We have a 3 year-old son who was recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism. His diagnosis…read morepresents 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.

Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead is a HIDDEN GEM amongst schools and daycares. Our experience…read morehere 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

short version: My…read moreson was not emotionally safe at Arbor Montessori School. We started Primary 8/2021. Soon after, a member of the lead teacher's immediate family became ill requiring unexpected & sometimes long absences. Though the situation caused lots of inconsistency and concern about how our kids would be affected, we all sojourned with the teacher and supported her as best we could. Sadly, after ~2 years, the family member died. The teacher left for a period & returned 2/2023. In 4/2023, our son started being afraid to do things he'd done prior & extremely afraid to be away from me/mom. Over the summer, he was extremely terrified of going to camps. We ended up keeping him home because drop-off seemed like such a traumatic experience for him. We had no clue what brought on his fear. When school started in 8/2023, he was still afraid to go to school & his behavior escalated. Arbor recommended several therapists since they didn't have support staff within the school. From their list of recommendations, we chose the therapist who was familiar with our particular class as well as Montessori education. This therapist is widely known and respected in the Arbor community and among other notable schools in the Atlanta area. The therapist stated our son likely learned of the teacher's loss & was afraid of himself & me dying. Arbor rejected the therapist's opinion. Instead, the Head of School stated that perhaps "Montessori was not for him" and that the "school's business model doesn't allow for one-on-one support." They began taking steps to withdraw & refuse emotional support to our son, e.g., the Head of School and Director told us they didn't know what to do or how to handle the situation, however, they told us we needed to leave the school within 5 minutes although my son was not secured in the classroom or with the teacher and he was not yet comfortable to stay. We coordinated a meeting with the therapist & Arbor to make a plan to help our son feel comfortable at school. Arbor sabotaged the meeting. The Director wouldn't let the therapist speak, kept interrupting her, and had a reason for not being able to implement any of the therapist's suggestions. After that meeting, I knew our son was not safe there. We emailed the president of Arbor's Board of Directors detailing what happened to us and requested a meeting. She responded that she would investigate and get back with us. The next day, the Head of School sent an email terminating us because of what we wrote to the Board.

Our youngest daughter attended Arbor in grades pre thru 8th grade. We have always thought of Arbor…read moreas a special place. It's always been very accepting and welcoming. It was like an extension of our family. Now our daughter has moved on to a public magnet high school. She is thriving in her first experience outside of Arbor. I trace her early success to how well Arbor prepared her to meet the next round of academic challenges. I unequivocally recommend Arbor to any parent looking for a quality educational environment for their children.

I huge thanks to Besa, the Founder and Director, for her tremendous leadership and genuine concern…read morefor our children who had to spend the night at the school during the storm a couple of weeks ago. Every time I called that night she politely assured me that my daughter and all the children were safe, warm, fed and sleeping soundly. "We will see you when we see you. Just be safe and try not to worry about her...." She said she would stay until the last child left and she did. "Thank you" seems so inadequate. With gratitude! Charlie's Mommy

This is our daughter's second year at OMNI and I am still just as satisfied with the school as I…read morewas her first year. She has come so far socially and educationally. I have noticed that her development has been accelerated by the environment that Omni nurtures. If you are looking for a hidden gem for your child, especially children entering their first year in a school environment. OMNI is the place for you!

Omni has been wonderful for my son. He loves school and has picked up Japanese quickly. His…read moreteachers are amazing.

Just toured this school and I would never send my child there. Not secure, not clean, the "babies"…read moreroom had two 3 year olds in it running around while infants were on the floor. The woman who runs the "babies" room was feeding an infant puree while the infant laid flat on its back. No no no no.

