Montessori Sch-Mill Basin

We absolutely love C'E, our daughter went there for both camp and their extended day program during the school year when she was three. Previously, she had been in another Montessori school in Manhattan -- one that is quite well regarded -- but the hands-on love, enrichment, and programming at C'E far surpassed the other. Within a few months of her attending we were blown away by the teachers, the learning-based curriculum that was mindful but also enriching, and the communication was unparalleled. There are also so many special touches - they offer piano, dance, etc. - and also encourage the students to do things like take care of their own plants, make their own food, and participate in school musicals, bake sales, and card making. I highly recommend C'E to any family, especially those that really want their child to get a unique head start in a loving environment.

Our experience with CE Montessori started off on an incredibly positive note. Our son’s first year was fantastic—he loved his time there, and we were thrilled with the dedicated teachers and supportive community. It truly felt like the perfect place for his early education, and we were excited to continue with the school. The sense of belonging and nurturing environment initially created a great experience. However, as time went on, we began to question whether the school is truly equipped to scale its operations effectively. Several issues surfaced that led us to rethink our commitment to CE Montessori. First, transparency and communication with the administration were sorely lacking. When we decided to cancel our re-enrollment due to financial constraints (including a newborn and relocation), we requested a reconsideration of the cancellation fee, explaining that our son’s enrollment was offered as a "one-off exception" and did not incur additional marginal costs for the school. We were surprised to learn later that other families were offered spots after us and even given scholarships, which raised concerns about the school creating artificial scarcity to pressure families into signing contracts. Moreover, the contract cancellation process felt excessively rigid and focused on the financial bottom line rather than the well-being of the students and families. Despite our efforts to negotiate a fair settlement, the administration prioritized enforcing the contract and penalties. We understand the need for financial stability, but the school’s approach felt more like a business transaction than an educational partnership. Another concern is the school’s claim to offer a dual English and Spanish program, which is simply not true. While some teachers speak Spanish, there is no structured Spanish curriculum, and this was a letdown for us, as we were seeking a true bilingual education. Communication with teachers was also a challenge. Messages are filtered through the administration, and it’s hard to establish a direct connection with the teaching staff. This left us feeling distant from what was really going on in the classroom. Parent-teacher meetings were brief and unstructured, leaving us with the impression that our son’s teacher wasn’t fully on top of his progress. We expected a more dedicated teaching environment, especially with three teachers per class, but that wasn’t our experience. The semester reports we received also lacked clarity. When we asked one of our son’s teachers about the meaning of a certain rating, she wasn’t sure herself and couldn’t explain how it compared with his peers. The reports provided little insight into whether our son was making real progress, which was frustrating given how comprehensive the reporting is portrayed on the school’s website. Finally, there is no meaningful parent involvement at CE Montessori. While the school is quick to ask for financial support or invite parents to after-school thematic conferences, it doesn’t seem interested in hearing parents' concerns. At one point, I proposed creating a cross-school survey for parents to express feedback, but this idea was immediately shut down by the administration. This lack of openness and collaboration left us feeling sidelined as parents. Ultimately, while the teachers and initial experience at CE Montessori were positive, the administration’s handling of the cancellation, lack of transparency, and prioritization of finances over education left us disillusioned. The school feels more like a business than a nurturing educational center, and we hope they take steps to address these issues for the benefit of future families.

Our family had a very disappointing experience at C’E Montessori. We initially loved the school and supported it wholeheartedly. I volunteered at events, helped with school shows, and even campaigned for two teachers to be hired. We believed in the community and tried to contribute meaningfully. But everything changed when we started voicing concerns. After my son began telling me about being punished by having recess taken away—a practice that goes against core Montessori principles—we brought it up with the director and later the owner. What followed was a series of evasions and dismissals. Recess continued to be withheld, despite their promises. We were also repeatedly told the school was bilingual in Spanish, but no actual Spanish instruction ever took place. We asked about this many times over the years, and while we kept being told a Spanish program was coming soon, it never materialized. Eventually, I shared my concerns publicly on the “North Brooklyn Education” Facebook group, after weeks of private conversations with the school went nowhere. That’s when the bullying and personal attacks from other parents began. The reaction wasn’t disagreement—it was shaming, piling on, and attempts to silence. On top of it all, we had to chase the school via multiple emails just to get $249 refunded that they owed us. That kind of treatment—from the school and the parent community—left us heartbroken and disillusioned. We hoped for a respectful, open-minded Montessori environment. What we found was the opposite.

We’ve been part of the C’è Montessori community on and off for the past six years, returning each time our family comes back to Brooklyn. With three of our children currently enrolled, we’ve seen the school grow in remarkable ways. The Berry Street location now spans three buildings, creating what feels like a true campus in the heart of the Williamsburg. Each time we return, we’re reminded of the warmth, thoughtfulness, and care that the school and its teachers pour into their work. The classrooms are nurturing, the leadership is deeply dedicated, and the community that’s been built around the school is something really special. Like any school, it’s not without its imperfections—but we’ve always felt that the team is responsive, committed to growth, and above all, genuinely cares about the well-being of our children. We’re grateful to have found a place that feels like home for our family, again and again. Thanks Fernando, Hanane and all the teachers and team members!

Our family has been part of C’E Montessori for two years, and we are very happy with the experience. Our son has flourished academically, socially, and creatively in ways that have consistently amazed us. At just seven years old, he is comfortably doing math one to three grades above his level, reading full sentences with confidence, and his writing and math skills are well beyond his age. This academic growth is impressive, but what we value even more is how the Montessori method has nurtured his independence, curiosity, and self-sufficiency. The teachers at C’E Montessori are deeply invested in each child’s growth. They don’t just teach—they inspire. We have seen firsthand how they balance academic excellence with a strong emphasis on the arts and performing arts. Our son has now been part of two musical productions, where he learned everything from stage presence and dancing to singing, memorizing lines, and understanding cues. These experiences have not only boosted his confidence but also given him a sense of discipline and teamwork. One of the aspects we love most is that the school is entirely screen-free, allowing kids to develop strong social skills, emotional intelligence, and a love for hands-on learning. The Montessori philosophy is truly at the heart of everything they do, fostering well-rounded growth in every child. Beyond the classroom, the sense of community among parents is remarkable. Everyone is genuinely invested in creating a rich, balanced educational experience for their children. It’s a place where families share common values around well-rounded development, curiosity, and nurturing a love of learning. If we had any complaints—if I could even call them that—they would be the occasional communication or administrative issues that come with a small, relatively young school. There’s been some lively discussions about specific policies within the classroom with regards to consequences for not finishing work, and while I don’t always agree with the outcome, I do believe that decisions are always made with good intentions and with the children’s best interest at heart. But none of these minor concerns have ever impacted our son’s academics or overall experience. Overall, we sincerely hope C’E Montessori continues to thrive, because we plan to keep our son there as long as possible. For any parent seeking a nurturing, academically strong, and creatively enriching environment for their child, we highly recommend C’E Montessori.