Pebblecreek Montessori

I give the toddler program a thumbs down. What astounds me is how many parents believe the story that the school tells them about what they do inside the classes. What they actually do and what they tell you are 2 different things. Maybe they are telling you is what they ""want"" to do. Not what actually happens. If I wasnt so vigilant, I would not have known this. Stay away if you care about value for money and your toddler's physical all-around care. Pros: Proximity Cons: Everything else more

I give the toddler program a thumbs down. What astounds me is how many parents believe the story that the school tells them about what they do inside the classes. What they actually do and what they tell you are 2 different things. Maybe they are telling you is what they "want" to do. Not what actually happens. If I wasnt so vigilant, I would not have known this. Stay away if you care about value for money and your toddler's physical all-around care. Pros: Proximity Cons: Everything else more

This is one of the worst schools in the area. My kid has been going there for 6 moths.... any I am looking for a new school. Pebble Creek is a glorified expensive day care. The kids don't learn any thing!!!! The techers and the owners very unfriendly and SNOBY. Everytime I see the teacher of my child's class I feel like asking WHO PAYS for YOUR SALARY!!!! They don;t have the time to talk to you and feel like they are doing you a favor my being in your child's class room. I can get this treatment from my teenager w/o having to pat an arm and leg. Wonder how these so called teachers treat the kids, parents are not allowed to visit the class or even view your child from outside. The food is low quality food and the parents are not kept up to date - no communciation on how your child is doing!!! Do me a favor and register your child in a free public school... you will get a better service... the plano ISD food menu is posted before the month starts... the so called credited school where you pay more than 1000 a month takes two weeks to post the lunch menu on line.!!!! Who cares how many certificates you have on your wall... it is all about how well the childen and parents are treated. Very very disappointing experience!!! The BAD and SNOBISH attitude starts from the top to toddles teachers... definately not a trait that makes them suitable for child care!!!\r Pros: Location Cons: MANY MANY MANY MNAY more

This is one of the worst schools in the area. My kid has been going there for 6 moths.... any I am looking for a new school. Pebble Creek is a glorified expensive day care. The kids don't learn any thing!!!! The techers and the owners very unfriendly and snoby.... everytime I see the teacher of my child's class I feel like asking WHO PAYS for YOUR SALARY!!!! They don;t have the time to talk to you and feel like they are doing you a favor my being in your child's class room. I can get this treatment from my teenager w/o having to pat an arm and leg. The food is low quality food and the parents are not kept up to date - no communciation on how your child is doing!!! Do me a favor and register your child in a free public school... you will get a better service... the plano ISD food menu is posted before the month starts... the so called credited school where you pay more than 1000 a month takes two weeks to post the lunch menu on line.!!!! Who cares how many certificates you have on your wall... it is all about how well the childen and parents are treated. Very very disappointing experience!!! Pros: Location Cons: MANY MANY MANY MNAY more

Two of my sons graduated from Pebblecreek. One currently attends the upper elementary. The teachers are truely dedicated to their students and the Montessori method of teaching. The programs provided by the school are remarkable. I recommend visiting the school to observe the classrooms. Pros: Great teachers and dedicated staff. more

Two of my sons graduated from Pebblecreek. One currently attends the upper elementary. The teachers are truely dedicated to their students and the Montessori method of teaching. The programs provided by the school are remarkable. I recommend visiting the school to observe the classrooms. Pros: Great teachers and dedicated staff. more

