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Pasadena, CA
San Marino Montessori School (aka Victory Montessori)
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: Southeast Pasadena · Telephone: (626) 577-8007 · Website: http://www.sanmarinomonte...
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (3.8) | 
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year | 
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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source:
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (2.2) |
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source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
We really appreciate the Montessori method. Our family had a terrible experience at this school. Our son was 2 1/2 and would have turned 3 during the school year. We asked to come in early for a transition period; we were told we would need to "pay for" that time. We were not encouraged to sit with our son to help him get oriented. I did anyway?and was shocked to see the dusty Montessori materials and an uninviting room. Our son was placed in the wrong class; he should have been in the 2-3 class, and that was part of the problem. I saw so many little things that bothered me that I pulled my son from this school after 2 days. The owner of this school billed us for 30% of the entire year's tuition?$2,500! It was outrageous, and he was incredibly rude to us, too.
Parent #2
This school makes oral and contractual promises but NEVER follows thru. They say that the class follows a curriculum schedule, but a lot of the time the curriculum is cancelled due to lack of a teacher, etc. They tell you the child will learn X,Y,Z, but there is never any tangible proof like drawings, art projects, etc. And though they promise parent teacher conferences, they don't happen.
Parent #3
We initially chose this school for our son because it was close to home and seemed nice enough. We soon learned however, that the people at this school are anything but "nice". There is a revolving door of teachers in my son's classroom, most of whom don't even bother to introduce themselves to us. Furthermore, I have often noticed that the school does not adhere to the legal student/teacher ratio of 8:1. Often, I have felt compelled to stay and help the two teachers who were being overrun by 20+ toddlers! When I tried to bring my concerns about turn-over to the school's administration, the principal did not return my phone call. I then went to meet with the owner of the school, who was incredibly defensive and rude. Her comment on turn-over was, "Well, what do you want me to do about it?" I was so shocked by the administration's rudeness and seeming disinterest in parental concerns that I decided to take my son out of the school. They told me, though, that I had neglected to pay for "tuition insurance" and would be liable for the full years tuition of about $7000 despite the fact that it was the 2nd week of the new year!!! Now, my son is stuck at this terrible school for 10 more months, having to endure an endless stream of teachers in his overcrowded classroom. I deeply regret that I ever sent him to this school. Please, parents, AVOID SENDING YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS TERRIBLE PLACE!
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (2.0) |
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Parents:
- Go on field trips
- Receive newsletters
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
We are told to visit anytime, but when you do, you are encouraged to leave
Parent #2
The school discourages parents interacting
Parent #3
There is no "parent community". I wouldn't know the names of the teachers if I didn't ask, much less the parents.
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
- Notes
- Phone Calls
- Special Meetings
- Two or More Regular Conferences
- Drop-Off
- Pick-Up
- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school
source:
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
This school highly discourages parent involvement and administration and owner do not respond to either oral or written communication
Parent #2
Does not invite parents to communicate with the teacher. The teacher actually cancelled the one and only parent/teacher conference of the year.
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