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San Jose, CA
Ballard Montessori
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: Rose Garden · Telephone: (408) 977-1772
Basic Stats
| Average tenure for teachers | 3 yrs. |
| % of teachers with: | |
| - Bachelors | 50% |
| - Teaching credentials | 100% | - CPR | 100% |
| - First aid | 100% |
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Facilities
| CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.0) |
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| Building, bathrooms, hallway |
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| Classroom equipment and furniture |
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| Outside play equipment |
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Features of the Preschool
| Some experience serving children with special needs | No |
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
My child was lucky, she really liked her teacher and everything clicked. I think that it is very important that your child bonds with their teacher. Your child needs to trust them and feel comfortable being with them for the day. The learning was easy, it was fun and she was enthusiastic to listen and learn all she could.
Parent #2
Ballard Montessori was sold earlier this year. It was purchased by San Jose Carden Day School. I believe it is still run as a Montessori school (not Carden philosophy). My child moved onto kindergarten elsewhere for a variety of reasons, but I am sure that the new school's administration will be good. Our first year at Ballard was the best one (2003-04). The 2004-05 school year was difficult, as that is when the previous owner decided to sell the school. Things did not run as smoothly as the prior year (neither before nor after her decision). However, I would encourage any prospective parents to check the school out, and not to let the issues from last year dissuade them from choosing the school.
Parent #3
The change in ownership of the school has had devastating effects on the morale of the teachers, and verbal tension is apparent by anyone visiting the school. I am sure it will work out, but it is very disturbing to watch. In particular, the new director is not a trained and certified teacher and thus should have no input to lesson planning.
Parent #4
I would love to see an improvement of the parent community at the school. No class list is given at the beginning of the year.
Parent #5
Ballard's handling of the initial separation anxiety, especially for the youngest students (2yrs old) has not been very helpful or proactive. Also, the cohesiveness of the parent community is not very strong. However, several of us are working on changing that.
Parent #6
Ballard Montessori is perceived by most parents and kids are a 'school full of mommies'. That is the level of involvement and love that the teachers in the school have for their kids. As parents we always worry about the choices we make for our children, but choosing Ballard as his school is not going to be one of them. The philosophy of the school matches our parenting philosophy. The mind of the child is the most important thing and that he is happy is as important to the people at Ballard as it is to us. As a mom who is currently working full time, I could not be too careful about the care my son is getting the whole day. But when I see him blossom and grow and being happy, I know I owe Ballard. Academically he is ready for challenges and has a love for learning which is amazing.
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