Mcdonald Montessori

Posted: September 7, 2025

It has been two years since we moved out of the area and not a day goes by where we do not talk about this amazing school. My child is thriving in school still largely due to the support and care offered to him here. I could not have asked for a better experience. My child is a self led, independent learner who needed some support with social skills. The amazing staff at this school gave him everything he needed to thrive. We adore McDonald Montessori, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2025

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Posted: March 30, 2024

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Posted: March 30, 2024

We adore McDonald Montessori, as a school and a community. A neighbor, whose daughter was in college at the time), recommended it to us when we had our twins and I am so glad we looked into it. We moved after 1 1/2 years and while our kids like their new school, we still talk about MMS!

My children thrived and as a parent I felt like I did too.

The boys loved their teachers (Ellen and Karen), their assistants, and the after-care program coordinator and carers. I also really appreciated Rebecca, the office admin who is so responsive and helpful.

The Community. The school hosts family events and they are amazing. Connecting with the other parents over life and the shared joys (and trials) of parenting is something I miss at our new school. Navigating kids birthday parties for the first with this group was a wonderful experience.

The boys have learned so much. From fine-motor skills and language to friendship and daily life skills like how to turn your jacket sleeves right-side out.
- One of my boys recited a small poem from memory one day. Apparently it had been a duet he learned with one of the older boys. He was bursting with confidence when he said it aloud.
- The other kiddo started talking about geography one day and telling me about continents. It sparked his curiosity to learn more about the world.
Neither of those things happened over night, but before you know it you're kid will be showing you all the little things they are learning absorbing.

We are at a new school now and the boys were setup so well at MMS that they blended into a new Montessori classroom very quickly.

Picking a school is nerve-wracking, but you cannot go wrong with McDonald Montessori, it is a great place for your child to grow and learn.

Posted: January 11, 2021

I recommend McDonald Montessori without reservation. Both the teachers and administration are wonderful. They answer emails and phone calls promptly, communicate schedule changes clearly, send out helpful reminders, and are always pleasant. The school is a clean, safe, orderly, happy place and my children love going to school at MMS. The teachers are very experienced, and have parent teacher meetings several times a year to update parents on their children's progression. The before and after care program is wonderful and affords flexibility for working parents. The school is small and intimate, which is wonderful because no one gets lost in the shuffle, so to speak. Highly recommend.

Posted: January 11, 2021

Posted: January 11, 2021

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Posted: July 15, 2019

Both my son and daughter attended McDonald Montessori for almost 3 years and from beginning to end we saw such a difference in their personalities and confidence. Our 3 yo son's speech and socialization skills developed at his pace. My 6 yo daughter's confidence level became stronger by the time we moved. They both have grown academically and had an amazing experience and always looked forward to going to school each day. Even after we've moved, my kids still talk about how they can't wait to tell their teachers about their summer. The environment is amazing and all the families in the community are amazing. We all miss everyone at the school and were very sad to have to move away.

Posted: July 15, 2019

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Posted: August 28, 2018

No busy work, the lower elementary class homework consists of things like reading for pleasure, caring for a pet, helping around the house, playing outside, going to see a play, etc. All things that children should be doing in their free time!

Posted: August 28, 2018

Ellen, owner and teacher for lower elementary, has made my son's transition to this school seamless.

Posted: August 28, 2018

Posted: August 28, 2018

Ellen is always available when we have questions and the other teachers and employees at the school seem very happy.

Posted: August 28, 2018

Posted: August 28, 2018

Posted: August 28, 2018

My son transferred to McDonald Montessori from another Montessori school and it has been the best thing in the world for him. His anxiety dropped tremendously and he really, really enjoys going to school now. He was like a completely different child. The lower elementary classroom runs so smoothly and the children learn so much in an environment that doesn't feel pressured or intense. My son is blossoming both academically and socially at McDonald Montessori and we will be very sad at the end of third grade when he has to move to another school.

Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

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Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

Posted: February 7, 2018

McDonald Montessori is helping our child find his place in the world. After visiting numerous schools we signed our child up for another school. It was bright and shiny but the packaging was much better than the content. Our child needed a place that could tailor his education to his abilities and interests while also assisting in his journey to building friendships and becoming a kinder human. Our family found this in McDonald Montessori.
The Director of the school spent a lot of time answering questions and offering input about our child's education plan. Though we all knew it would be a challenging transition, we all felt that if we kept close communication McDonald Montessori could be a great success for our family.
There were challenges but there were even bigger successes! We were greatly impressed with the way the teachers took the time to get to know our child and his needs. The work was catered to his level and interest. Really!
The most impactful thing we have seen (so far) is the great work they have done to teach our child how to be kind, make friends, treat people with respect and be mindful of his emotions. He is a kind and loving soul who wants to have friends but had a tough time connecting kindly with others. Notice the word HAD. He's only been at the school for 5 months and we no longer have to fret that he might hurt someone on the playground because he doesn't understand how to get them to play with him.
I really cannot say enough great things about this school. We are EXTREMELY hopeful that they will expand their program so our son can continue with this great school past the 3rd grade.
There is also lots of other great things about the school -- knowledgeable and approachable teachers; optional activities like soccer & yoga; lots of opportunities to connect with other families outside of school; a program that truly fosters independence.

Posted: August 14, 2016

We have had the privilege to have two of our children in this school. McDonald Montessori has instilled a passion for learning in my children. They are excited to go to school, excited to accept new challenges (reading, math, writing) and you can tell they enjoy themselves too. This is a great school I wish I had when I was younger.

Posted: August 14, 2016

Posted: August 14, 2016

Posted: August 14, 2016

Posted: September 10, 2015

Words cannot express the place that McDonald Montessori holds in my heart. To be able to send four of my children there and know they will be educated by incredibly talented and knowledgeable Montessori teachers is one thing, but to know they will be loved and in a safe place means even more. Furthermore, as a parent, I know that I can be involved and that my voice is heard; that means so much. I absolutely adore Ellen McDonald and this amazing school that she has created. My children now have an excellent foundation that will enable them to move forward successfully.

Posted: September 10, 2015

Posted: September 10, 2015

Posted: September 10, 2015

Posted: July 20, 2015

My son attended McDonald Montessori for the three year Children's House cycle and I cannot say enough great things about the program. McDonald adheres to Maria Montessori's belief that educating a child means looking at children holistically. More than prepare my son academically for school (which Karen has done a fantastic job of), McDonald prepared him by helping our family to build a person of character. Our son learned to take ownership and responsibility of his spaces, which includes cleaning and maintaining his things and body. He is kind, thoughtful, and empathetic. He's observant and loves making connections between thoughts and events. These are all practices that McDonald staff and students have modeled for him over his three years in the program there.

I have found the McDonald has really been a part of our family. I have talked with the teachers about Norfolk activities to be involved with, several of the families have become friends, and the staff have done everything they can to accommodate our families particular perks. It really has been a great experience. This welcoming place has also meant that my son always wanted to go to school, even if he was tired, sick, or going on vacation. It really is a special place.

Posted: April 13, 2015

I continue to be impressed. My son's teacher is insightful and creative. Because she works hard to figure out what is actually going on in his head, his school year has gotten better and better and better. He is loving school and always coming home with amazing things he's learned. One great moment- when a teacher saw him first thing in the morning on his birthday and said "You look different. Let me look at you. You look OLDER!" That is how to make a 4 year old feel special. The administration is kind, patient, and responsive. I'm so pleased.

Posted: February 1, 2015

My daughter thrived at this school over the five years she attended. Formerly shy, she quickly fell in love with the warm family atmosphere of the school and learned invaluable life lessons as well as academic lessons.

Posted: December 7, 2014

We have been a McDonald Montessori family for 6 years, and cannot say enough nice things about the program. The teachers and staff are some of the most caring individuals I have met anywhere. After six years, they feel more like family than teachers. The small environment of the school allows a lot of personal interaction and both of my children have developed wonderful relationships with all of their teachers. There is wonderful focus on not only education, but also on manners and character. While a caring environment is our biggest priority, the education at McDonald Montessori has been top notch. Both of our children were reading at the beginning of their third year. More importantly, they both developed a very deep love of learning and were excited about what they were learning. There were weekend days where they would cry because they couldn t go to school! When our first child left McDonald Montessori, he moved to another private school where he was ahead of the rest of the class. We truly feel that McDonald Montessori has done a phenomenal job at preparing our children. We are very grateful that we found such a caring and well-structured program!

Posted: September 29, 2014

I couldn't be happier with McDonald Montessori. My daughter adores this school and so do we. The Montessori method of teaching is new to us, it being mixed age classes and child centered, real emphasis on practical life learning, courtesy and community. My daughter is engaged, loves to learn and has terrific friends. This environment is very different from schools that teaches to test and foster competition and uses standardized methods; this is not that school. Kids are given individual attention and guided curriculum that fits the child's pace cultivating children's natural curiosities. AMAZING program. AMAZING teachers.

