Children's Harbor Montessori School

Unfortunately, my experience couldn't go any further than a phone conversation with the secretary. She was rude and unwelcoming when I called to see if I could meet someone to speak about enrolling 2 kids full time. She asked me who I am and said "they're sort of in a meeting now," without even introducing herself. I'm deterred from placing them now and wouldn't refer this place if she is representing the staff. Either she needs more training or the school needs a new receptionist. What's happening to customer service? No one seems to care about potential business anymore. I was looking forward to a positive experience for my kids and am disappointed.
May 29th, 2021

Jul 9th, 2018

Apr 17th, 2018

We love CHMS! Staff and teachers are like a second family. Teachers are warm and loving and genuinely care about the development of each child.
Nov 8th, 2017

Children's Harbor Montessori School is a phenomenal school! I could not be happier with my daughter's progress throughout this school year, not only with regard to academics, but also her socialization skills, self-confidence, artistic expression, and her overall motivation to learn. The school environment is unbelievably welcoming to both students and parents and we both felt at home there immediately. Parents are invited into the classroom (for entire class sessions!) regularly to share the school full experience with their children--there is absolutely nothing to hide at CHMS! The entire school is immaculate and gorgeous--classrooms are spacious with tons of natural light streaming in and they feature the children's artwork everywhere you turn. Also, the children have weekly yoga and music classes in addition to art! The teachers at Children's Harbor are all Montessori trained and go the extra mile on a daily basis; they do a wonderful job creating a child-centered atmosphere that really makes students look forward to each school day (even my daughter who was not at all the type to want to go to school in her two years of preschool before attending CHMS), and they individualize the work so that each child moves at his/her own pace and on the appropriate level. The students learn through play--just the way they should at this age. I truly feel that this makes the children really soar! My daughter's teacher takes her personality into account when working with her and this makes all the difference. My daughter didn't have much of an interest in letters at the start of the school year, but now she has mastered them and is reading and writing beautifully. I'm astounded! I really can't believe that she is getting a true Montessori education for FREE because they offer UPK (now known as "Pre-K for all"). I am a teacher and have taught UPK at both private and public schools and have worked at a local college as a supervisor of early childhood student teachers in many different pre-k classrooms. These experiences have allowed me the unique opportunity to gain an insider's perspective on pre-k, and I can honestly say from experience that Children's Harbor really stands out among Staten Island preschools. It's a bit of a drive for us, but I don't mind it all all because I am so confident that my daughter is getting the best pre-k education possible and that this experience will have long-term positive effects on her attitude toward education. Children's Harbor Montessori School is a true gem!
May 10th, 2015