Follow the Child Montessori School

My child is currently enrolled in TH and has flourished at FCM.

I have to say that we were really disappointed with our experience at FCM. As a multigenerational Montessori family that have attended other schools across the country, we now realize there are enormous differences in how the programs are implemented. Teacher quality seems very inconsistent at FCM; the old guard locked into passé theory and the new recruits lacking training and with very narrow “qualifications”. The result is a regressive practice that hasn’t kept up with the realities of modern education, firmly rooted in compliance training rather than cooperation. The classroom management they refer to as Grace and Courtesy feels very culturally and economically insensitive. Bullying is pervasive all around, felt by both students and their adults. There is little to no communication from teachers, and part of that seems rooted in their lack of basic technological competency. The administrative team seems fractured, and there is a revolving door of new faces who never really seem to know what’s going on. The location is fantastic, and the facility would be very decent for a population 2/3 the size, but classrooms are horribly crowded and chaotic to the point of both personal and classroom materials frequently being lost.We are now at a Montessori charter and very happy with the organization, amazing modern facility, and the warm, caring faculty. It runs like a well oiled machine. Every teacher holds a state license, communication is frequent, helpful, and most importantly, focused on how the child can benefit rather than the teacher. The difference is night and day and it is such a shame, because from the stories of past families, FCM was a great community up until 4-5 years ago.

We are underimpressed as a new family. Too many staffing changes. Almost no diversity. Head of School doesn’t seem personable or genuine. She lacks a nurturing spirit with children. I doubt we'll re-enroll.

I love FCM, but I would like to have more diversity. Mainly white students. Also, the communication is not great ( no daily, or even weekly reports).I am not sure all the teachers are Montessori certified.

We have three children at Follow the Child and there is no doubt that it is the best school in Raleigh. The teachers are incredible and deeply committed to the children and the extent of our children's advancement, especially vis-a-vis their "grade level" is breathtaking. Great community as well and highly recommend all around.