| Date | Who | Comments |
| 10/3/2012 | parent | Since August 2012 I attempted to contact The Spring School Principal and teachers. All six messages were ignored. It has been one month and I have yet to get a phone call regarding my questions and requests. Unprofessional. My child will not be attending this school anymore. I was under the impression this was a Montessori accredited school. It is not! |
| 8/13/2012 | parent | Our son attended the Spring School for grades 6-8 and they did an absolutely terrific job in preparing him for high school [he was the only child from our town to get into highly competitive Bergen Academies magnet school]. They provide exceptional intellectual challenges, foster critical thinking [which is rare in middle schools] and bring out a love of learning. While their administrative processes may have been occasionally frustrating in today's techno-immediacy world, there is no question that their commitment to high-quality education is top-flight. |
| 6/20/2012 | parent | My experiences have always been really good ones - from preschool, to lower el and upper el. There will always be those who snip and have issues over this and that (as there are at any other school). But overall my kids love it, they learn a lot and the teachers are dedicated. For the money, it's a great education. Sure, it can come across as disorganized sometimes but so can any other place. If you are expecting perfection, then you won't get it, but if you want your kids to love learning, then you will. |
| 4/21/2012 | parent | You can send your child to this school if you don't mind that teachers don't supervise children at all during the recess and they don't notify anything even when your child bleeds or is hit by a few children. Bullying is not a big deal at this school, especially to the principal. Similar bullyings and issues on pysical or emotinal hurting happen over and over. But the principal don't take any actions. Teachers don't notify anything that happens in class or during the recess. What's your choice for your precious child? |
| 4/4/2012 | parent | I should've paid attention to this important phrase on previous post. "The Spring School is guilty of many questionable ethics." I mailed the registration fee check after I saw the school in the afternoon 4:30 p.m.. , The next day my son's teacher told me she strongly advise me to continue the OT services but Spring School does not provide this service. I called the director on the same day but no one picked up the phone. The following day, by 9:00 I spoke with the director , explained the situation and asked her to send me the check because there was no point (at that moment the check was still on her desk) to what she says Ok. Guess what? On that afternoon she deposited the check. I called her and she said a week after, sorry the registration fee is not refundable , she did not argued about the check the day I called her because she was afraid I would put stop payment. on the check. I guess money is a big deal for them. i am glad it did not work out. |
| 1/27/2012 | parent | I am extremely satisfied with the education my two children are receiving. The previous negative reviews mention the pre-k issues from the 2009 school year. My children are in the lower elementary school. They are happy and academically advanced thanks to Spring. Their teachers are caring and nurturing and provide them with individual attention. If you want academic excellence for your children, you should check out Spring. |
| 1/23/2012 | parent | I beg of you, anyone thinking of enrolling your child here, please, please, PLEASE ask if the school is accredited by the American Montessori Society! Pay attention to how the director answers the question. She is known to avoid serious questions. The answer is a resounding NO because the AMS will have nothing to do with this woman! You can contact AMS and just mention her name and you will be met with unpleasantness. The Spring School is guilty of many questionable ethics. There is no way that anyone is giving a 5 star rating for this school... I believe that the director herself must have written them. Most parents were willing to overlook the director and her shady practices because of the amazing teachers. But she let go the best of the school when she fired those teachers back in 2010. Our family stayed, but we are not happy and will be leaving. In my opinion, there are 4 very good lower elementary teachers doing their best to make it work, and one particularly amazing teacher in the steppingstones classroom. The rest? sorry, but the replacements of those beautiful women will never live up to their predecessors. Never. |
| 11/6/2011 | parent | I have one child at this school who is highly gifted and in the Lower Elementary. Having an affordable individualized education that keeps my child challenged, excited, and happy is priceless. The small school environment keeps her sheltered from the social pressures in a larger school. The teachers and principal are caring, nurturing, and first rate. When one of my kids had speech issues, they got her tested and got her services very quickly - and this was in a supposedly 'overcrowded' pre-k room that others have mentioned. I don't believe they are overcrowded, they are actually smaller than some other Montessori schools around. Yes, there are things I would want to change and not really the things some reviewers have complained about (I want a longer school year and more affordable aftercare.) But that is true in any school and the education here is top notch. |
