If you have first hand experience with either the Montessori School or the International School that are located on the NATO base can you please share?

I am looking for your personal experience,  Good or Bad.

Thank you :)

Melissa,

The best way to determine which school is best for you is to visit them and meet with the teachers who would be teaching your child(ren). 

My kids attend the Montessori school.  What type of information are you looking for?

My 2 teenagers go to the International School. Nice friendly atmosphere. Many different cultures to learn and compare.

When everyone moves from JFC, they are putting on busses to bring kids in from the new JFC Base in Lago Patria

I am really thinking about putting both my kids in the Montessori school.  It will cost us alot and i just want to make sure it is worth it.Does anyone know if the Montessori school will be moving to the new jfc (lago patria) in sept.?

Rumor is Montessori will NOT be moving to the new JFC location in Lago.    As for international school, are you asking about the one at JFC or the International School of Lago?  I had my daughters in the Intern'l School at Lago for over 6 mos, pulled them out because of admin reasons to name a few, the school does not communicate well with parents, does not allow you to bring your kids in later than 10am after a doc's appt.  Headmaster is very inflexible, can't talk to her on the phone, have to schedule appt and come in, no matter the issue or concern.  We lost a lot of money with the initial investment in supplies, uniforms, and ultimately unused tuition, but definitely glad we left.  I do NOT recommend them!Good luck in your search! 

Melissa,
We have had our two kids in the Montessori school since the fall of 2009.  They've done well there.  I do know that the school will NOT be moving to Lago Patria, but I believe the International school will.  That said, while the Montessori school is not cheap, the International school is even more expensive.  Additionally, it is possible to pay a bit extra for before/after school care at the Montessori (0730 - 0815 and 1515 - 1700) if you have appts, etc.  Believe the cost is euro 5 per child, per day.  This is NOT available at the International School.  Additionally, they have a hot lunch program, not cheap, but you don't have to do it everyday either (although we do).  You just need to call the office to order it before 11am on the day needed.  Five euro per meal.  If you have to pay later, such as the following day, they are okay with that.  My kids have enjoyed their time there.  I will advise that most of the teachers are American, while the administration is Italian.  They love the kids, but they don't always do things the way Americans do - however, sometimes you can get them to do things that we expect in certain situations (e.g., squeaky wheel and all).I think the litmus test will be whether or not your kids enjoy it.  If they enjoy it, then it is probably worth it.  My kids have never expressed a desire to go to DoDDS, although they know all the American kids, and their American friends, go there.Good luck!!! 

I called the Montessori school last week and they told me they plan on moving to Lago, but are not sure when because of permits not being approved at the new JFC Site.The receptionist said they will have transportation for the kids to and from the old JFC to the New JFC.  I forgot to ask if the busing service will be an extra fee.  I will try to call again.

Our daughter was a Montessori student from Nursery to 8th grade and she loved it. We also had the advantage that she did the afternoon Italian classes.It is definetely a pleasant environment and she really felt it was home away from home.  As with any school there were a few problems, but it has remaineda very positive experience for her.  Academically speaking, if your child is a positive student, the school offers excellent stimulation and a variety of otheractivities, fairs, holiday events.