Ghent Montessori School in Norfolk | Military Town Advisor

Posted: August 27, 2026

We absolutely love the Montessori school our 4- and 6-year-old grandchildren attend! It has been wonderful to see them grow, learn, and become more independent in such a warm and nurturing environment.

The teachers truly care about each child and take the time to understand their individual needs, interests, and personalities. We especially appreciate the Montessori approach, which encourages curiosity, confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.

Our grandchildren are always excited to go to school and come home eager to share what they have learned. As grandparents, it gives us so much peace of mind knowing they are in a caring and supportive environment where they are encouraged to be themselves and reach their full potential.

We are very grateful to the entire school community and would highly recommend this Montessori school to other families!

Posted: August 27, 2026

We have been so grateful for our experience at this school. We love how genuinely known and cared for our children are not just by their classroom teachers, but by the school community as a whole. We also really value the sense of community here. There is a warmth to the school that is hard to capture in words. Our children are excited to go to school, feel a true sense of belonging, and have developed meaningful relationships with both their teachers and peers.

The Montessori environment has given our children the space to grow into confident, curious, and independent learners while still honoring who they are as individuals. Their teachers take the time to understand their strengths, interests, and challenges, and we have seen so much growth academically, socially, and emotionally as a result.

As parents, we appreciate that the school looks beyond academics and places real value on independence, responsibility, kindness, respect, and becoming a thoughtful member of a community. We feel incredibly fortunate that our children are able to spend these important years in an environment where they are supported, challenged, and truly loved.

Posted: May 28, 2025

My kids have been here since they were toddlers and we have had nothing but overwhelming positive experiences. I cant recommend the school enough and every year they add more opportunities for the kids. It keeps getting better. The price tag is brutal but I cant imagine sending them anywhere else.

Posted: February 8, 2024

the middle school is absolutely amazing, the teachers are patient and helpful. however, the other school from children's house to upper elementary are pretty toxic environments. I would consistently get into trouble if I didn't know the answer to something that I hadn't been taught yet. we were never allowed to speak our opinions and would get in trouble for saying anything close to our own oppions. the teachers barely know what to do with normal kids, let alone kids with special needs. the teachers are homophobic and rude. if something is not done exactly their way, you will get into trouble. however, I must give props to the few great teachers and staff members who 100% deserve a raise. firstly, the full-day staff is fun and welcoming. the toddler teachers are absolutely great with the kids as well as the assistants for children's house and lower Elementry 1. The staff in the office are fun and nice. Most importantly the Middle school teachers. they create a fun and educational environment for the students. free speech and voicing opinions is encouraged and no question is dumb. I've never felt more safe and free at this school than when I'm in middle school. if your child is old enough for middle school, I strongly advise that you consider the Ghent Montessori Middle School.

Posted: July 13, 2023

My 4-year-old was forced to eat lunch alone for 2 weeks straight as a punishment for a disagreement she had with another student. The other student was not still receiving a punishment at all. She sat alone while the other children socialized and ate together. In her evaluations, she was described as impulsive for skipping the line every now and then to tap the teacher on the shoulder to ask a question. She was 4 years old at the time. That is normal for a 4-year-old to not want to wait in line. After this prolonged punishment and the teacher expressing to us that she had unrealistic expectations for a 4-year-old, we decided to unenroll our child. We still had to pay the rest of the tuition for the year, since we had signed the contract. It was worth getting her to a school that had appropriate expectations and would treat the children equally.

Posted: May 17, 2023

Our family has been lucky enough to have been part of the Ghent Montessori School community for 5 years! The administrators, teachers, and staff are invested in each child and family. The small size of the school, in addition to the Montessori method, creates an environment that helps the children grow personally and academically. I personally love the schoolwide events that are simple while allowing the children to share their work and allows the staff to showcase how their teaching method works in real time. The head of school is so warm and welcoming and has been supportive of our family. The teachers are incredibly committed to staying up to date on best teaching practices and implementing methods that are always in the best interest of the child. We can't say enough good things about Ghent Montessori!

Posted: May 7, 2023

Our child thrives at GMS and it's due to the amazing staff who supports her and provides an environment for growth and exploration. The teachers are attentive, warm, and also give children the space to figure things out on their own while staying close to provide assistance if needed. This results in a beautiful combination of independence and trust and allows the children to build a strong foundation. We strongly recommend GMS.

