Montessori Day School of Brooklyn
- Prospect Heights
237 Park Place, Brooklyn 11238, NY
See Map | Get Directions - www.montessoridayschool.org
Categories
Description
Age range of kids
8 months to 6 years
Number of kids (kids per class)
102 children
Reviews (50)
Review from the 2023 Summer Camp Survey
Location: 237 Park Place Brooklyn, NY 11238 How old was your child when they attended camp this summer? 3 Review: I think he loved having enrichments everyday. They did soccer, gardening, water play, music, and dance class once a week. It is only open for alumni or current students of the main preschool program. Teachers could change about every 2 weeks because of various vacations I assume, but it helped my child learn to adapt a little more. Also they were very accomodating with his summer IEP plan and he was able to have a SIET and speech therapy at school. Also they were completly fine that he wasn't potty-trained yet. What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? I would love if it was a bit longer than 6 weeks. It's also pricey but it's the price you pay for having wonderful teachers who really care, because they can make a living wage.Review from the Spring 2023 Early Education Survey
Review: This is an incredibly well run school that felt like joining a community instead of just a school. Teachers and administrators care deeply about the kids and the growth we experienced with our son throughout the year was tremendous. Amenities: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options, Has early morning hoursMontessori daycare in park slope, prospect heights or crown heights
Montessori Day School in Prospect Heights in amazing (Vanderbilt / Park). But your child needs to be 2 years old.Open House and MDS feedback
Another very happy MDS family. The teachers are amazing, they spend a lot of time outside, and their aftercare program is wonderful.Open House and MDS feedback
We loved MDS. Our 2 kids went there and the teachers are amazing. Highly recommend!!Mid-year enrollment for going-on-4-year-old (Montessori? Other?)
I would also check out Montessori day school in prospect heights. We walked from center slope and it was fine. And it was reasonably priced.Review from the Fall 2021 Early Childhood Education Survey
Type of facility: ages 2-5 Review: We love MDS for the teachers, the curriculum, the adorable school building, and mostly for how much our child loves attending. She is in our third year there so yes, we are repeat customers :) They allow children to develop into happy independent thinkers. They also bringing teachers for movement, music, gardening and animal education and each one is very passionate about their area of focus and an expert at having the children engage. We love any opportunity to hear the school music teacher Mr. Huw perform! What amenities does the facility provide? Has outdoor space, Has after-school options Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? Masks required and lots of hand washing. More importantly, they explain to the children in age-appropriate ways the importance of these practices.Review from the Fall 2021 Early Childhood Education Survey
Type of facility: Preschool Review: Very nice school, with kind, loving teachers. My son joined during the pandemic (sep 2020) and it was such a nurturing environment, and he really developed a lot there in terms of his social development. What amenities does the facility provide? Has outdoor space, Has after-school options What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? I wish there was a chance for more interaction with teachers and other parents; this was severely limited due to the pandemic. Is there anything you would like to add about how the school handled the pandemic? They were very safety conscious- at first they required that everyone change clothes when they arrived at school (this was later dropped), narrow drop off/pickup times to keep the area from getting crowded, masks and hand washing, no mixing between classes, and testing requirements after illness or travel. All of this kept the kids safe and healthy - there were a few classroom closures (my son’s classroom was spared!), and the whole school never had to shut down.Review from the 2019–2020 Daycare, Preschool, Pre-K, and K Survey
Review: Amazing program, great teachers, our kids love to go to school at MDS. Our kids became independent and are learning a lot. Amenities offered: Has outdoor space, Has after-school options What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? nothingAllergy friendly preschool recommendations?
I second the Montessori Day School (MDS) recommendation. :) They took allergies very seriously and we never had to worry!Allergy friendly preschool recommendations?
