We have a 3 year-old son who was recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism. His diagnosis presents mildly, primarily through a slight speech delay and a lack of interest in traditional, structured settings. He is a very creative child who thrives on stimulation and exploration, something we felt his current daycare was not providing. That's what led us to seek alternative options, and Montessori programs came highly recommended for children like him. Our first experience with Carlisle Montessori was very positive. We were warmly welcomed, and the tour left a great impression. We loved the homelike atmosphere, and the small size of the school gave us the feeling of a "family setting" where children could receive more individualized attention. Our only concern at that time was the small size of the classrooms in relation to the number of students. Despite that, we felt optimistic and moved forward with the enrollment process. We completed the application paperwork and were met with excitement and openness. Then came the enrollment form, where we were asked to disclose any learning, behavioral, or emotional diagnoses. We shared our son's diagnosis and emphasized that it had not resulted in any disruptive behaviors, something confirmed by his current daycare, where he's been for two years without any issues. We simply wanted an environment that could better support and engage him. After sharing this information, we noticed a clear shift in the school's tone. We began receiving phone calls with questions that felt more like attempts to determine whether our child would be a "problem" for their setup. We answered these as honestly as possible and reassured the school that, as his parents, we would not place him in an environment we didn't feel was the right fit. They asked to speak with his current teacher, and we agreed. His teacher reinforced everything we had said, sharing her positive experience and highlighting his strengths. The school then scheduled a 30-minute meet-and-greet, saying it would be the final step before enrollment. However, that visit turned out to be a very negative experience. The feedback we received focused almost entirely on the school's concerns, with no effort made to recognize or discuss our child's strengths. They then requested a second, two-hour observation to reassess whether he would be a "challenge" to their environment. At that point, we decided to withdraw our application. Throughout this process, the tone and messaging consistently emphasized how the school didn't want to enroll a child who might be disruptive, instead of showing curiosity, empathy, or a willingness to understand and support who he is. This left us with a very painful impression that our son's differences were being used as reasons to exclude him, rather than as opportunities to meet a unique child where he is and help him grow. Had they taken the time to really engage with him, it would have been obvious how joyful, social, and curious he is. Sadly, we came away feeling that the school is not equipped, either in tools, staffing, or mindset--to support children with diverse needs. The overall expectation seems to be that every child must adapt to a one-size-fits-all model, which is exactly what we were trying to move away from in the first place. This review is not intended as backlash, but rather as a message to help other families. If you're a parent of a child with diverse learning or developmental needs, we hope this helps you avoid the same disappointment and emotional strain that we experienced. read more

Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead is a HIDDEN GEM amongst schools and daycares. Our experience here has been BEYOND EXCEPTIONAL! We started off with our little girl when she was 18 months as we felt this school was a lot better comparatively. That truly has been the case and we started learning around the Montessori concept. The Montessori track is new to both of us and honestly speaking we have got cold feet around it a couple of times during the journey. However, Ms.Gina and the team gave us clarity on how the Montessori program brings the BEST OUT IN CHILDREN and assured us to trust the program. She even showed us examples of students who were then graduating and their educational, behavior levels. We decided to continue with the program and we are now huge fans of the Montessori program! As our little one is now graduating in 2023, we are even continuing our little one's education with a Montessori program into the next level program - Lower Elementary (and maybe more!). Ms. Gina and team are true believers & followers of MONTESSORI principles. The concepts are so clearly taught with real world materials that the foundation is strong, which we all know matters a lot. Apart from teaching the kids around educational concepts (Reading, Writing, Maths etc.), the other aspects are also well taken care of - This includes social interactions, behavior & manners, show and tell, leadership, mentoring and helping others, arts and crafts and everything else! We are amazed at the TRANSFORMATION of our little one and are truly GRATEFUL to the Carlisle Team. BIG SHOUT OUT to the AMAZING teachers and staff - They are AWESOME! So glad to be part of the Carlisle family! Cheers, Karan Matta read more

Save yourself the headache and go somewhere else. The Director, Gina, speaks to parents as if they are her students, talking to them in a condescending tone. And certain kids always seem to be targeted as a problem. While kids can still learn academically at Carlisle, there are other Montessori schools in Atlanta that are better at respecting the Montessori model (and the students and parents), as well as the principles of Maria Montessori. read more

