My two daughters attended this school from 2005 to 2010. I agree that the school is better suited for children with a sense of structure, or this organized becaus they will not spoil the children, and it does require a certain amount of structure in the day and a child who is willing to work on it . However, the amount of care and personal attention that's my daughters got here was amazing, all of that in a very clean, perfectly organized environment that prepared both of my daughters to continue and excel in excellent private schools. We As parents were very happy and I am planning to put my third daughter in when she comes of age. I think the best testimony to the greatness of the school is my oldest daughter memory. Even today, she claims that the real difference in her education was her kindergarten years and she still remembers all teachers dearly. read more

Is your child is an active explorer? Curious, kind and always in motion? This school is not for this type for sure. We started out with great hopes but the underlying problem of this school surfaced pretty fast. This is a one-person show and the rest of the teachers and aids are changing very fast. The Montessori method is great but keeping children sitting on the line for an ​extended period​ of time is simply unacceptable. Also,​ each time when they line up for any activity they have to stand motionless otherwise they won't participate in any activity. Her solution - sit back on the line. So what are they doing all day?! Nothing! Young children should never experience such harsh treatment. This woman shows​ no genuine emotions towards the children. Her only way to manage the classroom is by ​screaming and yelling. Harsh verbal discipline (HVD) is scientifically proven to be harmful therefore it is a wrong choice to keep the children under control. The last drop before we pulled out when we realized the water bottle was almost full in the lunch box after a whole day in school. Imagine your child was neglected without drinking for more than 6 hours. Extremely​ disappointing experience! No trust what so ever! Oh,​ and your children's​ vocabulary will pick up a few new expressions such as: "I am overwhelmed with you"; "Shut your mouth!"; "Be quiet" and "It is your​ fault". Isn't that great​!? I am very happy that I could save my child from this bad energy and harmful environment. read more

Unlike many other school teachers who are merely working for a pay check, Mrs Robins is a true educator and I'm grateful to have her school in our neighborhood. read more

I am truly grateful every day for this amazing school; for all the teachers, assistants/aides, and volunteers. Small World Montessori is a hidden gem! Small World Montessori offers a superb learning environment and a welcoming community of families who work to make this a truly special place. Mrs. Robins, our guardian angel is extremely dedicated to the children and early childhood education. She guides children down their individual learning path and their needs. I have two boys and they have been in the school for the past 5 five years. I have seen my boys flourish beyond my expectations - academically, socially, physically and emotionally. I cannot think of a more warm and loving environment for a child to flourish. Small World Montessori is a very nurturing environment that encourages respect, independence, and growth. Small World Montessori is an authentic Montessori school. Mrs. Robins truly teaches, guides and follows the legacy of Maria Montessori. She supports the children in becoming the best they can be. My children have learned life skills that will positively impact their future. Our family is blessed to have found this school and community. Not only does Mrs. Robins care about the children but she truly cares about the family as well. We love Mrs. Robins, all the staff and the Small World Montessori School! read more

I don't know how this school is still open, please do not send you kids to this school, she seems like a nice old lady but she is just a mean old women that always scream to the kids and make them sit for hours. read more

Worst school ever!!! Apple Montessori in Cliffside Park is way better. This school does not care when your kid is off no one will call to check. Just the opposite of Apple Montessori. My kid did not want to go Small Montessori every day I was dropping him off. Mrs. Robins is not professional at all. She told me very frankly if you don't enroll your kid with us for the school year, we cannot extend your kid summer camp. Very very materialistic and unprofessional. Apple Montessori took my kid for only 3 weeks summer camp knowing that he is enrolled in another school. Kids at this school don't learn anything. It's like a barn!! Waste of time and money. read more

I am so glad that we have our 5 years old daughter at Small World. Hearing that public school kindergarten is not getting much care from their public school, I am so thankful to Ms.Robins at Small World. She started giving virtual classes to our kids right after Covid-19 crisis started. As a kindergartener, my daughter gets 45-60minutes group lesson 3times a week and 15 minutes individual class 4 times a week. It is tremendous support for us and Ms.Robins even did not take our tuition for April just because she wanted to let us not to worry about the tuition and well take care of ourselves in this hard time. She is not a young lady and Montessori is so against the technology but she quickly started this virtual class system via zoom and it's been super successful. I deeply appreciate all of her effort to help our kids and us stay healthy. It is very sad that kids are suffering this hard time at this young age but I feel very fortunate that my daughter has Ms.Robins as her great guider and mentor. read more

