Oneonta Montessori School in Burbank, California

“My daughter is in her 7th year at Oneonta. The teachers are encouraging. The materials are challenging. She is definately testing at a higher level than other children of California. I love the leadership skills that she has developed while attending. She is good in all subjects and is strong in English. I wish the school had a PTA, but otherwise, I would recommend the school as a good institution. To those challening the Pre-school, the education and montessori jobs resulted in a good understanding of materials and enhanced coordination. My child had nothing but a positive experience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Is Oneonta perfect? Of course not. But for letting our child flower and develop at her own pace, it s been a great 6 years. Academically they can be advanced-our kids statement at age 7 to my uncle that my hypothesis about that is about knocked him off his chair! She constantly amazes my mom and coworkers-in a state high school for the gifted! But more importantly they stress citizenship, multiculturalism, and getting along. I once asked who are the mean kids? -she couldn t think of any!!! That alone is worth the tuition. Homework is weekly and not excessive (unless left to the last minute). Students SHOULD perform above grade level since education in America is far below the ability which young minds have for absorption. Hey, there s no reason they can t be making doing presentations and talent shows from pre-school, it s great training for life, and they do fine.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“i dislike this schoolo very much. My child is much more advanced than their program. It is very unorganized and the teachers tend to pick favorites.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I also have 2 children attending Oneonta Montessori and I continue to be very pleased with the teacher/child interaction expressed by this school. My children are learning in leaps and bounds in what i find to be a positive and warm environment. My family is currently experiencing a rough economic patch; and I was exteremly touched by the sensitivity and compassion extended by the School Director and Administrative staff in light of our situation. It feels like a family as you walk the halls and both teachers and happy children greet you and eachother. Coming from a disasterous previous school I feel blessed my children are able to to continue their academia as well as their positive social enrichment here at Oneonta- Go Oneonta!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I read the negative comments and I wonder if they are talking about this school as they appear to be way off base. My son has been attending this school for a little over a year and we are very happy. The administration and all of the teachers are very friendly and attentive to our needs. As we are very involved and speak to many parents, we have heard concerns from few parents but their issues appear to be insignificant in my opinion. I wonder if they would be happy with any school their child attends.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very dissapointed in this school. Administration is horrible they dont listen to your concerns nor do they care about students well being. Theyre concerns are running a good business not a a good school. Dissaopointed with my childs regressions and overall negative experience with school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have 2 children who currently attend Oneonta. I am extremely pleased with the care and service given to my children as well as to us parents. My family went through a rough period and I was very touched by the warmth and generosity extended to us by the staff and the director. I highly recommend Oneonta. The happy atmosphere and the staff and child relationship is outstanding. Keep it up Oneonta!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think Oneonta is a great school, I have recommended it over and over again. The staff is friendly and caring. The curriculum is challenging and individualized, there is definately no child left behind. Field trips have always been a highlight for my children especially in the summer! As a parent I am most impressed by the personal relationships nurtured at the school. The Director has an open door policy and demonstrates an openess to change if it is in the best interest of the children. I have always been able to speak to her regarding my children as well as ideas that I thought might make a difference. There were times when I thought my children were being challenged beyond their ability only to be surprised by their enthusiasm and pride as they achieved the goals that they themselves had a part in making!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very annoyed by the negative reviews. My children have been attending Oneonta for the past 6 years and my husband and I are extremely happy with the school. My children started in the preschool classrooms and are now in the elementary grades. They do get homework, however, it is not due until the following week thereby allowing our children to particpate in extracurricular activities after school and not be pressured to turn in daily homework. My children use their time wisely; alloting days and times they do not have activities to complete it. Thanks for this schedule. The director has always listened to our concerns, sometimes even changing school policy if she felt it would make a difference. One of the main reasons we chose Oneonta is because of the ethnic diversity. I suggest new parents take a tour!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has been attending this school for about four years now and enjoys it very much. It challenges her and the children are taught to respect one another. As for parent-teacher conferences, I've never had a teacher not show up.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There is no parent/teachers/administration involvement. The Administration ignores parents suggestions. The assistant principal is rude. I wouldn't recommend this school at all. Some teachers are very nice and sweet with the kids others are there to earn a paycheck. The field trip to Bolsa Chica Beach is not appropriate for Pre-K children. The eat their lunches under the sun and some teacheers/TA provide assistance to the children in opening their lunches or using the child's towel to sit on other teachers/TA dont' care about the children. The children don't have enough liquids during field trips as the school doesn't allow children to bring cash or water bottles. Some lucky children have some teachers/parents use their own money to buy the kids drinks. The school provides unhealthy snacks, such as Ritz crackers and fruit punch.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very unhappy with the experience..staff members are not all friendly. The woman who gave us a tour of the school and takes the money had a very dry personality and seemed to care more about the payment than anything else. We took our daughter for her first day and the supervision was awful! Two women who were supposed to be supervising, were more interested in catching up on gossip. We took our daughter immediately out and didn't get our deposit. But the way we see it, it was money well spent.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We're not very happy with the pre-school experience. Her teacher was not encouraging and her development actually went backwards. (We had sent her to a different school further away before, so could compare). Teachers did not show up for P/T conferences, and the administration did not address our needs to help our daughter catch up to prepare for kindergarten. Overall, just over priced babysitters.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is truly not a Montessori school. If your child has special issues or even just a childhood problem, the staff is not equipped to handle. However, the teachers are generally very caring and the students do receive a balanced education. There are many worksheets provided which is not instruction instead it is work passed out. If your child can handle this type of work and you as a parent are willing to help with the work, they will probably do ok at this school.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“This is a good school for children who can handle the homwork load anad the push to perform at least 1 year above grade level.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school provided advanced homework and expects the children to work at an advanced, independent pace. This obviously is used to attract parents to the school. Unfortunately, the instructors prefer to continue at an advance pace, rather than to encourage students to work on their basics. Resulting in the child moving on to another level of a subject without actually aquiring a complete understanding.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great teachers. My son has attended this school for several years and it's been great. The only negative issue is the Director, but the teachers work hard and love the children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our daughter has attended Oneonta Montessori since she was 3 years old. The quality of the education she has received has been exceptional. The curriculum constantly challenges the students and amazes the parents. This past week our daughter's class was exposed to the dissection of a fetal pig - at 7 years old! She came home raving about how interesting the experience was. There is also a poetry contest, a spelling bee, and a science fair each year. We highly recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.