Posted: May 5, 2023

I have three children that attend GMS. I am extremely impressed with the school and teachers. When we go observe our son, all the students are working independently on whatever happens to interest then. The teachers guide students to do various lessons, but the students get a lot of choice on how they spend their time. The students feel empowered and learn a love of learning.

Posted: May 5, 2023

Our children have been attending for 2 years in the childrens house and toddler house. We have been so happy with the experience. Honestly I cant imagine how we got so lucky in having teachers (even assistants) who connect and relate so much with both children.

Posted: April 9, 2022

We transitioned our son to Montessori from a more traditional school program because he was having some behavioral issues and just wasnt performing to his true potential, we as his parents knew he could. He began after the semester had already begun and we have watched him flourish. The Ghent Montessori experience is nurturing and focused on what is best for children, knowing they will have different needs, strengths, and differences. We are impressed with the level of learning he has attained in a short time. The school takes on a wholistic approach with academics, fine arts, and life skills. Most importantly my son loves it there, has made many friends and he loves talking to me about his accomplishments at school. :)

Posted: February 21, 2022

Grandparent:

My grandchildren attend Ghent Montessori School. Ghent Montessori is a safe and nurturing environment for them to learn and grow. They are learning about the world, how to take care of the environment, developing independence, problem solving skills and critical thinking. I love that they are learning in a concrete way and not the abstract. My grandchildren have a love for learning which I give credit to their teachers and to the Montessori method of teaching. I would highly recommend this school.

Posted: February 21, 2022

Posted: February 20, 2022

I used to teach at GMS and they were the best 10 years of my life. I retired! I was amazed at the dedication and patience of the staff. Granted it was with the previous administration but many of the same teachers are still there showing the love and confidence the staff have for the new administration. There were children with issues, as there will always be that situation. The staff handled them the best they could. It is not the staffs job to fix the issues a child may have. They are there to provide a learning environment for the children in the classroom. If a child continuously disrupts the atmosphere for learning that child is removed for the betterment of the classroom community. It is the parents job to find out what the problem is, whether it is a learning difficulty, sensory processing difficulty, emotional difficulty etc. My daughter, who had Montessori during her first few years, is now an Occupational Therapist in another state, works with children who have difficulties in classrooms. She tells me about her clients and what she suggests for the parents to do. I feel for the parents. It is scary to know that ones child is not doing ideally in a classroom and confounding as to what to do. But it is the parents job to find out and help the child as best they can, it not the schools job. Ive always thought Montessori should be in the public schools because some of the learning issues my daughter describes would be helped just because of how Montessori is set up. What most amazes me about Montessori is that the young people become continuous learners eager to find out and problem solve. There are also lasting relationships between the students. I will soon become a grandmother and Ive already started a savings account for that child to go to the towns nearest Montessori. GMS has so many resources near by, Chrysler Museum, HoH, Hewitt Garden Center etc. and is centrally located. Who could ask for anything more?

Posted: February 17, 2022

I've been associated with GMS for over ten years with both of kids experienceing Children's House through middle school. I saw a lot of good and bad (good far outweighs the bad) through the years, but the recent change in leadership has provided an incredibly positive direction for the school. I know the staff well and I can honestly say that they absolutely love what they do and love the children. They strive to uphold the principles of Montessori philosophy to develop confident and peaceful adults. Both of my children have used the life lessons and guidance from this school to help them become successful. While Montessori philosophy may be quite different from other styles, it seems to work. I do not regret my family's decision to send my children here. The new leadership and vision will only serve to make the awesome little school, greater.

Posted: February 16, 2022

Wonderful staff who actually care for the children. Devoted to Montessori. Clean, safe, and beautiful environment.

Posted: February 16, 2022

Posted: February 13, 2022

As an alum of the school, I frequently say that GMS and my Montessori education made me the person I am today. GMS gave me a confidence in myself that carried me through high school and into college. I had a love of learning that many of my peers who attended traditional education did not have. I feel so lucky to have attended such an amazing school.

Posted: February 11, 2022

This school is unique in that it goes from toddlers to middle school, and there's a separate high school option available as well. This is rare with Montessori schools. It's under new leadership; they've made some great changes and improvements and have great plans for the future. Montessori schools have been around for over 100 years, and scientific research supports the benefits of a Montessori education.

Posted: February 11, 2022

Posted: May 24, 2021

My two oldest children currently attend Ghent Montessori and have for the past few years. They both have had an amazing experience there. The teachers are all so wonderful, patient, and truly care about the children. My children love to go to school and look forward to each day. They have learned so much and the methods of learning are so unique.