Our family loves Carlisle! I can't imagine a better place for our daughter to grow and learn. You should do your research about the Montessori approach to education, but to summarize, I can simply state that it is the most natural way for a child to learn, as it accommodates his or her learning style, current phase of development, and interests. Their hours are compatible with most parents' workdays as well, so if you need the additional care and worry about leaving your child in a stressful child care environment, it is more than worth it to enroll your child in the "all day" program at Carlisle. This school is for the 3-5 year age group. Naturally, we enrolled thinking that our daughter would turn 5 and start kindergarten. Now that she is half-way through her second year, however, we know that the best thing to do for her would be to let her complete the 3-year cycle. She is so happy at the end of every day. We wish she could take her teachers with us when she graduates! read more

Carlisle Montessori School truly respects the individual child's development in that specific child's time span. The teachers (guides) as well as the director are authentic Montessori practitioners who care deeply about each and every child and family that they serve. Gina's (the director) door and ears are always open to parents and teachers to voice concern in order to help problem solve. I was able to witness this as an assistant for four years, which in turn lit a passionate fire for the Montessori method within me. Gina, as well as the other teachers and children at Carlisle Montessori School, inspired and encouraged me to pursue my Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teaching certificate to be a Lead Guide alongside a Masters in Montessori Education (M.Ed) that I received this past summer. Gina has been and is a Montessori mentor to me. She opened my eyes and my awareness to the peaceful and respectful teaching philosophy that is inherent in the Montessori method. Since graduating with my diplomas I have been hired at a wonderful Montessori school in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. I could not have found my life's work and love without the joyous inspiration that is Carlisle Montessori School. I will forever call this school, the teachers, and the children that I have witnessed flourishing my home. read more

We didn't know much about the Montessori approach until we started to research preschools in the area for our 3-year-old daughter last year. When we visited Carlisle Montessori for our first tour, we were absolutely amazed to see such young children calmly, happily, and independently doing so many different things around the classroom. The more we learned about Montessori, the more we were sure that it was right for our daughter, and a very natural way for kids to learn. We chose Carlisle over other Montessori schools in the area because it provides an excellent Montessori education, and because it is set apart by the especially warm and inviting environment of the school. This is the first time our child has been cared for outside of the home, and we knew the patient and nurturing demeanor of the teachers and the small homelike feel of the school itself would make for a gentle start for our little one. Our daughter loves coming to school. While she started in the half day program, we are soon transitioning her to full days and we know she will enjoy spending more time there with her friends and teachers. After just a few months at Carlisle, her cognitive skills, emotional development, social skills and independence have come so far. The teachers respect the children, foster their curiosity and independence, and the children love them. We look forward to the years ahead and watching our daughter grow through her experiences at CMS! read more

Carlisle Montessori is an excellent and authentic Montessori school. Gina Ward hires highly qualified AMI certified teachers who are well-trained and passionate about their jobs. Montessori education engages the whole child, and was founded over a 100 years ago based on research and science. There is meaning to everything a child does in a Montessori classroom and the significance it has in a child's development during the absorbent mind phase (up until Age 6) is profound. When I first walked into CMS, I was amazed at how calm, engaged and happy the children were. My daughter attended both the toddler program as well as the full 3 year primary cycle at CMS and she's excelling in school. I encourage parents to keep their children for the full 3 years of the primary cycle. The Kindergarten year at CMS is when all the magic happens and your child will learn a tremendous amount that year! Your child will have a solid foundation to do well at any school once they graduate from CMS! I highly recommend this school. read more

Our children have been going to Carlisle for the past two years. We absolutely love the school and teachers! Both of our children have learned so much in the past couple of years and have grown to be very independent learners. Our five year old is reading and writing at an advanced level and continuing to progress daily. Our three year old has really grown in his confidence and independence. Both children are excited to go to school each day and don't want to leave at the end of the day! We are so happy that we found our school home at Carlisle. read more

When my wife and I first entered Carlisle Montessori for a tour, I thought it seemed like a boutique. I would be afraid to drop one of the tiny glass vases or pouring sets. We had brought our daughter from a regular daycare to Ms. Gina. We had known of the Montessori method but did not foresee the life change it would mean for our child. Our daughter was at CMS for about two years. This was a magical time for her and she learned about so much more than just counting, shapes and parts of a leaf. She learned how to respect her friends and their feelings. She was made to feel responsible as she worked with younger children in school or folded the laundry or arranged flowers in the vase. Her curiosity was not shunned but encouraged. She developed good eating habits. Although she'd complain about the amount of work she had to do, I think she missed it when she left. She was exposed to various cultures within CMS and developed an interest and respect of the differences. We truly admire the school culture and the expertise of the teachers at CMS. We now have our son at Carlisle and hope he goes through the same transformation we had with our daughter. read more