| 6/2/2011 | parent | We have two children who attended Spring this year and cannot say enough great things about the school. The education they received was simply outstanding and individualized. Both thrived in the supportive and nurturing setting. We will be sending both of them there again next year. Reading these negative reviews as we tried to decide whether or not to send them last year, we went with our own observations that we observed in the classroom; students engaged in learning, teachers involved in teaching, and students doing work well beyond what our children were doing at another school. We heard there through the grapevine that was alot of Sturm und Drang last year but we ignored this drama and are thrilled that we did because this was the best choice for our children. The principal is wholly committed to education and very focused. The violin program is also outstanding. Do your kids a favor and take an objective look at Spring. We don't think we could find a better elementary education anywhere in Northern New Jersey and we looked and analyzed quite a bit before reaching this conclusion. |
| 5/13/2011 | parent | Do not be fooled by those 5 star reviews! I can almost guarantee that they were written by the director herself. I promise you that the same shenanigans are still in effect there. Many great teachers were fired last year because of their close relationships with parents, which is really what kept those families there! That director should be ashamed of herself for putting her own financial gain ahead of your child's education! |
| 4/15/2011 | parent | My child wishes he could return to Spring School everyday after we moved away last Fall. We didn't need to look elsewhere for Gifted and Talented programs to supplement my child when he was enrolled in Spring School. He was happy and enthusiastic about learning. Spring School is perfect for him. We never expected such difficulty in finding another elementary school in Northern NJ that provides the same level of academic challenge and positive reinforcement that bright kids desperately in need of. We tried both the local public and private schools in our new area and my child was miserable because he is not challenged enough and he is bored. I can't express enough gratitude to the Principal of the school for providing such a perfect option to gifted and talented education. It provides full time G&T education (none in NJ) where bright children don't have to suffer. Spring School is what my child called "a one-of-a-kind" and best school in the world. We wish we hadn't moved away. |
| 4/12/2011 | parent | Spring School is unlike any preschool in the area. Rather than charge high tuition rates to have children learn through play , Spring School offers an excellent education with reasonable tuition rates and an outstanding curriculum. The director focuses on upholding strict standards of excellence and runs the school well. Her focus is on the children and curriculum. She doesn't let adults' preconceived notions of how school should be interfere with her successful program-perhaps preserving Dr. Montessori's teaching, Education must be reconstructed and based on the laws of nature and not on the preconceived notions and prejudices of adult society." This may not be to everyone's liking but I find her to be consistently approachable, understanding & compassionate and have enrolled my second child at Spring School. |
| 1/7/2011 | parent | I have two children enrolled at Spring this year and we are thrilled with the educations they are receiving. We will be enrolling them next year, too. If you want your children to receive a quality and individualized education, this is a GREAT school. Based on our research, the early elementary education exceeds the quality of education that students receive at other private schools in the area (EMS and DE) since the attention they receive is based on on their abilities. If you want your kids to excel, Spring School is the place to send them. |
| 11/29/2010 | parent | After reading what happened last year I was concerned about enrolling my children at Spring but so far the experience has been great. My children have transtioned well from their old school and they seem very happy and enjoy their time there. I have made a couple of unannounced visits so far and the teachers seemed to be very involved. The teachers also give a quick one min update on the child during pick up which is helpful because I can ask constructive questions about my children's day on the ride home. Besides being more expensive than other preschool in the area except for (Dwight and EMS) my kids and I are very happy with Spring. |
