Lancaster County Academy

Principal Melanie Martinez is incompetent and doesn't take bullying or physical assault seriously my child was stabbed in the neck with a spork by another student, and she did absolutely nothing about it. She simply talked to the student and told him not to do it again. The child was not suspended or anything and was still allowed to play at recess. When I called to explain the seriousness of the child's actions I was told that I was overreacting. When I grew angry and used foul language I was hung up on. I had to get a police officer to go up to the school and explain the seriousness of what happened. Hopefully we get a new principal soon that actually looks out for our children. School should be a place that is safe for our kids. Be cautious when sending your children to this school. And don't ever stop advocating for your child.

New School Montessori prides itself on the sense of community that it creates all while creating an open and creative learning environment that follows the child. However, this does not necessarily work when the treatment of teachers is different from class to class due to unfair favoritism throughout the school. Some teachers do their best with what they are given while others at the same level face zero obstacles and can get whatever they want. The administration has clear favorites and uses them as the examples for representing the schools image, for a reason, to create the illusion of perfection. In the same sense the administration is so focused on increasing enrollment and ensuring that their business model stays afloat, even if that means students are not receiving an adequate education for the ever increasing tuition. Tuition money that is meant to support learning but seemingly disappears when needed most. The same tuition money that does not pay their staff well enough or give them raises for the ever worsening inflation we face. However, every year the head of the school seems to get a hefty raise, when her own employees do not. The education factor can pass when it comes to meeting the needs of students at a primary level, but at what point should one be concerned that the increasing tuition is not showing results when children reach the elementary level and they can’t read or write correctly at their level? When is it an issue to have learning difficulties swept under the rug and unaddressed? Surely for the price it’s the bare minimum. Teachers do a good job of including families into the classroom environment. However, with certain events the family liaison has shown a lack of professionalism on multiple occasions to the point of making things uncomfortable. For example, the aggression and the way she yells at children, making her all the more unapproachable.Additionally, the lack of communication from the school whether it’s teachers or administrators. The cover ups for illness in different classrooms, that should be notifying parents of what their children are at risk for. The obvious use of AI in many communications is something else in itself. Lastly, the issue of being understaffed, which goes along with the lack of communications on illness. Children will get sick, it is a given, however when these things are not communicated and there’s no respect for the health policy and staff it reflects negatively on how they are treated.

I am new to MAL, but I have worked at Montessori schools across the country, including at The New School, and I can honestly say that MAL is hands-down the best of all of them. My fellow leaders are experienced and passionately devoted to Montessori education. From an administration viewpoint, everything runs smoothly, from scheduling to parent communication. All of the teachers are extremely caring and dedicated to providing the best quality Montessori education to each and every student. There's none of the in-fighting or politics I've experienced at other schools. The building is beautiful, and designed specifically for the school. The classrooms are well appointed, with access to the outdoors, and it's wonderful to have several playgrounds, plentiful garden space, indoor space for large-motor activities and performances, dedicated art space, and a large library. The building is full of natural light, with pleasant colors and beautiful floors. We have a strong, inclusive community of parents, led by our Parent Community Group. I absolutely look forward to coming to work each and every day, and your child will love coming to school here.

My daughter has been at this school since Kindergarten and is now in 5th. The school has cultivated a supporting learning environment for my student! There are a number of great activities and events here that keep students and families connected and engaged.

There is no other private school out there like St Leo the Great. It's a community we are blessed to be a part of. So thankful we chose to send out children to this school since Pre-K to 8th grade.