Posted: July 16, 2014

I have been teaching Montessori for 30 years. My favorite aspect of the Montessori approach is three year cycle. I love watching the growth and development of the children over a three year period. Watching a beginner reader become a fluent strong reader or a shy child become outgoing and comfortable speaking and performing in front of others is very exciting and rewarding.

Posted: June 30, 2014

Having worked at other Montessori Schools, I have always adored my job! The children are so amazing, adorable and receptive here at McDonald Montessori School. It's uncanny how much culture our kids have at such young ages, and it's such a wonderful feeling when you live through their eyes. Seeing suddenly that "ah-ha" moment when you have taught them so many things, and that they love learning what has been presented to them...sucking it up like a sponge and with such a desire to learn! We have an amazing group of children of different ages that always look out for each other and their teachers too. It's like one great big, caring family. Thank you for entrusting us with the growth of your child...it means the world and it takes a village.

Posted: June 24, 2014

My son just completed 3 years of Children's House. Children's house lays the foundation for learning, which at times I had to just trust his teacher and the process...and what an amazing transformation from the little boy that started to the boy today. The care and attention to each child coupled with experience, knowledge and good nature of his teacher made this a place of joy in learning for my son. We are a military family and I will say that the continuity of teachers and students added an additional level of stability to my sons ever changing life!

Posted: June 13, 2014

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have taken the time to write a review of McDonald Montessori School. I am so appreciative of and moved by your kind comments. I am lucky enough to spend everyday doing what i love. I have surrounded myself with phenomenal teachers and staff to boot. Thank you for entrusting us with your beautiful children! ~Ellen McDonald

Posted: June 9, 2014

We cannot say enough about how wonderful our experience of McDonald Montessori has been. We sent both of our children to McDonald Montessori. Due to house moves, for one of them, it was his second Montessori school. For the younger child, it was her third Montessori school. Our children have had a fantastic educational and developmental experience here. They transitioned to public school very well, and their reading, math and writing skills were ahead of their public school peers when they did so. The small size of the school means that they can truly attend to each individual child, and can be innovative in their programming each year. The teachers and staff are wonderful and the parents are a great community. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: June 4, 2014

My daughter attended McDonald Montessori, and transitioned beautifully to public school this past year. My son is going into his second year in the Lower Elementary class. In my opinion, this school is doing it right! Independent thinking/working, curiosity, and love of learning are emphasized and nurtured. Children are encourage to explore, question, and reach their individual potential in all subject areas. The teachers are loving and kind and understand that children are whole individuals each with different strengths, gifts and areas of weakness. The learning environment that McDonald Montessori has created is top notch!

Posted: May 7, 2014

This is a wonderful school for young children. My son practically runs into the front door every morning. The children learn in a way that makes developmental sense. Indeed the explosion in academics does happen at the end of the second year. My four-year-old is reading and excited about math, science, social studies. I love the community atmosphere of the school and I also love that the children develop independence - there's no requirement that the parents be constantly in the classroom.

Posted: May 2, 2014

We could not be more pleased with our experience at McDonald Montessori! The teachers & staff are so caring & helpful. My son is incredibly strong willed, & at his last school was labled as the problem child. It has been so great to see him in an enviroment where not only is he not considered a problem, but he is thriving & happily learning. He loves going to school, & can't wait to start extended days in the fall.

Posted: August 11, 2013

After researching other similar schools in the area, we chose McDonald Montessori because we just got a better vibe when we visited the school. And we are so glad we did! Our daughter attended the school for 2 years (just turned 4 to just 6) and we are so sad we just moved out of the area. In those 2 years, our daughter's confidence grew by leaps and bounds. Her reading is now well above her grade level, as well as her math. We feel that this is all thanks to the wonderful teachers (for our daughter, mostly Ms. Ellen) and the Montessori program. We have loved our time at the school. All of the staff is so friendly and involved with all of the students. The staff knows what's happening at home (parent is deployed, grandparents are visiting, etc.) and we have loved that personal approach. As parents we were continually impressed with the 'work' that our daughter brought home every week, from writing in cursive to division, multiplication and telling time. We are confident enough in our daughter's abilities to send her into first grade in a foreign country in a foreign language. Even our daughter feels that she can handle it without a problem. We highly recommend McDonald Montessori!

