Reviews of Montessori Ivy League Academy (Kindergarten)

aryeh pike

My daughter has been going here since she was two. All I can say is that I wish she had started when she was one. I have seen a huge difference between her and my son who wend to a private day care.

george jackard

With two very young children, we were looking so hard for a preschool. Did not think of a Montessori though. But this was a good decision. I would say that if you want something more then just a daycare, then try out this Montessori.

susan melissa

I had my son at that school and my kid hated that place I don't know why but he seem so upset every time I dropped him off. There's was always a new teacher and my son told me that one of the teachers hit his lip and I never ever took him back there again. I also caught a teacher at play time screaming at the kids. So I would not recommend you spend your money or time here. Also once I changed my son to a different school he never cried again and he loved his new school.

Samantha Jones

Both of my children have been going to this Montessori since 2017. The head of the school, Salma Ajani, is most impressive, and passionate about her Montessori. You can feel the passion when you talk to her. She really cares for her students. I was also very impressed with the safety features. This is the only Montessori that I know of that has an extra door before you can access the students and the classroom. I have been to other Montessori that charge much more, that don’t have this safety feature, and the quality of staff that Mrs. Ajani has. Keep up the good work!

Siddiqua Ali

Montessori Ivy League of Pembroke Pines, is a great school with a wonderful staff. My 4 year old has been attending Montessori Ivy League since September of 2018, I remember our first day, first week and first month of school like it was yesterday. The staff is always so accommodating. The director and staff is always greeting us with smiles and making us feel happy to be apart of their school family. This school uses a biometrics system to sign in and sign out each child. The kids also have a covered and well secured playground, which is key with the high temperatures that we experience in South Florida. Now almost one year later and I am enrolling my second child at Montessori Ivy League. I am so glad we chose Montessori Ivy League as my daughter's first early school experience.

Anon Anon

The children take bathroom breaks together as a class, And wait in line with their pants down and underwear like herded cattle. As an entire class where they all stand in line, and point at each other’s private parts. If a child asks to use the restroom in private, because they are uncomfortable with everyone seeing them it is not prohibited. The child is not allowed to use the stall. They also have cameras in the bathrooms. Just a heads up if this makes some parents uncomfortable. Just because it wears the name doesn’t make it a great school when it comes to most practices. Their is zero room for creativity. And to allow the children to simply be children. Structure is what they preach, but they are being structured to skillfully learn privacy is not a thing. The only thing private here is what they don’t tell the parents. Be aware.

henry barinas

My son graduated today and I am so grateful and appreciative of all the love and attention my son received in the 5 years he attended Montessori Ivy League. Ms. Salma was always involved and very open with us in regards to our son. Montessori guided our son through the most crucial parts of his life, he started to read at the age of 3 and he is so confident. He is well mannered and loves math and is respectful. Yes, the foundation begins at home but Montessori reinforced the foundation. Again we are thankful to everyone at Montessori for giving our son the needed skills to continue his education.

Trevor Kelly

Our son has progressed far faster and further then we would have ever imagined. The school has prepared him for his future; it truly started with the staff and director. They went above and beyond and I would highly recommend this school to anyone that wants their child to be ahead of his or her class. Thank you Ms.Selma and staff for your professionalism and care with our son. Kind Regards

Josephine Johnson

Wow! It so interesting to see how we parents have such different experiences from the same school. You can guess, I am a happy parent. This is my second daughter in the same school with the same staff & teachers. I am very happy mom. My daughters are growing with such amazing mannerisms, especially bathroom and potty related. Since my daughters talk, they always talk about the teachers (Ms. Anna) taking them to bathroom 2 children at a time. Always requires proper bathroom etiquettes and mannerism and always required them to wash hands. I have personally peeked in few times and has also seen their classroom routine from the camera system. Ms. Luz & Ms. Feroza has been amazing teachers for last so many years there. especially the reading teachers. I have seen my daughter growing, getting potty trained faster compare to her other cousins. Now I am amazed to see how she has gone from reading phonics to decoding words and reading words and sentences. I just give full credit to the reading teacher. The best part of the school for me the security. I never worry about safety and love the automatic fingerprinting system for checking and out. Over all I see my daughters loving going to school, often singing songs, and working on artist of the month, their favorite. My older daughter enjoying language and reading more than my younger one. I love montessori curriculum and the result it is creating in my daughter. I don’t understand montessori curriculum nor I can claim to be an expert in montessori in anyway, but I love the results I am seeing in my daughters and I know that these amazing qualities will always stay with them that are now part of their very young age life.

