Research Judson Montessori School private Schools in San Antonio, Texas

“I love this school! The teachers are caring and nurturing. The curriculum follows the Montessori philosophy which encompasses so much more than the public school curriculum. I disagree with the comments about Judson Montessori (now The Montessori School of San Antonio) not being child-centered. But I do believe Montessori is not for every child. There are some horrible Montessori schools in this city, but MSSA isn't one of them. It's been in existance for 35 years and has almost 300 students - I think that speaks for itself!”

“I was very disappointed with our family's experience with Judson Montessori. In an average Montessori classroom a child-centered approach is standard. I found that this was lacking at Judson Montessori - there was a certain coldness and rigidity and a lack of insight in to child development. We were frustrated to find that our child was treated like she was misbehaving when she expressed herself both verbally and physically. We have since moved our daughter to another Montessori where her uniqueness is celebrated. We are pleased with our decision to make the move.”

“We found Judson Montessori to be a rather cold and unwelcoming invironment for our pre-schooler. While there are many hard-working people there, there are also teachers who are burnt out, inflexible, and even unpleasant. We love the Montessori method and philosophy, but did not love this school.”

“While it might seem that your child is happy and well-rounded in the 'three year cycle', he/she may have a rude awaking when moving to a new level/school. This was the case with my child whose self-esteem deteriorated when it was evident that she had not been taught the basic skills necessary for success in today's world and needed tutoring to catch up. Many teachers do indeed hide behind the 'Montessori' philosophy as an excuse for not teaching and are very good at telling parents what they want to hear at conference time. There are some good teachers but they're becoming few and far between as it becomes clear that no one is willing to address the problems. There are serious issues that need to be addressed at this school and, in its current state, is a big rip off for the price.”

“My kids have gone to Montessori for 5 years now. They are independent, organized, excellent thinkers and are above their level in every core subject, I am most proud because they depend on themselves first to think and then to act. They are leaders and Montessori allows them to flourish in their own special way. The new director does need to ensure the most qualified and experienced teachers not only come to Montessori but are retained.”

“I think we might have made a huge mistake by putting our son at Judson Montessori this year. Some of the teachers/staff we came in contact with are marginal in terms of attitudes and communication skills. They often come across as insensitive if not rude or sarcastic when addressing issues or expressing opinions. For those of you who believe quality education comes at a price, I would have to say so far the educational experience we encountered here does not seem to justify for the high price tag.”

“Our children attended JMS for 3 years. Unfortunately, I have to agree with previous comments about the deterioration of the school. There are good teachers. However, the ones who do not want to change and work hard tend to hide behind 'Montessori' philosophy when justifying to parents why their child cannot do basic math or other elementary skill. There is a lot of turnover and the administration seems to utilize teachers who did not have good qualifications even if they do have a Montessori certification. There are also huge gaps in the curriculum - no writing, computer and very weak science programs.”

“We had our child at this school for four years. We had a wonderful experience. However, this was because our child had a wonderful teacher. Please do not assume that because it is a private school that all the teachers are good. Some are simply burned out and need to go. Administration needs to step up and eliminate the bad ones. As you get into upper elementary, there are serious weaknesses in the curriculum that do not justify paying almost 12K a year. The attitude of entitlement among the parents also prevents admin from making positive decisions for the student body as a whole.”

“07-08 was my 4 year old daughters first year at Judson, I was pleased with the school. My daughter loves it, and that was most important to us. Apparently they were going through a tough time this year with administration, but I think my daughter did not suffer at all because of this. I was extremely impressed with the primary level 3 year to 5 year olds. I plan on sending my daughter back to school there a few more years.”

“My son has been at Judson for three years, and I am very pleased with the school. They incorporate the Montessori method at all levels, so I also think that you should understand the Montessori principles fully before starting at the school. The teachers that I have been exposed to are all so wonderful, and they are all so connected to their students. I highly recommend this school, and we will be there for many more years.”

“This school is a flexible school for children with learning differences since everyone works at their own pace. Teachers are very willing to meet with parents as often as is necessary to make sure the child is progressing nicely.”

“While many of the teachers are highly qualified and exceedingly talented, their ability to bring the principles of Montessori education to the classroom is inhibited by a severe lack of leadership and support from the administration. This is evidenced by the high teacher/staff turnover. Until changes are made, the quality of this program will continue to diminish.”

“we had a 4 year old there for one year. we were not definitely not satisfied with her progress. there were some parents who were happy there but most of them either work there or volunteer, which enable them (the parent!) guiding their own children. the impression that we were getting was that the teachers really do not teach or even guide them through. can't speak for other grade levels but for 3-5 year old level, please stay away from this school. in addition, they are highly financially motivated. read carefully through their contract; they are not responsible for anything. also, get ready for numerous fundraisers and solicitations throughout the year.”

“Staff at this school is socially disconnected and inadequate when it comes to basic classroom management. Children are allowed to get away with undermining behavior that could be considered bullying.”

“High Academic Standards with dedicated teachers. Extra Curriculum programs music, spanish, are average but the core program is above average.”

“Judson Montessori provides a quality montessori education. All of the teachers are either certified or in the process of receiving their certification (montessori certification.) The school goes from pre-school through middle school. There are a number of extracurricular activities including sports, arts and music. There is also a vibrant music program integrated into the curriculum. Spanish for all levels is also offered. The parents are very involved and there are many opportunities for parental involvement. It is a beautiful campus located outside loop 1604. All of the classes through upper elementary have their own gardens which the kids design and maintain. There is also an emphasis on team work and conflict resolution. This has been a great school for our family.”

“My children have attended this school for 4 years. The academics learned is outstanding. It is the many other outstanding qualities that the children gain which you only see after they start attending. The staff pass on to the children a sense of responsibility for themselves as well as the community around them. Children truly grow as individuals that have a great degree of independence but also understand the importance their role has on their surrounding peers and community as a whole. As a parent, I know they have gained a great deal both academically (they are ahead of their friends from the area public schools) and as a responsible community member.”

“JMS truly has cooperative, student-centered classrooms. Students maintain and complete weekly planners, but are empowered to choose the order in which they complete their weekly assignments. No assembly line teaching here! The music and Spanish programs are fantastic!”

“Supportive Teaching Staff who really enjoy working with kids to achieve their maximum potential. Unique learning environment which allows children to work at a skill appropriate pace.”

“We have enjoyed the independent learning style that Judson has provided for our child. I really like the educational philosophy of Montessori and feel that Judson does a great job of actually making it a reality. The only thing that has been an issue with our family is the non-sectarian aspect basically meaning NO Christianity allowed but all other religions are ok as a demonstration of 'multiculturalism.' Either a school teaches religion or it doesn't, but excluding one in order to be politically correct is not acceptable to us. I wish there wasn't such a liberal viewpoint taught and it would just be about education.”

“Previous reviews are all accurate: school is excellent for lower elementary level, but consistant academic excellence is lacking in upper elementary school for all the reasons listed by others. Because school goes only through 8th grade equivilant, all students must transition to another program. That is where the inconsistancies in curriculum, educational progress and instructor ability can overwhelm a student and his/her family. School seems to lack a coherent set of goals and seems to lack oversight in achieving professed goals. Our experience leaves us feeling that it is a wonderful institution for those at third grade level and below. Since it is a Montessori program, it's difficult to apply a test based, quantitative evaluation to the program. Anecdotally, many parents of former students have told us the transition to other academies and public shcools have been difficult, with most stories revolving around students' weaknesses in math and science.”