I strongly recommend SWMS and can't say enough about this school. Before the pandemic, my two kids were thriving in the nurturing and stimulating environment provided by SWMS and the wonderful teachers there. Since we have been home, I truly feel that Ms. Robins has done a tremendous job in supporting our children in a virtual environment so that they feel connected during this difficult time. It is clear that Ms. Robins has the best interests of the children at heart and that she works tirelessly to make sure the children feel supported and loved. Her level of attentiveness to each child's individual needs is amazing. This is a very special place to say the least. Our family is so thankful for SWMS! read more

We are so indebted to Small World Montessori. Our child has flourished under Ms. Robins who has nurtured and educated our son from the time he was 3 years old. Now under quarantine, he misses his school and Ms. Robins so much. The school has embraced technology in order to continue offering a home Montessori education to our children in this time of quarantine. In addition to virtual group classes, individual one-on-one time for kindergartners and daily group story times for all the children, Ms. Robins' virtual presence is a constant reminder that she is more than an amazing educator -- she is a constant light providing normalcy for our children during this unprecedented time. read more

I would advise parents to stay away from this school. After 6 months at this understaffed facility my son is no longer the confident, happy child he was. He frequently displays anger in the tone and exact manner that was expressed to him - saying things like, "you can cry all you want!" or "I'm overwhelmed, stop asking me!" Very adult language. But I'm not the only one who feels this way about this school. Just do your research before you decide. And this is NOT a Montessori school. Nothing about the school is "child-led learning", or adheres to any of the other Montessori principles. If you want a true Montessori experience, DO NOT send your child here. Here are what other parents have said, reviews that we have found to reflect our experience at this school as well. Except the cameras part. that has changed. (reviews via: pk.greatschools.org: "School is run by the owner/teacher -Ms. Robins who, is mean to the kids, screams at them, enjoys scolding parents for not being a "good parent", She has a set of rules which she expects everyone to obey. If your child does not obey Ms. Robins rules- the child is in trouble. There are no cameras at school to allow parents to see what is going on in the classroom. My daughter was crying every morning before going to school and had nightmares. She was so scared of being scolded by Ms. robinson or humiliated by her in front of other kids. My daughter attended this school for one year. Thank God I listened to her, took her out and sent her to a different school where she is happy. I am writing this review so other parents would not repeat my mistake. Stay away from this school for the sake of your child." Posted January 12, 2016 - a parent "Director is horrible! I always hear her screaming at her employees as if they were spoiled misbehaved kids. They are adults, treat them as such and speak to them in the privacy of your office. I always wondered if she screamed at my kids like that? She always came off as VERY rude and someone that lacks patience. She's also very strict/rough with the children. I pulled my kids out of that school and they are thriving at the school they are currently in." Posted May 29, 2014 - a parent "School is run by an inflexible, intolerant dragon lady who has no regard for modern day teaching methods. Where "manners" and "boundaries" are her most important curriculum. It is the modern day Oliver Twist facility. Let me sum up with a parent who was waiting to let his child inside the facility " why non of the kids that go here smile?". This women markets herself that Dr Oz sent his children there, yet discriminates against children allergies. Madam Montessori is rolling in her grave." - a parent Posted March 01, 2011 read more

Highly recommend Small World Montessori to parents looking for a blend of care and education. My daughter (who is almost 4 years old) has been going to Small World since she is 2 years old. From Day One, the teachers made my daughter feel at home. We cannot thank Small World enough for giving us the peace of mind. read more

The principal Ms Robins is a great, caring teacher I ever met in my life. My son is so lucky to attend Small World and have the teacher like Ms Robins.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school didn't charge us the tuition fee even when some parents sent the check to school. Ms Robins rejected to take them. Instead, she spends a few hours on kids everyday and arranged different virtual classes for kids who are in the same age of groups through Zoom. In addition, she also sets up individual class for these kids so they can have better understanding because everything is online, a bit challenge for these kids who are in pre k and K. During kids' birthday, Ms Robins arranges drive through celebration for those kids so everyone feels so wonderful and happy even during the outbreak. After my husband and I found our son became very grumpy sometimes and spent a lot of time watching TV, we tried to get help from Ms Robins, she would set up a FaceTime meeting right way and talk to our 5 year old son. The meeting went very well and my son's behavior improved after. The small world is not to make money, everything the school does is to get the best for the kids, not only academic, but also other important things. We are so happy that our son spends his Pre school and pre K here and will finish his K at Small World. We hope our daughter will go to Small World once she turns 3- year old as well. read more

