Research Montessori Day Public Schools Chartered - Mountainside charter Schools in Scottsdale, Arizona

“I love this school. Both of my sons have loved it and done well there. It is a wonderful learning environment for the children, all the staff, teachers, office staff and principal, will all take the time to communicate with you. I feel that my children are getting a great education in an environment that is child friendly, safe and respectful of them.”

“This is my daughter's second year at this school and my husband and I just love it. She has learned so much. I truly believe in the 'montessori way'.”

“I am a parent of 2 that attend this campus of Montessori. Both my husband and I believe wholeheartedly in the principles and philosophy here and both of our children (3 and 4 years old) absolutely love to attend. I feel like this campus is an extension of the home. Everyone is so caring and peaceful and it has helped both of my children relate to each other so much better at home. They feel that school is a safe place and therefore they have opened up their minds to learning and experiencing so much. We are grateful to have found this campus for our children.”

“I am a parent. My daughter is a student at mountainside montessori School since Kindergarten. I find staff and management very helpful. There is a lot of communication. My daughter loves to go School. I am very satisfied with her knowledge and learning.”

“My girls have gone to the school for almost 4 years. My oldest is in 2nd grade and my youngest is in Kindergarten. I love the principal, she is really good with everyone and will always take the time to communicate. They have chosen some really wonderful teachers and at the end of the day my daughters are happy to go to school and are thriving. They are able to work at there own pace and most of the kids are above grade level in Reading and Writing. I would highly recommend this school to any other parent , as a parent and an ex teacher as well.”

“I am currently a junior in high school. I attended MDS from Pre-school through the sixth grade. I went to a Prepatory Academy right out of elementry. MDS gave me a head start by providing me with a large vocab range, learning strategies, different ways to approach problems, group projects, and respect towards others. My experiance way very possitive and set me up for a bright future.”

“I have been a parent at MDS for almost 4 years. It did take time to get used to the Montessori theory, but it does work. The teachers a dedicated to the kids and try to work with the parents. to the parents of any school aged child, get involved with your school no matter how small it may seem, your presence is important and is stressed at MDS. The staff I have known for 4 yrs and it can seem chaotic, but it is a small environment, with only 2 people to help an entire school community. I also want parents to now the extracurricular activities are not Mds responsibility to inform of any changes, they are private individuals using the school so parents don't have to travel. Overall I like the school and my kids have done exceedingly well, my oldest transitioned beautifully to public school this year.”

“My children attend this school and although the staff is wonderful, I feel the school does not have any problem solving capabilitys. I feel everything is swept under the carpet which is not fair to the parents, things that happen do not bother me as much as having to here it through the grape vine, tell me what is going on. On the other hand they will go above and beyond to help you children and I really like the montessori style of education.”

“There is something I can't put my finger on, but after 1 year, we will not be back and our overall impression is there is something VERY wrong. The teachers, personnel and staff have what can be characterized as negative dispositions, an astounding lack of organization and technical know how and sub par expectations resulting in poor teaching. There is a lack of program availability. The school itself is in very poor condition despite several parental attempts to raise money and repair the school. There is absolutely NO parent group worth participating in.”

“My children have attended this school for 3 years. I have been very happy with the teacher, principal and staff. All are supportive and understanding. My son who is in 5th grade has excelled and it has been great to see him mature into a considerate, well versed, intelligent individual. My daughter who is in 1st grade has become more independent and aware of the world around her. The extra-curricular activities offered are excellent, especially considering the school size. The teachers have been wonderful and are excellent at keeping the parent involved and inviting parent participation. We will continue to go to this school as long as circumstances allow.”

“Most of the office staff and teachers are wonderful, but that doesn't make up for the complete lack of organization, safety, and educational environment they claim to have.”

“Both of my daughters have attended this school for 2 years. Most all of the teachers are excellent and have been with the school for many years. Both my daughters love their teachers and many of the students return year over year. I love Montessori teachings and they are all Certified. It is a beautiful school and I would reccomend it to any parent.”

“I love this school. All three of my school aged children have gone here, and I would drive from anywhere to allow them to continue to be educated here. This school really 'gets it.' They seem to understand how to foster a sense of independance and self esteem that I have never seen in another program. It is very different at first, but if you allow yourself to step back and watch as the children mature over the years, the results are outstanding. Truly caring, well educated teachers and a great office staff make dealing with the admin a pleasure. Mindy is superb and always willing to go the extra mile.”

“We were attended to this school for 6 month, my son isn't easy to learn and needs to be pushed all the time, what hardly ever happened in this school. Teachers are ok, kids love them, they are nice and friendly, they have some afterschool programms like chess club, karate, dnace, drumms, what is really helpful if u don't want to pay for extended day care. In general i can say this school is good for kids who has no behavior problems and love to learn, as for us, we are looking for public school with more strickt rules and ways of teaching.”

“Wonderful school, great teachers and beautiful campus.”

“This school is lacking in acedemics. I do not believe the teachers are of the best quality and that the kids are well served here. The owner never seems to be up on the latest laws or issues. The admin staff is not very organized. The kids are well behaved and appear happy but more structure is needed. It is not a true Montessori teaching atmosphere.”

“This school has its heart in the right place, but its utter lack of organization and inability to keep staff are unacceptable. The people themselves are fantastic but poor management will keep this school from succeeding. Sad.”

“Most of the teacher are great. The school's adm team needs some help in organization. Otherwise, a good school.”

“I will be touring this school. I am happy to learn that there is such a variety of Montessori Programs in Central Phoenix.”

“This school is not classic montessori, so know that going in. Also, the office staff isn't the most friendly. Kids are nice and well-behaved, but the curriculum is a bit lacking.”

“The children at the school are generally well behaved and seem happy. To my knowledge there are little or no bullying problems. The teachers are very dedicated and work hard. There is a friendly attitude toward special student needs or parent requests, but actual action can be very slow (the wise parent will keep checking on progress). This is not a high-tech school. There is no general library to borrow from, although some books are in each classroom for day use. There is no cafeteria but a school kitchen is frequently used to make food for special events/fundraising. Very good coach.”

“The teachers are great! The children are well mannered. I am amazed at how much my child has learned in kindergarten. The principal is prompt at returning emails. The down side is that the administration seems chaotic, at best. Parents aren't informed about upcoming events until the week they are happening (sometimes only a day's notice). I found the Community Meetings (PTA) very cliquish. And I didn't like being 'pressured' into donating money to the school for the tax credit. They made it sound like a mandatory thing--It isn't.”

“Appears to be very unorganized. They don't keep parents informed. Had no idea where money was going that was contributed to the school. No newsletters to keep parents informed. Don't like the fact that they went to uniforms this year and how strict they are with dress code. It's not a catholic school, it's a charter school.Did find the children to be very polite,well mannered and very well behaved. Everyone seemed to get a long very well and older children very helpful to the younger ones. It would be great if the school administration would worry more about raising money for the school and organizing things better instead of worrying so much about what the kids are wearing.”

“Montessori teaching is very different from what parents are used to in public schools. For our children, it is very positive and very productive but it is not for eveyone. Children must be very respectful here and they are taught to motivate themselves, work independently (at their own level) and learn from a ""hands on"" approach. In addition, parents should be very willing to participate and support their kids and teachers with homework requirements.”