Mountain Laurel Montessori School

Posted: December 8, 2022

Was bullied for 9-ish years, admin never did anything because bully was grandson of admin. Had to physically pop a football for them to finally do something.

Posted: December 8, 2022

Posted: December 8, 2022

Posted: December 8, 2022

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Posted: December 8, 2022

Posted: December 8, 2022

Posted: December 8, 2022

Posted: March 12, 2022

I do not recommend this school if your child has learning difficulties or requires academic accomodations.

Posted: March 12, 2022

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Posted: March 12, 2022

Posted: December 27, 2018

In the lower part of elementary school at least, there is not any homework. I have found that I am teaching my child fundamental concepts at home that the student could have easily been taught while at school. For example, methods that assist in quickly answering math problems. Students are timed for how quickly they can answer math problems, before they can "graduate" to the next level.

Posted: December 27, 2018

The elementary program went from 2 teachers and 2 assistants, down to 1 teacher and 3 assistants. Ms. Nixon has handled this in stride. She is both a wonderful teacher and person.

Posted: December 27, 2018

Students learn to appreciate life and the habitats in their surroundings.

Posted: December 27, 2018

There is a heavy bias at this school, with multiple faculty members having many children in the programs. There is also a cliché that has worsened, particularly with the addition of the new co-director.

Posted: December 27, 2018

I have yet to experience this dilemma at the school.

Posted: December 27, 2018

Posted: December 27, 2018

The school has an effective Montessori curriculum, that gives students an overall advantage in reading and understanding of lifecycles from the local public schools. My child is able to read at 2 grades higher, and is able to recite things learned that children in the public school system and in the same age group have yet to experience. While I would like to consider my child gifted, I have noticed at social gatherings that friends in my child's circle demonstrate a similar level of knowledge and understanding.
The social aspect of the school is very disheartening, and can be experienced simply by attending a school function. The new co-director wears her emotions on her sleeve, and there is apparent favoritism at school functions for children who have parents that work at the school.

Posted: February 21, 2018

Posted: February 21, 2018

Exceptional experience at this school. I’ve been very satisfied with all aspects of my children’s education here. Challenges were handled with wisdom and flexibility, the beauty of an environment where education can be customized to the child. My children have all thrived emotionally, socially, as well as with academics.

Posted: February 21, 2018

I strongly feel homework has no place in young children’s lives and this school supports this. Plenty of research to prove this is beneficial. Small amounts of homework begin to enter children’s lives in upper elementary.

Posted: February 21, 2018

Gifted and wise: meet kids where they are and encourage them to grow. They make accommodations as necessary (my son has a vision issue) and are very loving and supportive. They also gently push kids to grow when beneficial.

Posted: February 21, 2018

Posted: February 21, 2018

The leadership at the school is organized and focused. The school is well run-requests are always promptly addressed.

Posted: February 21, 2018

Posted: February 17, 2018

The children's strong charecter is apparent when observing a classroom and counting every time you see a child help another fasten an apron, finish a puzzle, practice reading or writing, get the materials needed for a self-chosen project,etc. Multi-age grouping contributes greatly to respect for others and various levels of ability.

Posted: February 17, 2018

Leadership is one of the key elements a good Montessori experience, such as the one received at MLMS, instills in its students, by creating a strong sense of self as well as community.

Posted: February 17, 2018

The structure of the Montessori classroom allows children with special need to integrate into the classroom community without feeling separate from the rest of the students. The pace at which they learn and their need for special accomdations, such as a full time aid, are supported by both the teachers and students. All children have unlimited time to do the work they need to work on to progress in the educational system. Meaning, for example, they get extended time automatically without having to fight for it, thus removing a lot of the anxiety that children with special needs can associate with learning. Also, the hands on learning approach, and Montessori educational materials used in the classrooms, are very supportive of all levels of development and styles of learning.

Posted: February 17, 2018

Generally the Montessori educational system does not leave much room for bullying. Part of the education is what is called 'practical life', which teaches children from a very young age how to be responsible for themselves and for others. Instilling them with strong sense of self as well as strong leadership skills and most importantly compassion and empathy. If there are issues there are several conflict resolution lessons the teachers can go through with the children, or (another perk of the multi age classroom) older children will help with teaching the younger children about conflict resolution as well as basic courtesy, and the correct way to treat people; with kindness and understanding.

