White Bird Montessori School

Reviews

• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  This school came to our rescue. We moved from the Uk to the USA in the middle of the semester and our 4 year old daughter had no where to go to pre-K. It was such a huge shift for our family and our little girl, but my brother's best friend suggested White Bird and we called the next day. I am so pleased we did. Our daughter has thrived in its warm embrace. All of the teachers were so nurturing and helpful to us. This school was open to our way of life, how we raise our child and very understanding of our diet choices. I cannot say enough good things about White Bird. My daughter has blossomed and has become so much more settled and accepting of the changes in her life. Her abilities to learn were nurtured in a way that was not pushy and not overwhelming. She learned to read in her own time, she learned to sing and she realized she did not want to dance. Nothing was pushed on her, and everything was offered. Ms. Karena is a true Montessori teacher as she was raised in a Montessori environment. This place is the perfect choice for those parents who want their children to be cared for loved and nurtured as they would do it themselves. I love that other parents bring in snacks and I love the fact you have to have a packed lunch. As I mentioned that we have very different eating habits, White Bird always honored that and protected our interests.
  By Paul Cooper, November 15, 2017
• ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
  I waited a few days to write this review, as I wanted to make sure it was fair and not out of anger. Overall, I am incredibly disappointed with the way this school handled my child and our family. We started the school in June 2014 and just 10 weeks later, we were kicked out with no warning. As both my husband and I work full-time, preschool was not a new thing for us. We were happy with our previous school, but moving to South Austin meant having to relocate his care. We looked long and hard for a supplement and thought we had found it in the casual and calm environment of White Bird. The transition began and my child began exercising play methods that were not welcome in his new environment. OK, understood. We had a conference to make sure that our teaching habits mirrored one another's. OK, great! Fast forward five weeks, and I'm receiving a call at the beginning of my work day to inform me that the following day would be my child's last. I understand that persisted negative behavior must be dealt with, but coldly cancelling our care is not only unprofessional and disrespectful, but one of the most inconsiderate things to have happened to our family. Child care should be a partnership, a promise of good faith and have the intention to do the very best for every child. In this case, I feel as if White Bird washed their hands of a situation they longer wanted to deal with. If you're looking for a place for your child, please consider elsewhere. Schools full of communication, love and warmth exist, and it's where we'll be returning.
  By Brittany Platt, May 24, 2017
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
  My child has attended White Bird since she was 18 months old. She is now almost 3 1/2 and we have had a very positive experience. Both the young children's community and the primary class have been wonderful. I'm not sure what the other reviewer is talking about especially with the young children's community. The lead guide, Ms Cindy, is outstanding and very nurturing and so is her assistant, Ms Brenda. They pay very close attention to the children and even provide them with extra snacks when requested. The snack during the day varies and is usually fruit, graham crackers or pretzels but many of the parents "host" snacks and bring other things. I have seen saltines for snack but it isn't on a daily basis. The children also have slippers to put on if they choose which the parents are requested to provide. Their shoes are removed prior to coming into the classroom to help keep a clean environment. The main floor is covered with a very large rug and the children can work there or at tables. I never found the classroom uncomfortable in temperature myself. My child once got a small superficial cut on her foot and an incident report was filled out and I had to sign it when I came to pick her up. So from what I have seen, it seems they take any injury seriously. I have found that there is less daily communication in the primary class which I would prefer more of. So, no school is perfect and I do see things become less organized during the summer but it is less structured during that time as well. I do appreciate that the children get lots of time outdoors, learn about nature and to care for the various animals that live there. We love White Bird and all of the guides and assistants. My child has learned so much and they continue reinforce the importance of love, respect and kindness.
  By A Google User, April 22, 2017

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