Cedars Montessori School

Our children deserve the best. \r \r There are many educational alternatives, systems, methods, programs out there, but we want the very best experience for our children. How can we as parents decide? \r \r I've been a Cedars father for some time, and my wife has a Masters in Montessori Education, so we know a quality Montessori organization when we experience one. Having enrolled our son in several different schools in Chicago and here in Austin, I can say with certainty that Cedars is truly special. The staff is sincere and accommodating, and they create the most nurturing environment and education in Austin for children ages 3 to 12. Prairie Hill is a magical place where the children are free to play and socialize. There are chickens a goat and other animals that they take care of. My son has come a long way in reading, writing, and math, while having fun! He’s also grown by leaps and bounds socially and emotionally, thanks to his guide Roxy. She’s helped him to begin to learn to not be so hard on himself and to be more accepting of his mistakes.\r \r I drop my son off every morning confident in the fact that he’s receiving the most developmentally appropriate and individually catered education, and in the most nurturing and compassionate environment possible. \r \r Cedars is truly an institution of and created by the children. It's so easy to make an appointment to go observe the children and the environment they’ve created. It’s worth your time to schedule a visit and see for yourself.\r more

The grounds, the other families and children, and most of the teachers here are really wonderful. Unfortunately some other problems became evident and have made it an impossible situation. My child was happy here the first few years so the very serious systemic problems were originally masked by those things. There are mysterious staff disappearances (firings?) without warning or explanation (and after they get your deposit money). I never thought much of this until something very troubling happened to my child there. The reaction from the administrator was not with concern to my child at all, but rather blame, finger-pointing at me and my child, and accusations of lying (after years with no complaints or issues to or about the school). I believe it may be like another poster said, a product of a family business that is too insular to realize huge flaws in their approach. Be prepared to have no recourse, cooperation, or explanations when a problem arises, if you want to chance this school. more

The campus is absolutely fabulous, one of the best in Austin. We love the gardens and natural areas and the classrooms are top notch. The school unfortunately suffers from some nepotism. Family members in administration and the classroom are not the best ambassadors for the school nor are they prepared to provide an organized and positive teaching environment. The school would benefit from additional outside influence and new ideas. We found the guides to be somewhat cold in the classroom and often unable/or unwilling to provide children with a loving and nurturing environment. Pat in the administration appears to have an agenda - fill up the school and listen to me - and is not prepared to answer parent's questions nor adjust to new ideas. The guides follow the rules of montessori well but seem to forget that they are dealing with little people that need eye contact, direct interaction, and a little additional love to get them through the day. The school would be fabulous if they would embrace a policy of warm and loving behavior towards the children and their parents and look for ways to improve upon their montessori model. more

My experience with Cedars Montessori has been nothing short of wonderful. I have had three children in the school for the past four years, experiencing first hand all but one of the teachers on staff, from primary through upper-elementary classes. The campus is incredible, allowing children to experience nature on a daily basis. The classroom setting is incredible, allowing children to learn in a true Montessori setting. And the staff is incredible, allowing the children an opportunity to learn and work among well-trained, diplomatic adult role models. I cannot imagine my children being in any other educational environment nor with any more experienced or caring educational guides. I've got my fingers crossed that the school will continue to grow, because I'd be happy to keep my children in Cedars all the way through high school. more

The owner here is just lovely. She has created a neat place for children and is genuinely a good person. The problem is that the lady that is running the show, Pat, is a bitter mean woman. She is angry that she had to work when her children were growing up and is resentful to the mothers who do not work. Some of the teachers here are not happy as well and it shows to the children. Our daughter loved it at first here, but then the teacher showed her true colors and our daughter cried whenever we told her it was time to go back to school. They were very unsympathetic and told us we needed to ""make"" her go. They also have a huge misquito problem and our daughter would come home with big welts everyday. I love the atmosphere here, but if they could replace Pat, it would be a much better place. Pros: Owner is wonderful, atmosphere is great Cons: Business mgr and many teachers are not friendly or nice more