Pebblecreek Montessori is one of only 4 Dallas area Montessori schools to be accredited next year (there are 54 within a 25 mile radius) . The school employs top notch teachers and is recognized by AMS (American Montessori Society) and IMC (International Montessori Council) as a school qualified to train Montessori teacher interns. Not only are the teachers trained, they are trainers and the most educated and experienced around. Some of the faculty members are on accreditation boards. Working with children requires a special gift and it is exhausting, but the allegation that the staff is underpaid is unfounded; if they were underpaid, they would leave . Many new schools in the area actively and unethically recruit our staff members because they are the best. The sad reality is, the overall quality of Montessori eduction is this area is poor and PCM employees would not want to associatted with many of the schools seeking them out. Many former employees of Pebblecreek have opened their own schools and try to model what they have learned during their employment . PCM is one of the only schools offering a Montessori elementary program; most of the daycares calling themselves ""Montessori"" could never and would never be able to offer a full service program. Pebblecreek is a value for the money employing specialists in language therapy, music, art , spanish and physical education. A wise consumer is looking for value, not the lowest tuition fees. The uniform policy has been embraced by the parents and their is nothing in any accredidation standards that would discourage the implementation of such a policy. BEST Montessori practice does require freedom of expression and we can effectively accomplish this through our quality fine arts program. PCM does not t have a fully converted Montessori infant program as of yet and will not claim to have one until school is fully accredited as some of the Montessori requirements contradict those required by the State of Texas. However, once the school is accredited, they will be under the IMC requirements not the state. The school offers a hot lunch program and the menu is published on the school's website. The menu is well balanced and the food is prepared on-site. The toddlers have a fresh fruit and produce program and routinely prepare their own snacks in class. I find it very disappointing that anyone would anonymously write such a negative review of such a good school . The tone of the review indicates some self serving purpose and a far stretch from reality.If a child is being fed stale snacks, it is the obligation of the parent to voice concerns and this has never come to our attention. We invite you to come and see best Montessori practice and speak with some of our current familes and some of our alunmi who have gone on the some of the best private schools in the area including Hockaday, Jesuit Prep , Trinity Christian Academy, St. Alcuins, and Westwood Montessori.See what these schools have to say about Pebblecreek. I would also encourage parents who are looking for quality Montessori to contact Tim Seldin at the IMC or the home office of AMS in New York to see what they have to say about PCM.\r \r On a final note, just because a teacher is trained, does not mean it is quality. If you want ""TRUE Montessori"" make sure the teacher has been trained by a MACTE accredited program and completed an internship in an accredited school . Most of the programs offered online and in local colleges are not approved by Montessori organizations and would not be recognized in accredited schools. As you look for Montessori schools also ask how many years the teachers have been teaching and where they got their teaching experience, Come visit is at our beautiful 5 acre campus and judge for yourself! Pebblecreek Montessori is a school of excellence and woud not be so successful if they offered anything less. \r \r Pros: Best value in the area more

Pebblecreek Montessori is one of only 4 Dallas area Montessori schools to be accredited next year (there are 54 within a 25 mile radius) . The school employs top notch teachers and is recognized by AMS (American Montessori Society) and IMC (International Montessori Council) as a school qualified to train Montessori teacher interns. Not only are the teachers trained, they are trainers and the most educated and experienced around. Some of the faculty members are on accreditation boards. Working with children requires a special gift and it is exhausting, but the allegation that the staff is underpaid is unfounded; if they were underpaid, they would leave . Many new schools in the area actively and unethically recruit our staff members because they are the best. The sad reality is, the overall quality of Montessori eduction is this area is poor and PCM employees would not want to associatted with many of the schools seeking them out. Many former employees of Pebblecreek have opened their own schools and try to model what they have learned during their employment . PCM is one of the only schools offering a Montessori elementary program; most of the daycares calling themselves "Montessori" could never and would never be able to offer a full service program. Pebblecreek is a value for the money employing specialists in language therapy, music, art , spanish and physical education. A wise consumer is looking for value, not the lowest tuition fees. The uniform policy has been embraced by the parents and their is nothing in any accredidation standards that would discourage the implementation of such a policy. BEST Montessori practice does require freedom of expression and we can effectively accomplish this through our quality fine arts program. PCM does not t have a fully converted Montessori infant program as of yet and will not claim to have one until school is fully accredited as some of the Montessori requirements contradict those required by the State of Texas. However, once the school is accredited, they will be under the IMC requirements not the state. The school offers a hot lunch program and the menu is published on the school's website. The menu is well balanced and the food is prepared on-site. The toddlers have a fresh fruit and produce program and routinely prepare their own snacks in class. I find it very disappointing that anyone would anonymously write such a negative review of such a good school . The tone of the review indicates some self serving purpose and a far stretch from reality.If a child is being fed stale snacks, it is the obligation of the parent to voice concerns and this has never come to our attention. We invite you to come and see best Montessori practice and speak with some of our current familes and some of our alunmi who have gone on the some of the best private schools in the area including Hockaday, Jesuit Prep , Trinity Christian Academy, St. Alcuins, and Westwood Montessori.See what these schools have to say about Pebblecreek. I would also encourage parents who are looking for quality Montessori to contact Tim Seldin at the IMC or the home office of AMS in New York to see what they have to say about PCM. On a final note, just because a teacher is trained, does not mean it is quality. If you want "TRUE Montessori" make sure the teacher has been trained by a MACTE accredited program and completed an internship in an accredited school . Most of the programs offered online and in local colleges are not approved by Montessori organizations and would not be recognized in accredited schools. As you look for Montessori schools also ask how many years the teachers have been teaching and where they got their teaching experience, Come visit is at our beautiful 5 acre campus and judge for yourself! Pebblecreek Montessori is a school of excellence and woud not be so successful if they offered anything less. Pros: Best value in the area Cons: None more

