We love the Monticello preschool (Monroe location)! The teachers are great - they clearly care about the kids and take pride in their work. They also communicate proactively and helpfully with us parents - via daily paper reports, email, and in-person. Even the teachers from the other classes all know my kid's name, and give her a warm smile at dropoff/pickup. There are lots of activities, everything from field trips to "crazy socks day" "bike day" etc. - plus optional weekly "enrichment" classes from third parties, like music and sports. They also make an effort to build community with things like a teacher costume contest and pumpkin carving contest for Halloween. Day-to-day activities seem to be a good mix of unstructured play and "academic" content. The facility is nice as well, with a spacious outdoor area including playground equipment. My kid always wants to keep playing when I show up for pick-up :) (Her favorite is the sandbox!) read more

OMG. WOW. No surprise that the school has such low ratings on yelp. First of all there're some great teachers in K and grade 1. However in the past year we've witnessed a lot of integrity issues. My kid got hit in the back of his head and the teachers are covering up for each other to hide the truth of the incident and the fact that there's neglect. In service care are movies all day which made my kid don't want to go. Even uniform policies are so confusing that it just made parents life harder. My kiddo is an outgoing, helpful and happy kid but he is clearly not happy at the school. We are now dealing with withdrawal. We were told by the principal that they got our notice in Dec and someone will follow up soon. However their finance has no clue until we reach out today, And demand we pay for another month of tuition. There's gonna be another battle. They'll make it more costly than it should be to withdraw. read more

This review is long overdue for the Lochinvar location. I was a student who attended Monticello Academy from 5th-8th grade. Needless to say my experience wasn't pleasant. It was extremely difficult and stressful. I look back at it as probably the worst part of my 12+ years of school. If you're a student who isn't used to strict private school culture, it will be a shock for you. Staff can be extremely unsupportive and difficult to work with. Especially assistant/after school staff. Some of the rules we were expected to follow were overbearing and unreasonable. They work by instilling fear in students. The worst part of my experience was the computer science program. Prior to joining I had only been taught basic programs. Immediately I was expected to understand Photoshop, Flash, Premier and a bunch of other programs without proper training. I was looked down upon, not supported and treated badly. The teacher/now the "Director of Innovation and Technology" did not like me and made it clear there was no time to help me learn. Going to his class all 4 years was the most unpleasant educational experience I've ever had. I will also never forget the principal telling our entire 8th grade class that she could ruin our chances of getting into the private or public high school of our choosing. All over some minor disruptions. I will say I got a solid education. Some teachers really do care and are great educators. My two best teachers were during 6th and 7th grade. I walked away with an education, a deep dislike of computer programming, experience at dealing with stress, and one life long friend. If I were to do it over, I'd go to public middle school instead. The mental stress, bad social experience, and toll it took on me was not worth it. Don't send your children here. Especially if they aren't familiar with advanced computer programs. The director of technology will not support less prepared students. read more

By all means avoid this Monroe Monticello campus. They are sweet talkers but are brutal. Our kid was making a transition from a home based daycare to this academic based school and the teachers as well as the director for this location were so very impatient and were not setting my kid for success instead were too fast to come to weird conclusion that affected our family so badly. They provided weekly reports of progress that's anything but constructive. We have never come across such terrible environment and weird reporting, it was a big mistake sending our kid there. Their reports are more like ranting and frustration than being a team to work on anything that's concerning, if at all there are any. They lack empathy and are worst choice for anyone who is not academically ready. They want your kid to have learnt all and come to school, so that they don't have to do any heavy lifting. We had to pull our kid in worst condition that these teachers put us into. The only thing we got out of this location is a bunch of friends and great families. They play with tender minds and are a bad example for the noble teaching profession. They badly need professional training! AVOID read more

My son started going to Montecillo Monroe at the age of ~ 2.5 years and graduated when he turned 5. Montecillo made pre school easy and a wonderful experience for our family. The teachers are very loving and patient towards the kids. They have a good balance between structure, fun, learning and play. My son really enjoyed his time here and misses Montecillo dearly as he moved on to another school for kindergarten. Miss Celena runs the school in a very structured manner. She is kind and courteous, and was always very approachable. Miss Darlene is a pleasure to communicate with and is always patient and compassionate in her approach with parents. The administration is thorough, and on top of everything. Pandemic was an unprecedented time. They frequently addressed questions/concerns and navigated everyone through challenging situations efficiently. Along with taking appropriate precautions, they always have a high bar for cleanliness and we appreciated that. I can't thank Miss Monika and Miss Sheryl enough for providing a loving environment for my child in TK. It's such a blessing when you can drop your child feeling happy, knowing that he will be taken care of and will be learning while having a blast. The summer of 2023 was a lot of fun with field trips, art, water plays, petting animals, bouncy house and many more activities. The only downside is that it has been very hard for our family to adjust to a new school for elementary! We all miss Montecillo Monroe! read more

