Montessori Academy Of Virginia

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

I am disappointed with how this daycare/school handled my child’s potty accident.

I fully understand that we have responsibility as parents to provide extra clothes, and I can acknowledge that we should have had backup clothes available. That part is on us.

However, young children have accidents, especially when they are adjusting to a new environment, and I was shocked by how the situation was handled. I received a call telling me that my child had an accident and that I needed to bring shorts or pants because they were currently only in their shirt. I was also told that if I could not bring clothes, my child would remain without pants.

That is the part I cannot accept.

A childcare facility should still have a basic contingency plan for situations like this. No child should be left exposed, embarrassed, or without proper clothing because there are no backup options available. Even when a parent forgets something, the child’s dignity and comfort should remain the priority.

What makes this even more concerning is that since starting at this school, my child’s confidence and self-esteem seem to have changed. They have started saying things like, “I don’t use my listening ears. I never do,” and “I’m a bad kid.” As a parent, that is heartbreaking to hear. Children should be corrected and redirected with patience and care, not in a way that makes them internalize shame or feel like they are bad.

A potty accident should be handled privately, calmly, and respectfully. It should never become something that adds to a child’s embarrassment or affects how they see themselves.

As a parent, it was incredibly stressful to receive that call and feel like my child’s dignity was not being protected. I hope the school reviews its policy on potty accidents, backup clothing, and how children are spoken to when they are struggling or adjusting.

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: May 6, 2026

Posted: July 30, 2025

Think twice before enrolling here.

Our son had a good experience during his year at this school. However, we had to withdraw him from the upcoming year due to a sudden relocation. We gave over 30 days’ notice before the school year started, yet the school refused to refund our $1,200 final installment and kept the $600 registration fee—charging us nearly $1,600 for a year he won’t attend.

Despite referring three families and knowing they have a waitlist, they showed no flexibility or fairness. It’s clear the priority is profit over people. Very disappointing.

Posted: July 30, 2025

Posted: November 28, 2023

Be careful when enrolling…I decided not to complete the enrollment process and was told my fees are non-refundable. Ok fine I asked for a copy of the form I signed as I couldn’t recall & just wanted a copy. I was told it’s in the contract but I hadn’t signed it or returned it. I asked via email & mail with no response. Just make sure you go when you have the admin full attention to talk it through. I can’t speak on education piece only enrollment piece.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: May 30, 2019

Absolutely love it, heart broken there was not enough kids for 5th grade.

Posted: May 30, 2019

There isn't homework unless class work isn't finished. Weekly essays and monthly projects.

Posted: May 30, 2019

Absolutely love the upper elementary school teacher, I wish we didn't have to leave.

Posted: May 30, 2019

Posted: May 30, 2019

Posted: May 30, 2019

Every child learns different and at their own pace and they work with that.

Posted: May 30, 2019

Zero tolerance. They event had a school musical on anti bullying

Posted: January 7, 2019

Posted: January 7, 2019

Who knows how many of them actually hold any Montessori certification? They refuse to prove it.

Posted: January 7, 2019

Posted: January 7, 2019

They lie to get you to sign up

Posted: January 7, 2019

Posted: January 7, 2019

Posted: January 7, 2019

They are not a Montessori school. They hold no AMI or AMS accreditation. They won’t give proof of the teacher’s credentials when asked and they don’t follow montessori principles. They lie to get people to sign up.

Posted: January 10, 2017

Be careful schools brags all teachers have college degrees. That was not the case. I would recommend asking to see teacher credentials before enrolling.

School website states:
Q: Are your teachers certified/qualified?

A: Yes, our teachers have college degrees together with Montessori training and certification.

In Reality: (resume of one of the teachers) No college experience at all. Which is fine except thats not what parents are paying for. I would expect at that price teachers would at minimum have a degree in early childhood development.

La Petite Academy
Teacher · February 10, 2015 to present · Virginia Beach, Virginia

Montessori Academy of Virginia
Teacher · August 8, 2016 to September 23, 2016 · Suffolk, Virginia

BrickHeadZ LLC
September 12, 2015 to November 13, 2015 · Chesapeake, Virginia

The Goddard School
September 15, 2014 to October 13, 2014 · Virginia Beach, Virginia

PetSmart
August 12, 2014 to September 20, 2014 · Norfolk, Virginia

Posted: January 10, 2017

Posted: January 10, 2017

Posted: January 10, 2017

Posted: January 10, 2017

Posted: January 10, 2017

Posted: January 10, 2017

Posted: March 1, 2016

Posted: March 1, 2016

Posted: March 1, 2016

Posted: March 1, 2016

I had two children that attended Montessori Academy one from PreK through 4th grade and the other from 1st through 6th grade. We only left the school since 6th grade was the highest level the school went to. The teachers were kind and caring as was all the staff. Our children received a great education. They are now both straight A students at a local collegiate prep private school and had no issues adjusting to their new school. Montessori Academy of VA gave both children excellent learning foundations and helped them become the kind, compassionate children they are today.

