Well, this is going to be lengthy. I'm actually relieved to see others are speaking out in regards to the head of school, Heidi Geiger, since the board members do not want to do anything about her. To start, we have been attending JMS for a few years in various levels. Our youngest child, who was part of the primary room (3-6 year olds) was forgotten after recess. Yes, forgotten by the assistant directress. My child came home that day and mentioned how they had been outside by themselves "with a couple friends." I brushed it off thinking he was referring to just a fun game he was playing with his friends; because kids, you know? You know how I found out that he was actually forgotten? From other parents bringing up issues their children were coming home and discussing. Not from the school! I also found out from the other parents there were 3 more children, besides mine, forgotten outside. A different classroom assistant directress (not the one from their classroom) found them and escorted them to their class. Thank goodness for her being in the right place at the right time! When the entire room of parents got together and brought this issue (as well as other issues) to the head of the board, Bobbi P., she said we had to follow protocol according to the parent handbook and discuss these issues with Heidi, first. I don't know who set it up, but we then had a meeting with Heidi, the assistant directress, and the classroom parents. Heidi then explained that it wasn't 4 children forgotten, it was "just 2"... Because that makes it better? Is that even the truth?? She also stated a new protocol of doing a head count would take place before and after every recess session. Um... In a classroom of 3-6 year olds, how is that not common sense and already taking place?? Why is there not a zero tolerance for neglect policy??? We, stupidly, tried to give the school the benefit of the doubt since we have been going for years and this particular Head of School is new, but since the meeting, communication has been cut off between parents, Directresses (teachers), and only up coming events are communicated from the school. Second issue: During a severely cold day (approx. 8 degrees outside) the heat broke in a portion of the building. The children in the Lower Elementary room (6-9 year olds) were forced to wear their coats, scarves and gloves to endure their classroom! Children complained they were freezing even with their coats! Where was the common sense in this to have the children go to the HEATED parts of the school??? Turned out, the heat cut out around 7:30/8 that morning!!! We received an email at 7pm(!!!), that night, from Heidi stating the issue and that the heat was fixed around 12:30pm. WHAT?? Where was the notification via text, email, and/or phone to let parents know what their children are experiencing and how it's being handled??? Nothing. Not one word at drop off, throughout the day, or at pick up! Just an email at 7pm. Unreal. Third issue: MAP scores are lower this year than previous years. That's not good. Children are being affected by the main common denominator that has changed this year.... Why am I paying all this tuition for my children to have to deal with these circumstances??? Also, as someone else stated in another review, Heidi did solicit reviews for the school with a promise of rewards. How honest those recent reviews must be... It's extremely unfortunate that this is the only Montessori school in the area with 3 - 14 years. The board is risking children at the hands of an inept leader. I hope changes happen soon. Otherwise, I DO NOT recommend children coming here while under the leadership of Heidi and this board. I know we aren't. read more

BEWARE. EXTREMELY disappointed. Approximately 20-25 families (both long time and new students) have pulled their children or been told to leave for the 2017-2018 school year. Many, many issues with Heidi Geiger, the new Head of School. Also, she is deleting negative reviews off of any review page! She is sneaky and not to be trusted! We had been attending JMS for a couple years however, I pulled my child mid-year since Heidi's lack of responsibility and blaming her staff for her obvious leadership downfalls is how she would like to do business. The board members choose to remain oblivious to her negative impact with the staff and students. No communication. She's creating an environment of exclusion and fear so that parents do not know what really goes on. read more

My three children have attend Joliet Montessori School since preschool. I have seen them blossom into students who have a love for learning and a drive to motivate themselves to better understand a topic on their own because of their years at Joliet Montessori School. The school has a strong community of families who look out for each other's children. The teachers have nurtured my children and created a environment in each of their classrooms for students to want to learn and dream big. The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016 and I am proud that my family will be part of that huge milestone. read more

We've had our sons attending for the past few years. We're very disappointed with the direction the new head of school is going. Education and communication have plummeted. Heidi works off of condescension and fear (you'll be thrown out if you don't fall in line) towards parents and children. Obviously, not remotely close to being the Montessori way. It's terribly unfortunate that the board stands behind such a person. This is our last year at JMS. There needs to be a complete overhaul of leadership and board in order to get back to the roots of what made JMS wonderful. read more

I have nothing but the best experience here. My daughter's second year at JMS.