They expect kids to know everything before they even go to school. Kids pick hp bad habits from school and god forbid you if you go to them with any kind of issues. read more

Rude management and bathrooms are not clean for kids, my kid got UTI infection after joining this school in a weeks time. They come up wid unreasonable rules widout any sense and charge money from parents. Do Not Recommend it. read more

Absolutely phenomenal teachers and staff. Loving, structured and creative... The best experience my kiddo could have had and this all in the midst of a pandemic. Love Monticello Academy! read more

Currently my son attending at this place Teachers do lot of hard work but the the person who run this place horrible they come up with very unreasonable rules with respect to money, I am happy that am taking out my kid pretty soon from this place. Teachers are really hardworking and lot of respect for them. I hope they find better person to manage this place. They use teachers to intimidate parents so that they can push their Agenda we were not ready to continue for summer teachers were asking every day to sign up field trips while dropping and picking my husband no choice but signup further more after give 30 day notice they have not refunding the charges read more

For the Monroe site-- my first daughter went there years ago and we and she loved it. Structured program and excellent and caring staff. The teachers helped my child transition to the new environment during that really hard first week. Lochinvar site-- preschool-- my younger one went there and we also had a great experience there. Structured program and caring teachers. Elementary school K to 5th-- my daughters enjoyed school there and felt their teachers were great. Of course, nothing and no where is perfect, but we usually were able to resolve whatever issues that arise. Middle school-- we decided to try out public school for both kids. My older one did come back for eight grade there and she really loved it. They still keep in touch with many friends from there and even a couple teachers. read more

For the Monroe site: we love this school! Our older daughter attended preschool from 2 to 5 years old, and our younger one has been in the 2 YO class for 5 months. All the teachers and the director are incredibly dedicated, and we have seen our daughters grow and thrive at this school. Their curriculum is excellent and our 5 yo was very well prepared to start kindergarten. Her reading and writing skills are well above average. We really appreciate the role that the school played in our daughters' socio-emotional growth. Everyone in the school is committed to positive reinforcement and to getting all children to participate and to be respectful towards each other. Every teacher and administrator greeted our kids with real warmth and affection every morning. read more

We chose Monticello Academy preschool because the big facility looks good and include from preschool to 5th degree. However, it was a bad decision. On the second day, he got a serious accident. I know it is normal to get some accidents but I would say he did not get any accident serious like one in other daycare or preschool. The worst thing is he learnt some behavior from teachers, which reflect inappropriate attitude and impatience. He start to yell and use command tone at home, which he never do it before. We withdrew him immediately and changed to another center. Luckily inappropriate behavior is gone and he return to normal state. This center push young kids too much to follow the schedule and rules. But for young little guys, they do not understand and only affect their patience and attitude. If you like kids sit in a environment that consists of rules and schedules to follow, this is a good place. For our understanding, our kids need more freedom and patience. So I would not recommend this place for young kids. Also Justine is really hard to communicate and work with. She made me feel like they only care about money and all the other questions are just noise. I feel lucky I do not need to work with her. read more

I have moved my son from different private school to Monticello to 2nd grade because his prev school was disaster academically. He was really upset to leave the great place where you can do nothing except having fun so Monticello teacher had a bit of challenge. He is doing great there, accepted the fact it is much more homework and structure and I am just sorry I didn't know about this school before. It is very affordable for private school, great afterschool program, hot lunches included in tuition ect... I hope for next year we will have as great teacher as we have now. Disclaimer: My son in Monticello on Lochinvar St, Santa Clara but it shows just their preschool site on Monroe. read more

Till now we are going good with this school. Both our daughters goes here and i could see lot of improvement added to them by faculties over there. Teachers really worked very hard towards them. I am glad we are part of this school :). read more

For Monroe Campus - I do not have words to describe how good this school is. All the teachers and management put in their 100% nd more to do what is best for the kids. My son is super active and tend to push the boundaries, but all the teachers were very patient with him and made sure he feels loved and understands why he needs to follow rules. They have lots of events and field trips which most of the preschools do not have. We are moving from south bay and one of the things we are going to miss is this school. read more

