Southlake Montessori

To Future Families,I feel it's necessary to share our candid experience with Carroll Elementary School to provide a clearer picture for those considering it for their children's education. Our time at the school brought to light several aspects that potential families should be aware of.Firstly, a significant number of students participate in external tutoring, which seems to be a key factor in their success on standardized tests. This reliance on outside help might indicate areas where the school's academic program could be strengthened.Our experience also highlighted a distinct pattern where involvement in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) seemed to be linked with greater opportunities for those children and parents. This includes participation in school events, field trips, and prominent roles in school activities like musicals. It appeared that a small, consistent group was favored for these opportunities, which could lead to a sense of exclusion for others.Furthermore, in any disputes or issues involving students, we observed a tendency for resolutions to lean away from impartiality, often to the detriment of children whose parents were less involved in the PTO or school volunteer activities.The underlying message seemed to be that active participation in the PTO or volunteer programs was essential for a child to fully benefit from what the school has to offer. More concerning was the impression that voicing any concerns or complaints might lead to subtle forms of retaliation or exclusion.Having been part of this community for several years, we are now relieved to have moved on and would urge potential families to consider these points carefully. The school environment plays a crucial role in a child's development, and it's vital to choose a setting that aligns with your values and expectations for inclusivity and fairness.

Top notch staff and teachers. Engaged children. Involved parents. Great pto. Old union is the best!

Our son has been at The Clariden School for 1 year now and has fallen in love with learning. The Clariden School is a STEAM focused school that that teaches through project-based learning. This environment creates critical thinkers. They also build their student body's presentation skills by requiring Presentations of Learning (POL) multiple times a year in almost every class. The class sizes are intentionally small so that teachers can spend more time with each individual child. This gives teachers the opportunity to offer more support/ add challenges to each individual student when needed. The Clariden Community is diverse and accepting. Truly a wonderful environment that parents feel safe and secure sending their children to.