Peggy Farfan

After searching high and low for a good school for my 1 1/2 year old i came across Montessori Ivy league. I have nothing but great things to say about this school, the amount of dedication and love that is given can not be said in words. My son looks forward to going to school everyday, which is a big deal. Not to mention that he has advanced tremendously, the teachers take the time to guide them and what i really like is that each child is treated as individuals. I cannot imagine my boy anywhere else! Kudos to an amazing Director and team! This will be his second year and i look forward to many more!!

Soibi Isang

My daughter has been attending this school for about two years and she absolutely loves the school and is doing amazingly well. They are so organized, teaching style is awesome and they take parents ideas and needs into consideration. I couldn't have asked for a better school.

Shamera Ellis

Its been about a year since my son attended this school but I noticed my review was deleted so here I am again. Just as the other reviews have stated the director/owner only cares about money! My son start this school when he was 1.5 years old and at first it was great until he turned 2 years old and was promoted to a new class thats when all hell broke loose. I had no idea who his teacher was as every time I tried to meet her it was only on their time! The deal breaker was when we find out my son had a mild hearing lost with speech delay. My main issue was that his teacher ( even though he seemed to have a different teacher every few months) could hardly speak English! I am all for him learning Spanish but with his speech delay it caused concerned. I spoke with the director and asked was were out options to solve this and help excell, she stated, verbatim, "Well the teacher isn't the problem, your son is". On that note we got him out of there as fast as we could. Like what kind of director tells a parent that. DO NOT PUT YOUR CHILD IN THIS SCHOOL!

TATIANA GIRALDO VIVAS

2 and 1/2 years ago, when my daughter was 12 months old we started looking for a school. We fell in love with this school's staff and methodology. She has been attending this school since, and we are extremely pleased with the outcomes. She has learned at lot, both Spanish and English. The staff has earned our trust, and now our second child who is now 20 months old is attending as well. They both look forward to going to school everyday. They both tell me that they love their teachers and classmates. As a working mom, I just have words of gratitude for how amazing they are.

May Chang

Super conscientious owners!

monika barisic

I highly recommend Montessori Ivy League Academy. All of the teachers are so kind to each child, truly encouraging each to their strengths. My son started attending Montessori one month ago and he loves his teachers and has improved on his social skills enormously. I am so happy to see the positive changes he has exhibited from his short time of enrollment. I know he will continue to advance in his education and etiquette while attending this school.

Gina Allardyce

Hi There, I have been teaching at Montessori Ivy League for 6 years... I teach the PE Program and Gymnastics Program. The owners are wonderful to me. They only want the Best for the children that attend there school..

Jake Yarbrough

My son went to this nursery till the last few months. We moved him to a charter school, as he turned six. As a first time parent, I never realized how different schools can be for young children. I really miss the small things at the Montessori.... like the high-tech security, like the staff calling my son as Mr... I have met at least more dad who said the exact same thing. My advice to new parents who are considering this school is to do the research. Certainly take the tour, and ask a LOT of questions. My main concern was always security, and I have to tell you that I haven't seen anything even close to this school. My wife's concern is more of the educational aspect. And she has her own theories, but to be honest I never really understood the Montessori system that well. All I know is that my son came out ahead by going to this school.

itskhloe

School went from great to horrible. Different teachers and front desk staff every 1-2 months. Teachers barely speak English. You have a director who still doesn't know which child I'm coming to pick up even after 5 years. This obviously shows a disconnect. My child will not be returning next year. Stay away and spend your money on education elsewhere.