Where does one begin... This school is beyond disappointing. I'm going to bullet point: -Not all Lead Teachers are Montessori certified. -You are badgered constantly to donate money; to pay for a brand new elementary school. -Extreme lack of communication between administration and parents, as well as administration and teachers. -Outrageous fees for enrollment. -Requirement of uniforms (which is not TRUE Montessori) -I have witnessed a student not permitted to eat lunch with their peers and then required to eat on the floor. -Claim to have a Infant Montessori Program but couldn't be further from the truth. -Teachers seems underpaid an exhausted. -My student is routinely fed stale hard pretzels for snack -Quality of food served for meals is close to that found at McDonalds or worse. Overall this school is a joke. Please do your research and educate yourself what a TRUE Montessori school should be. Unfortunately, I'm out thousands of dollars but hopefully this will save you the heartache and money. Cons: Too Many to List... more

Where does one begin... This school is beyond disappointing. I'm going to bullet point: -Not all Lead Teachers are Montessori certified. -You are badgered constantly to donate money; to pay for a brand new elementary school. -Extreme lack of communication between administration and parents, as well as administration and teachers. -Outrageous fees for enrollment. -Requirement of uniforms (which is not TRUE Montessori) -I have witnessed a student not permitted to eat lunch with their peers and then required to eat on the floor. -Claim to have a Infant Montessori Program but couldn't be further from the truth. -Teachers seems underpaid an exhausted. -My student is routinely fed stale hard pretzels for snack -Quality of food served for meals is close to that found at McDonalds or worse. Overall this school is a joke. Please do your research and educate yourself what a TRUE Montessori school should be. Unfortunately, I'm out thousands of dollars but hopefully this will save you the heartache and money. Cons: Too many to list... more

We send our daughter to PBS 2 years ago.I have noticed teachers are overworked/underpaid?.They are not willing to work out on any issues at all. Has conflict with montessori values within themselves and touch of arrogance everywhere.Fundraising activities goes on and on despite high tuition fees( $2 for popcorn party?) .unnecesary rules and regulation (uniform policy with only ----brand etc etc), tardy notes ( for kids at age of 2?)No field trips,absolutely no direct communication between teacher and parents. Overall I continued the school to avoid uprooting my child till she goes to kindergarten..but will not recommend this one for any kid.. Good luck if you are stuck like me Pros: hot food Cons: money asking, no outdoor activity,poor educational stand more

We send our daughter to PBS 2 years ago.I have noticed teachers are overworked/underpaid?.They are not willing to work out on any issues at all. Has conflict with montessori values within themselves and touch of arrogance everywhere.Fundraising activities goes on and on despite high tuition fees( $2 for popcorn party?) .unnecesary rules and regulation (uniform policy with only ----brand etc etc), tardy notes ( for kids at age of 2?)No field trips,absolutely no direct communication between teacher and parents.\r Overall I continued the school to avoid uprooting my child till she goes to kindergarten..but will not recommend this one for any kid..\r Good luck if you are stuck like me Pros: hot food Cons: money asking, no outdoor activity,poor educational stand more