I love that the work is individualized to each child. They are neither held back or pushed ahead before they are ready. They move at their own pace.

My daughter and son love the art classes. I am always amazed by the work they bring home.

Posted: May 24, 2021

Posted: April 24, 2021

I love the idea of Montessori education and the philosophy. We transferred to GMS from another accredited Montessori school in another state. Having another school to compare it to, we were shocked to learn how "Un-Montessori" GMS is. What we got was what we would expect from a poor-moderately performing public school at an almost $12k sticker price. GMS is very much institutionalized. As much as Montessori is about "choices" and "choosing," we were often told what to do with regard to parenting and when we made our own choices, we were directly criticized and judged. Although I was told my child was having problems in school, NONE of the staff could ever agree on what those problems were. Our child is on other programs with other children in different settings, academic and recreational, and no one else has ever described any problems. I would definitely recommend looking at other Montessori schools or simply implementing Montessori at home if interested in Montessori education. Montessori is after all a state of mind. I would also recommend not considering GMS if you are a family of color. Black and brown children have enough to overcome already and shouldn't have to start their academic career out as early as 24 months having to experience Bias educators.

Posted: April 24, 2021

Posted: August 12, 2019

The children of this school flourish; although, it is not always because of the staff. Much of the staff often made backhanded comments to me about my daughter's behavior at pickup about her 'always wanting to be on the go' or her 'strong voice'. She is autistic and often calms with movement and humming. Even after being at the school for two years and bringing this up to the director of the school my daughter continued to tell me her favorite part of school was the office administrator (because she was sent out of the room often). I have seen other children in higher age groups do wonderfully in this school from friends who still have children there. They love the interactive setup and self-learning. This place could really use an upgrade when it comes to staff.

Posted: August 12, 2019

Posted: July 20, 2018

There are much better private schools in Norfolk.

Posted: January 18, 2017

The type and amount of homework is appropriate at each grade level.

Posted: January 18, 2017

Our family has had a wonderful experience at GMS. We initially started our child in Childrens House because we needed daycare and we wanted some type of preschool program rather than just babysitting. In the Childrens House and Elementary work cycles, my childs natural curiosity was nurtured and she began to enjoy the process of learning. She developed social skills, respect for herself and others, and self-discipline. Through the Upper Elementary and Middle School work cycles, my child developed organization and time management skills, critical thinking skills, and a genuine love of learning. The teachers and staff were always helpful and supportive throughout all phases of my childs development.

Posted: September 11, 2016

GMS has been a second family for our child for over six years. Our experience has always been positive. The teachers are dedicated to raising happy, curious and studious children. Students learn politeness and respect by taking example from the teachers who never humiliate them. There is no bullying because the kids feel loved by the adults. This love impacts the relationships between the children. Our daughter's classmates are like her brothers and sisters. Whenever our child had occasional conflicts with other children, the teachers went out of their way to turn the conflicts into learning experience about respectful behavior. Our child studied with Ms. Joni, the teacher at Children House 2. She is a legendary figure at GMS. We understood the depth of her work once, when our child was sick and stayed at home. She was so sad to miss school that she reconstructed a work cycle with her dolls playing the role of Ms. Joni. She taught the dolls writing, math, geography, music and so many things with such a loving voice. I then understood how fortunate we were to be able to send her to such a wonderful school. By the time she started first grade, our daughter was already accustomed to be an independent, self-motivated student. Ms. Ruland, lower elementary 1 teacher, taught her to follow her curiosity and gave her skills of order, systematic work and meticulousness. Ms. Rulands artistic soul is imprinted in our daughter who still feels the need to keep beautiful notebooks. Ms. Ruland also continued cultivating respect and politeness. Ms. Kelli, upper elementary teacher, is equally an outstanding educator. In addition to knowledge, she teaches confidence, organization, discipline and deep love of learning. Our daughter cites daily the sentences of wisdom Ms. Kelli says in class. I could go on and on praising also the other teachers and staff. Each of them has positive influence on the development of our child. Ms. Suzanne, the head of school, should be particularly praised for leading such a great team. She is always attentive to our needs with endless patience, goodwill, and dedication. To reply to a previous comment, GMS indeed has no gymnasium and the playground isnt the biggest. But it has warm, nurturing, peaceful, stimulating and so many more important qualities that bring people to drive their children daily to GMS from all over Hampton Roads.