| 9/6/2010 | parent | Two more teachers were fired last week, totalling 7 since June- a sad loss to the children and fellow teachers. This school is losing excellent teachers. It lacks positive leadership and there is no parent input or involvement. Ask if your child's preschool teacher is Montessori certified. The answer is likely to be no, although tuition rates are high. |
| 8/31/2010 | parent | A great school has... 1. Excellent teachers...Check 2. Challenging acdemic programs...Check 3. Strong principal/school leadership...Does this mean the inability to accept suggestions by others? Check. Is it also a leadership that disallows open, honest discussions among teachers, parents or both? Check. Currently, half of the Pre-K teachers are Montessori certified, some of which are NOT the Lead Teachers. Others are "in the process" of being certified. Nonetheless, the teacher quality remains excellent. The Director has gotten away with her ways for years because most of the parents either don't know or don't care. What a new parent will hear the most about this school is that "if you can tolerate the Director, then send your child to the school." By all means, our family LOVED this school, but we also HOPE that the Director will reconsider her ways for the longevity of the school which ARE the students and the teachers. |
| 8/31/2010 | parent | Five out of six excellent Pre-K teachers were fired this summer because the Director suspected their involvement with the parents regarding concerns of over-crowded classrooms?! Fired because the Director could not tolerate disloyalty ?! What would Maria Montessori think about the actions of the Director/Owner of this Montessori school where teachers fear for their jobs and families were rejected because the parents were considered troublesome ? Maria Montessori was a pioneer educator who defied the establishment which did not accept her ideas. The Director has behaved as an establishment and has been unwilling to listen to others. Concerns are criticisms and parent-involvement is less than welcome. Sure, the Director has the talent of selecting wonderful teachers. BUT, how long do or could these teachers last in such an environment? |
| 8/31/2010 | parent | Not so long ago, there had been 4 Pre-K classes at the school. Parents had the choice of selecting teachers. Celebrations, which are the Montessori way, were welcome in the classrooms. The Director now touts these as though they are innovative and charitable acts to the parents? These options were abruptly taken away last year when some parents complained about over-crowded Pre-K classes. The Principal/Owner decided that early enrollment was low, slashed a class and reorganized the classes without notifying anyone. It resulted in 30+ students for 2 teacher per class . Montessori teachers are facilitators and one-on-one attention is not as pertinent, but safety IS. The Principal must be commended then for expeditiously addressing and solving the problems. In the end, it resulted in firings of 5 out of 6 of beloved Pre-K teachers, ousting of "meddlesome" parents and turning away of existing/promising young students because of their parents. Bravo. |
| 7/17/2010 | parent | When my children attended this school, the BEST thing about it was the care and skill of the pre-K, K and lower elementary teachers. To have learned that they were fired recently only reinforces our decision to have pulled our children when they move to the upper elementary classes. The director is one of the teachers in the upper elementary school. The recent actions and described behavior of the director/owner remain consistent with her actions for the past 10 years. |
| 7/11/2010 | parent | This school was a mistake. Surprisingly, this school is not listed as Montessori certified, so there is no external review or credentialing system in place to monitor the school, and parents have no voice here. Five preschool teachers were fired recently and many families were not allowed to return because they expressed strong concerns to the Director. Would not recommend this school AT ALL to prospective families. The teachers are wonderful but can't be effective in this kind of work environment. |
| 7/10/2010 | parent | I hope this review is read and accepted for what it is: my honest opinion nothing more and nothing less. I m a parent whose child attends Spring School and I m just adding my opinion as a parent who found this site very helpful when I had to make the decision all parents have to make: where will my child receive the best education and be cared for and nurtured when I m not with her. Despite all that has happened over the past few weeks, the Spring School is an amazing place. I have no qualms about sending my child there. I am confident she will be kept safe, receive an excellent education (and I do not say that lightly - excellent), be nurtured and cared for by some of the smartest, loving, most patient teachers a parent could ever ask for. Do not dismiss this school. |