I LOVE this school! Our daughter went there for Pre-K 2015-2016 school year. They have Georgia PreK…read moreso we only had to pay for food. A Montessori education that was practically free! I went to a Montessori perschool and wanted our daughter to have that experience.Having multiple age ranges in a class benefits all the students for different reasons. I think Montessori method with student driven learning is wonderful for curious children. The student to teacher ration is 10 or 11 to 1 with 3 teachers per class. I love that this school is willing to push the kids to the extent each child is willing academically. Our daughter had been home schooled/cared for by close friends for years and was well beyond the PreK curriculum before even starting. The next year, when our daughter was assessed for kindergarten in a Cobb County public school, she scored high and was placed in a more rigorous class which pleased us. The teachers and staff also assist with social learning. Our daughter was a bit behind the others socially; most of whom had been in daycare or this school versus home care/school and were well socialized. Teachers and staff worked with my daughter and my husband and I and kept us updated. Also, my daughter is being raised as a Jehovah's Witness which posses unique challenges around birthdays and holidays. The staff was understanding, accommodating, and had a willingness to learn, understand and work with our daughter and us that astonished us. I have never worked with a more flexible and helpful staff. The Director and Assistant Director were almost always there, unless I'll. We had several tours including just stopping in. Montessori schools do not put their monies into beautification; they put it into hiring and educating exceptional teachers and staff. Please remember that when you tour. They treat the children and parents with love and respect. We were completely impressed with them.

When I imagined my dream school for little munchkin, this was it. My hubby and I knew from the…read morefirst step in the door that it was different. The energy, the love, the attention to detail and most of all the HEART is there. My daughter began at 2 and now is finishing her second year. She LOVES going to school, loves her teachers, her friends and consequently, loves learning. She's grown so much in the last two years. The owner Kristen provides a loving, nurturing and positive environment so each child can develop at their own pace. They have made learning fun. The children learn life skills in addition to the curriculum and over time develop an independence that will take them so far in life. If only this school could go all the way through high school UPDATE: My little one is wrapping up her 3rd year and I can't believe the growth in her independence, love for learning and social development. This is a Montessori school and the teachers are fantastic. They work with each child on an individual basis, at their skill level in all areas. I'm so grateful that her introduction to life and education was here. I truly can't recommend it highly enough. I'd keep my munchkin there forever if I could.

This is the best preschool/prep school that I could have ever hoped for for my children. After…read morespending 4 1/2 years as a student at Marlowe school, my daughter scored well on her test for 1st grade and was more than prepared and way ahead of expectations for someone her age. If you are looking for a Montessori preschool with fantastic teachers then the Marlowe school should be at the top of your list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I enrolled my son at Arlington Christian School in his 6th grade year. Arlington is a small…read morecommunity where the administration and teachers truly cares for the scholars. The classrooms are small which is wonderful, one-on-one with the teacher and scholars brings more attentiveness with no distractions. The most important thing for me is that Arlington is family. When it comes to safety, I do not worry when I dropped him off because I knew he was in good hands. My son is a senior c/o 2025 and I can say when it came to his education, I made the right choice. I say all the time, that Arlington is a hidden jewel. I am an active parent and do not mind volunteering anytime. Thank You Arlington!!!!!

I am extremely disappointed in the conversation I had with the director of Springmont. I initially…read morereached out via email to discuss our unique scheduling situation with my children. We discussed the months we would be living in Atlanta, that I was interested in having them in the summer program, and that my oldest was not currently enrolled in a montessori program (he is only 4). We scheduled a call as I am not currently living in the area. I had to email the director the day of to see if she was still available for a call. Atlanta was on a weather closure but the director never communicated this to me. We rescheduled for a couple days later. The entire phone call consisted of why my children could not attend (we aren't currently enrolled, I could not start that late in the semester, they are not current montessori students etc). All of her reasonings for why my children would not be accepted at Springmont were topics discussed via email. Not only did she waste my time by not cancelling the initial call, she wasted my time with questions that were incorrectly answered via the initial email communication. I would not write a check to this school nor would I trust this director and her unprofessionalism with my children.

Our son went to Springmont when it was called First Montessori of Atlanta. He had attended Sarah…read moreSmith in elementary school and we were not sure that Sutton was a good fit for him so we did a tour of FMSA, which happened to be on the day of their 6th year presentations. We were blown away at how composed, articulate, and kind the students were. Each child did a 20 minutes PowerPoint presentation in front of 50 people with poise and aplomb. The A/V went out during one presentation and the other kids swooped in to the rescue, fixing the problem. Our son was unusual because most kids grew up in the Montessori system where he did not. He thrived from day one and became an ambassador for the school. He would tell the other kids that they did not realize how lucky they were. He spent 3 years at the school and was reading at the level of a sophomore in college when he was in 8th grade. (He didn't know that....the beauty of Montessori is you are never ever bored). He learned how to mediate disagreements, he worked on a farm at the land school, hanging drywall, he ran a school lunch program and blossomed into a confident, poised young man. I cannot say enough good things about this school. I wish that I had gone to Montessori; it is that impressive.