Posted: September 11, 2016

Posted: May 23, 2016

Our child started here at 2 years old. He flourished until the middle of his kindergarten year in children's house two. He began informing us he was having bad days. So as concerned parents we started watching through the schools observation window. Let me add that whenever we were informed or wittnessed improper or naughty behavior we would guide our child appropriately. What we observed from the director, the administrative staff and resource teachers was disturbing. The director rarely acknowledged us when we came in and we had written a formal complaint and never heard from her, the administrative staff wore jeans, flip flops when there was a uniform policy, and daily brought a dog into school. On one observation we witnessed a resource teacher have our child get up from the circle lesson, sit in a chair away from the others, then told him to turn his back from the lesson. All this because he was moving about and making a clucking noise. She did not give him the choice or invite him back. The children's house two teacher did go and sit with him after 10 mins. We promptly wrote a complaint about the situation. We never heard from the director or the administrative staff. At the end of the week the children's house two teacher had a 5 min chat with me about the write up. On another occasion I had a resource teacher tell me our child was acting up in class, she felt he was a problem, he was frustrated with the lesson, competitive and made him sit on the bench. Another resource teacher was going back to gms and decided he would go back to children's house two. We were so close to the end of the year it just wasn't worth writing up. I wish I had more positive things to say about this school. I do feel the children's house two teachers are doing the very best they can with the amount of students they all had. When considering this school keep in mind that the children have to walk across a busy street for art, there is no gymnasium for those long rainy days and the resource teachers seemed to be harsh and outdated when it comes to correctional actions.

Posted: May 21, 2016

There was little to no homework for my kindergartener. The occasional learning to read books.

Posted: December 19, 2014

I can't recommend this school. The teachers are OK, except for one who makes passive aggressive comments. Our child has health problems and we have not received any support from the staff, the head of the school in particular. I won't get into details, but in my opinion she has acted extremely unprofessionally and immaturely. I'm very sorry we enrolled our child in this school.

Posted: October 9, 2013

Our daughter has ADHD and this school is excellent for her academic and social development and her sense of self-esteem. She is excited by what she is learning and comes home wanting to learn even more. This is in direct contrast to being discouraged by extra worksheets and constant negative behavior reports from the traditional/heavily rules-based school she attended previously. Ghent Montessori allows our daughter the freedom to move as needed and to work at a comfortable pace that encourages her curiousity and love of learning. Bravo!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Ghent	Area of Town	Norfolk	VA	0.8 mi
2	Ghent	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	0.8 mi
3	West Ghent	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	1 mi
4	Park Place	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	1.2 mi
5	Park View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Portsmouth	VA	1.5 mi
6	Riverview	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	1.9 mi
7	Colonial Place	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	2 mi
8	Winona	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	2.1 mi
9	Lafayette Shores	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	2.5 mi
10	Jamestown Crescent	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	2.7 mi
11	Riverpoint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	2.7 mi
12	Larchmont	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	2.8 mi
13	Talbot Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	3.3 mi
14	First Watch at River Pointe	Condominium/Townhouse	Portsmouth	VA	3.5 mi
15	Wards Corner	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	3.9 mi
16	Wexford Terrace/Colony Point	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	3.9 mi
17	Colony Point Apartments	Apartment Complex	Norfolk	VA	3.9 mi
18	Crown Point Townhomes	Apartment Complex	Norfolk	VA	4 mi
19	Lochhaven	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	4.1 mi
20	Georgetown Estate	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chesapeake	VA	4.3 mi
21	Fairlawn Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Norfolk	VA	5.1 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Ghent Square	Norfolk	VA	0.2 mi
2	Colley Avenue and 21st	Norfolk	VA	0.8 mi
3	Park Place	Norfolk	VA	1.2 mi
4	Colonial Place	Norfolk	VA	1.9 mi

Base	Distance
Portsmouth Naval Medical Center	1.1 mi.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard	2.9 mi.
Coast Guard Portsmouth VA	4.1 mi.
Norfolk Naval Base	5.1 mi.
Joint Staff J7 Suffolk	7.5 mi.
Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base	8.8 mi.
Fort Monroe	10.2 mi.
Oceana NAS	14.9 mi.
Langley AFB	15.7 mi.
Fort Story	16.6 mi.
Dam Neck Naval Station	19.1 mi.
NSA Northwest Annex	20.6 mi.
Fort Eustis	26.1 mi.
Coast Guard Yorktown	27.1 mi.
Yorktown Naval Weapons Station	31.3 mi.
Coast Guard Elizabeth City	41.4 mi.
Coast Guard Station Milford Haven	43.4 mi.

Ghent Montessori School

Norfolk, VA 23507

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Norfolk, VA 23507

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