The Farmington Valley Academy Montessori

We’ve been at this amazing school for almost 14 years. Three boys all the way from first year toddler room through 1st, 6th and 8th right now. Our oldest graduates this year. He is applying to some of the top boarding schools in the country with confidence because he knows he can handle anything that comes his way because he is prepared academically and socially.nnThe education is second to none, social and academic autonomy are deeply valued, and these kids are confident, intelligent and they know HOW TO LEARN. This is the most impressive part of FVAM: the kids love to learn, know how to do it productively and no one here is teaching to a test. They are teaching the kids to learn, really understand and invest themselves in the topics and information.nnWe have found the smaller size of the school to be an asset. The size of the classes gives each child a chance to participate deeply in their education. No one gets lost or looked over. If there is ever difficulty socially, the staff are responsive and respectful of all sides. Each person is given a chance to speak and a teacher guides the students to resolution, even if that means agreeing to disagree. I don’t know about you but I sure wish someone had taught me that skill when I was in grade school.nnClearly, I couldn’t recommend this school any more highly. Please consider it. You will not, for one second, regret it.

We came to this school because traditional education was not working for our child. They were intelligent and out performed Kindergarten at age 4! We had no other choices, but to place him into public Kindergarten. His age and maturity ultimately, wasn’t going to work. We entered into FVAM which was a good experience. I would honestly highly recommend this school for younger years. It was when my child entered UPPER ELEMENTARY, with Sharon, it all fell apart. Although the director, Sharon, is a lovely and intelligent person, she is wearing too many “hats”. She is a teacher, director, on the board, and just has too much going on at once. I could almost never get a hold of her to discuss our child or any issues. Without our consent our child was put into a “round table” where all the kids in their class, were allowed to say what they “didn’t like” about them. This was so humiliating and they put their head down and cried. We were not informed at all about this event. Until, we got a card from another child apologizing for their participation in the “round table”. I still have this card which the child expressed how sorry they were and sent it around to the entire class to sign. We discussed with FVAM that this was unacceptable and never do this again. We still have this card to this day. FVAM did it again, and worse, they included older children. We had expressed our child had been bullied due to his “snowflake gifts” were not good enough. If you are not rich do not have your child attend here, they will be bullied. I know Montessori school is a self motivated methodology. However, they are not taught AT. ALL. Once they go into Sharon’s class (Upper EL). My child was told just to open up a book and do your work! They were not given any assignments nor instructions, the teacher Sharon, would just leave the room. She had other things to do. Interestingly, this is exactly when many students leave. Ask FVAM why they start off with many in nursery and lower elementary, yet the numbers drop severely once entering upper el and forward. FVAM will site we do not have enough kids in our upper classes (3-4 seriously in each grade) and if your kid does not like the other 2 kids then what? I was told by other parents, who didn’t want to express their true reasons for leaving, that it was because in Upper Elementary the teaching just stopped, and parents felt their kids needed a better teacher and more social opportunities. My child was bullied terrible and it was suggested that their responses should warrant them to be placed in a school next door. Which I was told by the admin director, upon joining, that this school was horrible, they lock those kids in closets.....Yet now, FVAM, you suggest he goes there? If you are not rich, do not go here, you will be pushed into donated extra money yearly beyond the $20K...Social Bullying, so you give more than you can. There is an auction where you need to have a vacation home or something of the such, to donate for a week or more. Also, hope you have hundreds of dollars to donate to the actual auction, and more each family MUST donate extra money, it’s a goal and believe me they know if you do or don’t donate. They will hound you for it. My child was also bullied by the other kids and told he must have a disgusting little home no one should ever go there for a play date. My child literally had NOT.ONE.FRIEND. Overall, We started off well, but then ended horribly. Please use your own digression, make a polite exit plan like many others that’s my recommendation.

I just graduated high school, but I was a student here from preschool through eighth grade. The teachers here are wonderful and really supportive. I couldn’t ask for a community of faculty that cared more about their students. I made strong and lasting connections that I will hold onto for a long time. In addition, the FVAM environment challenged me to try new things and fostered my passion for learning through their hands-on approach to teaching. I also feel that FVAM more than sufficiently prepared me for my high school course work. I highly recommend!

We have had three children graduate from Farmington Academy. The school is absolutely outstanding. Our children are leaders, self confident, motivated, and independent. They handle all aspects of their own school work. The teachers are well trained and supportive academically, socially and emotionally. Sharon Healy, Head of School, keeps the learning current and well tailored to individual student needs whether the student's skills and aptitude are exceptional, average or requiring support. Each student is met on their own level and motivated through the actions of their peers, teachers and community in general. The parents are warm, welcoming and fun. Montessori done exceptionally well!

My children attend this wonderful school. The teachers and staff care deeply about each and every child and work to help each child achieve their greatest potential. Graduates attend many of the top prep schools in the Fagmington Valley area.