We are a new family due to COVID-19, and we have been very very happy with Monticello. These times are very hard on kids, and they are making it as much like school as possible while keeping the kids safe. I liked that there was an admissions test, because I want my kids to be challenged. The teachers are very connected, and Ms. Trinh clearly loves the kids (in a tough love way! And that's good!). I would recommend this school and am glad we enrolled our kids. read more

Lochinvar Campus: The expectations are too high even for kindergarten... Assessments test reading, vowels, simple arithmetic, etc. My question: If you expect them to know this before your kindergarten, what is the point of the school. They are proud of the fact that they go one year ahead of the public school system, I think they got the whole education system backwards. Pushing students from early childhood is not a good thing!! You need to have the right balance of academy and play. Kids need to love coming to school, students are not robots, they are human beings... I don't think kids graduating from this school are any better than those graduating from public schools. Would be good to track how many of them are making to good universities, the list they have is so misleading. I'd pass this school. Go to a good public school with a balanced curriculum assessed by the state standards and transperent to public. I would not trust anything these guys say. One more thing, their campus is so small, not sure how they accommodate 495 K-8 students. read more

My daughter has been going to this school since pre-school. This is the school to go to if you really care for your kid and would like them to thrive in a loving and focused environment. The staff is awesome and very helpful. Teachers are great. They focus on not only academics but over all personality development and they also offer a lot of classes. My daughter goes to the Lochinvar site. read more

Monticello is by far our favorite preschool experience. The teachers are so dedicated and have been there for many years. The kids get delicious home made meals every day so I don't have to think about food or snacks. The kids get a good balance of learning and indoor/outdoor play. They have fun events and shows for the parents to enjoy. Overall a very safe, caring environment. We couldn't be happier with Monticello. read more

This is for the Monroe site--my daughter started in the Sunshine room this past September and we have been very happy with the classroom and the school. I really appreciate the family feel of the school and will be sad to leave it due to an upcoming move read more

Good school with a good mix of students. They have some good teachers. The courses are fairly good. Kids have some good out door time and not stuck inside all the time. My kids enjoy it very much. read more

This is review is for Kindergarten and my boy just celebrated the 100th day in Monticello. This place was recommended by my friend who is a real estate agent and did tons of research and school tours. The school offers a balanced curriculum, including drama, computer, arts and music. Language arts and math are taught at a fast pace as he's already learning Grade 1 math, but he absorbs like a sponge and the teachers are so helpful. We are never worried about his grades but his behavior problems. My son was upset when his father went away for business trip and he misbehaved in all his class. That brought the attention of all the teachers and they sent me an email asking if anything changed in the family. After I explained what happened, the teachers did everything they could to cheer him up and let him make a welcome back card for his father. My son felt much better and the teachers check on him regularly to see if his father is on a business trip again. This is an example of how it makes us assured that our son is in good hands. read more

Monticello is a great school. My kids have been attending this school for almost 10 years (since preschool). Both Ms. Trinh and Ms Evon are doing great job; They deeply care about the children and have devoted their lives to make the school a better place for them. Just like everything else in this world, there is nothing perfect and you can never please everybody. I cannot say everything is perfect about Monticello (things happens.....) but I can tell you the best part of Monticello is that there are quite a few exceptional teachers whom totally LOVE what they do-they gave their hearts to the children and classroom. My kids have so much good things to say about their teachers!! That tells a lot about the school. read more

This is for the Lochinvar Campus: Ms Trinh and Ms Evon (Principal and Assistant Director) have a very bad lack of commutation, respect and do not care about students and parents, or compassion. We have been on top of providing information to the school re our son who is in pre K there. Let's just say today we have had it! We informed the school for monthS that our son would only do pre k and go to public school in Fall 2015. His teacher Ms Joy even asked my husband about 2 weeks if our son was going to kinder and doing the promotion ceremony and we said YES! We show up today to the graduation/promotion celebration today and see our son sitting with regular clothes, no cap no gown like all his other classmates. We were very confused as we were NEVER told he was not going to graduate or be in the ceremony. We asked the teachers and they looked at us all confused. How dare they not say anything that he was not participating. Then we hear them say well he's repeating pre k again. NO HE is NOT! He's going and enrolled in public kinder as we have told the teacher and emailed Ms Trinh. Which we have told Ms Trinh many times in writing the past couple of months!Ms Evon came over and said let's talk outside very rudely, but then said we have to wait and talk to Ms Trinh after the graduation is done. Are you serious!!!!!! You want us to wait around for 45 mins! And we are upset and all she says is we can't talk about this right now. Ms Evon"s ONLY concern was that NO other parents would hear what happen! She even kept going shh parents could hear you. No sorry no nothing. Our son was humiliated and cried when we told him he was not graduating. We left. Also they give a lot of homework in pre k. After talking with our sons doctors about the homework and school, they said no 4 yr old should be doing that homework. I have updated this review at 9:30pm (3 hrs since I posted this and 5.5 hrs since the event occurred at the school) and we have still not heard from the school. Ms Trinh finally emailed us at 2:40am with a disturbing account of how she and Evon see things. We will not be sending our son back. We have filed official complaints. We had to get police involved as well as Ms Trinh restricted access to and banded my husband and I from the daycare which is against childcare licensing. read more

