New Hope Elementary

Our family had a wonderful experience at Pinewoods Montessori. As a former K-12 teacher and a current education professor, I have very high standards regarding my child's education. Pinewoods definitely exceeded those expectations with their quality educators and thoughtful communication and organization. Our child attended toddlers and primary (and after care) before we had to move out of state rather suddenly. The teachers, assistants, staff, and administrators were warm, loving, and attentive to our child's needs. Our child learned many life and academic skills, and was very happy there. We also appreciated that there was a clear procedure for everything--this organization made our lives easier. We will miss Pinewoods, and we definitely recommend this fantastic school to other families.

If you are a parent of a neurodivergent child or simply expect transparency, engagement, and actual education from your child’s school — look elsewhere.This school presents itself as nurturing and attentive, but the reality is anything but. Engagement with parents is virtually nonexistent, and transparency is not a priority. Communication is reactive at best, and when concerns arise, they are often met with defensiveness or silence.The bullying policy is performative — written nicely on paper but not enforced in practice. Children are not truly protected, and teachers seem more focused on maintaining the appearance of a safe and inclusive environment rather than actually providing one.The so-called “educational support” professional is not only ineffective at supporting children — they also lack the most basic communication skills when working with parents. Worse, they use threats, intimidation, and exclusionary tactics to push out children who don’t conform to a narrow and outdated behavioral standard. If your child is ADHD or on the autism spectrum, be warned: these traits are not accommodated, understood, or embraced here. Instead, they are treated as liabilities, and your child can be asked to leave at any time, often with little or no notice.This is not a school. It is overpriced daycare — and even that’s a generous description. There is minimal academic instruction, and very little individualized attention. If you are looking for an environment where your child can grow, learn, and be seen for who they are — this is not it.Our experience here has been deeply disappointing and, at times, disturbing. For the well-being of your child, especially if they have unique needs or deserve a responsive and respectful learning environment — please consider other options.