Posted: June 23, 2014

As a parent my family is very happy with the Montessori Academy. We are told specifically on our tour about refrigeration, heating food supply list and much more. This is a private school and most private schools or even public schools (!!) don't have these options. We are told on the tour what to expect of the school. The schools that provide meals,supplies etc., charge for it separately or factor it in to the tuition.The posting of 6/23/14 sounds very much like a disgruntled employee !

Posted: June 23, 2014

MAV has very clearly written Hand Books for parents and staff. These are based on rules and regulations of State, Social Ss, Fire, Health and Edu. Dept. The supply list is so simple and affordable.We have a huge indoor gym , garden area, library, science room for other activities.Teachers take their classes to the playground and do organized activities during the day. We do outdoor reading, large water activities, story times and group games in addition to outdoor activities. Substitutes are called in when ever a staff member has to leave early or absent. The Social Ss monitor us ,and make sure that every corner is safe for students and staff is well qualified to work. They go through each staff members personal folders and make sure that all the class teachers are qualified and is safe to be around children. There is a lead teacher in every MAV location to make sure there are no violations. Sometimes staff members are asked to leave due to their background criminal history, police records, poor work,performances, or violating the school rules. But the school doesn't announce the real reason to parents to protect the privacy of the staff members.

Posted: June 19, 2014

My kids have attended MAV since they were toddlers. They are entering 3rd and kindergarten this coming school year. We have had nothing but positive experiences. The teachers and assistants are INCREDIBLE. I will say that the assistant in my youngest daughter's class is one of the most caring, kind, gentle, mild-mannered, compassionate, soft-spoken people that was ever put on this planet. My oldest daughter's teacher is the cream of the crop. She has learned SO much that she would not learn otherwise in a traditional school. She is well-versed in different cultures, astronomy, science, etc, in addition to the reading, writing and math. Both of my kids have a gained a love of learning that I truly credit MAV 100% with.

Posted: June 19, 2014

I am very happy that I joined this Montessori. My child is excelling in this environment and has learned an immense amount . I am also happy to note that the school takes the trouble to let go of staff who are not competent for this program, and strive to retain teachers who understand Montessori. Thank you MAV for all you do!

Posted: June 19, 2014

My child went to this Montessori from Pre-K through 5th grade. The school is small; providing an intimate environment of attention and care from teachers and staff. The staff and student body are culturally diverse, exposing the children to different ideas and ways of life. Most importantly, it is a fine example of the Montessori Method, and shows why Montessori continues to produce independent, well-rounded children who love to learn and embrace new challenges. My child received an excellent education. Children in the class scored advanced proficiency on state SOLs, some with perfect scores and accomplished without teaching to the test. The children don t care about letter grades, because there are none. As for parents, there is no bragging My kid got all straight A s or Honor Roll because that is not Montessori! Children simply want to do their best and achievements are theirs alone. The staff is serious about educational results. There is zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior from students, parents or staff. Problems are addressed quickly and with fairness. My child loves her teachers, principal, and the owner. Our experience with this school has been wonderful.

Posted: June 18, 2014

Montessori Academy of Virginia is a great school. My daughter has been enrolled here for six years; 3 years in Children's House and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. My daughter has learned a great deal here. She's not only learned academic topics, but also has learned qualities such as independence, empathy, and respect. I love the multicultural staff and students. The faculty and staff and caring and concerned about her welfare and learning. Any issue I've ever had has been addressed. My only complaint is the small parking lot, but that's well worth it given the excellent quality of education she has gained here.

Posted: June 18, 2014

We have had 6 years of experience at this school between our two children. Everyone from the director to the administrator to the teachers to the assistant teachers truly cares about the children and their education. Not only do they teach children, they help them develop confidence, caring, and a love of learning in their lives. Additionally, the tuition is an incredible value, considering the quality of education and the individual attention that students receive. I have been impressed what the children learn beyond the basics of language and mathematics: geography, Spanish, science, music... I would say that after completing children's house most children have a better grasp of geography than the average college educated adult! Montessori Academy provided my children with an amazing foundation for their future academic success. My oldest is now at Norfolk Academy (which most consider to be the most academically challenging school in the area) and is consistently performing at the top of her class. I can't thank the teachers and staff at Montessori Academy enough, I highly recommend them to anyone!

Posted: June 17, 2014

Montessori Academy of Virginia-Suffolk We have been parents at the Chesapeake and Suffolk locations for 7 years total. Out of 10 schools that we looked at, we choose MAV as the foundation for learning for our two children. These school and the owner have been the best decision we could have made for our kids. MAV is a very loving, and nurturing school. They teach independent thought and responsibility from a young age. Teacher and parent communication is daily and all my children's teachers have been more than willing work with me on making sure my children get everything they can out of school. The administrator makes direct parent contact (phone calls, meetings, discussions in the hallway) and is timely in dealing with disciplinary actions that may occur. There has never been any issue with the classroom size, even in the busier Chesapeake school. As for the Suffolk location, there is no safety concern in the parking lot. There is a sidewalk and a fence of hedges that separate the main road. And the traffic light, one is being installed currently and is hardly the fault of the school. MAV teaches your kids to have compassion and think. GREAT school!