| 7/8/2010 | parent | i was very DISAPPOINTED with this school. What made this school so great were its teachers who were all fired. There was an issue of overcrowding in the classrooms with 35 kids in each class. When we as parents tried to address this with the principal, we were scolded, our kids were not invited back for the next year, and all the teachers were fired. The principal completely prohibits parent involvement. We were not allowed access to class lists, or into the classrooms. The whole atmosphere of the school has changed for the worse. It seems the principal is more interested in making money than about the education and welfare of the children. Think very carefully before you choose this school. |
| 6/30/2010 | parent | I find it amusing that negative reviewers are labeled by one here as "disgruntled." Considering that the definition of "disgruntled" is: "displeased and discontented" and synonyms for that word are "dissatisfied" and "unhappy," I will absolutely accept that adjective to describe me as a former Spring School parent. I further note that there are more than just "some" of us... there are many. And, signficantly, our dissatisfaction is justified. More than being "disgruntled" though, I am just sad -- sad that my child has to leave a teacher she loves and re-adjust to a new school next year. If you choose Spring School for your child, you risk having to do the same after you see what an overcrowded, unpleasant environment exists at this school. If your gut is telling you there are too many red flags here, you should follow those instincts. I wish I had. |
| 6/29/2010 | parent | The doubts of some should not outweigh the overwhelming fact that the children love it and learn a tremendous amount. Don't be swayed by some disgruntled parents - no doubt in my mind the school suits the needs of children who need to be challenged and can excel with the great wonder I hope my child will keep with him forever. |
| 6/24/2010 | parent | Some of these reviews sound like the principal wrote them herself. Don't be fooled. If you bring your children to this school, please check on them and make unscheduled visits to see for yourself. Is there enough supervision per students? Check on the meal plans, the cleanliness, and anything else that is important to you. My concern is for the safety of the children first and the education of the children. |
| 6/23/2010 | parent | Please learn from my mistake. I read all the reviews about the director and decided to enroll my child anyway b/c the teachers seemed amazing and I thought I wouldn't have to deal with her. I was wrong. After she put nearly 40 preschoolers in 1 class with 2 teachers, I complained, with others. In return, we were met with hostile preaching. It is clear the owner considers parents to be a nuisance and doesn't care about the children. And as others have noted, I don't seek to meddle or become over-involved. I just want basic info, such as how many kids and teachers are in the room. I believe there is a big lack of transparency here, and if you complain, or even question, you risk your child being displaced.This happened to us. SO glad we are done with this institution. It's good rep. is a thing of the past. |
| 6/23/2010 | parent | I love this school! The teachers nurture the students curiousity, so that they learn an immense amount - easily! The principal is chief among them in sustaining this environment. Cheers to the Spring School! |
| 6/23/2010 | parent | I originally chose the Spring School because of it's bright walls, wonderful teachers and the festive artwork. But after the first meeting with the principal (whom I later found out was the owner), I regretted my decision. She was indifferent, condescending and off-putting. The teachers seemed uncomfortable around her, and I felt the same way. I chose not to re-enroll my child, even though I loved the teachers so much. But the class sizes are too big for the teachers, and as wonderful as they are. One day my child came home from school and had cut the string on his pants with his scissors during art-time. This told me that no one was watching him for quite some time. It's really unfortunate because the teachers are great, but it's not worth it to me. |
| 6/22/2010 | parent | Do not come here. My daughter attended The Spring school for 2 years of Pre-K 7 years ago. At the time I knew the director was off the wall, but really believed in the program and thought the teachers were amazing. When it was time to bring my son to PreK 7 years later I came back again for the program and the teachers. Many of the teachers from before were there. I was very dismayed that the behavior of the Director had gotten much worse. Although, I can't say enough good things about the teachers. The class size was too large and The Director handled the situation very poorly. She created a hostile environment where families were asked to not return to the school if they crossed her. The year culminated with her letting go several amazing teachers for lack of loyalty. I will not return next year. |
| 6/22/2010 | parent | The Director of this school will do the school in, really. Parents will refuse to put up with her tyrannical ideology. She divides everyone by threats and seperation and fights open discussion and opinion. I will not send my child back there. Pre-School teacher to child ratio was 1 teacher per 20 children. Parents had to step in to get this ratio back to acceptable State average. We were met with open hostility from the Director. She refused to allow parents to interact with the teachers and each other. She wrote hostile letters to the parents and I just learned she fired all 5 pre school teachers for their apparent involvement with the parents. It's really her paranoia as teachers were acting like teachers should. Awful experience. The teachers are exceptional with the given circumstances. They deserved better. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE. Director needs to leave!!!! |