My boys both went to Montessori Day School of Brooklyn (MDS) in Prospect Heights - they are WONDERFUL about allergy safety!Montessori Day School Feedback
We sent our son to MDS last school year. We decided to pull him out for this current year due to immunocompromised family members, but once vaccines are in place for our family we plan to send our younger child there. Staff and teachers are wonderful and I have nothing but good things to say about them. My son is an Oct baby so he was one of the youngest in his class and needed a little extra attention to help him acclimate to the classroom setting and schedule. Teachers were exceptionally warm and communicative and he thrived there. He often asks about when he can go back to school and we still keep in touch with his teachers. We also loved how the montessori method really encouraged his independence - our son was great at self play before but continues to be able to do this happily thanks to MDS. I'll say that the logistics for pickup/dropoff are not optimal as they have VERY little space for stroller storage and a very small awning for when it rains. This was particularly challenging for us as our son has a younger sister, so having to go upstairs to the classroom for pickup with another small child in tow and nowhere to safely leave a double stroller is tough, but it is a known issue for MDS staff. It was never an issue as other caregivers or MDS employee would offer to watch the stroller, but it was admittedly a bit of a pain. It was a tradeoff we were very happy to make and I suspect now with COVID protocols of staggered pickup and drop off times that this may actually be less of an issue now, but I can't say for sure. Anyway if we were to do it again we would happily send my kids to MDS. They also have a lot of happy alum and have been around for a long time, so they have connections with many of the neighborhood schools as well for when it's time to move on and held parent alum info sessions to help current parents with their decisions which we found helpful given post-preschool school decisions are so overwhelming!Montessori Day School Feedback
Our son started school this fall (turned 2 the day before school started). Was torn to send him or wait out the year because of covid. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a parent. Amazing teachers, great community and he’s developed so much.Montessori Day School Feedback
It’s an incredible place - our older daughter is in her 3rd year there and we love it.2s Programs recommendation
We love the Montessori school (corner Park Place/Vanderbilt). Our kids went there since they were 2 yrs old. The teachers are amazing and our kids thrived.2s Programs recommendation
Montessori day school is right on the edge of both those neighborhoods and we loved it there!Prek options still accepting applications?
We’re enrolled for Pre-K at MDS, where our daughter has been going for 2 years, for the fall. We absolutely love the school and I’m happy to answer any questions! They are currently accepting applications: https://www.montessoridayschool.org/2s program for the fall?
Our daughter is in her second year at Montessori Day School of Brooklyn and we have a special place in our hearts for their 2’s program. The students start as babies and finish as little people, curious about the world around them and very very happy.2s program for the fall?
We're big fans of MDS (the Montessori Day School of Brooklyn) on Vanderbilt/Park, and both of our kids had a wonderful experience in their 2s program. As it turns out, the school has a post-deadline application that you can fill out for the next school year -- you can find those details here: https://www.montessoridayschool.org/to-apply2s program for the fall?
We love the Montessori school on Park Place/Vanderbilt. Enrollment is open now. The teachers are amazing and our kids love going to schoolWelcome to the NEW 2018 Kids Group!
E. and her older brother (4.5 years old) both attend the Montessori Day School of Brooklyn in Prospect Heights full-time (8:30-3, 5 days/week). This is our third year at the school, and we're super happy there. Both kids love it!4's
We have sent our daughter to Montessori Day School of Brooklyn for the 2s program last year and 3s program this year and could not be happier with how they have handled the COVID protocols. As parents we love the school and most importantly so does our daughter! They offer a 5-day in-person program as well as extended day. They might actually be accepting a few more students this year - but definitely the right time to reach out about next year. Teachers help the kids change into "indoor clothes and shoes" each day, and all temperatures are checked at home prior to leaving the house, and again at the door. Parents drop off outdoors and pick-up outdoors, and the kids wear masks during the day unless they are at specific stations or eating, or safely doing speech-based exercises. Teachers are tested regularly, and each class is self-contained, so your maximum exposure is just to the other 11 families in the classroom.Daycare or school that requires masks?