We enrolled our daughter this year in Carlisle, knowing a bit about the Montessori method and having done a bit of research. We are completely in love with this school, and SO EXCITED to watch our daughter love the process of learning. I can't count all the little things I have noticed about how her creative side is nurtured and all the social learning and fundamental learning we have seen since she started. read more

Gina Ward, Director at Carlisle Montessori School, is a thoroughly passionate and dedicated leader. Having worked with her myself, I know that she goes to great lengths to see that her team is well taken care of and well understood. And that can only mean a healthy community for your child. The school's commitment to Montessori education shows through everything they do. Each detail at Carlisle Montessori School is catered to. The environment is not only welcoming, but nurturing and has been built with tender, loving care, one step at a time. read more

Carlisle will always be special to our family. Our 2 boys goes to school there. I love the cozy family feel. Teachers are professional and awesome ( especially, Ms Njamb). I am an educator myself, and would not be able to do as fantastic a job as Ms Njambi. She knows how to engage her students and both my boys love her! I love how she personalises her instruction for every child to learn at his/her own pace. I love the diversity in the small school, with many international families. I love the parents, many whom we have grown to be close friends. I see my eldest son blossomed from a shy, timid boy when he entered the school at 3 years old, to a confident leader in class, preparing for his graduation this year. My two boys have grown very much to love and respect each other. At first, I was worried that they were put in the same class (even though they are 1.5 years apart). However, my oldest son has learned to take care and guide his younger brother, and my younger one became less dependent on his brother and a more confident speaker. They both enjoyed their time in Carlisle and would greatly miss their teachers, and their friends when they graduate. I read other comments about the director of the school and I would like share my experience with her. Ms Gina has always been professional and has the best interest of her school and her students. She is an excellent teacher, and has high expectations of her staff and her students. She did an excellent job substituting when the lead teacher was away for 2 weeks. My boys love her too, even though she has been strict with them and has high expectations of them. Ms Gina may sound condescending sometimes when she speaks to parents, but deep inside her, she has a heart of gold, and a true heart of an educator and a mother. To be fair, for future parents considering Carlisle, the only 'complain' I have, is the staff turnover rate. I am glad to have Ms Njambi, as the lead teacher the last 3 years we were there, but the assistant teachers seemed to stay less than 6 months. They would have other commitments, or issues that prevent them from staying. This may not be good for the development of children when they get really close to a teacher, and the teacher had to leave. Overall, we are glad we sent our boys to Carlisle, and Carlisle will always be special to our family. read more

My family is amazed at the growth our little boy continues to showcase every day! We weren't sure how he would adjust to a new setting with a totally different learning environment after leaving a horrible daycare, but CMS sets the bar high and exceeded our expectations. The Montessori ideology to learning and building good character in those most tender years is truly life changing. In a matter of weeks our three year old began to own his independence. We recently moved to Georgia, and when my family came to visit they were so impressed with our son's growth. They quickly asked "Where does he go to school?"! Carlisle Montessori School is a great investment in our son's education. We are thankful to the staff and Gina Ward, owner for nurturing our son and helping mold his future. read more

I like Carlisle Montessori School, because it is like a home a way from home environment, as the classroom is in a actually in a cute buckhead house!, which is actually based on the original montessori environment. Therefore having my daughter who started Carlisle at 3, who stayed home with me, this was a very easy transition. There was no separation fears on her first day of school, and she loved it! What stood out about Carlisle montessori, after visiting 2 other montessori open houses during my search, was Miss Gina! On my first meeting with her she was very gracious, professional, personable, caring and hands on. What convinced me, was her body language and how she engaged my daughter. I remember the prompt handshake , how she actually knelt down on the floor to gain eye contact as she talked to my daughter. More importantly she explained her extensive background in founding her own montessori schools. When Miss Gina spoke about montessori there was a true excitement, and you could tell how passionate she was about teaching montessori. I really feel because Miss Gina, owns this school and has a stake in it, the school is run better. My daughter is now in her 3rd of the 3 year cycle, she is very articulate, caring, reads well, she is conscience about her environment and very independent, and aware of global environment. Also like mention, Miss Njambi, head teacher is excellent, as well as the assistants. Definitely choose this school, if you want you child to have a love for learning, and be in a safe, caring environment! read more