I completely agree with the other reviewer. Mrs. Trinh Trinh lack a good communication and she acts fast and comes in to conclusion fast without even thinking that it is affecting a kids life. I am sorry to say this school is a very wrong decision I have made for my son. Class rooms are dark and less sun light goes in. Teachers doesn't care to open the blinds even we gave reminders. Teacher is rushing to finish her class works. Assistant teachers shows up only after final bell rang. Teachers can't understand that kids only acts like kids not as adults. They except more mature character from them. It is so hard for me to understand that giving punishment and lunch duty to small kids is harsh. This school is the worst school i ever came across. read more

Lochinvar Location - Hidden gem. Fabulous school with great culture and values. My kid's attending this school from couple years now. Zero tolerance to bullying unlike some nearby private schools that hush up things fearing bad reputation. If you want your kids to blossom send them here. read more

Our daughter went to monticello academy (monroe site) for almost 2 years and it was one of the best decisions we took. Our daughter loved the school and teachers. We saw a huge overall development in her personality. From being shy, to becoming an extrovert we could see her confidence grow. She used to surprise us with her rich vocabulary and also her ability to understand the context of every day situations and respond accordingly. The teachers she had were all amazing. Ms Sherlize and Ms Becky were instrumental in nurturing her personality in her first year and then teachers Ms Monica and Ms Sheryl just took her to the next level. She is very confident when communicating with others. Her writing and reading skills have improved a lot. Our daughter used to really enjoy and look forward to her school day as the school used to organize a number of offsites. I want to thank the management for really putting in 100% of their effort in growing all the kids. read more

Monticello Academy is the place to send your child if you value a well-rounded education for your child. We continue to be impressed and happy with the academic, social, emotional and physical support provided to our children. It is the bedrock of our family life and we are so thankful to raise our children in this loving, caring growth environment. read more

This review about Monticello Academy is long past due. My daughter has been going to Monticello Academy for past six years now. She started in preschool and now she is in 3rd grade. And over these years I have seen my daughter and the school evolve and develop amazingly. We chose this school because we saw laughter, happiness, hugs, and dancing along with writing, fun little experiments, and field trips when we visited the school. All the teachers are very hard working. The school offers enrichment classes in Computers, Spanish, Music, Art and Drama, and PE as a part of the curriculum. And the enrichment teachers work as hard as the core teachers. In computers, my daughter is already learning animation. The Music, and Art and Drama programs have drastically improved over the last six years and both the teachers work hard to educate the students about different instruments and art forms. Their drama/ theater productions are evolving every year. Of course, this is all possible with the support of the principal Ms. Trinh who is diligently working to improve the school at all levels. She is at every single school event not monitoring but helping, organizing, and participating. Monticello Academy organizes multiple events for students and parents including walkathons, talent shows, international potlucks, end of school year dance party, movie nights, parent appreciation night, and also events to help communities. There are a wide variety of after-school classes being offered from Taekwondo, Robotics, Chinese, Hindi, Band, Basketball, Soccer, Chess, Tennis, Mindfulness, and Track and Field. The school has a kitchen on campus and they provide hot lunch and snacks every day. It is a nut free school which is a peace of mind for parents of kids with nut allergies. Another plus is that there is a school nurse on campus. In short, the school is Ms. Trinh's baby and she evidently nurtures it in many different ways. My daughter is very happy here. It is her second home. read more

My two sons have attended the Monroe campus since they were two. They do an amazing job there creating a sense of community and educating the children on a variety of subjects in a fun way. The teachers are genuinely concerned about the child's emotional development as well as their intellectual development. Any time I have had a question or needed help, the Monticello "team" collaborated with me to find optimal solutions. Needless to say, I am a big fan of this school and will be very sad to leave when my boys graduate. read more

This is one of the few child care centers that does not have loud music on while the children are playing. At other centers I have been the music is very distracting for the children and it is a well-known fact that loud background noise of any kind interferes with children's ability to learn. read more