We recently moved back to the US after a year of having our son attend school in the UK. Honestly, I thought he would do just fine in public school, so we enrolled him in our neighborhood public school, where he remained for one semester of the first grade. Boy, was I wrong! However, rather than tell you everything that went wrong with his public school experience, let me tell you how our situation really turned around once we found Pebblecreek Montessori (PCM). After interviewing numerous private schools, I was convinced that I was on to something very special when I entered PCM. That said, after growing up in the public school system myself, I was a bit apprehensive at first. I was also *very* nervous to put my son through, yet, another change since he does not adapt to change well. I felt as it I had one shot to get it right; I just couldn't bare to put him in another bad situation. I was very concerned that if I didn't 'get it right', his impression of school would be very jaded and he likely would not embrace school, but rather reject school in general, which, of course, no parent wants. Fast forward a few short months: my son is now starting his third month at PCM and *still* tells me weekly how much he loves it and how thankful he is that my husband and I made the switch for him. Within a few short weeks of being at PCM, I felt as if I had gotten my old son back. His confidence has returned, and most importantly, he is happy. He has told me numerous times that the environment is very good for him - challenging, yet still fun. I could honestly go on and on and on.... The school we chose for our son is the single most important factor in his development, in my opinion. While making the decision is a tough one for parents, I encourage you to reach out and call parents whose children currently go there. The school office should be able to provide you with contact information. Best of luck! Pros: My son is taught in a meaningful way, not in a 'one size fits all' manner. Cons: N/A more

We recently moved back to the US after a year of having our son attend school in the UK. Honestly, I thought he would do just fine in public school, so we enrolled him in our neighborhood public school, where he remained for one semester of the first grade. Boy, was I wrong! However, rather than tell you everything that went wrong with his public school experience, let me tell you how our situation really turned around once we found Pebblecreek Montessori (PCM). \r After interviewing numerous private schools, I was convinced that I was on to something very special when I entered PCM. That said, after growing up in the public school system myself, I was a bit apprehensive at first. I was also *very* nervous to put my son through, yet, another change since he does not adapt to change well. I felt as it I had one shot to get it right; I just couldn't bare to put him in another bad situation. I was very concerned that if I didn't 'get it right', his impression of school would be very jaded and he likely would not embrace school, but rather reject school in general, which, of course, no parent wants.\r Fast forward a few short months: my son is now starting his third month at PCM and *still* tells me weekly how much he loves it and how thankful he is that my husband and I made the switch for him. Within a few short weeks of being at PCM, I felt as if I had gotten my old son back. His confidence has returned, and most importantly, he is happy. He has told me numerous times that the environment is very good for him - challenging, yet still fun. I could honestly go on and on and on....\r The school we chose for our son is the single most important factor in his development, in my opinion. While making the decision is a tough one for parents, I encourage you to reach out and call parents whose children currently go there. The school office should be able to provide you with contact information.\r Best of luck!\r Pros: My son is taught in a meaningful way, not in a 'one size fits all' manner. Cons: N/A more

Overall, our experience at Pebblecreek Montessori has been very good. There have been issues from time to time with some teachers, but no more than any other school. Most are very willing to work out any issues with the parents and children. Though I will admit, at times, that I have felt judged or ""looked down upon"" when my children misbehaved. \r \r My biggest complaint is that the school administration constantly badgers parents to attend fundraisers and other activities. I am not talking just talking about a childrens play or something. I am talking golf tournaments, formal dinners, auctions, parent training classes, etc. \r \r I understand their desire to create a community around the school. However, we have older kids in public school, sports activities, church activities, civic activities, etc. Our time and financial resources are already so limited. We shouldn't be made to feel guilty that we cannot give more than I already do. However, that is exactly the tone of some of the emails that we receive from them. We already sacrifice to give a large pct of our money to the school for tuition. I wish they showed more respect for that. We want our children to have the best start possible in preschool, and that is why we have them in Montessori. Still, it is just preschool, and we have to have some perspective. \r \r I know they are trying to build the elementary program and a new building. It seems to me that they are asking the primary parents to fund the elementary programs that most will not attend. Other than constant badgering for money and fund raising, for the educational experience taken alone, the school is recommended. Pros: Great teachers, great educational and learning experiences, extra-curricular activities Cons: Expensive, Constant requests for additional money, Slightly arrogant more