Jenny Garzia

My son started at Montessori at the age of 18 months he is turning 7 now...this school helped him become so confident and we'll mannered. Yes of course as parents we reinforce this at home but when your child spends most of his time in school it's difficult to continue follow through! Montessori gave our son all the skills needed to continue advancing. I am grateful to Ms. Salma and her team for putting all their efforts I. Our sons education.

Chrissy H

My daughter has been attending the school for a while and will not be attending the 2016/2017 school year because there are other “true” Montessori schools that are cheaper, larger, and hopefully more consistent. I wrote the review below to highlight both the good and bad. Overall the school has been OK for us, but with all the changes coming (e.g. lower elementary) and existing issues it is not a good fit for the price we are paying, which is constantly increasing. Good • The school is very clean and the staff is extremely nice • My daughter loved the school during the many years she has attended and looked forward to going to school every day. • The teachers truly care about the kids and it shows • My daughter has learned so much and they are fantastic at teaching the kids how to read • They recently started implementing monthly conferences, but it is very hard to attend in person if you are a working parent. To address that problem they now offer phone conferences, so that is a great plus. • They are AMS certified; however with the changes being made they are definitely deviating from certain core aspects (e.g. three year age range in ALL classrooms in the school). • The lower elementary program is a great idea, but I think how they are going about it will not be beneficial for the existing Montessori students that have been in the program since they were 12 months and it will have a large impact on the class structure. Normally you do not introduce kids that age (6 to 9) to Montessori that have not been part of an established program prior to their enrollment. It would make sense to transition the kids as they move up into the classroom as oppose to bringing in kids that do not have the Montessori background. Bad • Increase in class sizes - The classes reached the limit communicated, but after the year started the class slowly crept up and has almost doubled (an increase of about 12 kids) to a total of about 30 kids for two teachers. This may seem small, but this is larger than other Montessori programs in the area and larger than what was initially told to us. • Constant changes and broken promises - The teachers are constantly changing; I like consistency for my daughter. They are either leaving the school or switching classes. When this happens the parents are not notified. - The year always start with lofty plans and ideas, but they never stick to them. For example, they were supposed to have Spanish Fridays which was stopped shortly after the year started. They were supposed to have time allocated to STEM curriculum every day and that was stopped. They have a tendency to produce schedules that they deviate from. • Terrible Director/Owner - only cares about money - The director does not know how to communicate; For example they started a fundraiser and months later there has been no communication on the amount of money raised or information on what the money was spent on. Another example, is the school calendar, every year she knows school will be starting in August and does not put out the calendar until late July (if you are lucky) and you do not know the first day of school (they don’t always start the same time Broward County start) making it hard for working parents to plan. She also has “working” hours, but is never there during those times. When you do talk to her she doesn’t know anything that is going on in the school and does not spend the time talking to her teachers to find out and when you try to explain things she still doesn’t get it or just doesn’t care and the impression given is that your concerns do not matter and it is a take it or leave it attitude. I have plenty of other examples of how communication is lacking, but did not want to make this review too long. • Not true Montessori Principles - The director prides herself on following the Maria Montessori methods, but is not willing to admit she deviates from the teachings when it is convenient for her and benefits her wallet.

Shantel Nelson

Owner (She) is only about MONEY!!! Own does not care about childrem. As a parent I saw a staff member grab and become aggressive with a child My son was there for two days, but o paid her for a month and she would not give e my o ey back She told next school year I would b able to receive my refund Once August came she told me to call the state or child net if I had a problem.

Luke Ryan

When we started our daughter here almost a year ago, we picked it over the other daycare behind it, just because it is a Montessori. After a while now we feel good about the nice clean and spacious rooms. We love the fact that she gets a big welcoming greeting every morning when she begins her classes. The personal meetings with the teachers a bit difficult to get to, so we opted the phone options. But I wish that they had more options for times for personal conferences. The playground is huge but with limited toys. On the whole, we do really appreciate the love and kindness of the staff.