Posted: February 17, 2018

I would, and do, recommend Mountain Laurel Montessori School to anyone and everyone. My children, who are now six and ten, have both attended MLMS since they were 16 months old, starting in the toddler program and are now in elementary. I swell with joy and pride watching the young men they are growing into, not just with my help, but also the help of their teachers, peers, and Montessori education. Montessori is not just a style of learning, but a lifestyle. I feel, based on exerience, it is the best for children and parents of all walks of life.

Posted: February 17, 2018

Mountain Laurel Montessori approaches homework by teaching the children to love learning, therefore turning homework into an enjoyable experience rather than a chore.

Posted: February 17, 2018

By practicing the Montessori theory, teachers are able to address the individual needs of each student, as well as the collective needs of each grade level.

Posted: February 7, 2018

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Posted: February 7, 2018

We enrolled our daughter at MLMS in the Toddler Program at 16 months of age so that I could go to work. Reluctant to leave our child but knowing it was a financial necessity, our little girl and I toured what would become her first classroom. One glance at the BEAUTIFUL classroom and her immediate ease and comfort in that very room filled my heart. Eleven years later, our daughter still loves to go to school every single day.

The Montessori methodology for each child to learn at his/her own pace encourages my child to spend more time on some concepts or lessons, and less time on others. Mastering challenging concepts instills self confidence time and time again. An enlightening moment is watching an older student help a younger student understand a concept! The truth of how well a concept is understood is revealed in the older student, reinforcing their desire to fully comprehend the concept, which results in success, and thus self-confidence.

We have observed that students at Mountain Laurel acquire a true love for learning. With a zest to learn, anything is possible.

While offering a solid academic foundation, MLMS also offers a very diverse cultural program including art, music and drama.

The school’s campus includes nature trails where students of all ages explore the outdoors nearly every day. Off campus ventures correlate to the learning programs and are utilized more and more frequently in upper grades, so that learning at MLMS extends beyond the classroom.

Respect for the world around them, including their community of peers and teachers is instilled in students.

As parents in this school community for nearly a dozen years, we have been pleased with communication and the willingness of the staff to listen to concerns and collaborate with us in offering our child a solid academic foundation and invaluable life-skills.

Posted: February 7, 2018

Extremely pleased. Intellectual curiosoty is quietly encouraged and there is time for physical, creative, artistic and musical learning as well. The elementary and junior high model is similar to that of a one-room school house; children focus on their age-appropriate learning but also pick up on upper level learning while also sharing their acquired knowledge with those yonger than themselves. Can't imagine her anywhere else!

Posted: February 7, 2018

Students are free to explore all subject areas with guidance while at school and after-care so there is less need for homework, leaving evenings free for family time and enrichment activities.

Posted: February 7, 2018

Small classes allow teachers to know their students well and meet their individual learning and psychosocial needs. They responded with loving concern, support and true nurturing when our child suffered through several losses. We have been supported as well.

Posted: February 7, 2018

Observation is a sure way to see the "Montessori way" in action. The classrooms are incredibly quiet despite the number of different activities going on at once.

Posted: February 7, 2018

The program has been built on sound Montessori principles at a gorgeous campus. Leadership has responded to changes as needed, adapting and growing over time.

Posted: February 7, 2018

Again, each child's needs are supported and strengths encouraged.

Posted: February 7, 2018

The teachers model such a quiet, loving presence I don't believe there is much bullying. Our child is learning to work with others in ways that promote understanding of each other individually and as part of the classroom community. The students all seem to have a good sense of self and are able to confidently converse with a broad range of ages (including adults!)

Posted: February 7, 2018

Our granddaughter is in her 5th year there. I feel that there is no other school in the area that could have met her unique needs as thoroughly and compassionately as MLMS has. The curriculum, the freedom to explore, the emphasis on doing for yourself, getting outdoors, a low teacher to student ratio- these all contribute to building a broad foundation of education, awareness and wellness that most schools are not capable of delivering.

Posted: February 7, 2018

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Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

My daughter (in 6th grade now) has been at this school since she was 3 years old, and my son (in 4th grade) since he was 1. At every stage of their development at Mountain Laurel Montessori, I could not be happier. The approach at this school is to allow for choice and freedom of thought, with teacher guidance and lessons when appropriate. This fosters an independent spirit, and teaches critical thinking - these traits do not come easily (if at all) in the traditional school system.

When my son was very young, he had elective mutism, which basically means that he was so reserved that he would never talk. And yet, at MLMS, he thrived, learning practical tasks, and following along with lessons with the extremely patient teachers. Fast forward, and he is now a chatter box, and last year played a prominent role in the Greek play they hold every year.

