Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Montessori School of Syracuse in Syracuse
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Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, US
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Comments (25)
Our son just graduated after 8 years in Montessori. He has transitioned to Middle School and is doing great academically with a 97 average. In addition to academics, the school has a strong emphasis on music and arts and we credit his teachers with instilling his love for playing piano and saxophone, singing, and acting, as well as the confidence to speak and perform in public. More importantly, our son has a real love for learning that we believe was fostered during his years at Montessori.This is a great school with caring and dedicated teachers. We are grateful for their role in nurturing our sons growth and development. I would recommend this school to anyone.
We have 2 alumni (currently high school students) who have attended Montessori School of Syracuse since the age of 3yrs. During those years they each had extensive exposure to French, learned to read and play music, nurtured their interests in Art, grew a love of Math and Algebra, and all the while practicing community involvement and citizenship.The Montessori curriculum insures success, and builds pride in each child. We feel our investment in our childs education at young age developed in each of them the solid sense of self, and foundations for their life.
Our children have been a part of The Montessori School of Syracuses community for over eight years now. They benefit from being there every step of the way, from Pre-K through Upper Elementary (4th-6th grade).The attention and care put in to planning the classroom setting and programs, along with the individualized attention delivered by the teachers - throughout ALL grade levels - is nothing short of extraordinary! How to quantify the quality of life and joy of learning our children are gaining at MSS may be incalculable. The sense of community and belonging, self-esteem, responsibility, personal growth, purpose, self-motivated learning and happiness our kids experience while at MSS is invaluable and will certainly support them throughout their lives.
My sons were fortunate to attend the Montessori School of Syracuse for eight years, from pre-school through 6th grade. MSS is a truly special place and the best learning environment I could have asked for my children. After a seamless transition to public middle school, MSSs emphasis on developing the whole child continues to play a role in their ongoing success academically, socially and emotionally. My sons are now juniors in high school; MSSs influence at a young age is the primary reason they are still enthusiastic about learning and remain conscientious, global citizens.
Lets begin with the words peace, courtesy, and grace. As a parent of an MSS alumna who graduated June 2016 after successfully completing nine years of Montessori education, I am writing to all parents and educators out there about the amazing experience our family had.This respectful form of engaging with others has created a unique MSS culture that brings together our cultural, social, and religious diversity into celebrations of peace once a year and in celebration of each childs birthday, and you wont find blowing candles or cutting cake but each child is celebrated with affirmations and reflections celebrating the circle of life.Yet, I look back on my first year when my daughter was in the fist multi-age class from 3-6 years old, I somehow overlooked the importance and the impact that these small but mighty words will have on her education and development in latter years. As an educator myself specializing in adult learning particularly design and assessment, I cared only for the academic part, the assessment techniques, the curriculum, and yes her grades!! What - no grades, no homework, no marks whatsoever! its true! Until maybe the 5 or 6th grade Montessori children are encouraged to be themselves, guided by their own desire to explore and observe and take their time in so doing which builds a love of learning . Parents too are invited to observe and listen and encourage. These years have gone by so quickly! I wish I had spent more time doing all that because in so doing, you partake in the incredible gift of time standing still so you can almost see in your child as you would a flower blossom, a tree grow, your child gaining confidence and trust in its environment and surroundings. With every step she/he takes, she/he will be courteous to others, gracious, and eager to learn.The Montessori School of Syracuse teachers are exceptional in every way, their dedication, compassion, and motivational abilities are always present. All these social development is well and good, and touchy feely stuff is all good but what about academic achievement you say? In response I say please take the time to observe an age 9-12 science presentation or a theatrical performance, or an guided tour during open house by a student, and last but most important their exit speech during graduation. You will be inspired, you will see Montessori students walk the walk and talk the talk. Throughout these activities, you may wonder why the teachers are not leading? Why do they sit with the audience instead of backstage with the kids? Where are the teachers you say? Hmmm....follow the child Madam Montessori will say.Thank you Montessori School of Syracuse for 9 years of social and academic teachings. My daughter today is thriving in a well renowned college prep school. She is making new friends and keeping the old MSS friends. She is making the grades. During her first week in her new school to help emotionally transition, I heard her sing softly to herself peace, peace is caring, peace is sharing. Peace to all!October 2016
All three of our children have attended the Montessori School of Syracuse (MSS) since they were three years old. Our oldest graduated from 6th grade last year, our middle child is now in 5th grade and our youngest in 1st. We never intended to keep them there past kindergarten, but the more we learned about Montessori education and MSS in particular, the more we loved it. MSS graduates are far ahead of their classmates from other schools academically when they enter 7th grade, but it is the non-academic stuff we love most about MSS. The multi-age classrooms and open environment (no desks, no front of the classroom) provide lots of opportunities for the kids to learn to work together, to think independently and to lead. The music program is phenomenal. The community is great. Finally, I serve on the board and have for many years. I do so because I love the school.
