Melrose Elementary School

Our family has been attending Montessori School of Wooster since 2013 and we've enjoyed watching our children grow during that time. We selected this school after experiencing Montessori firsthand while living abroad. We’ve seen different management styles with two different Principals. We’ve seen expansion (and construction) for all the new students attending. Our kids have enjoyed learning about nature in the Naturalist class, having outside time almost daily, Spanish since they were little, sign language, chimes in Music class, Fitness class, and Running club. We haven’t had an issue with a lack of communication from the teachers. I would say they are extremely proactive. Looking back, during the transition with Principals we did have communication issues, but now we have an App that updates weekly if not more, messages on a chalkboard in the pickup/ drop-off car line, and text messages, it's nearly impossible to miss what's going on.With all that said about the school, our favorite part of Montessori School is what happens outside the classroom. Hearing our children speak about the world around them has been incredible. I remember when they were 3-4 years old they were excited to talk about the baobab tree and different countries. Calculating math facts accurately in their head when out and about in the community at an early age. Most importantly how proactive they are when an issue comes up. They think outside the box and communicate well in the process. I would love to take credit for it, but I know it’s the school, the teachers, their peers, and the program that has developed their minds to think differently and effectively.

The school is not ready to teach. They force the students to work several weeks ahead of the school program they use, Liberty Online. The school has a limited amount of teachers, and 75% of us students do not enjoy it here. School operates on a schedule that is 36 days faster than what is given by Liberty Online. This makes it almost impossible for students to truly learn what we are being taught, and what is in our courses. When I first enrolled in WCS, I was not at all warned or told about this. I was not informed that they we're extensively short-staffed. This school is not ready to teach. This review was confirmed by several other students.

My two children have attended St Mary School in Wooster for three years. We transferred to St Mary after being disappointed in the Wooster public schools. St. Mary is a wonderful school. It offers Preschool through 8th. St Mary is a warm, safe and nurturing environment. Their motto is "Growing in Character, Faith and Knowledge" and they deliver. Solid curriculum, and a staff of caring, dynamic and dedicated teachers that set standards, and help the kids reach them. St Mary standardized test scores are consistently way above those of the public schools. St Mary has a great science curriculum - WAY better than the public schools. Example: My 7th grader was experimenting with DNA last week! Their Spanish language program is taught by a native speaker. They have great, high-energy music teacher, and a band program. And while it is a Catholic school, the student body is diverse, and the school is as open and welcoming to non-Catholics. Busing is available. Great after-school ("LatchKey") program, too. And they have a tuition assistance.