thriving - at schools such as Academic Magnet, SOA, Wando and others. The principal, Jody Swanigan, is professional and a visionary who has built a successful school from the ground up. The school staff is dedicated and caring with very little turnover.

Posted: July 27, 2014

I agree with the other post, the principal seems to have some vision of what children should be, and if your child doesn't fit, then prepare to hear how bad they are. We left last year after 4 years. Today, my child is doing great in her traditional school. Her math map scores jumped 30 points. She likes her teachers and not once have I received negative remarks from her teachers or principal. A school's first job is to ensure the children learn the material. They are not there to judge the children if they don t fit in some mold, or make sure they make right choices, or kind to the environment, etc. Of course these are very important, but they are NOT the first job of a school. This school puts all those things above actually teaching the kids, and then blames the kids for making the wrong choices if they are behind. Please consider all options in choosing a school for your child, and DO NOT be led to believe just because a school has desk and classroom structure that it is a bad school, and detrimental to your child. They will try to get you to believe that.

Posted: June 22, 2014

This school was a nightmare for all three of my children. The principal is detached and even cruel to children who do not fit into her mold of an acceptable student. The teacher turnover rate is horrendous, which is a direct result of her poor leadership ability. Children do not learn basic skills necessary to walk into high school prepared to organize their homework assignments, take notes, or understand the importance of tests and exams. The learning curve is massive. One of my children's ECMCS teachers were unable to show me how she determined grades, was unable to show me a workbook with my child's assignments. She was a disorganized mess. Parents are forced to volunteer because the leadership is unable to inspire volunteerism. So glad my children now attend wonderful schools where individuality and education are valued. Trust me, we did not find that at ECMCS. Please feel free to apply. Unlike other charters, there are always openings because of massive student turnover.

Posted: April 7, 2013

I have 2 boys at ECMCS, one in 1st and one in 3rd and we couldn't be more pleased with this school. My 3rd grader transferred to ECMCS in 2nd grade after attending a private school for K and 1st grade. What I found at the private school was a plethora of worksheets and zero use of critical thinking skills that left my bright child completely apathetic towards school. Transitioning from a traditional classroom to the montessori classroom took some time but within the first week at ECMCS I noticed a renewed enthusiasm and joy for learning. Admittedly, doing independent work and staying focused remained a struggle for some time but the rewards have been immeasurable as I see both of my children engaged and eager to go to school everyday. We love this school for so many reasons. To name only a few, one is definitely the dedicated teachers and staff. Also, the enriched learning environment, the opportunity to excel at your own pace and the emphasis on discovery and community. I can only speak to my own experience with the principal, which has only been positive. I know her only to be engaging, receptive, approachable and supportive. We are so thankful to be at ECMCS!

Posted: February 21, 2013

My daughter loves to go to school since we moved her from a traditional school with its daily tests, quizzes, homework, and high stress levels. Now, she is so excited about what she's learning and wants to talk about all the wonderful things she's discovering at ECMCS. This school is a gift to any child lucky enough to be enrolled.

Posted: September 23, 2012

My daughter has been attending ECMCS for the past 4 years and has never once asked to stay home. She simply thrives in the educational setting and loves her school. Her loving teachers have helped her develop into a well rounded child with strong values and good work ethic. I am saddened to see bitter comments from a couple of folks. Sometimes things just don't work out the way you plan... To displace blame because you don't understand the lesson present is weak. Montessori is not for every teacher nor for every parent. It is a way of life that requires sincere commitment. I am also a former employee of 2 years and had nothing but a great experience from that position. It is extremely difficult to make everyone happy all of the time but I feel like Ms. Jody and her team do a great job! The children are a direct example of what a great community they have developed.

Posted: June 29, 2012

Jody Swanigan, the principal, is a nightmare. As a past employee, I can honestly say that I was treated very poorly and unfairly. I witnessed with my own eyes, Jody putting on a fake smile to parents and then talking badly about them behind their backs. She is a bully, is unprofessional, and fake. It is not a pleasant place to work... just check out the turnover rate. I'm thankful to be out of that environment.