In primary, the children have the same teacher for several years, as in elementary. This allows for children of different grade levels to encounter materials of their own grade, but also learn from those above, and help teach those below them. This is an extremely efficient system for cementing knowledge, and being able to teach something to others creates a tremendous confidence in a child.

I could say so many more great things, but lastly I have also noticed a diminished fear of public speaking among these children. When one is confident in their own abilities, can teach to others, and can think critically and problem solve, this is a recipe for success anywhere in life.

Finally, regarding homework, at these grade levels homework is often not very effective, and I prefer the hands-off approach by this school. My personal approach as an involved parent is to utilize terrific websites like Khan Academy to supplement math skills, to use critical puzzle games for fun and logical development, and to always be on the lookout for extra opportunities for non-stressful education away from the classroom. This has allowed me to judge for myself how well my children are doing, and I have not been displeased with what they have learned at MLMS. A very small amount of extra work at home each day does not overwhelm the child, creates a stronger bond between parent and child, and reaps dividends in the future.

Posted: August 22, 2017

Posted: August 22, 2017

Posted: August 22, 2017

Posted: August 22, 2017

Posted: August 22, 2017

Posted: August 22, 2017

Posted: August 22, 2017

My children attended MLMS and had wonderful experiences there. Teachers held to the Montessori methods, which is why we went there in the first place. I think parents who are dissatisfied have not done enough research into the Montessori methods and therefore their expectations are not met. I have found that most of these parents are looking for a different kind of public school education. Montessori is interactive and keeps the child's mind engaged. Children work with each other and are guided by the teacher, not force-fed a prescribed curriculum dictated by some faceless bureaucrat. Some of the most successful people in the world are Montessori educated, including the founders of Google.

If you want a public school education for your children, send them to public school where they can be herded through a process that programs them to a predetermined level, and where their achievements will be judged by a score on a piece of paper. As long as the score is high enough the system will have been judged to be successful.

Mt. Laurel Montessori School is a fine school with dedicated teachers and staff and if I had to do it over I would send my children there again .

Posted: February 22, 2017

We have had nothing but a wonderful experience with MLMS! The teachers are warm and kind, but also very experienced educators. Our son has flourished here in ways he never has at previous schools, and he loves going! Yes, the schools adheres to Montessori traditions like knitting and quilting, but that is because it is an authentic Montessori environment. They also adhere to rigorous academic standards, and just as importantly, respect and personal responsibility. We are so thankful to find this wonderful school!

Posted: February 22, 2017

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Posted: January 12, 2017

Posted: January 12, 2017

Our kids attended MLMS for several years. We were satisfied with the Primary program. From our experiences with the Elementary program and in-depth observations of the Jr. High program, we found that there was too much emphasis on free choice and nonacademic activities.

The learning environment in the Elementary classes at MLMS was not appropriate for our kids. They found many ways in which to busily goof off while we paid large tuition bills.

Our son was set back in his math progress by the academic system used at MLMS. Due to repeated failures and a lack of success in understanding the math work, he developed a negative feeling about math. By 4th grade, he felt that he was a big failure at math.

This situation had been developing for several years without us knowing about it. Our son did not mention it to us at home and his teacher did not indicate that anything was amiss during conferences. We started to ask questions, of my son and his teacher, in his 4th grade year, when nearly all of his independent math work consisted of one or two concepts. He seemed stuck. Basically, he was choosing work that he understood and felt confident doing on his own. Unfortunately, this left him with only a few options. The teacher didn't seem to act concerned when we brought this to her attention. She did repeat a few lessons with him, but he still did not "get it". The teacher had one way to show him and if he didn't comprehend that, her only solution was to show him how to do it again in the same way. Instead, he needed a more concrete way to see the logic of the math work followed by lots of practice.

Since leaving MLMS, we have transferred our children to public school. We have been pleasantly surprised by the high quality educational opportunities that are available to our children through the public school system. Our older kids (3rd and 5th grade) came to the public school having little or no experience with making a graph from data, extracting information from word problems, calculating elapsed time, reading for comprehension, determining the setting, plot and problem of a story, writing a structured paragraph, inferring meaning from context, and many other vital skills. They are now getting concrete lessons, practice, follow-up and tests on these and many other topics. We are so glad that we transferred them out of MLMS when we did!

Posted: January 12, 2017

Some teachers are more effective than others. However, there are so many different activities happening simultaneously in a Montessori classroom, that it is almost impossible to provide more than basic guidance to students. Additionally, students who have experienced problems in other learning environments are often enrolled in Montessori schools. These students tend to have more needs and require more attention from teachers and assistants.

