This is my son’s third year at Oneonta. His teachers have been wonderful and warm, and we’ve been amazed at how much he’s learning. He’s not yet 5 and knows how to read. He can do addition and subtraction. And we’ve always appreciated most of all how safe and supportive the environment is. It’s a well-run school with professionally trained and caring teachers, solid administrators, and well-kept grounds. Teachers use ClassDojo to update parents as a group and individually, and have always been responsive to concerns or inquiries. As much as we miss him during the day, it’s some comfort to know he’s well taken care of here, and learning more–socially and otherwise–than we could teach him on our own!
Thank you Oneonta
Mary E.
Our Daughter has been attending Oneonta for a little under a year now. As first time parents, many can relate with the nerve wrecking emotions that result from the thought of sending your first child to school. I confidently say, that Oneonta has been a wonderful addition to our lives. Ms. Karen and Ms. Cindy are patient, nurturing, fun and most importantly loving with the children. It is equally exciting to see how the other teachers (outside of my daughters class) also know our little one by name. This goes to show the partnership that the staff maintains at the school. I have always been a firm believer in focusing on a child’s reaction or enthusiasm when taking them to their caregiver (in this case, school); based on this, our little one is excited to go to school, and very easily elaborates on what she did and how her day went. As mentioned in previous reviews, there is active and clear communication between parent/s and teacher/s so you’re in the know of what your little one is doing in school. Separately- their bilingual focus is awesome! We teach our little one Spanish at home and have been ecstatic to know that she is also taught mandarin (along with Spanish) at school. Overall, Oneonta fit our needs and has been a joy to be with. Not to fail to mention that Ms. Fiona and Ms. Cristina are always a pleasure to work with as well. Thank you Oneonta!
We love this school
A W.
We love this school, especially Ms. Audrey in the Butterflies class. We enrolled our son last summer after having a poor experience with another neighborhood “montessori.” This school checked all the boxes – experienced teachers, very low turnover of staff, true montessori learning, shaded outdoor space, great playground, and a non-chaotic after-school/daycare. When we first started, Ms. Audrey would send me messages and pictures almost everyday through their Dojo app, so I knew exactly how he was doing. If he had an issue at school that day, Ms. Audrey (a grandmother herself) would offer very specific concrete advice on how we could be consistent at home. Praising him when he made a turn-around to good behavior, and talking about the not-so-good, but totally normal, 4 year old behavior. He has grown leaps and bounds. He is now 4.5 years old, and excelling in all areas, including math and reading. Ms. Audrey, and her helpers Ms. Teresa and Ms. Alondra, are so caring. My son is what you might call high energy and too smart for his own good sometimes, but Ms. Audrey knows just how to focus him on the tasks at hand. He has become a leader in the class and just loves going to school everyday. This weekend he is collecting all the Dr. Seuss books in the house and reading them himself!
At our old school drop-off and pick-up was so chaotic. But here, I have never seen the kids without an activity to focus their energy. In the morning, the kids are working quietly with legos, and in the evening they are sitting in a circle reading stories or playing bingo. I love how Ms. Audrey gets everyone to focus at circle time, by giving each child a chance to skip around the circle to music! They are always learning something new, with the classroom changing every month to a new topic. The kids always have their picture on the walls, with every changing theme. My only regret with this school, is that we didn’t find them sooner! I plan to send my second child as soon as he turns 2.
We will be sending our son to our local public school for kindergarten, our plan all along. Ms. Audrey’s response was perfect — she was sad to learn he’ll be leaving, but will spend the summer making sure he is prepared. She thinks he will excel in kindergarten.
I have read the 1 and 2 star reviews, and I can honestly say it seems like they weren’t at the same school. Front office staff is knowledgeable and polite, and knows just how to handle a child that has tested the limits in his class that day. My son has been sent to the front office a couple times, and they call me so we can have a conversation together. Afterwards my son always turns it around and has a great rest of the day. I’ve even had the grandparents pop in for a surprise pick-up, and they have never seen anything problematic. They are also responsive by email in regards to any billing questions, including providing receipts for tax deductions etc.
Love this school
Mike E.
Love this school. My daughter has been attending for one year. We enrolled her at the age of 2, she’s now 3. She is in the lady bugs class with Ms. Karen and Mrs. Cindy. I’m so thankful to have those intellectual women teaching my daughter about the Montessori methods. The teacher keep you informed on what your child learns on a daily basis. If your looking for a Montessori school I recommend this school.
The staff was friendly
I came here to seek preschool for my toddler. It was one of the nicest in the area, in that it was clean and didn’t smell. The staff was friendly and gave detailed information about enrollment, etc.
~Nanette L.
Wonderful beginning for our daughters
Name: Angela B.
Our oldest daughter has attended Little Acorn Montessori Academy for over three years. She started in the toddler room and is now in the pre-k/kindergarten room with Ms. Edina. She has blossomed so much since beginning at Little Acorn. She is independent, confident, social, academically strong and cares for herself and others.
Our younger daughter has attended the school for over a year now. She started in the infant room, moved to the walker side of the room when she turned one. She is currently transitioning to the pre-primary room. The transition has gone smoothly, the teachers showing care and reporting to us daily how the day went.
Teachers: All the teachers, assistants, and staff love and care for the students. I am amazed with the new and exciting things my daughter has learned. Infant and Walker teachers have such patience with the babies. Both daughters learned how to feed themselves, began using words, and how to share. Not to mention the most adorable art projects ever! It is amazing what can be made with an infant’s hands and feet! My oldest daughter continued learning her ABC’s, numbers, shapes, and continents with Ms. Syeda. She was coming home singing songs about the seven continents. Ms. Syeda also encouraged potty training, which was a huge help. Ms. Tiara, her primary teacher, (sadly she isn’t there anymore) taught her how to read! Ms. Edina is continuing to teach her comprehension and expanding my daughter’s growth. Teachers give students jobs based on individuality. There are weekly extracurricular programs including Spanish, cooking, computers, art and music. There are also outside programs brought into the school for an extra fee. My daughter is participating in a dance class and loves it! Ms. Susie and Ms. Wendy, administrators, listen to parent needs. They call when you have a sick child. There is a monthly curriculum posted in the classrooms and posted online.
The school: The school is divided into sections based on the student age. All classes are clean, just right size furniture, labeled areas and organized with hands-on manipulatives. The infant/walkers have their own classroom and playground. All other students play outside on a big playground. There are tricycles with a bike path, jungle gym, wall climbing structure, balance beams, artificial turf area, garden, small sand area, chalkboard and picnic tables that are shaded. A generous and healthy lunch menu is offered at an additional price.
We are so proud of the little humans we are raising and feel fortunate they are both receiving a terrific education in a safe and loving environment! Little Acorn Montessori has been a wonderful beginning as our daughters discover a love of learning!