We sent both of our kids to MSS. It has been a joy to see them grow and develop several characteristics that will help them succeed throughout their lives. The kids leave MSS with self confidence, independence, conflict resolution skills and life long friends. In addition, they seem to really enjoy learning. Our daughter graduated two years ago and has excelled in middle school. Our son will graduate next year. My kids are very different from each other, but we are convinced that it has been the best environment for both of them. The faculty and staff have been wonderful- they go above and beyond for each child. I would highly recommend MSS to anyone.
We have had a child at the Montessori School of Syracuse since the Fall of 2009. In the Spring of 2015, our second son will complete the Primary level(ending with Kindergarten)and next year our third son will finish the Primary as well. We now have a third grader in public school and he entered leaps and bounds ahead of the expected reading and math levels, but more importantly, his passion for learning and his extreme curiosity had been nurtured at MSS and have been continuing ever since. In 2016, our fourth son will start at the Primary level. I cannot think of anywhere else I would want my children to begin their educational journey.
Both our kids attend MSS and we are pleased with everything, especially the community. Our children receive individual attention from the teachers and work alongside a terrific group of peers. The students are truly engaged in their studies and learn so much from each other. If you talk with the older students at an Open House you will agree: MSS helps children become articulate, confident, and considerate.
We have three children, two who have graduated and one who will be entering the upper elementary classroom next year. MSS has served our family well.. The unique learning environment has provided the children with the opportunity to grow and acquire skills they will use the rest of their life. The well rounded curriculum helps a child build social and cognitive thinking skills, as well as the pride and self-confidence to succeed.When our oldest son started at MSS we knew it was the perfect place for him. It was an environment which allowed him to grow as an independent learner. We werent sure when the time came for our oldest daughter to attend. But she found her place there and excelled. Needless to say it was a No Brainer where the youngest child would continue her educational journey. With out a doubt I can honestly say if we had to do it all over again.... Wouldnt do anything different!
I have one child who recently graduated from MSS, and one who is currently in MSS upper elementary classroom. Both children started at the age of three. MSS has been a great school for each of their very different learning styles. Our MSS graduate recently earned high honors in a national academic program and was accepted into a local college prep middle school. Although we are pleased with MSS academic offerings, I most appreciate the conflict resolution skills they teach beginning at the age of three, and MSS culture of respecting oneself and appreciating diversity in people and ideas. I have a friend who worked for 20+ years in public education before retiring a few years ago. She recently told me that she sees character traits in my children that she does not see in many children today, including their ability to recognize their own feelings and empathize with the feelings of others, their ability to find their voice and use it respectfully, and their ability to handle negative situations with grace. I credit MSS.