Our daughter goes to Montessori Day School on Park Place. They require children to wear masks and have hired a Registered Nurse to manage their COVID compliance program. They're doing a fantastic job and we feel very good about it. They currently have extra spots for 3 years old.Daycare or school that requires masks?
Montessori Day School of Brooklyn requires masks, and feels very careful in their procedures. I don’t know about space right now, but they’re very friendly and should level with you.in person child care centers/schools for full time...
I can only speak for Montessori Day School and Brooklyn Free Space. Both are great child-led schools that may have space, I recommend reaching out.in person child care centers/schools for full time...
Our daughter attended Montessori Day School last year for the 2s program and loved it so much that we are sending her again for the 3s program. They are opening in-person, 5 days a week starting September 9th for school, with many safety precautions in place. As of last week, there were still spots available and we cannot speak highly enough of how wonderful of a community the school is. Our daughter has loved every minute there and is counting down the days to return!in person child care centers/schools for full time...
There may still be a 5-day spot at the Montessori Day School of Brooklyn (Prospect Heights) for a 3 year old. We recently gave up our spot because we relocated temporarily. The school is fantastic. We plan to enroll again when we get back.Private school advice
Our son was at Montessori Day School for two years and we loved it.Montessori preschool versus public school
My oldest went there from 2 through pre-K and then started at PS 282 for Kindergarten (she’s now in 1st grade). It was a fantastic transition and I felt that she was really ready for it. She would have been fine switching at pre-K, it was honestly more about our commutes then anything else. I absolutely love the program there. I actually think it makes for the best transition to public school because Montessori schools place such an emphasis on life skills such as putting on your own coat, washing your hands, cleaning up after yourself, etc. and that’s actually most of what the kindergarten teachers care about!2019-2020 Year Review
We love MDS. We have spoiled by small classes, amazing grown-up to student ratio, frequent pictures and updates, the montessori curriculum. … About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool optionsPreschools convenient to the B/Q line?
Montessori school in Prospect Heights It is on the same block as 7th Avenue stop (B,Q). Our kids are very happy there.Review from the 2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool Survey
The school was lovely, the program was amazing and the staff were incredible. I loved walking into the building every day and greeted by so many wonderful people. My daughter was so happy to be there and was supported in every way by her three amazing teachers. The special activities (movement, yoga, soccer and gardening) were incredible. I can't say enough good things about this place and i'm so happy we get another couple of years there. DETAILS: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hourspreschools
Check out Montessori Day School of Brooklyn - my kids went/go there and love it. Last I heard they had some open slots for fall. Rivendell might as well. Good luck and be patient - we got into both preschool and kindergarten off of waitlists. Ah Brooklyn.Review from the 2018/2019 PSP Daycare, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten Survey
Very warm, friendly and loving setting, loosely based on Montessori pedagogy. Some amazing teachers who’ve been at the school for decades; others who are less experienced. Emotional and social development - aligned with the Montessori concepts of grace and courtesy - is strong, and our boy has flourished from a quiet observer into a very sociable child. Do not expect a “classic” Montessori experience: lessons are not typically given one to one, and there is less emphasis than we expected on independent work and classic Montessori materials. Also, policies on things like healthy eating and parent involvement in the classroom vary from one classroom to the next. However, children enjoy a range of enhancement activities, very engaged teaching and administrative staff, and overall a great and very positive introduction to school life. About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours What would you change? Clear, school-wide policy and practice on healthy eating. Less enhancement activity and more focus on Montessori materials.Review from the 2016/2017 PSP Daycare, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten Survey
