Guidepost Montessori at Hollywood Beach

If your kid is different this is NOT the school for you.

My name is Simona Zion, and I’m the mother of Noah Boris Zion who used to attend Guidepost Montessori in Hollywood.

How do I even start with this, I’m so disappointed and so frustrated. My son is a 5 y/o boy who has a speech delay and is not as verbal compared to his peers.   All of which was explained at the interview before starting the school year. At the interview, I was assured that the staff was prepared (after all that is why that is a private and not a public school) and I was told that the school had kids with much more serious disabilities, which are doing amazing in the program.

Yes, but not exactly. Five months into the school year, we had a parent-teacher conference in which we were informed by Miss Viviana (Head of School) that our son needs extra help and more one on one attention, and they cannot provide it because their staff is cut in half because of COVID. (Which I’m not sure how is our fault since we’re paying 100% of the tuition. Which is $2100 per month.) I want to add to this, that our son goes to speech therapy 4 times a week after school. So Miss Viviana suggested that we have to hire a “Shadow Teacher” Monday-Friday who we have to pay out of pocket on top of the school tuition. And for your information, a shadow teacher costs between $40-$50 an hr. And she basically said that if we do not agree, we would have to find another school.

No need to explain how frustrated my husband and I were after this meeting, but we were trying to find a solution that would work for both parties since our son was loving the school and his teachers. And he was (at least in my eyes) progressing so much. He is five, and he knew how to write all letters and numbers, and how to write short words too.

So we decided to hire a professional therapist since no one in the school is a specialist and hire the shadow teacher based on the suggestions the therapist gives us.

Before the therapist even got the chance to go for evaluation and a few days after the first meeting we got called for a second one, in which  Miss Viviana informed us that we have to find a new school for our son (please keep in mind that this is in the middle of the school year!). When asked why, she explained that they cannot support our son the way they want and she also added that our son is not socializing like the rest of the kids, and is basically not a good fit for their community.

So I want to ask, and please correct me if I’m wrong, what example does your school gives to the kids that attend it? That when someone is different or has challenges in something we’re not helping, but we’re kicking them out and ostracizing them, so we don’t have to deal with it.

And is this what you stand for as a teacher, to give up on those who need you the most… I guess I will never find answers to my questions.

The school has a good infrastructure, and it all looks great. However, my experience was horrible. The teachers and the principal don't even speak proper English. The security is a joke. One time I was able to pick up my son and put him in the car while the kids were playing outside, and nobody even noticed.

My son, who is very high functional and autistic, was accepted in the middle of the pandemic. They took the deposit and ensured me that they are prepared to work with him. He doesn't have sensory issues and is verbal. The communication level is not as expected for five years old, but still a very well functioning child.

Few months in - the principal called my wife and me to let us know that if we don't hire a "shadow" teacher, he will no longer visit the school. Even though the cost adds $7500/month to his tuition, we agreed to that. When they realized we are going forward with their proposal, they backtracked by saying that he can't go to their school even with a shadow teacher.

It makes me sad that these people, with all of their ridiculous certifications, are incapable of giving my child an equal opportunity and proper care. I felt extremely discriminated against and offended by the way they handled the case. We went through their process and evaluation, and now that everything is back to normal and they don't need money as much, they are getting rid of the "bad ones. "

This School with all of its false promises for a bright future. Guidepost Montessori is a business, and money is a priority. They don't care about your kids or their success. If you want your child to be educated by people that barely speak proper English, send them to this Montessori School.

It's hard to imagine what other parents are going through when they have a child with disabilities and cannot afford private schools, speech therapies, shadow teachers, and all this other BS.

I love the school, the director Viviana, and all the staff and teachers are amazing! We are so lucky to have this school my daughter love her teachers Ms ashley, Ms lizeth and Ms fanny.

My daughter is in Children's House at the Primary school and I couldn't be happier with our experience thus far. The school is do supportive, and you really feel like you are part of a family. I'm also thrilled with the education she is receiving and what the schhas to offer students all the way through middle school.

This is the most beautiful school you could possibly send your child to! My daughter (currently in Lower Elementary) absolutely loves this school and it is all a parent who cares about their child’s education could wish for. The school has a “no homework” policy, which allows my child to fully focus on her extracurricular activities, and it spares patents of the frustration of having to chase their children to complete useless homework. There is also no testing, keeping children away from the pressure that traditional education exerts in young children, which only makes them dread going to school. My child loves going to school- she even requests to attend the “holiday programming” sessions (similar to “day camp”) that the school offers during certain “off days”, such as Labor Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, etc, which are included in the cost of tuition. If you step into the school you will see only happy children - they all love their school! I can’t recommend this school enough- if you’re looking for the best education and school atmosphere for your child, go ahead and schedule a tour- you will love it!

