St. Joseph Montessori Elementary School in Columbus, Ohio

“My grand childern attended St. Joseph Montessori for 5 years. It is a wonderful, nurturing educational environment. I have recommended the school to many young parents because I believe in the school and its ability to prepare children for today's world.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a Montessori school, St. Joe's fosters children's social and emotional well-being as well as academic. Students graduating from St. Joe's are very well placed into high achieving high schools, but are strong, capable, independent young adults.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SJMS is a real gem in Central Ohio. It has a dedicated leadership team and amazing faculty. The Montessori education approach is child-centerd, and students at SJMS certainly enjoy the spirit and practice of this approach at all-levels. Students learn not only 'hard-facts' but take with them an amazing gift of hainvg develop sound skills for analytical thinking. In a caring enviroment that celebrates and encourages the child to be all he/she can be, SJMS students are nurture to achieve their full-potential and beyond. Our school philosophy is 'educating the human potential'; these works are not merely a nice platitude--SJMS teachers, faculty and administrators live by these words and work tirelessly to educate the whole child. SJMS provides a unique learning environment for its student.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SJMS is an awesome school, providing our kids with the perfect environment for them to reach their fullest potential. SJMS kids leave 8th grade prepared to take the head of the class in their respective High Schools. And best of all, SJMS turns out well rounded human beings who can help bring peace and connectedness to the world.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My sons are in second and third grade at St. Joseph Montessori School. I am continuously amazed at their work and their true understanding of the concepts they are learning. Even more impressive is the wonder that is inspired by the teachers and educational philosophy at St. Joes. In addition to being well prepared academically, I know my sons are well equipped to peacefully resolve conflict with their peers and with adults. The environment at St. Joes is a safe one where children can truly realize their full attention. On an adult level, a new strategic plan was approved in 2009. The interim leadership team is perfectly poising St. Joes for continued success for years to come.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SJMS has been a wonder for my child. Being a spirited 8 year old, my son would be in trouble every day if he were at any other school. Here, the teachers understand his impulses, welcome his creative thinking and are extremely effective at getting him to WANT to do his work. He has no desire to be at any other school and is already anticipating the day when he gets to be one of those graduating from SJMS. What more can a parent want?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SJMS prepares kids for the world who demonstrate emotional intelligence! SJMS a two time Blue Ribbon School Award winner.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“St. Joesph Montessori School has excellent teachers who are exemplary practitioners of the Montessori philosophy of tending to the individual education needs of each child. As important, St. Joe's has a parent community and family association that are actively involved not only in the lives of the children, but also the life of the school as a whole. It is truly a village raising the child at St. Joe's.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As the new school year approaches, there remains a void in the leadership of this school. With no principal or head of school hired or in the wings, the future of the school becomes a big question mark. Furthermore, with the loss of a few key staff members who could have helped with leadership, the future becomes even more unknown. There are still many great teachers at the school but the lack of leadership makes the possibility of success more questionable as each day passes.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As the school heads into the future with new leadership and a visionary strategic plan, I am excited by its prospects. SJMS has been a great school, despite lacking solid direction and inspiration from its former administrator. Dedicated and talented teachers, commitment to Montessori methods, and high parent involvement serve the community and the children well. I look forward to a new phase of growth for the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The departure of this school's leader for 30 (out of 40) years leaves this school up in the air. The dedicated and loyal teachers may or may not be able to stay once new leadership is in place, whenever that may be. It was the worst mistake to let such a leader go. The way in which it was handled by the Board has left a large amount of parents so dissatisfied, they have pulled their children out of school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“SJMS has well-equipped Montessori classrooms, with all of the materials you could hope for. The parent involvement is very strong, but the principal's leadership is poor. Any concern that we had was dismissed by the teachers and ignored by the principal. I can not recommend this school at all, especially for young children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is an excellent school - the Montessori approach to learning is hands-down the best method regardless, and the principal, teachers, environment, etc., make SJMS one of the best schools around. Parent involvement is high, teacher attention to students is remarkable, facility and supplies are well-kept and well-suited to the school's needs. Our children have done very well at SJMS and have developed a love of learning. The major disadvantage is cost. It is very expensive and there is a lot of pressure to contribute much more than tuition -- annual appeals, lots of fundraisers (something new every week in their mailboxes it seems!), etc. Tuition assistance is available, but you have to be pretty poor to qualify. This is the only downside to an otherwise phenomenal school. I know of many who pinched pennies to send their children there, but had to leave after kindergarten because of cost.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is GREAT! We loved the music and drama programs. The staff is fantastic - responsive, caring, very supportive of students and parents. My son had great experiences here. Simply the best!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent school, the teachers are the best I've ever seen and are very involved with the children. The opportunities for kids to achieve their ultimate potential are abundant. The parents are also extremely involved and there never seems to be a problem getting volunteers for anything. The only downside is the cost.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent Children's House Program (pre-school through kindergarden); mulit-aging in classrooms a plus; ethnic and socio-economic diversity a plus; While kids are encouraged to pursue their interests in the classroom, all 'necessary' material gets presented and adopted by the children over the course of the 3 years. It's amazing how kids will connect with concepts when they are ready! Montessori materials promote learning through multiple approaches (auditory, writing, tactile, etc.). Materials have deliberate intentions and even seemingly 'play' items build basic concepts that lead to more complex concepts (sorting and pouring that leads to size understanding that leads to math expressions). The classroom 'work' materials are added throughout the year in a way that encourages exploration and mastery of concepts. The environment and teachers foster responsibility and mutual respect that is clearly demonstrated in the home as well. You have to see it in action to get the added value.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Academic programs are very strong. The music program is great-- Parents are very involved.”
This review was posted by a parent.