Madeira Middle School

The staff members, teachers, lunch people, and principle are amazing the whole school is amazing with their amazing leaders

My children have had a great experience at Amity. They are always excited and motivated to go to school and tend to do very well. The teachers are really good about communicating and giving updates on my students' progress. If ever any issues in regards to inappropriate behavior, the principal is always very helpful and ready to assist.

I am writing in response to the 1-star reviews posted earlier this year. I've been teaching at GSCM for over 20 years, and can attest that it was founded to be a truly Catholic Montessori school, embracing both aspects completely. The school has always fostered a vibrant Catholic life, with Eucharistic processions, adoration, confession, daily class prayer, weekly Mass, festive saints' days, etc. Perhaps some families were not aware of it when they came to the school, but this traditional Catholic culture is not a new direction for GSCM. The other critique, that the teachers are not qualified, is also not accurate. All of the lead teachers in pre-primary, lower elementary, and upper elementary have certification through a quality training program such as AMS, AMI, or similar training center. Other teachers, such as religion, art, music, etc. have degrees in the fields of their respective specialties. I am frankly surprised at this assertion and cannot account for its origin, unless in a misunderstanding of the variety of Montessori training programs. Regarding the other point of some teachers not having teaching degrees, many Montessori teachers have degrees in their fields rather than in traditional education, and build on that foundation with the specific training in Montessori education. Using myself as an example, my B.A. is in theology and history, with AMI certification for ages 6-12 and M.Ed. from Loyola. So yes, not an undergraduate degree in education, but that does not mean unqualified. It is unfortunately the case that no school will be the perfect fit for every family, and I hope those who were so dissatisfied found a school more in line with their needs and views.

Cincinnati Country Day offers an unprecedented environment for children to learn. Leveraging outdoor learning on their 60 acre campus, wmphasis on character virtues in all that they due, while deploykng a nationally recognized curriculum and creating a warm and welcoming community for the students and parents alike. Our two middle school children are thriving at CCDS. Noteworthy characteristics:An established school with a proven record of successRobust academics that prepare students for collegeWorld-class teaching staffExceptiknal diversity among stiffness, teachers and staff. Most innovative approach to education in the city A place focused on values and shaping good, kind people

We have been extremely disappointed with our experience at Seven Hills and the manner in which the administration deals with conflict. They preach acceptance, yet are not accepting of diversity of opinions. Although my daughter excelled academically here, she never truly felt part of a community and she left after middle school to go to another private school where she is thriving and feels she can express her opinions openly. Be aware that if your child is unhappy or you even move out of the area mid-year, you are obligated to pay the full $25,000 for the year, even if your child is no longer attending. I would highly recommend looking elsewhere.

SUMMARY - This school is NOT for minorities or a diverse population - the principal, counselor nor 1st grade teacher handle diversity appropriately.1 PRO - Secretary and 2 of the recess helpers/aids were a joy!4 CONS - 1) School principal and the school counselor have shown us to not know how to interact with African American parents/students. Principal confused me with another black parent & then tried to apologize saying we both had on similar tops. Profusely she apologized knowing she was confusing 2 minority parents by our color. Counselor has unfortunately treated us rudely in her talk and interactions with us.2) School/parents are very clique-ish, especially apart from minorities. For 3 years I've been involved & volunteering. I volunteered for recess duty for months & suddenly was dropped off so that the scheduler’s friends could have "their" preferred days.3) 1st grade teacher (had our 3rd grader & now our 1st grader), did not treat our minority children with respect. Our 1st grade daughter has African American hair that enamors the other children. Her hair accessory fell out & another child had it. The 1st grade teacher threw it in the trash at her own admission because it was a distraction to another child. Why not save it for the parent instead of destroying personal property?4) Principal never replied to my e-mail regarding a mishandled situation of a computer screening, taking 1 child's word against ours. Our African American child was interrogated and his computer was screened 3 times. Our child was found to be WRONGLY accused. There was no punishment for the child who falsely accused. 5) There were bullying incidents on our child with with 2 separate children. However, all teachers that our son interacted with told me how mannerable, polite and helpful he always is. However they did NOT appropriately deal with the bullies who harassed him.WE TRIED FOR 3 YEARS TO HOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT. The school failed in this effort to treat our children fairly. As things have gotten worse they show to not provide a secure environment for our children.