I have never felt so compelled to share my thoughts publicly on what was just the worst customer service experience of my life. My husband and I just purchased a home in the area and need to register our child for a full day kindergarten program. I researched online and saw that this seemed like a wonderful option with the Montessori method and great reviews. I was excited to call first thing this morning to discuss enrollment options and availability for this fall.
As soon as they answered the phone my excitement quickly faded. The woman who answered the phone seemed completely baffled by my request to speak with someone regarding "admissions and enrollment". She asked me several times, "you want to speak about admissions? Admissions?" like no one ever asks about that. Then she yelled to someone else in the room that she had "someone calling about admissions?!". I could hear this other woman in the background respond "who is it? She wants to know about WHAT?" The phone was then handed to someone else who abruptly and curtly asked "what do you need?" I repeated that I was seeking to speak with someone regarding admissions and enrollment at the school. She then also repeated several times "admissions? You mean you want to have a child come here?" I stated that "yes, I would like information about bringing a child there." She asked his age and then immediately said she didn't think there was any room.
Losing patience at this point, I asked for at least the fifth time if there was anyone there that could provide information on fall enrollment for kindergarten. She said she would ask someone and yelled across the room to a third woman who sounded very nice but stated from afar "I don't have any openings for kindergarten right now and we may have a bit of a waiting list. It's unlikely there will be an open spot." The woman on the phone reiterated what woman #3 had stated to me. I then asked how long the waiting list was and if I could provide my information for the person in charge of this to call me back. She responded, verbatim, "There's really no other information anyone else will give you. Like I said, there's no openings and a waiting list so there won't be any openings. Most people have taken care of this by now." I was shocked but persisted to ensure that she was flat out refusing to even take my information.
I asked, "so are you saying that you refuse to take my information and have someone call me back that handles enrollment questions and would have the details about the waiting list?" She repeated there was nothing for anyone else to tell me that she hadn't already said and we went back and forth about three more times. She then told me that today was the "last day of school so no one will even be here to call you back until late summer". At this point I gave up as obviously I wouldn't be comfortable ever leaving my child in the care of individuals who cannot even be bothered to provide the most basic level of customer service and professionalism when tasked with simple, straightforward questions regarding their facility.
As someone who works for one of the largest management companies in the world I am responsible for providing the highest level of customer service day in and day out. What I experienced today was so offensive, demeaning and disappointing that I am sitting here leaving the first negative review of a business in my life. While I am sure that some parents/children have had a good experience here, what I encountered today was so far from acceptable that I felt compelled to make my experience known. Obviously we will be seeking another private school for our child. Best of luck to you in your search, I would certainly encourage you to look elsewhere!!