SWMS is the best school I have ever known under the leadership of a respectable principal Mrs. Robins. All the staffs are very caring, intellectual, patient and loving. In my opinion, their teaching philosophy is second to none. As a parent, you just need to sit back and relax, and has confidence in SWMS's teaching principal. The benefit of being a student there will come naturally. Other people might say different things from what I wrote here. But from the experience of our child - if you believe in the teachers there, and finish the entire SWMS program, the child will not only develop a solid academic foundation, but will also be equipped with the essential skills that will help him/her succeed in life later. Kudos to Mrs. Robins and the teachers at SWMS who have given our child tremendous amount of love and knowledge! read more

I'm convinced some, if not all, the five star reviews of this school are fake. If not fake, they were made from very delusional parents. SWMS is nothing short of a nightmare for the children that don't fall "perfectly" inline with Mr. Robins over exaggerated rules. I could go on with everything wrong with what goes on at this school, but the other one star reviews summed it up well. My child is now in a different school and it was practically night and day with their happiness and confidence. Do NOT send your child here. read more

parents please don't fall for this old witch voice. she tricked with that low sweet voice. she is awful lady. She put your child confidence down by constntly screaming and using A word that not appropriate . For instance, apparently when my son in her school a year ago. i guess she told him he doesn't know how to bounce a tennis bowel after year, my son was playing with his tennis ball and he said to him self "oh Mrs Robins (the teacher, owner, aid...) she told I can't do this but I'm doing . Look mom I can do" thats Painful to hear from you child that he had been told he can't do anything . it hearts so bad!!. parents If your child is active she will def put them down so she can handle all the kids. all the aid she hired they only stay one week . please please avoid this school if you can!!!!! horrible. My son happy where is now, thank God!!!! read more

My family owes so much to this school--teachers are so attentive to each individual child encouraging one to explore, discover and learn on his/her own. My two girls have developed into such strong, curious individuals who have not only grown academically but to be respectful, kind, gentle people. The teachers are not just teachers but they are an extension of our family. You won't see this wholesome, genuinely caring environment anywhere else. read more

My child attended Small World, Montessori, she received the best education to prepare her for the next level and the real world. There are no teachers more warm and caring then Mrs. Sakina Robins and her staff. SWM, is the truest representation of what a Montessori should be. I will forever be thankful for the foundation she has laid down for my daughter, as a life long learner. read more

Small World Montessori School is a hidden gem. The funny thing is the director, Sakina Robins doesn't even advertise the school. Parents just keep on coming every year based on word of mouth from the many many happy families who have brought their children to this school which ends up becoming a part of your family. My children still ask to go back to visit on days when they are off of school. Visit, you will see how lovely a place it is to learn and grow. read more

Here is the reality behind Small World Montessori... When your child graduates Kindergarten - he/she will be more mature and better prepared to live and learn about life - socially and scholastically. My 2 children are attending a school rated 10 here on this website - they both are prepared to learn and at the top of the class. This school is about working with all children at their individual level and provides a loving environment. There is no coddling but true love care and concern for each child that meets each child's specific needs. I read the negative comments here and what i can tell you that what this school not only teaches children, it also teaches parents. We learn that our children are products of us. That some parents take issue with this has nothing to do with the successful education of the children. I think if we reflect on our actions we can see our children reactions. Working with teachers hand in hand is the most effective way to guide a child on a positive path of learning. This school embraces the partnership of home and school, working for the benefit of our child. If you want to put your child first - and open the world of learning and doing and acting as a positive force in our community then send your child here! If you read some reviews and feel that you will be entering a school that serves the owner not the children you are being led down the wrong path. 4 years of experience and not once was my child put behind any needs but their own. EMBRACE that this school will provide your child with tools to succeed in life. Anyone who has questions about why the Love reviews and the Hate reviews - i would be happy to explain if you reach out to me. That in and of itself is very telling. read more

My daughter went to this school for three years and our experience was wonderful. I am so glad I chose this school as my daughter's first place to study! Mrs Robins who is director of this school has many years experience and she is very professional. And, this is one of the most important things, she loves all of the students as much as we love our child. Great school I strongly recommend. read more