Eugenia García

I highly recommend Montessori Ivy League. My daughter has attended the school for the last year and she has learnt a lot and, most important, she is very very happy to do every day. The teachers are very nice and always available for my questions. The school is beautiful.

ajaz hussain

Head of the school was very professional and helpful. staff and teachers were courtious. What impressed me the most, it is the only montessori in our area where they have a second door to get the access to the students and classes. Also have a screen outside in lounge where we can monitor each class live Very impressive

Miri L

We absolutely LOVE this school. Our daughter Valentina began in January of this year and all I can say is that my daughter looks forward to coming to school everyday. She is now 3 and a half years old and she has developed such strong communication skills, writing skills and much more. One of the great things that my daughter has learned going to Ivy League Montessori is learning how to share with other children. She has a little brother at home (1 and a half years old) and at first wouldn’t share her toys. After just a few months, she now enjoys sharing her toys with her brother because of the teachings at school. The staff at this school is also truly professional and show LOTS of care for their children who attend. You can see it the moment you enter and when they greet you. They have little work stations in the class that teaches the kid something wether it’s motor skills, how to hold a pencil and many more. They are also very careful when it’s time to pick up the kids. You can only check your kids in and out via fingerprint scanner. They will not let anyone pick up the children unless they are registered and fingerprinted which only takes seconds to set up. I highly recommend this school to any parent that want their children to excel and develop at a much quicker pace. It is worth the investment in your children to attend this Montessori school. If you still have doubts, you can call the school and they can give you a tour of their school.

shannone dhanani

My daughter has been attending this school for the past year and has excelled so much academically and socially I have done my homework being an over protective parent as we all are. I have had all my questions always addressed when it has come to my child and have been given one on one guidance and advice when asked for. I am so happy with the school that I am enrolling my other daughter this year. The staff is very hands on and helpful. My child went through separation anxiety and now Is eager to go to school, she is potty trained all in the matter of weeks. If you want a structured and positive environment for you child enroll them here you wont regret it.

K C

My daughter absolutely loves going to Ivy League Montessori . The staff are very professional and friendly . When she comes from school she is filled wit so much joy and talks about Ms.Kayla and Ms.Francis all the time ,She even talks about school on the weekend . The director Ms.Salma is very personable and listens to all your concerns. I absolutely love how they take pictures and send home a folder of all the work your child has done for the week. I would definitely recommend this school !!

Melissa Marchand

My husband and I are beyond happy that we chose to enroll our daughter at Montessori Ivy League! We enrolled her this October and since then she has flourished in so many wonderful ways. Ms. Salma, the director, and her amazing staff create a warm, safe, and clean environment where children can learn and progress with Montessori methodology and foster a love for learning and creativity. We value the open communication that Ms. Salma and her staff have created with parents and look forward to the daily updates of of our daughter’s day and what she is learning in class so it can be encouraged and continued at home. Each day she is welcomed with a warm smile. We are confident that when she is left at school, she is in an environment that honors her safety, her learning, and her well-being...it is her second home! We look forward to the years ahead and are excited to see our daughter’s continued progress and journey. Thank you Ms. Salma, Ms. Marion, and to all the staff at Montessori Ivy League!

Rosemary Porter

Most impressive Montessori. Very reasonable pricing. Staff and head of the school, Mrs. Salma Ajani, is very caring and very professional. They care my child very much and you will feel it, once you meet the head of the school, Salma I hope them good wishes and great success

Manuel bucio

I was beaten by the director and owner across the school. Damaged to my daughter psychologically