| 6/22/2010 | parent | If it hadn't been for my daughter's amazing teachers, I would have pulled her out last fall. The Owner/Director thought that 2 teachers in a class with forty 3 & 4 yr olds was an acceptable ratio. When the parents realized, they spoke up and the Director was forced to add a teacher to each room. Well, it is now certain that my daughter will NOT be returning to Spring. The Owner/Director just FIRED 6 of the 7 Pre-K teachers. She blames the teachers for informing the parents about the class sizes (as if they would lie about it) and waited until the end of the year to fire all of them. Now she needs to hire new teachers and with her reputation- she will only get people desperate for a job. There are plenty of amazing pre-schools in the area, and Spring is no longer one of them. |
| 1/27/2010 | parent | The teachers in this school are exceptional, really, couldn't be better. When I went to look at the school, I knew the principal would be a problem. She was not warm or welcoming, placing me in a small room to watch a video but the school's reputation and the quality of the teachers convinced me that I could put up the administration. I wrongly thought I wouldn't have much interaction with her. But, the principal sets the atmosphere in the school and right now between the overcrowding in the preschool and the administrator's attitude of excluding the parents, I find the atmosphere in the school to be hostile. I do love the teachers. I can't say enough nice things about them but the rest of it is hard to take. |
| 10/29/2009 | parent | My child loves to go to school-- not only to play but to learn - already much much ahead of other schools k2 level-- very comfortable doing K3 even k4 material -- Despite this fast level of learning --students are not pressured on the contrary enjoy the learning process. I believe this is mostly due to 1) the Dedicated and most wonderfull Principal and her assistant 2) of course to the teachers. I've never seen such a dedicated and a caring Principal. It seems she dedicated her life to help small children in her own way. I can see in her eyes that she loves every single child and cares for them. She is very knowledgable and experienced. She knows how to choose the best teachers and that is why the Spring school has the best teachers. She is normally demanding from the teachers. |
| 9/18/2009 | parent | My son attended the school for 2 years. The teachers were spectacular but many have recently left. The principal treats parents like her students. She does not foster parent-educator relationships. While the education was good. The teachers that are leaving change the experience. The school needs a new principal. |
| 5/10/2009 | parent | I have two children in the pre-school program at Spring School. It is an incredible school, but for one reason alone- the teachers. They provide a warm & caring environment and an excellent academic program. If not for the Director, this could be the top private school in Bergen County. Unfortunately, the Director is also the owner, so she isn't accountable to any one. I read one review that said she is odd and I think that parent was being nice. She is probably the single rudest person I have ever met. Every year I question returning to Spring School, but I do, because the teachers are so wonderful. It's a shame in a way, because I know so many people that looked at Spring, but didn't send their children because the Director turned them off. It's unfortunate, because these parents miss out on amazing teachers. |
| 2/28/2009 | parent | My daughter is in the Pre-K program. Her teachers are attentive and caring to each and every student. Yes, there are 30 students but some how they make it work! Thanks to her excellent teachers. My daughter is reading,writing and doing addition and subtraction at 4.5 years of age. My daughter loves her school and friends. The director is bit odd, but she is very knowledgeable of the Montessori methods. Only complaint is small playground and not enough extracurricular activities. Please bear in mind that not every school will be perfect. It either works for the child or it doesn't. I am a proud parent of a child that has been Montessori educated since 2006. Good luck! |
| 1/16/2009 | parent | My daughter's teacher and teacher's aide are wonderful but there are 30 children in her pre-school class! This ratio would never be acceptable in a public school. The principal is very condescending and unapproachable. There are not many options out there for working parents. |
| 12/23/2008 | parent | I enrolled my 3 year old in September 2008 and had chosen the school because of its wide range of programs. What you don't see is the very high student to teacher ratio and lack (as of this year) of a PTA. There were no blinds in the preschool classroom to lower for naptime. The teachers were great but stretched way too thin and in hindsight there were better choices in the area overall. |
