Pine Crest Elementary School

I want to give honest feedback to one particular first Grade teacher at this school. It has been truly the WORST year for my Son, who is in first grade at this school. One time the school instructed to put all the students on the online classes because of COVID constrain. During this time, we noticed our Son's teacher's teaching style. The teacher is focused ONLY on the kids who are participating actively and on those who like to answer all the questions. She is not making ANY effort on the students who truly needs a little extra help as my child or pushing them to engage in any activity with other classmates. Today, My husband went on a field day activity at my Son's school and watched our child and his teacher from a distance. Our child played with the other kids for several minutes, and then when it was a different activity, he lost interest, stopped playing, and sat on the ground alone. The teacher is standing next to my child and has no motivation to ask him or push him back to the playing field. Our Son disliked his school. Sometimes he refused to go to school as it was no longer his happy place, and it was a war to wake him up from his bed every day! We all know that a positive classroom environment is a primary reason kids want to go to school and enjoy learning. Unfortunately, our child is not lucky enough to experience this. In overall, I don't understand how someone who might not be fit to be a teacher gets the credentials and a teaching position!! The lady got no interest in Children who needed a little extra help; when I say extra help, I am not saying help for a special child—helping a child who learns in different ways and paces! I wondered if the school evaluates the teachers and takes necessary actions. Just because she refused to provide him additional support and could not accommodate him in her classroom, our Son has been affected for the entire year! I will avoid this teacher AT ANY COST!!!

I cannot simply ask for information from the school. If I want a copy of anything, I need to figure out where to find it (e.g. IF and where I need to log in or if it is on the website or email) and then make myself a copy. Office is no help.

I fell in love with Acorn Hill during my first visit for a parent-infant class. Nestled amidst the woods by Sligo Creek, it's a sanctuary for my child's early education. What makes Acorn Hill special is its commitment to honoring the innocence and imagination of childhood. The teachers' love shines through every interaction, creating a nurturing environment where children flourish.I cherish Acorn Hill's educational style that values free play in all-outdoor classrooms. It allows my cautious observer to thrive. The outdoor setting fosters remarkable discovery and growth, embracing the wonders of childhood. Weekly activities like breadmaking, gardening, and preparing snacks with peers are treasured moments for my child.We're immensely grateful for this magical school. As my child completes their first year of Preschool (Nursery), we eagerly anticipate the years ahead at Acorn Hill, confident that it will continue to be a place where their early education flourishes.

A Traumatic Experience!!!I must express my deep disappointment with this school. My family's first encounter with a Montessori school turned out to be a traumatic experience. Unfortunately, the issues were not reflective of the Montessori philosophy but rather the specific practices of this particular institution. The Head of School is a significant obstacle to effective communication. Her controlling nature hindered any direct interaction with our child's teachers, resulting in a lack of transparency and understanding about our child's progress. Furthermore, her aggressive and rude communication style was distressing, and the threat of expulsion for minor incidents seemed disproportionate.Financial matters only added to our frustration, as we discovered inconsistent and overcharged fees. The Head of School's response was far from reassuring, with an initial dismissal followed by an admission of impending fee hikes. Only after our insistence on contractual amounts did they adjust the fees, highlighting a lack of transparency and honesty in their business practices. The treatment our 2 year old daughter received was deeply troubling. Constant false accusations, manufacturing issues, and ultimately unjust expulsion created an environment of distrust. The subsequent dishonesty about the expulsion further soured our experience. Legal intervention was necessary to secure a refund, showcasing the school's lack of integrity.While the teaching staff demonstrated competence, their fear of repercussions from the Head of School compromised their ability to advocate for the students. Discovering that other parents shared similar negative experiences reinforced our decision to leave.We are at a better AMI Montessori school where our daughter is thriving, highlighting the importance of a school's focus on the welfare of students rather than financial interests. This particular AMS school failed to uphold Montessori principles, and it's disheartening to see such a departure from Maria Montessori's vision. It is crucial for prospective parents to thoroughly research and consider alternative options before entrusting their children to this institution.I will not recommend this place!