Hermosa Montessori Charter School

Double standards run rampant at Hermosa, there is absolutely NO consistency in regards to disciplinary action taken by the administration. Teachers will "write up" one student for an infraction and "look the other way" on the same infraction by another student. This is also the case when disciplinary infractions are reviewed by the administration. Teachers go out of their way to help a few students and ignore the needs of other students, leaving them behind. What would Maria Montessori do?
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a preschooler at Hermosa, and a parent volunteer in the classroom, I was so disappointed to read the negative parent review about the school and teacher. I don't know how long this family has been at Hermosa, but there are always 2 sides to every story. I have witnessed my child's teacher (Mary) handle many situations with children in the classroom. Each time she handled with love, patience and genuine concern for the children. Many other parents say the same about the other teachers. I do not know who their child's teacher is, but I have been around the school and involved in the parent organization long enough to see that the teachers at Hermosa are the most dedicated and loving teachers I have ever met. They go out of their way for the school and children and often on their own time. I have been so happy with my daughter's education and look forward to sending my other children when they are old enough. I am sorry this other parent has had such a negative experience, but I would consider that there are more issues going on than we know and the teachers need to look out for the entire community as a whole. As for me, I will continue to be an advocate for Hermosa!
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience with Hermosa Pre-K has been horrible. Our child's teacher refuses to engage us at all, and has given all indication that she is NOT invested in our child's success. She has been rude, condescending, and detached. Our child recently experienced a significant transition and has struggled somewhat throughout that transition. Our child has not been aggressive or physically inappropriate, but has had some difficulties focusing and settling into the classroom environment. The school has been completely intolerant of this, they do not recognize that our child's struggles are temporary, and they have little investment in helping our child feel more comfortable and secure. Administrative staff have lied to us many times. Overall there appears to be a lack of adequate leadership to establish appropriate boundaries and expectations of professional conduct. We are shocked by the extreme lack of professionalism, integrity, and interpersonal warmth, especially given that they are teaching very young children. It does not surprise me that our child did not feel welcome or comfortable in this environment! This is not a school that I would recommend to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

We just finished our first year at Hermosa and we're looking forward to the Fall. I cannot imagine having my kids anywhere else. The environment is so calm and peaceful and both of my children grew so much in their first year. My daughter can be a very moody and difficult child and we noticed a lot of improvements with her over the year due to the conflict resolution that they practice in the classroom. My son has been a very strong reader and the teachers made sure to keep giving him work to do that was at his level even though and he was not held back in any way. We absolutely love the school, its leadership, and its staff!
—Submitted by a parent

Our children are thriving at Hermosa, and we can't imagine a better school. They are learning advanced academics, enjoying the best fine arts program around, and getting individualized attention thanks to the amazing student:teacher ratio. More important than all of that, though, is that they feel safe, secure, welcome, and valued at Hermosa. The Montessori method encourages students to think for themselves, which develops their self-esteem and intrinsic motivation to learn. It's such a powerfully tranquil, joyful community that our children look forward to every day at Hermosa. In fact, they wish they had classes over the summer because they miss it so much! We absolutely LOVE Hermosa!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter hit a child and I was contacted by the administration immediately. Hitting is taken seriously at Hermosa and so I was told we needed to have a meeting to discuss the situation. We met and talked about what happened. The staff were very helpful and very understanding. They gave me some great tools to use at home, we came up with a strategy and we disciplined appropriately. That was over 5 months ago and we have not had any more problems. And the best part is that the tools we were given for this also helped with other behavior issues and now our daughter is thriving! Very few schools would take that kind of time to work with the parents. I love this school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Hermosa School for 3 years, and I have been involved as a parent in many programs and volunteering activities, including office tasks... I have always been quite welcome each time I proposed my help to the teachers or the administration... I'm so surprised other parents felt it in a different way...
—Submitted by a parent

I feel bad about the parent that had issues at the school. We are currently at the school (3 years) and would agree that their is an extreme lack on the administration to deal with any type of conflict or the patience to deal with kids that may need more care. They do have a like it or leave mentality. I have seen several kids asked to leave or pushed to leave. Sadly, most of the amazing teachers have left or retired and in the past you could get a private school education here. However, the school has gone down hill, it truly could be an outstanding place. We are sad they are not open to even minimal constructive criticism. They do not welcome parental involvement, except for lunch monitors. We are looking into other alternatives for our kids next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the Montessori way, but sometime the method is only as good as those that try to teach it. I had a 3-4 year old who got sent home to many times because he hit. He is a child. We don t have a hitting problem at home, but the school thinks our child needs professional help. Some children are more physical than others and they need more guidance and firmness in that area. The administration has a no tolerance policy for hitting which is great, but they shy away from conflict resolution and expect the parents to teach the children at home about the problems they are having in school. At 4 years old, you have to teach the children on the spot and not send them home because you don't want to deal with it. The other thing that was lacking was genuine joy and happiness. We are glad he was asked not to come back because now we really see that it is not our child, but the lack of compassionate discipline at the school. The teachers and principle took no accountability.
—Submitted by a parent

