Ridgewood Montessori School

I’m really surprised by the review about the Seedlings Classroom below. My son just started in the Seedlings Classroom this year and so far our experience has been wonderful. There was a simple miscommunication when it came to his diapers (super minor) and the teacher rectified it right away and contacted me to clarify/discuss. The teacher and/or school are always reaching out, even for something simple, to keep me and my husband apprised and informed. We appreciate this so much and truly find it to be a reflection of those they hire to nurture and educate the children.nnWe find their COVID protocols very well followed, and we’re not nervous sending our son here a few days a week.nnThe staff, teachers and administration always greet us at pick up/drop off and make us feel like our sons going to a special place and loved.nnIn reference to the other comment on curriculum, they’re under 2 years. They are just getting acclimated to going to school, let alone the ability to do a true art masterpiece. I think that’s a bit unrealistic when it comes to an expectation of true art projects at their age. Our son has come home with some really great art projects and we’re really happy with his progress being he’s not even 18 months old. He’s learning so much already and we’re grateful.nnOverall, we’re very happy with Ridgewood Montessori and will continue to send our son for years to come (as long as everything stays as great as it’s been!). In addition, once our daughter is age appropriate we would love to continue the legacy with her attendance as well.nnThanks RMS for a great experience and for showing our son love, attention, and teaching him every week. We’re proud to be part of this school!

Ridgewood Montessori treats us truly like family. The entire staff is warm, helpful, and truly understands the needs of each family and child. They go above and beyond to put the children first, and are so accommodating. The teachers we have had experience with are fantastic. Our children have grown and developed leaps and bounds after just a few months. I highly recommend Ridgewood Montessori School to anyone who is interested in a traditional Montessori school for their kids/family!

Beware of the Seedlings room. My child attended during the 2018-2019 school year. On the first day I found out that the teacher from the previous year left and a new teacher started. Even though I was told during my tour that there is a Montessori trained teacher in every room that was not the case. The new teacher was not Montessori certified. Overall I don’t think she should be teaching at all let alone this age group. She always seemed annoyed by the children and she lacked common understanding on how to deal with them. When I visited the class to do an art project she appeared lazy and did not help her group put the art project together properly or help teach them how to do it. My child hated his time at this school and developed a few bad habits to gain attention. Every single morning he would throw tantrums and not want to go. I thought he would get used to it, but he was so bored and frustrated. It was painful to get him inside. I ended up taking him out of this school full time and he went part time because they will not refund your money after December. Even on the last week of school I observed another child crying to her mom because she didn’t want to go in. There is no curriculum so there is nothing to measure what or if your child is learning. I would always ask what they were doing in class, what songs were they teaching them, etc. and I would get a general answer like we do circle time and work with the “materials”. Probing for more information turned out to be useless. This is more of a baby sitting facility than a school. The facility is also not as clean as it appears. Their were 2 rounds of coxsocki that wiped out the whole class, stomach virus that went around, and on the last week Thrush. None of which they alerted the parents about. I am so happy with my decision to take my child out of this place. My child is thriving at his new school. If considering Ridgewood Montessori School, my advice is to wait for Pre-k 4. I’m sure the leadership puts more attention into those classes because the children are verbal and will be able to articulate what goes on all day. Lastly, don’t expect to receive nice art projects that give you insight into what your child is learning in Seedlings. Week after week I would get a folder of water colors splattered on paper and there is 1 easel for 16 kids which means they most likely have to wait all day to get a chance to paint. This is not a fun educational place for this age group.

Honestly I really think you could not find a school with teachers that connect with students in this way at another school.Anyone would love this preschool.I went there when I was a toddler and I still remember how amazing and loving and caring everyone there was.I HIGHLY recommend this school to anyone who wants to drop there kid off at a great school.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The staff is the most caring, genuine, loving people that I have encountered outside of family. And here's the thing - you are family at Ridgewood Montessori. The entire staff (and it's not a small staff) get to know your child in some way. Your child's teachers develop a strong connection and bond with them. At any point that you go into the school, you can see children working on a skill set, or sitting in circle time, or reading. Even in the small children classroom (18 months), you will not find children running about and screaming and causing commotion. Such a well organized school, where the staff fosters development on an individualized basis. I now have 2 children in the school and have been a part of the family for 3 years. And I will tell you, every week I am impressed and stunned by what my child has learned. The love that they receive while at school is evidenced by the smiles and eagerness to tell us how their day was. The school was a blessing and the staff is truly God's gift to our children who cannot be at home with us. It's truly a perfect school. Mind you, I interviewed 9 schools in the surrounding area and without a question, this is THE best. LOVE LOVE LOVE.