| 2/28/2008 | parent | My child started pre-school here in Sept. '07. He adjusted very well, special thanks to his new teachers who were attentive, welcoming as well as balanced in the knowledge of separation anxiety (really by the parent :). The cons of the school are its bldg. size & the very small outside play area. The director is an expert in her knowledge of the montessori teachings, though she is standoffish & not open to new ways of operating the school. The PTO organizes MOST of the extracurricular activities & does try to get parents involved; though they make it quite clear they are not there to help change the workings of the administration. It's frustrating as parents' suggestions should be seriously considered when it comes to the enhance/advancement of their children's educational environment. Overall, yes, the teachers are the gems. Your child WILL learn & have fun doing so. |
| 5/30/2007 | parent | Great small school. They don't have a great grand building, but teachers really care about kids. My son really enjoys school while doing much more advance things then kids in the other schools I know. My daughter starts in the pre-K next year. |
| 5/5/2007 | parent | Fabulous pre-pre-K program, my son, just now turning 3, loves going to school. The teachers are great, couldn't be more attentive, the materials and facility could hardly be better. And the expansion is almost done! Only gripe is that the classes fill up fast! |
| 8/15/2006 | parent | The Spring School has excellent teachers - that's what makes it a great place for my daughters. But it's director is very closed to new ideas for the continued growth of the school. The facilities are also not the size or quality of comparable private schools in the area - so don't come here if you want sports. But if you want a quality education and aren't looking to make any big 'difference' within the school's PTO, then this is a great place. My daughters are flourishing here. And the graduates go to really good high schools. |
| 3/19/2006 | parent | The Spring School has excellent academic programs. Our first grade sone learned about ancient Rome, Chinca, India , Japan; and the style of teaching made him feel very excited in each topic. Math, science and language arts are excellent. |
| 2/12/2006 | parent | The Montessori education programme offered at this school is one of the most unique offered in the Bergen County area. The children learn to read and write with special montessori materials, phonics system and personal instruction. My child learn to read and write when she attended Kindergarten and this year his reading and math skills are incredibly high, as compared with other kids of his age. My child loves the school and is always motivated to learn thanks to the teachers, specially the languange, social studies, spanish and music teachers. Kids learn also by doing. The School has a great violin programme. |
| 2/8/2006 | parent | Both my children have been going to the school for several years. It is really rare to find such quality and dedication in teachers. The teachers at the Spring School are not only involved but caring. The teachers partner with the parents to take your child to the next learning process. It is simply an exceptional school. |
| 11/19/2005 | parent | The Steppingstones teachers are outstanding - their energy and attentiveness with every child are endless, and their knowledge of the Montessori system and philosophy is apparent. I am grateful that we were able to afford a good educational start for our daughter by investing in the Spring School. |
| 9/16/2005 | parent | I have two children in the school and they are excited to wake up and go to school everyday, and not for recess! But to learn. The teachers make this school what it is. They are committed to teaching the children. They do way above and beyond what they have to do. Parents are involved in the school. The diversity of the student body is also fantastic. The only thing some may be wary of is the fact that the school is small and therefore has no field etc. to provide a good sports program for the children. |
| 8/21/2004 | parent | Both of my children, ages 2.5 and 4.5 go to this school. It is an incredible place to learn! The teachers are very understanding, really listen to their students and parents, and work with you for the benefit of your child. My children are in the preschool program. They love going to school and are always eager to learn. The staff, students, and parents are very friendly and always willing to do what they can for each other. The staff really fosters a love of learning through the Montessouri method. My oldest is already doing simple addition and multiplication! Not because someone forced her, but because she loves numbers and wants to learn about them. They have Spanish classes for the students (even preschoolers) and it amazes me that my little one can already speak the language. Overall, I wish I could have gone here as a child. It's wonderful! |