Posted: November 1, 2011

I taught at this school and have only positive words. The Principal is open to new ideas, supportive of professional growth, and sets high standards for all. The staff she brings on are dedicated to Montessori education and their students. It was a place you loved to work at everyday - I haven't found a school quite like it yet. Public Montessori may not be for every parent or every teacher, and I feel some of the negative comments represent the small minority, vs. the large majority that feel ECMCS has changed their child's life.

Posted: August 13, 2011

Another teacher just quit and the year hasn't even started! Honestly, you can't keep fooling yourself by the pretty building and smiling faces. Just look at the unheard of amount of teacher turnover at this school. In the five years since my son was there and later removed, the entire staff except for one teacher is gone. The excuses are always there but they all come from the true cause of these problems: the principal. It seems that people try to do something but give up because unless this principal is replaced nothing will improve or change. She is a control freak and has a horrible grip on teachers. It is unpleasant to work there as many have claimed because of their dealing with her, otherwise, it would be a dream job and school. It's a real shame.......many would return if she left.

Posted: August 12, 2011

I have 2 sons who attend this school, and they are very happy there. We are zoned for a "Blue Ribbon" school, but chose to go to ECMCS because of the impressive amount of time the teachers spend with individual children. There is a true sense of community, as well as an interest to do what is best for each student. I would gladly recommend this school to anyone who knows what a Montessori education is all about!

Posted: January 28, 2011

I was a student.This school is awful.The admin is completely incompetent. I came into the school ready to learn-however, my 3rd grade teacher decided that though I knew how to do long division,I needed to learn how to count to 10,with a 1st grader.To learn any real math,I studied by myself.Scores on standardized tests did not affect what I was taught.I was denied many opportunities offered to favored children.I was disorganized;never was I taught organizational skills.I had to learn organizational skills in high school.I was never told how to study.This lowered my grade dramatically,as I had never been able to gain these skills that everyone else seemed to have.Also, the social experience at ECMCS is horrible.The principle chooses favorites.ECMCS has more biases than any other school I ve heard of.It offers great opportunities to select children.The favorites are allowed to do whatever they want;without regard to anyone else.The favorites can bully the rest of us;the admin does not care.They lack compassion.They refused to investigate learning disabilities,which were revealed after I left this school.ECMCS overlooks every indicator.ECMCS is absolutely horrible.

Posted: January 13, 2011

I have a feeling the negative comments on here are from one disgruntled parent. My daughter has shown phenomenal growth since in enrolling at ECMCS. I can't believe that anyone would have anything but wonderful experiences at this school. If you're thinking about enrolling, come for a visit, you'll see for yourself what a great school it is!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Mt Pleasant	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Mount Pleasant	SC	0.8 mi
2	Ibis Glade in Tanner Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hanahan	SC	13.8 mi
3	Village Green	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Charleston	SC	13.8 mi
4	St James Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Goose Creek	SC	14.5 mi
5	Longleaf	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Goose Creek	SC	16.4 mi
6	Indigo Fields	Neighborhood/Subdivision	North Charleston	SC	16.6 mi
7	Brickhope Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Goose Creek	SC	18 mi
8	Coventry Green	Apartment Complex	Goose Creek	SC	19.6 mi
9	Wescott Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Summerville	SC	20 mi
10	Tranquil Acres	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ladson	SC	20.7 mi
11	Summerville Place	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Ladson	SC	21 mi
12	Summerville Place	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Summerville	SC	21.2 mi
13	Cane Bay Plantation	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Summerville	SC	26.5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Mount Pleasant	Mount Pleasant	SC	2.8 mi
2	Naval Weapons Station Charleston	Goose Creek	SC	12.2 mi
3	West Ashley	Charleston	SC	12.2 mi
4	Downtown	Summerville	SC	24.1 mi
5	Summerville, SC	Summerville	SC	24.1 mi

Base	Distance
Coast Guard Charleston	5.5 mi.
Charleston AFB	12.9 mi.
Charleston Naval Weapons Station	15.7 mi.

East Cooper Montessori Charter School

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

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East Cooper Montessori Charter School

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

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