TATIANA A. TAYLOR

This school is the Pembroke Pines' hidden gem. I was shopping for school for awhile before I encountered Montessori Ivy League. I I was impressed how clean and neat was the school and classrooms, teachers are passionate and have good energy level, are ready to communicate, there are many kids in the classroom but no chaos, everybody is busy with purpose. For me to know that this school using organic, non-toxic cleaning solutions, offering organic food, using non toxic learning materials -was a big deal!!! My son absolutely loves the school, his growth in academic, social skills and manners was skyrocketing. Of course, none school is absoljtely perfect, but the staff was ready to communicate and solve any problem that were arising even if it means tbat solution was about to bring them some sort of inconvenience - 5 star for that alone!!!! In terms of financial part, I never experienced "surprising" charges, only those that were agreed upon and I never had vibes from the school principal that money is the only thing she cares about as was written in one of the earlier reviews. On the contrary, I saw she and the teachers put their heart in what they are doing. Due to relocation we have to leave and I cannot describe sadness in my heart that we will have to change the school. We wish you love, growth and success in making this world a better place by giving the best to the children. Thank you, Montessori Ivy League!!!

Veronica Duran

I loved everything about this school since the moment I walked in about a year ago. My son started this school when he was 2, and he was home prior too. Everything is clean and everyone is very nice. My sons teacher was Ms. Francis and she was awesome! Always there for me when I needed her with a quick response. He learned a lot in 1 year and I am grateful i choose this school for him. Unfortunately I am moving from the area and have to relocate him! I will always speak very highly of Ivy League Montessori.

Erick Rubio

Not impressed, before registration they offer you the stars and the sky. After they take your money nothing they offered is true. The school is not trained for children with allergies.

mays atirah

It's a Great school, clean , organized The Director Ms.Salma ajani , is a very nice & great person. The teachers, and the whole staff is amazing and helpful. Alll the kids there, in a safe hands . Me and my husband, are very happy that our daughter, get developed within the first month of school, we wish they open saturdays & sundays ;) We appreciate their efforts, especially my daughter's teachers, Ms.Frances & Ms.Kayla. God bless you all

elisa erazo

Montessori Ivy League is a wonderful institution. We enrolled our son this past August and I have been in awe to see how advanced he has become. They truly inspire the child to be the best they can. Our son loves going to school everyday and talks about his teacher often. Ms. Salma, the director has been nothing short of kind, accessible and open to listening and/or answering any questions a parent may have. Ms. Azeema our son’s teacher truly displays her love for each child in her class as our son adores her. I would highly recommend this school as I know our son will be more than ready for new school beginnings when he graduates in the future.

akshay rathore

Saw an sponsored on facebook to give 5star review on this link. Here take your star!

Sandee Walquiria

The school isn’t the problem nor the teachers. The director and management of the school is. I would not recommend this school to no parent. My son only lasted there 3 weeks. You can’t talk to the teachers, and everything is secretive. The director seems nice prior to you enrolling your child. Once she has your money and on a so called contract it’s a different story. The teachers are inconsistent therefore your child never has stability. Stay away at all cost and listen to all other reviews. Don’t believe their 5 star review on Facebook like I did because come to find out they are able to delete bad reviews. Unlike google and yelp. I hope you save yourself the $800 a month and the $1200 initial registration on a school that only slaps the name Montessori on it! We now have relocated to Orlando and are happy with the school we found for our son.

Camila Lopez

Both my daughter and my son have attended Montessori Ivy League for the past 3 years and our experience has been amazing. Compared to other children their age, they are very advanced. The school also encorages sharing, caring, manners, and social skills that would benefit children for the rest of their lives. The school is very well maintained and the staff are proffesional and very loving. We highly recommend the school to anybody that wants to have peave of mind.

Linnea Leslie

My child has attended the school for the last year and a half. I am very happy with everything! From the progress my child has made to how the staff treats us. I always have my questions answered by the knowledgeable front desk staff or director directly. The teachers in my child's class are very loving and caring. I would not want my child anywhere else. I would recommend the school to my closest friends and strangers alike

Marjorie Rocha

Mi kid is very happy. He loves to go to school everyday day, and he doesn’t want to leave. The teachers are very loving and special.

