Faith North

I love this school! My daughter has been attending Faith North since Pre-K. She'll be advancing to 7th grade this fall and I couldn't have picked a better school for her to attend. Going through public school myself I see the differences. The community is close knit and the support is wonderful! It amazes me how it feels like a family more than school. The opportunities for outside learning is endless it seems! More than what I got at my traditional public school. As a parent, you strive to give your kids the best. I believe a better opportunity, if not the best, in education. I see that in her love of learning, everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

We really LOVE Faith North!! From Ms. Engdall (principle) to the teachers, there is nothing more we can ask for. Our daughters have never expressed any disinterest in attending school. In fact they're disappointed during breaks (winter, spring, summer and even weekends :-D). The Faith North community is very welcoming and provides a great environment for families!! Our children have grown so much (as a whole person) since beginning at Faith North!
—Submitted by a parent

Our Grandson is starting his second year at Faith North. So far so good, but would really like them to teach spanish from preschool all the way through 8th grade. They learn so much easier at at early age and being bilingual is so important these days. Would really like to see them incorporate this into the program. Have spoken with many other parents that feel the same way. Pls consider!!! Thanks.

We love Faith North! My daugter started here in Pre-School and is about to start First Grade. I'm impressed with how much she has learned already (starting Multiplication and reading extremely well.) I especially find the small community at Faith North enduring and incredibly diverse. The teachers and principal appear to be genuinely interested in their students. We've looked at "10" school throughout Central Phoenix, and haven't found any reason to move her to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading many of these negative reviews I felt it necessary to respond. This is my daughter's second year attending and I've never seen the discrimination that is repeatedly mentioned. I've also had nothing but positive interactions with the Principal. I'm especially pleased with the social worker, who has gone above and beyond helping my daughter academically and socially. My biggest complaints are the vast amounts of homework, extensive fundraising "opportunities" and a teacher that is sometimes too busy to help in the way needed. I see these negatives as a result of the school budget cuts, not a reflection of the school itself.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so happy my son was able to do 7th and 8th grade @ this school.The teachers he has are wonderful and understand the behavior of this age group.My son started @ faith north in the 6th grade after leaving a different montessori school in the area.The other school he went to was a horrible experience the last 2 years he went there.Thank you faith north for making him enjoy school again and making me remember why i choose montessori10 years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

Faith North is the school of choice for my 2 older boys and my youngest will attend next year. The teachers are committed and devoted, parent community supportive of staff and students, and children kind and respectful. I have been involved with the school for the past 6 years. Needless to say, the original draw and continuing high point is the years of experience, immense patience, and grace of the principal, Mrs. Engdall. She welcomes and listens to parents, treats students with kindness and dignity, choosing not to punish but rather teach in their weaker moments. The teachers, parents, and most of all students respect and admire her for this.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say I wasn't warned about this principal but read thru this site and consider it carefully. My child attended this school at age 3 1/2 -4 and we were pleased but did not interact with the principal until this year. This year he got a new teacher and I started to get reports of behavior issues in class. We went in for our 1st parent teacher meeting eager to find a solution to help our child and instead of guidance we were told to never bring him back. Our child is bright, already reading and doing math but they flat out told us he wasn't their problem. This was days after his 5th birthday, a month into the school year... and they just gave up on him! We really liked his assistant teacher but she was not allowed to talk to us about what was really going on.
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful, mostly clean, cheerful campus. HUGE ant problem in and out of the classrooms. The school has taken an everything has a right to live attitude. Unfortunately my child comes home with ant bites most weeks. Good teachers/administrators but they tend to be overly stern and in bad moods that make me question why they teach. I definitely prefer the teachers to be more respectful in their communication to the children, less condescending, less annoyed. I think the campus has a diverse population of students which is very positive. My problem is the seemingly preferential treatment that exists for a particular segment. All races, even non-minorities, should be treated equal. It seems rules are made to be broken or are for those that chose to obey them. Exceptions to policies are made all the time leaving me to wonder why they have any. AIMS scores lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

The principle is either on a perpetual power trip or whipping the kids into yet another fund-raising frenzy. My son had a wonderful K teacher but his 1st & 2nd grade teacher was a shrew of a woman who clearly had issues with little brown boys. No thanks! Mrs' Miller was a gem but the cons far outweigh the beautiful courtyard and ersatz Montessori curriculum. Go elsewhere!
—Submitted by a parent

Diversity is a HUG issue! The school was made for the neighborhood kids and the principal don't want them there. In a district in which 90% of the student population is Hispanic, this particular school has a huge Caucasian population! I think there is lack of integrity in administrators. I really like some teachers because there are good and dedicated teachers there. I will never take my kids there nor recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a teacher

We are entering out 6th year at Faith North, and are still completely enamored with it. Great teachers, beautiful environment, loving families.
—Submitted by a parent

I love how the school feels like a big family. The teachers truly want to teach our chidren. They have out of town trips with their classmates. Its great for developing a childs independnce. I drive from Metro Phx to Downtown everyday and I wouldnt change it for anything. Faith North is a wonderful school in so many ways.
—Submitted by a parent

Stellar school! We are so fortunate to have a public Montessori school here in downtown Phoenix. Our kids are going on 4 years at this awesome school. They are self motivated hard workers with a love of learning and exploring. Thanks Faith North!
—Submitted by a parent

Greatest free Montessori School in Phoenix. Devoted Staff. Excellent Administration. Hugely Supportive and Caring Parents
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 kids have gone to Faith North. One is in 6th grade and two are now in high school. They were given the opportunity to work beyond their grade levels when they were ready to; and their behaviors, when not adhering to the compliant mainstream, were accommodated and then positive change occurred. This school's answer was not to immediately send my child for discipline, a meeting with the principal or for a conference with the social worker; indeed, a good atmosphere of problem solving. I appreciate the depth and breadth of the information covered in the curriculum. My high schoolers found that they were MORE than prepared for the rigors of an advanced program in high school, in many cases, their knowledge bases were superior to those of their peers. I am particularly impressed with the 7th/8th grade curriculum. These kids are leaders and it shows!
—Submitted by a parent

What do chickens, herbs, and basketball have in common? Faith North Montessori, a place where children get to explore and learn independence. I highly recommend Faith North.
—Submitted by a parent

No way! This can't be a public school--the teachers are outstanding, beautiful campus and both my children are happy, content, and flourishing--A++
—Submitted by a parent

We've had two children at Faith North for 4 years now. We did not come to the decision of their school lightly. Before deciding what school our children would attend, I visited several other Montessori schools in the area, and chose this over the others. We enjoy the balanced approach Faith North brings with primary emphasis being placed on Montessori principles yet adhering to public school requirements (testing, district guidelines, etc.) With 2 children, we've been fortunate to experience 4 amazing teachers from grades Pre-K through 4th (conceivably 6th)now. With Susan having been Principal for the past two years, the administration is really putting the icing on the cake now. We cannot say enough good about the program and are very thankful that our children have an opportunity to be there.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a blessing to have a quality public school like Faith North Montessori! My daughter has been enrolled at Faith North since Pre-K and is now entering the 4th grade. We could not be happier with her experiences at Faith North. The campus is clean and beautiful -- well maintained gardens and open courtyard is a warm welcome each day. Earth friendly practices and outdoor environment education is alive at Faith North. The teachers are kind and caring. The children are nurtured and celebrated in ways that would make Maria Montessori proud. Faith North is a wonderful partnership between Montessori education and the public school system. Many cheers to the Principal, the administration, the loving teachers and the community!
—Submitted by a parent