December 19th, 2014. This was the last day of the first semester of our daughter’s first of many years of peaceful, meaningful and educational journey. Montessori School of Syracuse (MSS)- staff, students, families and friends came together for a Peace Celebration. The Peace Celebration included families from diverse cultures and backgrounds representing several religious traditions. These families were gracious enough to share with those of us present, how this time of year was celebrated according to their culture. In addition, children sang about peace along with several Christmas favorites in different languages. Our daughter’s grandmother, who was visiting from Puerto Rico along with her aunt, had the opportunity to enjoy this celebration and experience the environment of peace, harmony and acceptance that MSS provides for their students every day. Our family was so impressed with the discipline, organization, logistics, love and care of all the MSS put into this school. We feel very proud and privileged to be part of such rich community!
Our daughter has become a solid public speaker, and advocate for herself in her new classrooms (she graduated from MSS last year). We attribute these skills to her experience with the staff, curriculum, and extracurricular activities over her three years with MSS. Her ability to be a strong advocate for her own needs has been remarked on by her teachers, as shes comfortable approaching them for help, works well on group assignments, and adds to classroom discussions regularly.
MSS provides a safe and inclusive environment for children with food allergies. The teachers and staff take food allergies into account when planning class cooking lessons and school events. They are also trained in recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis and administering an Epipen. The children bring their own lunch and are meticulous about cleaning up afterwards, which minimizes cross-contamination.
Montessori is truly a special place and I owe much to the administration and staff there for helping me to raise up a great kid.Gratitude to you for all that you do there!Qiana WilliamsParent of an alumni
Total reviews rating 4.9
25 Reviews for Montessori School of Syracuse 2023:
Review №1
2018-06-12I was a member of the MSS Family for 15 years - all three of my children attended this school from preschool all the way through sixth grade. My children felt loved here - the teachers are all so caring and passionate about what they do. The education they received was tailored to their individual learning styles and they were taught about the world and to be inclusive of all cultures. Montessori is about teaching the whole child - about showing children how to be independent, peaceful and caring people - that is who my children are today. Forever in your debt, Mom!
Review №2
2015-05-19We discovered MSS in 2009 and now have 3 children at the school (grades 4, 1 & K). We have all been very happy with MSS. Our kids teachers are fantastic and we like that our kids remain in the same, multi-age classroom for three years. Their teachers really get to know them and how they each best learn to give them a more personalized education. Montessori encourages independence and responsibility and gives kids the opportunity to progress at their own pace so that they are neither rushed nor bored. It is a good balance of structure vs independence that I know will serve them well in the future. More than that, the Montessori philosophy of following the child helps each child develop confidence in themselves and their unique abilities. About once a month kids in the elementary grades (1-6) get to go to the land lab, an outdoor classroom, which my kids absolutely love. It is just one small way that the school incorporates hands-on, real life learning. The MSS community is small and wonderful and welcoming. It is truly a great place to begin an education.
Review №3
2017-01-13The Montessori School of Syracuse is a treasure in our community! We sent our three girls to Montessori and could not have been happier with the experience each time. What a wonderful teaching environment that is also nurturing and caring. We are firm believers in the child-centered curriculum. The teachers and staff became like family to us! We love that the girls learned hands on mathematical concepts, were exposed to a breadth of curricula that included geography (!) and developed a strong desire to acquire knowledge. They also understand time management and independent learning. Even more importantly, Montessori helped to develop them as good people and good global citizens. The oldest, who recently graduated from public high school, mentioned recently, Montessori was great! It taught me to be a better person. The public school talks about these things, but its not the same. At Montessori, you really learn it! We are grateful for the school and the staff that played a very positive role in the development of our children. I will continue to recommend the school to all our friends!
Review №4
2016-12-13Like adults, children learn when they are interested in what they are learning. And the only way to be sure that they are interested in what they are learning is to give them some choice over how and when they learn new things. This is how the Montessori School of Syracuse (MSS) works, and does it ever work! Our two oldest sons graduated from the MSS three and five years ago and our youngest son will graduate next year. The school administrators and the teachers are all fantastic. The supportive atmosphere they have provided from the schools foundation has led to the creation of a beautiful community of teachers, parents, graduates, and students. We will be forever grateful for the education and community MSS provides.