This is a review from the perspective of a parent. My two daughters attend this wonderful school, one in Toddler House and one in Lower Elementary. They both love going to school and are well cared for during the day. The teachers are warm and well trained. They teach the whole child, not just the basic curriculum. I'm proud and grateful that my girls have Guidepost as their home away from home. Thank you!

This school is really a gem to the City of Hollywood and a gift to children everywhere! This is our family's first year at this school and I can testify to the genuine RESPECT and LOVE I see that each teacher and staff pours onto the children in their care. Additionally, the facility is VERY clean (bathrooms are always spotless) and the compound is very secure and equipped with cameras. Each day I receive photos and a brief description of what my son did throughout the day. Oh, the hot lunches served is like a pastime preserved in a capsule. Your child will be surrounded by lots of healthy, positive and nurturing energy, which is EXTREMELY important to foster a productive learning environment. My sons' desire to learn have grown by leaps not to mention how much he has flourished socially! I THANK GOD that our family have found a home away from home learning family so that my son can grow and learn. His foundation will be strong and the lessons he learns here, as it relates to his mind and spirit will be a cornerstone for the rest of his journey. Its one I feel at ease about each and every day knowing he is in being groomed to have a well balanced personal compass at Guidepost Montessori School

I had to pay 145 dollars to apply here before my son could come for a *test* to see how he was doing intellectually, we brought him on Wednesday for a 3 hour. And we got a call that our son cannot go here because he is not mature enough to be with older kids, mind you this is all new to him, hes never been in a montessori school and he was also born a preemie so i was looking for a good school for him that they will be able to train him and guide him. I also dont agree with Monica’s comment saying that its better for our son to go to a smaller daycare where somebody can focus more of him like he has some kind of mental disability because this is all new to him. Its very sad how this school operates and before you even try to get your kids here you should do research. Disgusting people that only want your money and not want to help your kids.

A big family school. Truly Montessori with excellent materials. We are planning to leave them for elementary and middle.

Over promised and under delivered. As usually happens with corporate run schools. This is not Montessori!

A few friends told me that the school had just changed ownership and I should tour the school. I did, and after my visit I was not impressed. The staff seemed unhappy. I don't think my child will be attending here.

Marblue now Guidepost Montessori. Very warm and friendly staff. I'm registering my daughter here. Well established organization throughout the nation.

My daughter has had the opportunity to study at MarBlue Montessori School. She is now in Middle School but I must admit that her years at Marblue Montessori School has empowered her to gain self discipline, to be independent and most of all to outperform in her studies. She is an A student and I thank MarBlue Montessori for giving my child the foundation needed to be successful at school.

Marblue Montessori was an absolutely wonderful school. My son was there for 3 years and loved every day. The teachers were very attentive and truly cared about each student. There was a good balance of teachers to students in each class and the school directors were very good at informing us of the Montessori teaching approach and the ways we could carry this through at home. I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks

Great school with amazing owners who truly believe in the Montessori philosophy and ensure the teachers are the right fit. I had the pleasure of sending both my children there and they loved it. Very strong community feeling among the families.

Marblue Montessori is a great school. My son attended right after the school first opened and he loved it. Everyone was very attentive and caring. They treated him like he was their own. He enjoyed the hands on learning and made great friends while he was there.

My daughter absolutely loved going to school at Marblue. The teachers were incredibly kind and nurturing, which always gave me the assurance that my little one was going to be ok. The Montessori approach works great, especially in the early years. Highly recommend the school.

My son attended MarBlue Montessori Academy from Kindergarten thru 2nd grade. He loved his teachers and the school. The classrooms were clean and neat, and the facility overall was like new. Instructors and Headmaster were all wonderful, and we received great communication and were always informed and even given steps to take to help outside of school. The programs and curriculum were excellent. My son was doing complicated math problems in his head by age 7. The owners and staff truly care about the students and parents which is a rare find nowadays. I highly recommend this school to anyone considering a Montessori program for their children.

My daughter attended the school when it first opened and she loved it. It was her first time in a Montessori school and I was very impressed. The teachers/staff were also wonderful. This school is a definite A+