Cedar Tree Montessori, Prescott | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

It is with disappointment and dismay that I write this review related to the Cedartree Montessori School. My children attended Cedartree for almost two years. Although many experiences have been positive, Spanish lessons with Miss Laurie, field trips to the Library and McKinley Field, growing potatoes in “germ jars” and the other things my children have enjoyed, the overall experience has not been satisfactory.

My older child is an easy child. He thrives on structure and easily plays with others, shares and is generally shy and good-natured. He now attends public school and is doing very well. His brother, on the other hand is rambunctious, physical and head-strong. Both are good boys and know right from wrong.

Lately, my younger child hasn’t wanted to go to school. When I pick him up, there is often a note describing bad behavior. There never seems to be a situation involving others in the wrong-doing, just him. It is clear to me that discipline and structure are lacking at Cedartree.

When I picked my son up today, I was told he was “dis-enrolled” and could not return. Miss Debbie told me he was a “bad” child. It is disturbing that a professional would not distinguish between behavior and the individual. If he misbehaved, his actions were bad, but “he” is not bad. Shame on Miss Debbie for not understanding that very important distinction.

Miss Debbie yelled in front of my son about how bad he was. She claimed my parenting was in question, and made it clear that she wants him out of the school. She told me that she and the other parents and teachers wanted him “gone”. What happened to the responsibility of schools to help build character in children. Where are the adults in this situation?

It is with relief that I leave Cedartree Montessori behind. The behavior of Miss Debbie is anything but professional. I have doubts about the ability of the teachers to manage the children. My son is a very good boy. That doesn’t mean he is shy, quiet and unassuming like his brother. He needs structure, gentle guidance and consequences. The only consequence he seemed to receive at Cedartree was banishment to an isolation room.

I have learned that parenting is one of the greatest challenges God gives us. It is also one of the most rewarding. As we left Cedartree today, my son ran to give one of his teachers a hug, saying “good-bye, see you tomorrow”.

Well, we won’t be seeing you tomorrow Cedartree, and good riddance!

Ellens post is the same one that Liz wrote for other sites…. There is a whole history of why we ended the enrollment of Liz’s son. When parents choose to ignore, blame or find excuses for very bad behavior at our preschool, terminating enrollment is usually the end result. After requesting a meeting to discuss the progression of worsening behavior – 3 families reported that their children were afraid to come to school because of her son – and the cancellation of the parent-teacher conference this week, we felt we would not get any parent participation and removed him from our program. We know they would most likely post terrible reviews but we will not be intimidated. All negative posts have been written by those removed from our program. Our families need to know that we will do whatever it takes to keep their children safe, happy and eager to learn. Debbie McMillan owner of Cedar Tree Montessori

Wow. I am a trained Montessori teacher just enquiring about opportunities in the area. I called cedar tree, and a man named Dave picked up. I introduced myself politely asking about employment opportunities there, and the response, word for word, “We’re not interested. Goodbye!” And just hung up in my ear.
Now, I don’t usually write reviews, but I needed to do this one to save the authenticity of Maria Montessori’s teachings! We teach the children to be contributing citizens of the world. This includes teaching the children manners. Mr. Dave, you need to be careful of how you treat people and how you talk to people. If you work at this facility, I would expect you to uphold what Maria created. I’m guessing there are staff members who ARE authentic Montessori teachers there. I urge you to make sure the phone is answered by one who believes in the method and is courteous and kind. Best of luck.