Overall, our experience at Pebblecreek Montessori has been very good. There have been issues from time to time with some teachers, but no more than any other school. Most are very willing to work out any issues with the parents and children. Though I will admit, at times, that I have felt judged or "looked down upon" when my children misbehaved. My biggest complaint is that the school administration constantly badgers parents to attend fundraisers and other activities. I am not talking just talking about a childrens play or something. I am talking golf tournaments, formal dinners, auctions, parent training classes, etc. I understand their desire to create a community around the school. However, we have older kids in public school, sports activities, church activities, civic activities, etc. Our time and financial resources are already so limited. We shouldn't be made to feel guilty that we cannot give more than I already do. However, that is exactly the tone of some of the emails that we receive from them. We already sacrifice to give a large pct of our money to the school for tuition. I wish they showed more respect for that. We want our children to have the best start possible in preschool, and that is why we have them in Montessori. Still, it is just preschool, and we have to have some perspective. I know they are trying to build the elementary program and a new building. It seems to me that they are asking the primary parents to fund the elementary programs that most will not attend. Other than constant badgering for money and fund raising, for the educational experience taken alone, the school is recommended. Pros: Great teachers, great educational and learning experiences, extra-curricular activities Cons: Expensive, Constant requests for additional money, Slightly arrogant more

My son started at Pebblecreek just after his third birthday, his first experience outside the home. The teachers, or Guides, were very loving and caring with my boy as he transitioned into the classroom. I have been touched by how gentle, respectful, and kind his classmates have been toward him. There have been no behavioral issues among his peers, which has allowed him to LEARN!! During the past year, my son has grown emotionally, socially and academically. I have made an effort to be involved at the school, and believe that increased parent involvement and community will be the key to on-going success and growth for the school as a whole. Pros: Great teachers, value, and overall environment for learning Cons: Need additional parent involvement more

My son started at Pebblecreek just after his third birthday, his first experience outside the home. The teachers, or Guides, were very loving and caring with my boy as he transitioned into the classroom. I have been touched by how gentle, respectful, and kind his classmates have been toward him. There have been no behavioral issues among his peers, which has allowed him to LEARN!! During the past year, my son has grown emotionally, socially and academically. I have made an effort to be involved at the school, and believe that increased parent involvement and community will be the key to on-going success and growth for the school as a whole. Pros: Great teachers, value, and overall environment for learning Cons: Need additional parent involvement more

I am very pleased with PCM. This is the first year my daughter has attended and she has done well! The school is very true to the Montessori methods. The school understands its purpose and its mission and stays true to it. The teachers are very nurturing and caring. The place has a family atmosphere. Everyone knows my daughter's name, even those people who are not her specific teachers. We receive regular communication from the school and/or our daughter's room parent. The most important testament to me is that my daughter loves going to school. One area that the school could work on is better planning on events, meetings, etc. Dates regularly change for meetings and events, some because of unforeseen events, such as weather issues. It is difficult for us 2 family working parent households to adjust our schedules so quickly. In addition, some events have seemed to have been thrown together at the last minute with requests for donations and/or parent involvement within a day or two of the event. We want to be involved parents, and more upfront planning and communication would be great in helping us meet that goal. more

I am very pleased with PCM. This is the first year my daughter has attended and she has done well! The school is very true to the Montessori methods. The school understands its purpose and its mission and stays true to it. The teachers are very nurturing and caring. The place has a family atmosphere. Everyone knows my daughter's name, even those people who are not her specific teachers. We receive regular communication from the school and/or our daughter's room parent. The most important testament to me is that my daughter loves going to school. \r \r One area that the school could work on is better planning on events, meetings, etc. Dates regularly change for meetings and events, some because of unforeseen events, such as weather issues. It is difficult for us 2 family working parent households to adjust our schedules so quickly. In addition, some events have seemed to have been thrown together at the last minute with requests for donations and/or parent involvement within a day or two of the event. We want to be involved parents, and more upfront planning and communication would be great in helping us meet that goal. more