Posted: January 12, 2017

At the Primary and Elementary levels, there is no homework. Practicing skills at home, away from the assistance of faculty and other students, is essential to mastery of a skill. Homework frees up class time for learning new concepts. Homework also helps parents monitor a child's progress in academic topics.

Posted: May 2, 2015

We wanted to line this school and I think the preschool teachers are pretty good . The classes,are way too busy and full in all grades. We had a terrible experience and our daughter left the elementary class further behind and psychologically hurt by the way she was treated. If your child has special needs or does is not a focused super self motivated learner I would beware.

Posted: April 6, 2015

My son was previously enrolled in a Montessori School in the DC area. Upon finding Mountain Laurel Montessori School, we enrolled him immediately. The school is a direct model of what a Montessori environment should be. My five year old flourished at Mountain Laurel Montessori and continues to do so even now, four years later. The teachers are loving and care about all of their students in a way that is just not seen in other environments. The community of the school is what stands out to us as parents. There is a very open community that works together to educate and support our students. I want my son to be seen for both is strength and weaknesses and at Mountain Laurel I feel they give him attention for both. They build on his weaknesses while allowing him to excel at his strengths. We are definitely planning on keeping him in this school through the entire program...end of ninth grade. I recommend that anyone looking at schools in the Front Royal area go look at the school. Take a tour, talk with the staff and look at the environment. I hope you are as happy and blessed to be able to become a part of the Mountain Laurel Montessori School community as we are.

Posted: March 29, 2015

We were very unhappy. If your child is self motivated and can teach themselves and has no learning issue than you might like it. For us it was a waste of a lot of money and our children are flourishing elsewhere .

Posted: March 28, 2015

We were so fortunate to find Mountain Laurel Montessori School. Our children have benefitted from the wonderful community in more ways than we can articulate. The elementary program prepared them for the future in that they were not slaves to a syllabus or standardized curriculum. Rather, they followed their interests beyond the basic skills required of students in traditional classrooms. Our daughter, who graduated from the Jr. High, was very successful in her transition to public high school. She gained the skills to learn, motivate herself, and take personal responsibility for her education. We have always been grateful for the collaborative spirits of the staff. They have taken a personal interest in our children's well-being and have gone above the call of duty in helping us to raise compassionate, conscious, bright individuals with a sense of purpose. Their entire beings were taken in to account and nurtured; spiritual, social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual. We only wish we had found Mountain Laurel when our children were younger as it likely would have supported us in our parenting in ways that would've further benefitted our children.

Posted: March 27, 2015

I have been a parent at Mountain Laurel and have known many families who have had their children in this school for their entire school career from toddlerhood through ninth grade. Children of all ability levels have had success at this school. Not only are students prepared academically but they are also encouraged to be respectful, caring human beings. One of the parents expressed it so well saying that she always knew her boys were well-loved at the school, but once they got to college, she also realized just how well they were prepared academically.

Posted: January 28, 2015

While we were initially excited about the prospect of increased learning via the Montessori philosophy and methods (i.e. more independence to act freely within the environment), we were disappointed with this particular school. Feedback was scarce and only anecdotal making it difficult for us to gage whether our daughter was actually learning or falling behind. The staff is very cliquish; families and even the students are treated differently based on whether or not they re part of the in-crowd. The staff is unorganized to the point where even the coordination of snow removal to ensure a safe parking lot for parents and students seems to be a real challenge. Worst of all, we encountered a part-time staff member who was mean to our daughter and others. Thanks but no thanks, we won t be paying private tuition for that!

Posted: September 29, 2014

Met with 2 schools in the area to try to find a good fit for my child. This school talked a good game and delivered nothing. I felt that they wanted my tuition money more than they wanted to educate my child.

Posted: September 12, 2014

not pleased with this school at all. Communication was a real problem. We could never "corner" the teacher into explaining what our child was working on. Back into the more traditional learning environment this year and our child is struggling. Once at the top of the class in public schools after spending time in this school our child has gone backtracked. Not enough structure and too many children in the class. Our child spent days either knitting or sewing. If you value learning and an education I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Posted: December 15, 2010

Excellent school with professional, highly educated teachers even at the Toddler level. Children 6 and under learn by doing things with their hands and all the lessons are hands on so they really get the concepts down in their minds. The ages are mixed so the older children teach the younger ones which reinforces it for the older child and builds confidence. Preschoolers are not just sitting at desks circling pages from workbooks, they are really developing their minds and bodies. They also get a lot of outside play time. I often get complimented on my son's behavior, as he has learned how to respect people and things at Montessori.