Review №5
2015-05-21Wouldnt change our 9 year experience (from age 3 - 12) for anything in the world. MSS has been a solid investment. There is great security in leaving your child with like-minded people, who you are confident will respond to situations rationally, promote critical thinking, model kindness, and encourage healthy risk taking. There is a misconception that Montessori is all about free choice. It is true that students are allowed to spend additional time working on content they most enjoy, but overall the curriculum is very structured and sequentially organized. Progress reports are lengthy; traditional grading is not used. There is a very strong sense of community, and students love all the MSS traditions! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the earliest years, what Maria Montessori refers to as the Absorbent Mind stage (birth - age 6). Not all Montessori Schools are the same by any means, you must check each out for yourself and your child. But if you are looking for authentic methodology, a sense of local community, and excellent character development, take a closer look at MSS.
Review №6
2015-11-04Enrolling our daughters at the Montessori School of Syracuse was a terrific choice for our family. They were raised in a caring, respectful environment. Their curiosity was nurtured and they were empowered to take the lead in their learning. I was especially glad that they learned about world geography, cultures – and French language. It provided a welcoming community of families and friends and after graduating they transitioned well to a strong public school district. I highly recommend the Montessori School of Syracuse.
Review №7
2014-10-07Both of our daughters have attended MSS; our oldest has since moved on to public school and our youngest is still enrolled in primary at MSS. Both our girls are naturally curious and independent, which lends itself well to the Montessori philosophy. Based on the results we saw with our oldest, I think MSS definitely gave her a head start when she entered public school as compared to her classmates. Not only could she read prior to entering Kindergarten, she has developed a curiosity and love of learning which was fostered and encouraged by the Montessori philosophy and the learning environment provided by MSS. The teaching & administrative staff at MSS clearly love what they do and believe in the Montessori teaching philosophy. Our youngest, who is now in her second year, is extremely enthusiastic about going to school every day and loves to tell us about the lessons she’s received. Overall it’s been a worthwhile investment for our daughters’ futures.
Review №8
2016-03-15Both our boys went through Pre-School and Elementary at Montessori School of Syracuse. It was the best gift we could ever give to our children. They have developed a lifelong love of learning. Montessori gave them the skills to be fully engaged in their knowledge acquisition. Both our boys are grounded young men who are curious, compassionate, and driven to make the world around them better for everyone.The faculty and community surrounding Montessori School of Syracuse makes for an ideal learning opportunity in grace and courtesy and life long love of learning.
Review №9
2015-01-12Our daughter spent 8 years at the Montessori School of Syracuse, and it was a great experience for her and us as well. The MSS administration and teachers always welcomed and valued the input of parents. The Montessori style of learning stresses the education of the whole child, and in addition to the academics she was taught to respect the environment and how to resolve conflicts. She loved the small school atmosphere, the visual nature of the unique Montessori materials and the personal instruction in her multiple-teacher classrooms. She studied French for the whole time she was there, and along with her classmates was reading Great Books and doing advanced algebra by the sixth grade. Most of all I think she is glad she went to MSS because of all the friendships she made while she was there. She transitioned easily to her new school and is an outstanding student and person today, which we believe is in no small part due to MSS and her Montessori education.
Review №10
2018-01-06Both of our children have been at MSS for 5 years so far and I can’t imagine a better learning environment for them. The Montessori philosophy of child-lead learning in multi-age classrooms, paired with the school’s focus on peace and inclusiveness, allows for a truly remarkable educational experience. Our children are not just learning factual knowledge and how to be independent thinkers, but also how to be good friends and good citizens of the world. We are extremely grateful for the multitude of non-academic experiences that are offered such as 45 minutes of daily recess, trips to Land Lab, and lessons on grace and courtesy. Lastly, we are thankful to be part of a community of like-minded families and so greatly value the friendships we have created.