Posted: April 28, 2014

We have been extremely pleased with our daughter's experience at this school! Her first year here we have seen her develop into a sweet, loving, and outgoing little girl, who adores her teachers and her friends. Her teacher is fantastic, and really seems to understand any issues that come up and communicates them to us readily face-to-face. Ms. Michelle at the front desk is perhaps the most helpful person on the planet. The teachers and assistants do hold the children accountable for their behaviors, which we fully support as parents. It is not excessive or inappropriate by any means, and I believe our daughter has learned structure, expectations, and the importance of following directions while also balancing independence in her learning environment. The only concern I have is in the hiring process of the assistant teachers, as they are not certified Montessori instructors (the actual teachers are). However, we have no issue with any staff member at the school. It would be nice to have a refrigerator or cold storage for the lunches and snacks they bring daily from home, but we make do and this is a relatively minor complaint.

Posted: October 15, 2013

The staff at MAV is loving, and has taken the time to know my personally know my child. Everyone from the director to Ms. Michelle at the front desk to various TAs and even the custodian knows my child by name, and takes the time to speak to her when she approaches them. The school is clean, welcoming, and bright. The education my daughter receives is excellent. She has higher level thinking skills that surpass children years older than her. The class structure and rigor are good for her, and are balanced by the free activity time she has at the end of the school day. I strongly recommend MAV -- not just for the early education years, but for beyond as well. Teaching a child to LOVE to learn is challenging, and somehow this method taps into the motivation aspect behind learning. I only wish there were also a MAV secondary school in the area.

Posted: September 25, 2013

Didn't get right answer about fees. Different people telling me deffrent-different every time .get everything on writing before you pay for everything.

Posted: August 31, 2013

My child attended this school during the summer program and I wasn't pleased. For the price you pay, you aren't getting what you are promised during the tour or pay for. There is no refrigerator or microwave for the mandatory lunches that the children must bring daily. The teachers really don't have much of a personality and seem to care less about the whole child. I believe that they hire just about anyone who says they've heard of Montessori to "teach" during the summer. My child and others in the youngest class of the center were often intimidated and lost amongst the oldest children in the center during free play in the gym during after care. Overall, this school gets an 'E' for effort. By the way, where is the Montessori certification for this place??? I found nothing legit for them under the AMI or AMS...

Posted: June 20, 2013

My child has gone to this school for 3 years. It is an excellent education! Contrary to popular belief about Montessori, the teachers are very structured in the classroom. She has learned so much at this school, but that is because she loves to learn and enjoys what the world has to offer! Although the staff I have encountered the most is not as friendly and conducive to adults, they treat my child well and she loves them! It is incredible to see what and how the children learn here- and not just academics but socializing and life skills are important here too! I am very impressed with the school and how it treats my child.

Posted: June 10, 2013

I was not aware about the review my wife posted. So yesterday, the director pulled us into the office after we picked up our son to ask my wife about the review she posted online.I was a bit flabbergasted.I couldn t believe that he wanted to speak to her about a review.He wanted to defend what my wife stated about the child who threw his socks and shoes off, then was punished by sitting on the floor by the front desk.Honestly, he still could not justify their actions.1st, I did not choose this school for my son, my wife did.If I did, my son wouldn't have gone there. The tuition is too high.The tuition does not include lunch, snacks, or a refrigerator.According to the director, he does not consider the Flu a reason to notify parents. He said that it is like the common cold.We should've been notified. Children have died from this year s strand.When my son caught the flu, he had a fever that did not break until 2 weeks later & he was out of school for 3 weeks. Soon after, my wife & I caught it causing a financial strain from being out of work.I don t see a significant improvement in my son. My wife also teaches our son quite a few things at home. My son is NEVER eager to go to school.

Posted: October 21, 2012

All 3 of my children attend MAV and it is truly wonderful. The staff are amazing, loving, and take the time to know my children personally. I always know they are safe and in good hands. The school is clean, bright, and welcoming. The education they receive is excellent- my 2 year old can even sing in Japanese- and is definitely a school I recommend to everyone. I think some people think the Montessori method allows your child too much free reign but the choosing of activities by your child is only a small part of the day. The classes and staff are actually very structured yet they still nurture creativity and personal growth. Definitely take a tour to see the school for yourself!

Posted: June 12, 2011

My daughter went to MAV from ages 2-6 and absolutely LOVED it. And so did I. Teachers are warm, kind, and truly knowledgeable. She got an amazing academic education, as well as lessons on compassion, kindness and respect. Thank you MAV. You're truly the best!