Child Unique Montessori School

We love this school, it is perfect for our son. Always be careful when choosing a private, for-​profit schools. Our previous experience with another well-​known Montessori school in Alameda left us feeling like they were profit-​driven, using a «2-​week probation policy» to actively screen out less-​than-​pliable kids that might prove a little challenging for the teachers. Child Unique Montessori, by contrast, is MISSION-​driven, and the teachers seem more committed to working with each child’s unique needs (Get it? Child Unique!). My son is an extrovert who likes to talk a lot, and was going through a bumpy phase with the arrival of a new sibling. Child Unique did a good job of working with my family to help my son through this phase, and since then he has flourished at this school. He now talks more than anyone else in my family, has developed a strong love for geography, science, and engineering, very well behaved, and he’s just 4 years old. I credit a lot of his growth to the teachers at Child Unique. There are certain aspects of his social development that still need some work, but Child Unique is very good at formulating a team plan where the parents, teachers, and the child work together to address them. That is what a great school is supposed to do. We are now re-​enrolling him for his 3^rd year, and we wouldn’t consider anywhere else.

My son has thrived at Child Unique (the Encinal campus). He started attending at 3.5 years old. We originally started him at a different local Montessori school, but the large size and strict nature of the school were not the right fit for our family. At Child Unique, the teachers and staff have truly gotten to know my son, and have gone out of their way to help him adjust to school and thrive both socially and academically.
Out first impression (after our tour at Child Unique) was that the school was a bit disorganized, and I worried that this would lead to problems in the classroom. (Which is one reason why we chose a different school originally). I was also worried that the school was too quiet, and did not incorporate enough «fun» into their program.
However, my worries have not come to light. The teachers and staff are very communicative (both via email, handouts, and in-​person). There is also a camera in each class room, so you can watch your child throughout the idea if you choose. My son loves the quiet «work period» time, but equally loves the outdoor time and play time throughout the day. In fact, we found that the play time at Child Unique was much superior to that at the other Montessori school we attended. The children are encouraged to play freely, have fun, and just be kids.
My favorite aspect of the school, is that they adapt their activities and schedule (to a certain degree, of course) for the children actually attending the school. They take each child’s interests, worries, and skills into account. Also, my son’s class has about 10 – 13 kids on any given day, and two teachers, which has allowed more one-​on-​one attention.
We are very happy with our choice to attend Child Unique, and have enjoyed seeing our son blossom socially and academically, and develop a love for school.

Outstanding school and curriculum. My daughter attended TCU for 3 years and I could not be happier with the results. TCU is an all inclusive school were many parents contribute time for a wide variety of learning events. TCU earned best school in N. California 2 years ago and they deserved it, Cindy the director is known nationally for her child development utilizing the Montessori method. She holds a PHD in that capacity. The teachers are first rate. The dinners and tea parties are absolutely wonderful, as the children are the hosts, TCU tea parties are a learning event in its own right. The tuition is in line with any other private school of this caliber. Cindy has brought children in from poverty stricken areas in Africa and educated them for free. How many people do that? If you want your child to grow in the most profound and deepest way enroll them in this one of a kind gem.

The Child Unique Montessori is in fact unique, which brought us to consider this our option for our child. Meeting Cindy was a bit of a change, she is very low-​key, peaceful and humble and very knowledgable when approached. But soon realized, hey she is the director and running a business (3 campuses). Something that definitely impacted me and my family. Conducting the tour on Encinal campus, it was quiet as the children engaged in their works. I am not sure I would necessarily use the word «inviting». Teachers are 2 per classroom (2 classrooms total) and the Spanish teacher who teaches at both classes, which we absolutely loved. Personally, I felt that about 3 teachers really understood how to engage and establish relationships with the kids just from observation and our time there.
Play structure is not the greatest, they are better off with emptying it out and adding grass and tons of balls, jump ropes, etc during their «recess» (which by the way is after nap). Lots of restrictions when outside and too many times did I see something that could have gone completely wrong due to the lay out of it.
If you have time to join the committees, clean the school and raise funds for them, all while paying a hefty tuition, go right ahead. For being so culturally diverse, there was no culture, not even a sense of hospitality from parents «Hey good morning!» «How are you?».parents are in and out and there is no sense of «community». To put it into perspective. I saw only half of the classroom’s parents. One last tip… eat before you go to any of their «functions» because food seems to be very scarce.
It’s one of those where you have to find out what works for you and your family. And as much as we wanted to love this school, it just did not work out and there were too many small things that were quickly adding up. Just note that this atmosphere is not for every child, and that is okay.

The Child Unique save our family from having to move out of state. Their open mindedness and thoughtful demeanor helped us when we had all but given up on the TOWN of Alameda. Our family had the choice to move and we decided to state in Alameda (though we have no love for this town) JUST SO our daughter could continue to get an education and life experiences from The Child Unique.

Our family is very satisfied with The Child Unique. I can highly recommend this Montessori school for any parent who wants their child to receive individualized attention in a safe, clean, calm & caring environment. There is a nice diversity among the children and the families who love them (race, socio-​econ, culture).
One highlight: teachers. Experienced, well-​trained, very caring, able to work with a wide variety of kids. For example, second language learners, kids with boisterous tendencies, kids who are shy or have separation anxiety. After watching morining drop off five days a week for nearly two years, I can confidently say that the staff is very caring and comforting when kids cry. They have a knack for knowing when to just let it happen and when to call a parent.