Our oldest son loved this school. He attended for three years starting from the age of two and a half, and thanks to the compassionate, yet rigorous and meticulous Montessori teaching method, he was way ahead of other children when he started public school (and many go on to private schools as well). I don't mean just in terms of what he knew about the 3R's, or the curvilinear triangle, but in terms of his level of compassion and respect towards other children, teachers, plants, animals, and the environment. The teachers at this school instill empathy and love in the children by first having them love and respect themselves. Perhaps it is not suited for the helicopter parents, who expect their children to be sweet-talked to and spoon-fed everything. My younger children, who are twins, did not fare well at the school, through no fault of the teachers and this school, because of their developmental issues from premature births. Also, as my brother-in-law "dropped out" of another Montessori school when he was a child, some children perhaps do not take well to the Montessori method (they'd rather run and play outside than hang beads or stack blocks). But when it works, as it did with our oldest son, really there is nothing better and this school delivered it. I would highly recommend this school if you are NOT looking for another daycare or some other place to drop off your kids so that someone else will be responsible for your children's behavior. The parents need to be ready to be hands-on and involved at this school, so it is not for the faint-hearted. Be ready to screen them, as you will be screened, too, by the school. I am a working parent in higher education, and I only wished I could have contributed more and spent more time at the school, which is welcomed and many parents observe and stay in school with their two or three-year-olds. You don't need cameras--they only give you a false sense of security and alleviate your guilt for not being there in person to bond with your child. I hope that more parents, who are satisfied with the Small World Montessori, would write in. I know most people use Yelp to write about businesses you are not happy with (as I do!), and yet since there are so many parents who are happy to have acquainted themselves and their children with the wonderful teachers there, I can only think that they are not too worried about some of the negative reviews or they don't have time to be on Yelp :) read more

there are many good post above, i just want to share some details with parents who is looking for school. My kid was in this school, I really hate that I pulled my kid out too late. This is a horrible school for any kids, no matter the kid is outgoing or very shy. Montessori school put all the kids in different ages together in one class. the purpose is trying to let bigger kids lead the smaller kids and play a good role model. actually this is also what we wished for. however, this camp school is doing the totally opposite way. After school, lots of kids talking very rude to each other, no happy faces. The principle constantly yelling at she called bad kid in front of all the other kids. so the bigger kids will group up to mentally and sometime physically bully this kid, create an isolated environment to this kid in school. and most intolerable is this school no camera in classroom. Unfortunately my kid is one of this kind of victim in this school. also the principle told me that my kid wasn't good or not behave, not follow the principle in school. so as parent we always told kid to "behave in school", and got strictly after more complains from school. It created big gap between my kid and we parent, later on my kid didn't trust me or even talk about the school, thought we are together with the principle. after quite a long time i felt my kid had less smile, against and suspicious to every new thing, always idle alone. When drawing, sometime even draw a broken heart. I immediately moved my kid out, even the principle try to hold us there. After a long time work, finally my kid started to told me about the miserable days in small work, i trust whatever he already told me is not everything. I just met a parent whose kid was in that school too, she told me that she still heard the principle screaming to someone when she went back small world school to get some documents. that really pushed me to write here. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAMP, if you want your kid to be a happy one. To those who think your kid are obedient, better not let your kid to see and learn how to mistreat others in school. read more

We absolutely love Small World Montessori. Our older daughter started here at 3.5 years old and is now in first grade. Our younger one is now in preschool and we feel this is the best choice we could have made for our children. My only wish it went thru middle school. I'm confident to say that our Children are kind, well rounded, mannered and most of all happy. It is very important to us that our children are surrounded by a Loving and nurturing environment. Mrs Robins is simply amazing. She has gone above and beyond for my older daughter. All of her input, guidance and knowledge allowed me to be the best parent my daughters need. I can't express the gratitude we have for this school, for the staff and for the fantastic teachers. Besides teaching children many skills of life, ensuring excellent reading and writing, the people here have a heart of gold and make sure every child is treated individually and their personal needs are always met. read more

Reading the previous five star review confirmed the impression I got from this school. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but comments such as "not a school for "helicopter parents" or those that want their child "spoon fed" or "be expected to be screened" as if these are positive remarks are alarming to me. This was the exact impression I had of the culture of this school--rude,obnoxious,condescending,and judgmental. Why would I want my child in that type of environment? I am a teacher myself and truly appreciate the Montessori method. But montessori isn't about comparing kids that stack blocks versus kids that want to run and play. Montessori is about working with all children at their individual level and providing a loving environment. This school, to me, seemed to put emphasis on the wrong values. Structure is good, but they place so much emphasis on that that it seems like they are in actuality preparing your children to join the military or work in a factory. Doesn't work well for my very advanced, creative, inquisitive child. There's a fine line between structure and doing so much that you're actually limiting the child. And PS: I don't want to feel like I'm being SCREENED on a regular basis. Not the values I instill in my children. Look elsewhere families! read more