Type: Preschool About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options, Has early morning hours Review: Our daughter had a great year at MDS. She loves her teachers so much and often talks about how she knows that they love her too. She also loved all her enrichment classes (soccer, yoga, gardening, movement, & music). Everything that happens there feels respectful towards the children. There is a clear emphasis on child-directed learning and building their independence with daily classroom tasks & self-care. What would you change about the program, if anything, and why? Since she has a late fall birthday, our daughter was only eligible for one year of school at MDS before her pre-k enrollment year with the DOE. We would have loved to have her there for two years (and I believe she was ready the year when she would have started the program at age 22 months), but can't justify spending the money on an additional year of private school/childcare when we have the public option. I wish MDS followed the DOE calendar in this way.Review from the 2016/2017 PSP Daycare, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten Survey
Type: Preschool About the facility: Has outdoor space, Has afterschool options Review: Warm, welcoming program. Our daughter did one year here in lieu of UPK after not getting a spot near us and we all loved the program. Also felt like another year in a smaller scale school (following several years at an even smaller daycare) was a good step for her.Review submitted via the PSP Daycare/Preschool 2016 Survey
Program: 2's and Primary Age: 2-3 years4-5 years Review: This school is wonderful. Fully engaged director, staff, teachers and parents. A strong community feeling. Kids are treated with respect and given individual attention. My child had a hard time settling into the 2's program and the teachers as well as administration worked hard with me and my child to help ease things. See lots of options to have a sense of what is most important to you. Don't hesitate to ask questions. And do let them know if you're very interested and the school is your top choice.2014 Daycare/Preschool PSP review
Length of Time: Full time Child's Age: 2-3 years3-4 years4-5 years Review: In the three years my daughter has attended MDS, she has blossomed under the terrific leadership of the caring teachers and smoothly run administration. The space, albeit smallish, is sun-filled, clean, and full of Montessori materials. In addition to three teachers (lead, second and assistant), they have specialist come in each week for music, Spanish, yoga, movement and gardening (my daughter's favorite). The administration is very well run and offers lots of options for working parents (drop off is as early as 8 --no additional charge--and after school is available until 6 pm. My daughter started 2 days a week at 2, 4 days at 3 and 5 days at 4 years old. Independence is emphasized and the school feels strongly about it's Montessori curriculum. Terrific and highly involved PTA organizes great informational events (such as inviting alum to talk about next private or public schools). Couldn't be happier with the strong community of parents and teachers. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommend Would you send your child again? Probably notReview from 2013 Daycare/Preschool PSP Survey
Review date June 2013 (for 2012-2013 year) Program: Length of time: 2 days per week (full day) Child's age: 3-4 years Review: Very well run program with caring teachers and well run administration. Definitely follow the Montessori method which develops a lot of independence in children. Art program could be stronger (more free-forme) and at times felt like teachers could be a little warmer. But overall a wonderful school that's a great resource for working parents. An active PTA and lots of school events throughout the year foster a great sense of community. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Recommend2012 Summer Camp Survey
Camp Montessori Day School of Brooklyn Summer Camp 237 Park Place, Brooklyn, NY 11238 Day Care or Sleep Away-- DC Program: Age of Child: 4 Likes: First and foremost, children spent LOT of time outside on the daily basis, on the neighboring playgrounds, in the Prospect Park. They went to Pier 6 playground twice. They had soccer practice weekly. Second they had lots of trips around the town. Camp theme this year was "NYC on the go" and over the course of camp they visited Manhattan Children Museum, Grand Central Station, Staten Island Ferry, Prospect Park Zoo, our local Prospect Heights Fire Station and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Children had wonderful time and I was so impressed and happy especially comparing with our last year experience with different summer camp facility where children spend most of the time inside digging in classroom carpet. What would you change? Honestly nothing. summer = outside playing, running in the sprinklers etc. and thats exactly what they did a lot. Would you send your child(ren) again? Yes Do you recommend? Highly recommend Do you have any other information to add? Review from 2012 Summer Camp Experience(no subject)
Review Date 2012 Length of TIme: Full Days, 3-4 days/week Child's Age: 3-4 years Review: The teachers, administrators, and parents were all incredibly supportive. My child LOVED going to school every day. Do you recommend? (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendFROM APRIL 2009
