Waterford Montessori Academy

We love WMA. Caring staff. Individualized curriculum/instruction. What is best for students is always the priority.

The ratings on this website are not a fair representation of this school. My child is completing his first year at WMA, and it has been a wonderful experience. His reading and math skills are far above average, and the school provides a wonderful community for teacher, administrative, and parent communication. The montessori program is a different approach to learning than the public school setting, and we feel our child is thriving here. Class sizes are appropriate, and our child has fun learning. We are happy at this school and look forward to enrolling our second child inn the near future.

Has an ok curriculum for lower elementary. Class rooms are clean and follow standard Montessori learning environment. School overall was disorganized and management of school did not seem to be accountable for parents concerns. I would rate this similar to an average public school. The small size classroom learning environment was good. The program is big on independence of the child and self learning.

Better hope your child doesn't require any extra assistance. My child needed some extra help in kindergarten. Instead was ostracized from the group, made to color all day so the teacher didn't have to put forth an effort. It was recommended my child get tested for sensory issues and autism. The whole time feeling like we were bad parents. Turns out they are just bad teachers. We pulled our child out and inserted him in public school where he now thrives. Just be aware that if your child isn't perfect the school will single him out and make you feel helpless about their situation.

Top 4 Montessori schools in the state of Michigan!

Enrollment is up, parents are happy, scores are good and the children are excelling!

This school is everything but Montessori. They have Montessori materials and a management company which includes the name Montessori, but that's as far as it extends.

Authoritarian comes to mind, as a much more accurate representation of how the school functions, not a educational philosophy (Montessori) that is child-centric and has respect for the child at its heart not a building full of adults who are dedicated to teaching children to love learning!

A bullying problem exists, which isn't surprising based on how certain staff members respond to the children.

Recess withholding, severe rules and restrictions (at recess kids are not allowed to play chase, jump off things, push each other on swings, pick up nature), physical exercise is used as punishment, teachers threatening to make students uncomfortable if they don't comply, delayed punishments, detention after school for unfinished or missed homework (which the school admits is solely to acclimate he kids with state test questions) - this includes grades 1-3! This last policy stated that the school would text parents to let them know if their child would have to stay after school because of missed or incomplete homework.

The school director, when asked why disciplinary measures that were outside and contrary to the discipline code in the school handbook, stated he'd only just found out, and then blamed "new, inexperienced, frustrated teachers," yet, weeks later, physical exercise and threats were still occurring.

If you're looking for a Montessori school, as we were - run. If you're hoping, as we were, for an improvement over local schools, a smaller school, and caring, involved and supportive teachers - run.

I must also say, although it has been shown hat parent involvement improves student outcomes and school success, this school does everything possible to keep parents as far away as possible. There are "certain" parents allowed through this barrier, but most have "been there from the beginning," or have some connection to a board member or the owner(s). Also, it should be mentioned that the school owner, also owns the management company, which resides in the building. PVG group is operated BY the school, funding is all managed by the school and the fundraising is all expected to come from parents - enough so that they may as well ask for tuition.