Olney Estates

The teachers would not notice my child getting bullied and wouldn't do anything about it.

Three of my children attended Julia Brown Montessori School for early childhood learning, and I can confidently say it was one of the best educational choices I made for them.The Montessori early childhood learning approach encourages children to become independent, confident, and enthusiastic learners. Parents are invited to sit in and observe in the classroom. Also the observation window gives us the opportunity to see how our children learn and interact at any time of the day.All three of my children excelled and developed an excellent foundation in academics, social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and independence. I have also experienced traditional early childhood learning centers, and for my older child, the Montessori method was by far the superior choice.Every parent or guardian must decide which educational approach and learning method best fit their child. For my kids, Julia Brown School provided an exceptional early childhood learning experience and a strong foundation for my children’s future education. I am very grateful for the positive impact it had on all three of my children.

My family's time at this school was, to put it simply, a mistake. The educational standards are alarmingly low. It appears that students are just being pushed through the system, regardless of whether they can read or pass basic tests. Our experience suggests a lack of accountability, as standardized testing was skipped. The leadership is a major concern; the principal does not seem equipped to handle the challenges of the school. The school's physical state is also troubling, the building is old and run-down, and we were particularly concerned about the presence of mold. Despite a growing student body and significant community fundraising, the school always seems to be short on funds. On top of that, security is a serious problem, with unauthorized individuals often entering the school's playground. This school is reactive, not proactive, and the children are the ones who suffer for it. I would strongly advise parents to look elsewhere.

The teachers are the beating heart of the Upper School and they are amazing! They are dedicated and gifted professionals and almost every one goes above and beyond to make learning engaging, to seek out extra enrichment activities, and to support students when they struggle. I see the care they put into their daily lessons and the emphasis on getting students not just to memorize the "how" and the "what" but to truly understand "why this matters." They are all here because they want to be. I also see my child gaining confidence through interacting with their teachers, learning the give-and-take of seminar discussions, learning how to respectfully advocate for themselves or ask for clarification or even the occasional extension. These skills help prepare them to engage with college professors and future bosses. I am confident my child is getting an individualized and top-notch education and I know they are well-prepared for college.