Research Montessori Country Day School private Schools in Houston, Texas

“I have been a parent at Country Day for 5 years. We just finished a wonderful year with a celebration with an original play with the most incredible costumes, sets and even invitations that were driven by the children and their passion for and love of their school, their teachers and their classmates. My child is so happy, smart and connected to her community. I am so grateful for this gem of a school for all they do for my family. I have nothing but raves for everyone there, especially the principal. She works with her staff, the children and we parents with intelligence, commitment and balance.”

“We didn't keep our daughter there long. she was in the 3-6 program. The principal is a real snob, and if you're not part of their upper-class-wannabee clique, you won't get anything but grief or be totally ignored. My daughter went in with above-average scores and left after a year with lower scores. The teachers play favorites with parents and pay particular attention to those kids whose social status will help them. The place if probably fine for a day care center, but if you want real academics, go elsewhere. She'd doing fine at St. John's now.”

“My daughter attended MCDS K-6 from 1999-2006 and she LOVED it. Her talents were embraced and utilized to engage her interest in learning. As a parent, I was always delighted that my daughter was so happy and learning so much. When she took her Stanford exams last year in the 7th grade, she scored Post High School on nearly every subject. She is now about to start high school and we remember MCDS with great nostalgia. I recommend this program to any parent who wants an accepting, caring, high quality learning environment for their child.”

“In every program at every age level, this wonderful Montessori school has degreed, Montessori certified teachers with the children, even with the 2 month olds. We have had 3 children go through this school; our youngest baby started last month. It has always been one of the best Montessori schools in Houston, it still is. We are both Dr's and recommend the full day, year round program to anyone who asks us where our children go to school, even to our patients.”

“My child and I love it here. She is in the 3-6 program, and wakes up begging to go to school everyday. She loves her teachers, friends, and the respectful tone of the environment. She enjoys the extra curricular activities and the summer program is great. She's far more advanced academically than her peers who don't attend MCDS- even those who went on to Kindergarten at some of the 'top' schools in Houston. Tons of parent teacher interaction. This is one of the best Montessori programs available in Houston. I choose carefully for her because she is intelligent, but highly creative and can be a handful. Here her differences are valued. She's independent, articulate, and kind. We love this school!”

“My child attended this school through kindergarden. It was fine as a preschool, but the curriculum for K was insufficient preparation for HISD and local private schools.”

“If you're looking for a day care for your preschooler - this place is great! Just be sure to tour all campuses as they are all different. For a non-traditional educational site - avoid this! If your child is extremely bright or has special needs, this is not the place. They expect cookie-cutter kids. Ample time and opportunity was given to work with us on our needs, and to their credit there was initial work. But it was soon forgotten as our student wasn't one of the teacher's favorites. Beware the 'Montessori' name and affiliation. Beware the supply fees and field trip fees. Ask about turnover how long have the teachers been at that campus, how long have the subs? If they 'like' your child, they work with her. If not, the child is treated like a second citizen. The administration is focused on collecting tuition, not compassion.”

“Excellent school up to about age 5. Our children loved MCDS, but when they were 5 (final year of 3-6 class), the 3 year olds were the majority of the class population, and the imbalance of peers at kindergarten equivalent age was a definite negative. Kinder aged students should have more opportunity to interact with peers from other campuses and/or elementary aged kids. Apart from that, the teachers do an excellent job of teaching courtesy, self reliance, respect, and helpfulness in addition to basic education.”

“When I found MCDS during my search of new schools (we moved from Florida), I felt I had been given a little glimpse of Heaven for my children. The exquisitly beautiful old restored homes, the lovely gardens and play spaces were not all; there is more. The passionate highly trained teachers are the crowning glory of this school. At every level and for every age child, there is excellence. The Founder and Head of School is totally hands-on and her facultys' most ardent supporter. The joy I found in the classrooms is absolutely infectious.”

“I can't begin to tell you how much I love this school. They are amazing. My family evacuated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina and we were welcomed with open arms and kindness, which seemed enough at the time, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that my kids were getting such a wonderful education we didn't even know existed. My children are smarter than they were before.”

“It's a great school if your child is a focused student. Our 1st grader was too easily distracted to be able to concentrate. She needed a structured enviroment so we moved her but the school is otherwise wonderful--skilled & caring faculty, great programs and facilities. I do recommend it for others.”

“My 2yr-old has attended since 20mo.-old. We picked it because of the Montessori certification of the directresses and its easy location off 288. My son loves to go in the morning, and some days tries to get me to stay there at pick-up time. I love their facilities, their healthy chef-prepared lunches, and the autonomy the children have. However, I've been disappointed in the school's accomodation of my son's hearing problems (ear infections), placing him _further_ from the book being read or circle-time leading because they say he's distracted, though they're making that worse. They told me to try a 5-1 ratio school instead of 7-1. 28 children in a classroom is a lot of noise and commotion. Also seems expensive.”

“The teachers at this school are great. Each classroom has at least one montessori trained teacher. However, when visiting the school, be sure to see all campuses. They typically take you on a tour of the LaBranch campus, but they have several other and all are not equal.”

“Very attractive facility, but quite rigid about Montessori philosophy in the 3-5yr class. Closed door policy at the morning drop-off makes getting to know the teachers and other families difficult. Good array of extra-curriculars at the 3-5yr age, but the regular classroom art and other activities are quite limited - heavily focused on the Montessori materials.”

“My child has done really well here. They are very attentive & she seems to really be progressing.”

“Good school. Excellent assistant teachers.”

“There are many choices for different age ranges & buildings (classrooms). The 3-6 year old classroom my child is in has an excellent staff & lead teacher. There are optional classes (e.g., Arts Alive, dance, piano, gymnastics) that cost a lot of extra money , but we love the care. Parents are appreciated, but not pressured to be involved.”

“Excellent program, very well trained teachers & bring out the best in the children. Parents are welcome & encouraged to participate. My daughter (pre-k) loves it!”

“The education was rather haphazard. It is the perfect school for student's who are unable to work in a normal setting.”

“My son attended this school from 2 1/2 to 4. Its quality is greatly overrated. Their stated teacher/student ratio is not real. Teachers are generally cold and stiff with children, and very reluctant to discuss children s progress with parents. They have too many children per class to know details about every child. When I inquired about the number of kids in my son s class (46) their response was that the fire code allowed up to 50. My son hated every morning when I took him to school. I mentioned to them that he was reading and that he might need different challenges. They disqualified my claims that he was reading, and told me that whatever he had learned before, he did not learn it with the Montessori Method and had to begin all anew. After reading a lot about the Montessori Method I believe they got it all wrong.”