JD
Jonathon Daughtry
Jul 29, 2025
I truly wish I could rate this school higher. I believe deeply in the Montessori philosophy and the transformative benefits it offers young minds. Unfortunately, Montessori Academy does not reflect the core principles or professionalism one would expect, starting with its tuition structure.
The cost of tuition is based on the assumption that all staff working with students are Montessori-educated. In reality, only the “lead teachers” hold Montessori certifications—and they are absent during summer months. During this time, classrooms are led by uncertified “assistant teachers,” yet tuition remains the same. This is misleading at best.
Beyond staffing concerns, the work environment appears riddled with dysfunction. On more than one occasion while picking up my stepdaughter, I personally overheard condescending and inappropriate comments made by the “assistant principal” toward other staff members remarks made in front of both children and parents. While workplace tension can happen, airing grievances in front of paying families is unprofessional and emotionally immature.
Worse still, attempts to address concerns with senior leadership at Spring Education Group were met with silence. Multiple messages went unanswered—even after we received our child’s belongings in a black trash bag soaked in feces. It’s something you might expect from a disorganized daycare, not a premium-priced private school claiming to offer a superior educational model.
We also received “write-ups” about our child’s behavior that were completely out of character compared to her demeanor in every other setting at home, other programs, or with family. She is not perfect, but she is thoughtful, respectful, and responsive. Naturally, this raised concerns: If the behavior of senior staff in front of parents is so unprofessional, what kind of conduct is being modeled to children during the day?
This school has lost our trust and our business. From what I’ve seen, there is a lack of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and basic accountability from leadership. Major changes need to happen if Montessori Academy hopes to rebuild its reputation and earn back the confidence of families.
And for those wondering why their Eagle campus is closing and being merged into the Meridian location, they’ll tell you it’s because they “never recovered from COVID.” But maybe the truth is harder to admit: this school never had the leadership, discipline, or integrity needed to uphold the Montessori model—or to justify the high tuition they charge.