Belleair Montessori Academy

This school is wonderful! I was shocked to read the poor review in June from a disgruntled parent. It seems they were reviewing the school's summer camp and not the actual school year. The summer camp is totally different than the academic school year when the Montessori curriculum and philosophy is taught by certified Montessori teachers. My child loved coming to school and her teachers were always warm and welcoming. The director has an open door policy to discuss any concerns or issues parents may have. The teacher/child ratio is below the limit set by the Pinellas county license board, which means children are supervised closely and receive more attention. The school was always clean and materials organized on the shelves. I would highly recommend this school!

The VPK class is amazing. It is truly a Montessori classroom. The teachers know what they are doing, and the children work hard and are learning so much! I can't wait for my other child to go the Belleair Montessori Academy.

Teachers seem bored, overworked, and/or inexperienced. Teachers are in over their head and are not experienced enough to care for the number of children they are watching. Lack of up-to-date toys and play areas, not enough age-appropriate activities, and they do not follow any of Montessori’s educational philosophies. No Emotional Support. Children are unattended, brushed off when they ask for attention, ignored when crying, or bullied by the teachers or other kids, When a child is having a behavior issue, some teachers yell or belittle the child, Their main goal is to punish, not teach children. Teachers are poorly trained and cannot handle children both on the playground and in classrooms. Lack of cleanliness. AC never works or it is never tuned on. Children are sweaty and uncomfortable especially during the hot summer days.

When I originally called Kathy, I told her that my son is not fully potty trained yet. She told me that he would go in class with the younger children because of this and I was ok with that. I also told her that he has behavioral problems and she seemed to be ok with that as well, reassuing me that the teacher(s) would work with him. His first day, he was put into class with the older children and he didn't do so well. Upon arrival, there was a note attached to my sign out sheet explaining that the classroom wasn't equipped with changing pull-ups and that he could not return because of his behavior that day. I feel that the teachers didn't give him a fair chance and that he should have been allowed time to adjust to his surroundings. I also feel that my son was discriminated against due to his delay and the school just did not feel like dealing with him.