I shopped around and this was, by far, the best school for our child. Consistent. Just enough structure. Great care & guidance from her primary teacher. Easy access to the Director, Cindy Acker, when we had questions, concerns or suggestions.
My child has attended Encinal for two years and we have been very pleased with the visible progress she has made. Academically I give 5 stars. And not just ABCs and numbers but social behavior, too. Taking responsibility, making choices, being kind, considerate and respectful. Really like this aspect of Montessori (the values) and how it is modeled and practiced in daily interactions at TCU.
Teachers-​5 stars.
Classrms and play yard-​4 stars.
Administration-​4 stars. Staff is friendly and helpful. Yes, there have been the occasional errors with billing and communication, but all within reason.
Yes, there was some turnover at the end of the 2009 school year,
but gossip, rumor and «he said/​she said» are not reliable sources of info, esp. regarding personnel issues. Perhaps communication about why these folks left could have been clearer and distributed in a more timely fashion (before graduating families left for the summer).
Bottom line: we have been very happy with the education and care our child has received at TCU.

My daughter attended a different Alameda Montessori school for one day (orientation day) prior to attending The Child Unique. I had looked at both Montessori schools that I was interested in. I toured the campuses, met the teachers, interviewed parents who’s children went to both schools.
In the end I started my daughter at the other Montessori because that’s where my cousin’s kids went and although I had a far better gut feeling about The Child Unique, I decided to go to the other school out of convenience.
My experience on orientation day at the «other» school was that of an incredibly strict environment in which during the time I was there all I heard from the teachers were comments like, «you’re too loud», «you’re too rowdy», «please stop that», «put that away», «clean that up».
It was horrible! Not to mention the child who was outside being monitored by two teachers (sitting about 15 feet away chatting) while this child clung onto the fence screaming for his Mom for a good 20 minutes! No one rubbing his back, telling him his Mommy would be back… they were just chatting to each other.
I called The Child Unique that afternoon and begged for them to find me a spot and they did! My daughter started there the following week and the difference is night and day!
The Child Unique is incredible! First of all, my daughter has extreme separation anxiety and if she is having a rough time and she needs me, they call me to let me know! They pick her up and hold her, they carry her around… so many times when I come to pick her up she is in one of the teacher’s arms. She talks about her teachers constantly when we’re at home and asks everyday if she is going to school.
The teachers are incredible. Ms Cassandra and Ms Versie have both been there since the ’80’s and you would think they just started yesterday based on their patience, kindness and enthusiasm with the children. Ms. Cherry and Ms. Medina are such sweet and caring teachers as well.
I understand Montessori is about teaching manners and helping children learn a sense of responsibility, but The Child Unique does this with love, not demands. I know people in their 20’s who have had Ms. Cassandra and Ms. Versie as their teachers and the parents of these kids and they all still remember them! That says a lot!
Not to mention the owner/​director, Dr. Cindy Acker, holds a degree in education from UC Berkeley and is a six-​time award winner in the areas of pediatric health, volunteerism and education, as well as a published author. She is former president of one of California’s childcare associations, and former vice-​president of the National Child Care Association. She has co-​authored legislation governing schools in California, has founded six schools, serves as a consultant for schools and businesses, and is the public policy adviser for Montessori Council of California.
Need I say more?
If you want to discover what school is right for your child, visit the schools and decide for yourself. No one can determine for you what is best for you and your child. Do your research and most importantly tour the schools, meet the teachers, watch the children and teachers interact and you will learn volumes.

I would love to give TCU a better review. As a matter of fact, if I had to give it a review based solely on academics, the school would get a 4 star from me. I know that my daughter received a good education from the school. However, the administration, policies, and billing department are the reason for the 1 star. I would love to go into detail, but will decline on sharing the specifics of our experience and others. I will say that our experience at The Child Unique PACIFIC site were mostly positive. Though, I did feel they have the children out in the direct hot sun for way too many hours at a time.
My child thrived at the Pacific site. Ms. Cassandra, who has been there for many years is absolutely wonderful. She has potty trained many many 3 year olds! Her and both Ms. Verise and Mr. Clarence, who is at the Encincal site are all wonderful! My daughter didn’t do nearly as well at the Encinal site however. There were too many other issues and administrative headaches. that brought unneeded stress to us parents and children alike. And the kids didn’t seem as happy. Aside from a few long term employees, there was a VERY high turnover of staff also. My understanding is they are not taken care of well by their employer :(It’s too bad, because with some significant changes in administration and other issues, it could be the best pre-​school in Northern Cali. I also noticed two employees lose their jobs when it was known they were pregnant. Very disappointing!
Update:
A reply to Terry M. I have no personal beef with TCU. I speak from my own personal experiences and secondly conversations I have had with other former parents AND STAFF of TCU. The sun shades were installed, but unfortunately several many years too late. I did NOT say the teachers were fired for being pregnant, however I did take note that they were let go after announcing their pregnancy.
I too, know one of the teachers personally and she has assured me that she did NOT leave on her own.