Review of Ellesmere Montessori School by J.B
Mrs. Remington is a key reason we came to EMS and a key reason we left. She understands the needs of toddlers and casa-aged children very well. She is amazing with those children! However, she is missing some important aspects of needs of elementary-aged children and her adult staff. She claims the elementary students at EMS are "good examples" but that was not my child's experience. There is little tolerance for difference and the children begin a pattern of "stop it" instead of learning how to "be" as a community. When an important social issue is brought to the attention of the elementary teacher and principal, they go through the motions of working it through but the results are ineffective. The teacher has terrific academic skill but lacks the necessary psycho-social aspects of elementary education. Mrs. Remington is perhaps unaware of the importance of building community among the EMS families and within the elementary class. Children are not separate from their families and what happens at school must be shared with parents. We are trusting you with our children; you need to trust us with loving truth about what is going on at school, even if it is difficult. Also, if a staff member disappoints Mrs. Remington, she can be brutal in her treatment of the offending adult. She gossips her disappointment and speaks harshly to them. I've witness this several times with different staff members. Mrs. Remington needs to offer grace and practice better problem-solving and true conflict resolution skills. Her staff are thoughtful, competent and caring people but if they slip up, there is little grace. Gossip, ostracizing, hiding, blaming and covering up issues do more harm than good, especially when it comes to the children. Mrs. R would consider these comments shocking as her "blind spots" make her unaware of her glaring weaknesses. Toddler community and casa at EMS are mostly good spaces for young children provided the parents gain a good understanding of the Montessori Approach to early childhood education. The elementary education at EMS is good but the social aspect can be down-right harmful.
J.B