Liliana Valdivieso

I am very pleased with the school, my granddaughter is so happy and that is the most important issue that I used to have regarding other schools, I recommend this school to all mommies they are about to leave their children fromi the first time to have a great experience

Paula Lopval

Awesome school my daughter is been there for almost two years now she's 3 and loves it the way of Montessori learning is the best they can really develop their skills knows her numbers 1-20 something, all colors, letters, animals and animal sounds, knows who the president is, she knows her name and when written she recognizes it speaks perfect English and Spanish and remembers most of the stuff. Highly recommend this school

Elba Navarro

As other parents said this school is so far the worst experience that we have been through. The director it's just worried about money. Good teachers leaves to a better place to work for that reason the are always changing the staff with no advance notice to parents . Two days ago I found my daughter sitting along in a bank while the afternoon babysitter (a poor old woman who barely remember kids names...)was cleaning the floor with toxic products in front of her. It's extremely expensive for the service that you received. If you cares about you kids please stay away of this place. There are so many amazing schools in the area. If you pay attention good rewiews are from long time ago, the last ones are all bad and that is not a coincidence...

J Artemio

My kid enjoyed attending school and we saw him reaching development milestones. My wife and I were very happy, unfortunately my kid told me he was hit by one of the teachers and I didn't get a favorable response from the director as I never received findings of an investigation nor an action plan so I got him out.

chuck storz

I hope that this is not a duplicate review. The other one did not show up. Maybe a delay. But we really wanted to express our approval of the whole staff here. From the reception all to way to the playground.

Angelica Carrera

As day cares go, at first this looks pretty average. But this really surprised me. After a little paperwork, the director gave a pretty detailed tour. This school is CLEAN. I mean hospital like clean. The rooms are huge and children are interacting with each other. One thing I found interesting is that the children are mingling, even though they were different ages. A montessori thing I guess. Everything is kid sized. Even the bathrooms are designed for the children to be independent. The school is in a strip plaza, so that kind of concerns me. But the security is pretty amazing. Multiple doors and finger printing technology is available for parents. I hope this helps other parents make the right decision. One more thing that I wanted to share is the playground. It is HUGE, and very well designed. you can tell that some thought went into it. It has multiple divisions for different ages and I was told that all kinds of sports are played on it. It actually has a cushion build in so the kids don't hurt if they fall. It feels very open but at the same time very secured. There is a huge fence, not sure how tall, but very secured. I will be updating this review soon, as soon my girl starts this school.

Joe Carrara

I saw a teach slam a kid down in a chair that was ones years old. Had my three year old there and had my one year old on a waiting list . Paid three hundred dollars. Told the director what I saw . Pulled it up on the camera and said she must just be having a bad day. It was 830 in the am. Lost my 300 bucks for my soon to be one year old that never attended.

Alex Smith

My child is flourishing. Very well managed facility by the head of school, Salma. Staff was very courteous. Pricing is very reasonable and they provide services that are much more that other Montessoris with much higher pricing.

GEORGE GEBRAN

When my son was not finishing his work and struggling while others were excelling, the staff and Director did not label him as unmotivated or slow. After careful observation they suggested I take him to eye therapy. Turns out he had a mild form of strabismus (Double vision). No wonder he was struggling!!! All parents will say this, but my son is motivated and is smart. I knew there had to be an issue but I had no idea that it could be his eyes. Because of the care and careful observation of the staff and the information the Director gave me, we were able to correct his condition with simple vision therapy. Thanks to you, he is now reading at the level that he can without obstacles in his way. Thank you for your patience and care with him. Somewhere else he might have just been labeled as an underachiever. I'm deeply grateful.

María Lenny Vadillo

(Translated by Google) Good place for my children recently arrived from South America. The teachers and the administrative staff are excellent, my mellis love their school (Original) Buen lugar para mis hijos recién llegados de Sud America. Las maestras y el staff administrativo son excelentes, a mis mellis les encanta su escuela