Posted: August 3, 2013

Both of our daughters attended McDonald Montessori. We strongly feel that the school gave our daughters the foundation they needed to succeed both academically and socially in a traditional classroom setting. We also feel that the teachers at McDonald Montessori installed in our daughters a passion for learning that will last them a lifetime.

Posted: July 2, 2013

McDonald Montessori has been an amazing school for all my children. Each of them is different, but they all received the gift all parents want for their children: the knowledge and understanding of how to work and succeed with their gifts and challenges. They were able to explore as far as their curiosity and interest took them. They were able to move around-no small thing when you think of the demands in most school settings to "stay in your seat!" Neither of the children who completed both Childrens House and Lower Elementary had any trouble transitioning to either public or private school, except to say they were ahead in many areas. McDonald Montessori is the best foundation you could your child!

Posted: June 28, 2013

Both my children attend this school. My daughter has completed 3rd grade and my son has finished kindergarten. I love this school not only because my children have flourished here but because the teachers care for and nurture my children. My children love going to school and are always learning. I highly suggest that if you are thinking of sending you children here observe one day and you will see children working, really working. The bonds that my children have formed with their teachers are incredible. My children are dilligent, caring and interested in their environment. I have Karen Rhodi and Anne Stackhouse to thank for that. Thanks to McDonald Montessori I have children who have a solid foundation for further education.

Posted: June 28, 2013

I have had 2 children each do 3 years at McDonald Montessori and could not have asked for a better experience. Each of my kids thrived in different ways at McDonald Montessori. My son had a thirst for knowledge that was fed by the chance to advance to new tasks. I feel that if he were in a more traditional preschool he would have ended up finding ways to make mischief. Instead, he developed a passion for learning that I can still see in his approach to work years later. My daughter has been described as "fiercely independent". I could see this trait as a disaster in a classroom setting but her teacher truly understood her and knew how to present tasks and challenges to her in a way that used this quality as a strength. I do not know many other teachers or schools that have this ability to bring out the best in a child. I love the small size of this school and the accessibility of the school director and the teachers. We loved the community and found it a very loving and stimulating place to spend 5 years.

Posted: June 27, 2013

Our son loves this school!!! He just finished his third year and will be entering first grade (his fourth year at the school) in the fall. His reading, interpretation, math, geography and social skills are way above his grade level. He loves learning and we feel, as parents, that it is because of the nature of McDonald Montessori. We put him in school at three years old because he was obstinate and difficult to teach at home. We feel, as his parents, that he would be classified as a behavior problem, overlooked, and undereducated if he was in a public school. The loving, nurturing, Montessori environment provided at McDonald Montessori has allowed him to feel comfortable with himself and he has developed into a well adjusted, socially aware, kind, caring, hard working, and intellectual child. We are so pleased at the small class sizes and the supervised independence that the school offers. I should also mention that McDonald Montessori is very reasonable priced. The quality of the teachers at the school surpassed our expectations, as well. We love this school!!!

Posted: June 20, 2013

Probably the best school in the area. You can tell that the teachers really care about their students. My child was classified as having a behavioral problem by his previous two schools. Within 6 months he was improving not only in the classroom but his all around well being. The Montessori classroom and the patience and understanding these teachers provide are an ideal environment for any child in my opinion. Thank you Ellen McDonald!

Posted: June 17, 2013

We love McDonald Montessori. Our daughter just finished her third year in the Children's House (ages 3-6) and she had a wonderful experience. Her teachers were top notch and the quality of education was amazing. The Montessori principals are highly effective at this age and our daughter is reading and doing math way above her grade level due to the hands on, child centered approach to learning. Most importantly she LOVES school and her teachers and at this age, I think that is as important as the end-of-year outcomes. Go visit this school, sit in a classroom and observe and you will be amazed that education can be this great!

Posted: May 18, 2013

This is a great school! Our daughter is just finishing up her second year and loves it here. Her reading and math skills are well above grade level and she is self motivated and a disciplined learner. The Montessori program here is very traditional and is quite effective. Class sizes are small (about 7:1 ratio) and the staff are closely involved with all the kids and talk regularly with the parents to keep us informed about how our children are progressing. The facilities are relatively new, very clean and well kept (small, but, it's a small school). School hours and the yearly schedule are mostly consistent with the rest of the schools in the area (normal full day is 8:30-3:00 with child care available after school). Overall an excellent place to send young children not just to learn, but, to learn to love learning. I must also add that the tuition rates are comprable to, or less than, the tuition rates at moast other similar schools in the area. We strongly recommend this school to all of our friends.