I always feel sorry and almost embarrassed when children complain about tasks Students, like adults, are part of a community, and we all know that some individuals are better with chores than others, who therefore may get into trouble This is why it is important to get used to participate in common tasks during early childhood, and this is what students learn at Hermosa Montessori School. I am grateful for these Hermosa teachers who, on top of an excellent academic curriculum, are taking time to explain to the children the importance of their participation in chores (which should be continued at home!!), and teach them the respect of others and others property. I feel responsible for educating my children and try to teach them values that will lead them to respect and to be respected in their Community.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter spent 8 years in this wonderful environment. This is not a school for traditional academics it is a school of life learning and foundation building. Children especially in the current social environment need to rely on themselves and learn how to function within their immediate community. These are skills that Hermosa instills. Through its unique class room structure children learn to offer constructive help to their peers and they acquire the ability to ask and accept a helping hand when needed. They understand that they are responsible for their outcomes and how their choices affect them and their community. This creates a confident, independent yet conscience individual and provides a great academic foundation. I have two older children that went through the public and expensive private school systems and I can honestly say that my child that attended Hermosa came away with the best academic foundation and confidence to conquer any obstacle that comes her way.
—Submitted by a parent

This used to be a fantastic school.... used to be. All the great teachers have left or retired. There has been a mass exodus from this school. School leadership is not responsive to the needs of parents and seem to be more interested in covering for the poor teachers rather than helping solve the problems and make the school better. It is a shame, we had hoped for more.
—Submitted by a parent

This school had it's good points, but as a student, it was bad. to start off with, the curriculum is MIA. in upper elementary, the teachers were to busy making us clean up after them, and screaming at us for leaving food in the trash cans instead of putting it in the recycle bins. I found that i had to teach myself. Also, it is socially un preparing. This school is all about gossip and cliques. Plus, my parents had to pay 300+ dollars for p.e., and extracurricular, when there was none. The teachers told all the students that public schools were torturous, and even scared children into not going to other schools. Also, now that i am in a public school, and very happy about it, i realize that the staff and faculties behavior was really bad. Even though the staff "encouraged' us to have our own opnions, if they did not fit those of the teachers, we were put down, and looked at as if we were corrupting the ways they taught. Overall, i am happy that i now go to a great school, which is public. Old Vail Middle School is where i'm at, and i am glad to get away from the poison of that school.

I have been a parent of this school for quite some time. I am proud to say that we have enjoyed attending Hermosa and wish that all is well for them. Each person should check out the school and decide for yourself if its the right place for your child. Each child learns differently and they do direct your child and help them to learn. Thank you Hermosa and we will miss you.......
—Submitted by a parent

This school teaches self motivation verses the spoon feeding that goes on in public school. The child is able to learn at his or her own pace. My son has truly developed such a sense of autonomy at this school and has taken ownership of his education. He was in the public school system for 2 years prior and learned nothing but how to conform to a less than satisfactory educational system, as well as perfect his coloring. His math skills have exploded.
—Submitted by a parent

At first glance it would seem that Hermosa Montessori School is the answer to our less than perfect public school system. But it was our experience that there are aspects of this school s philosophy and curriculum that are deeply flawed. This school has an excessive workload that isn t grade appropriate. Furthermore, the teachers don t teach the students the material, but instead leave it up to the students to learn most things by themselves. There is also a serious lack of extra-curricular activities and chances for the kids to socialize because of the small size of the school. Furthermore, it has been our experience that the teachers and administrators are not willing to address issues brought up by parents because the only thing that seems to matter is whether your child can perform at an excessively high level so that Hermosa can receive their high school rankings.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year at Hermosa. In the few months their she has learned how to read, and her math skills have just exploded. As with any school, administration and at times with teachers their can be misunderstandings, but overall we have had an awesome experience. We have some religious accomodations and they have been more than understanding. My daughter has 3 teachers for 28 kids. You tell me where you can go in any public school and get that ratio. We live in Vail schools, and she was going to have 26 kids in her class with one teacher for 3 hours a day. To me, short of paying for private school we are extremely happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Hermosa was named one of the top ten Charter Schools in the state. It provides a peaceful campus, strong academics and numerous extracurricular activities for a well-rounded curriculum!
—Submitted by a parent

Charter Schools are just WONDERFUL because they give Arizona parents a choice. I chose Hermosa because they demand respect and teach children to THINK not just learn. Yes, I have had to pay alot of money for sports and private lessons of various sorts but I know and knew this. I send my children to school to get an education and they do get one at Hermosa. I also love the small environment and am so glad I get this for FREE.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been students at Hermosa Montessori Charter School for years. They love it, and it's a great family learning enviroment. Our children have exceeded our expectatations, academically and socially. Hermosa's commitment to the true Montessori method, plus the amazing care, intelligence, and sensitivity shown by teachers, administrators, and other staff has helped and motivated our children dramatically. As a result, Hermosa has inspired our regular volunteer involvement and financial contributions. We know the school and principal have won awards. It's easy to see why. The children learn very well, they are happy kids, and they care about people. Character and peace are very important to us and Hermosa teaches these very well. The school needs a high school and we believe that will happen. Still, Hermosa has Art, Music, PE, Choir, field trips, and spacious beautiful grounds with natural trails. We highly recommend Hermosa. It's excellent!
—Submitted by a parent