Preschool/Daycare/Playgroup--Name of Business - Montessori Day School of Brooklyn Specific Program (if applicable) - twos program Length of time (Full or Part Days & 2,3,or 5 days/week) - 3 full days /week Location - Washington Ave & Lincoln Place 4. What year(s) does your review cover? 2008-2009 (the year we're in) only 5. How old is/was your child(ren) when they attended the preschool/daycare/playgroup? (Check all that apply) 2-3 years 1.)Teachers were amazing in Ava's experience. They were encouraging, patient and kind. 2.)Montessori approach 3.)Twos to kindergarten program 4.) school was very flexible and accomodating and always thought of the child's comfort. 5.) the only area where we felt could be improved was more feedback with our child's progress. We've only had 1 teacher conference since school started and would have liked another one. also would have liked to sit in during a class as well to see her with her friends. Highly recommend what environment is most comfortable for the child. Is the space spacious and not too cramped? right mix of age groups? don't keep them in a "nursery" environment more than 2 yrs old.FROM MAY 2010
Hi all - I am a current MDS parent, and in fact am on the Board and was at the open house this past Saturday. If I can answer any specific questions, feel free to write me at my main address (jbleha@earthlink.net -- I don't check this yahoo one all the time), but in general, I can repeat what I had to say on Saturday. My son is finishing up his second year at MDS, and both he and our family LOVE it there. He was in the 3s only class last year - the Bumblebees - and this year he's in the mixed age class, the Doves. Both classes were at the Washington Avenue site (there is now also a 7th Ave site), though this designation is now (happily) moot, as the school is moving to 237 Park Place, current home of ISB. The teaching - in both years - was exemplary, the community is strong, the PTA supportive, the Board forward-thinking, and the administration growing in strengths. In both classes, the teachers brought/bring a variety of background and strengths, with some having been at the school for 20+ years; their institutional memory and insight gained from experience makes them great educators. The more recent hires bring exposure to newer trends in early childhood pedagogy, and the glory of it - in our experience - is that the two perspectives totally complement each other. Also, I just heard that my son's current class, with 3 teachers (for 22 students) is atypical of that age group - that the DOH (which regulates preschools) only requires 2 teachers - I'm not 100% of that fact, but if it's true it makes me even happier that that's a resource at our disposal. The teaching style is child-centered, which is not to say there is no direction and guidance from the teachers - there is plenty of that too. Especially in the younger groups, there is a lot of play, but also - according to the Montessori philosophy - attention paid to "work," which promotes both physical and mental skills. A "work" cycle might involve playing with specific Montessori materials such as color cards or different-shaped cylinders, or it might involve "practical life" activities, such as manipulating small everyday objects. There is plenty of time to engage with reading (and for the older classes, writing), and art. Children choose activities throughout the day but the class comes together for circle time and specific activities. There's music 1x/week, a fabulous movement class with another long-time teacher 1x/week, yoga 1x/week, and Spanish 1x/week. From the Wash Ave site, the children have ventured out to the Botanic Gardens & the Bklyn Museum (with which there is now an official partnership for arts educ, thanks to our new ass't administrator) and neighborhood playgrounds, as well as other trips throughout the year (e.g. apple picking upstate). The new site will unite the two sets of classes, and the school is looking forward to that, as you can imagine. It's a beautiful space, lots of light streaming in through the windows, still close to the park and BBG and museum. Please feel free to contact me (see below) if you'd like more feedback from me, or the school's director, Steve Caster, at 718 398 2322.FROM April 16, 2009
Preschool/Daycare/Playgroup--Name of Business - Montessori Day School of Brooklyn Length of time (Full or Part Days & 2,3,or 5 days/week) - 2 full days Location - Washington Avenue 4. What year(s) does your review cover? 2008-2009 (the year we're in) only 5. How old is/was your child(ren) when they attended the preschool/daycare/playgroup? (Check all that apply) 2-3 years amazing teachers helped with potty training help foster independence and making choices use of practical life center (eg. how to pour from one container to another and how to carry a tray) programs offered - music, Spanish, yoga and movement take field trips, neighborhood walks parents are update via internet and letters home in child's mailbox two parent/teacher conferences throughout the year teachers always available to talk before and after school as well as via email AMAZING EXPERIENCE Highly Recommend 8. What is the ONE piece of advice you would give people who are looking for the right preschool or daycare to help them choose the one that is the best fit for them/their family? visit the school while some type of work activity is taking place to actually see the children working and to see the adult interact with the childrenFROM : July 2, 2008
