Pinewoods Montessori School

Pinewoods Montessori is such an extraordinary school. My husband and I could not be happier with the program. In fact, Pinewoods has exceeded all of our expectations, which admittedly were quite high. We, like many first-time parents, fretted over the decision of where to send our child to school. After trying two different Parents' Morning Out programs and being disappointed in both, we decided to pursue Pinewoods after hearing exceptional feedback from a friend. Our son started in the 3-day toddler class last winter and loved it so much that we quickly transitioned to the 5-day program. He continues to thrive in the Pinewoods' environment. \r \r His teacher is a remarkable person who seems to have a special gift of connecting with her students. I have observed her in action and am continually amazed by her talents. She is kind, patient and fair. She has a strong work ethic that I admire, and she provides a safe and stimulating environment for the children to explore and learn. As a parent who highly values a good education, I am impressed with how much our toddler has learned at school. \r \r Initially, I admit to being concerned about a couple negative online reviews. I have since learned that those reviews were posted several years ago when a different administration was in effect. I cannot speak to any prior administration, but I can say from first-hand experience that the current administration is top-notch. I have no current concerns. \r \r Also, I was originally unsure about the school's policy regarding morning drop-off. For toddlers, the teacher comes to your car and takes the child to his/her classroom, instead of the parent walking the child inside and dropping him/her off in the classroom. After seeing this policy in action, I can say that it is a brilliant one. This approach decreased our child's separation anxiety, perhaps because he didn't perceive me as ""leaving"" him, but rather he was ""leaving"" me. Whatever the reason, this approach works well.\r \r In summary, I highly recommend Pinewoods Montessori. We feel fortunate to be part of its community. Choosing this school was the right decision for our family. more

When your child is excited for Monday and bummed that it's the weekend, you know that something really great is going on at his school. We have three children at Pinewoods. Our oldest has been at Pinewoods for 4 years and in that time he has blossomed with the nurturing attention from his teachers. His younger siblings are now enrolled and though they are very different from him they are showing the same response. more

I can't say enough great things about Pinewoods. Our children have been there for 3 years and 1 year, and have absolutely thrived. Don't be turned off by some of the bad reviews from a few years ago - there was a lot of drama, but that chapter is long since over. Your owe it to your child to take a look at this school - the teachers are fantastic and caring, the environment is extremely supportive and nurturing, the board is attentive and committed to the long term success of the school, the parents are involved. Our kids have gained confidence and learned a tremendous amount in their time there. And on top of everything else, the school is a tremendous value for a true Montessori education. We could not be happier with our experiences at Pinewoods. more

Pinewoods Montessori has always been a terrific school. Our family had been so happy here and our children have learned so much, not just academics, but how to treat people in a kind way. The parent board, that ""bought ""the school from the founder, is destroying that peaceful vision in action. Pros: School with a great history Cons: Being destroyed by parent board more

My daughter joined pinewoods when she was 18 months and is just now turning 3. We feel like part of a warm community, with teachers dedicated to her well-being and education. They are helping her to become a really neat person! more

Our family can highly recommend Pinewoods Montessori School. Our teachers are fantastic- caring, dedicated, and always ready with a smile. Our child is so happy and learning so very much. In fact, we just completed our parent-teacher conferences and are even more impressed by what our son is being exposed to and the level of professionalism from the teachers. more

It is so discouraging to see that the newer so called montessori school in our area has to sell itself by berating an outstanding school like PINEWOODS MONTESSORI. Since 1992, this school has offered a excellent education to pre schoolers as well as elementary students. All of the faculty are college educated, most have master's degrees (the director at the other ""montessori"" school doesn't even have a college degree!) and all have at least 5 years of teaching experience. Our director has always been fair, respectful, and had the best interests of the children at the heart of every decision. Pros: outstanding! more

We are very, very pleased at Pinewoods Montessori School. Our son has made wonderful friends, is learning at an amazing rate, and looks forward to going to school every day. We have enjoyed all the opportunities for us to be involved in the school as well. Pros: incredible education and community of families more

This is just a wonderful school. Since 1992, it has offered the best in authentic Montessori education to the Hillsborough area. The dedicated staff of teachers, most of whom have advanced degrees in addition to Montessori certification, are committed to maintaining a peaceful, respectful, and safe school for our children. And the children always come first in every consideration. As parents, we have been delighted with the regular information about our child, the parent education classes, and the opportunities to volunteer. Pros: Outstanding group of teachers and staff. Great parent involvement. more

Kids are treated differently according to teacher personal preferences. The only rule is that you pay the tuition and follow the directors ever changing rules. Last year even the police was called to the school, during class time, because of a discussion between the director and parents!!! Pros: new building Cons: director more