full days, 5 days/week Multiple years (including 2007-2008) ed and easy to talk to. The administration has improved a great deal, but there are some communication and presentation problems. I have heard that prospective parents are not getting accurate information on tours of the school. The physical location is difficult for the 2-3 year olds, as the 3 class rooms are divided by curtains. The 3-5 year old class is better off as they have a long room to themselves. The space is clean and bright. There is a play area in the back yard. The school follows the Montessori method. Ideally one teacher in every class is Montessori trained. The school is sympathetic with difficult transitions, but the teachers will eventually step in a gently shoo parents away. Discipline is dealt with through time outs and explanations, if redirection doesn't work. We received regular feedback on our children's progress through weekly/daily chats, and one formal parent teacher interview each semester. Recommend Try to find a place with a philosophy of education and a sense of community. It will ease your mind in terms of thinking about what your children are doing all day, and a community spirit can make the experience better for the whole family. So many of us are far from our own families, so it can be very helpful to find a school that reflects some of your own values and experiences.Review from PSP Survey, 2010
Length of TIme: 3 Full Days Child's Age: wise & gentle across the board. I like that the staff have exuberantly different personalities among them - some more chill, some more rambunctious - as I think it's a great mix for kids of this age. I think the school had some administrative difficulties at the beginning of the year, in combination with the move to a larger facility, and has been working to get back into better communication with parents at the administrative level. But setting aside the paperwork, they have an amazing focus on the children's daily activities and on communicating about the children, their progress and their difficulties. There is a highly motivated and very active PTA here, with lots of activities and fundraising, and opportunities for leadership (or baking) if that's your thing. Recommend (Hi/Rec/DoNot) Highly recommendReview from PSP Survey, 2010
Name of Program: 3 days/week 8-4 KID AGE:3-4 years My daughter has thrived at MDS. She has many opportunities to be creative and the teachers and administrative staff are great. The new location is beautiful and although we aren't close to MDS we are happy to make the trek there. The Montessori work style suits her learning inquisitive style. She is incredibly social and loves both working in groups and alone. We feel MDS has made our daughter confident to try new things. Their style of working with the children is great. With the help of the teachers we have seen a lot of improvements inher overall behavior. My daughter is always excited to go to school. Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend Review Date: Fall 2010Review from PSP Survey, 2010
Name of Program: 3 full days KID AGE:3-4 years I am really happy with MDS especially in their new location. The space now is really beautiful and my daughter's classroom is set up with different play/work areas. There is room to play and lots of light. The space makes such a huge difference. I have been very happy with the teachers at MDS. They really care, they pay attention to the kids needs and my daughter loves to go to school every day. What more can you ask for? Highly Recommend/Recommend or Do Not Recommend?--Highly recommend Review Date: Fall 2010(no subject)
My daughter has been attending MDS for the past year and it has been a great experience all around (she is now 3 3/4). She loves going to school and has grown so much in the year. She talks about her friends, teachers and activities all the time. She surprises us with concepts that she understands (such as understanding zero), with her creativity (she loves art and drawing pictures of her friends) and with her confidence to try new things. The school is well run and the administration is easy to communicate with. When she began last year we had transfered her in from another school and any issues she may have had there were not issues at MDS presumably due to how professional and wonderful her MDS teachers were and how various aspects of the Montessori philosphy works. As parents we also are happy with the community feeling of MDS and are more than willing to bring her to MDS even though it isn't around the corner.(no subject)
