Santa Cruz Montessori School

I was at SCMS from 2nd to 8th grade. In my six years there I learned more than I could ever wished for. The teachers were stunning, they were both compassionate and fun, yet knew how to maintain a perfect equilibrium of play time and work time. As I moved into the public school system in 9th grade, I found myself a step ahead of the vast majority of my class, taking the more advanced classes, understanding the material, and getting better grades. Overall, SCMS gave me the skills and knowledge I need to be successful not only in school, but in life.

All three daughters went through this school through junior high. They are grown now and all have their BA's and are working on their Master's degrees. They loved their time at the school. Later I became a teacher.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school has gone down hill in our opinion. The pros are: it is a beautiful campus, aesthetically speaking. Cons are many. In response to one of the other reviews: Should kindergartners be writing in cursive and doing "advanced math" when the fundamentals are not taught? Many kids will imitate their peers without comprehension of what they are doing or why. Montessori philosophy needs educated guides. Gaps of learning can come from working outside an individual's zone of development and/or without proper guidance. Unfortunately, in my experience, there are lots of gaps going on here. Also, if it is important that your child's teacher is well rounded and well educated, ask whether or not teachers here have four-year college degrees, and if they are required to stay up-to-date with educational and psychological research from the last 30 years. Do your own research and ask lots of questions.
--Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni of Montessori. I went from the age of 5 till 11 years old. My wife and I, preview the school 2 years ago for our son Mason who is now 3.5 years. We were blown away at all the school had to offer. Mason has been going since Sept 2010. He is learning so much, even at this young age. The complement we get the most is people saying your son, is so bright and very polite. I would recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

SC Montessori is an amazing school. Our son eagerly runs into his kindergarten every day. In class he is challenged to do things that are hard for him in such a fun way that he believes all of it was his idea. He is doing advanced math, writing in cursive, doing beautiful art projects and playing actively, to name a few. The teachers are so skilled, and the environment is calm. Students are really engaged! It's a joy.
--Submitted by a parent

We love SCM. Our daughter transitioned into the Montessori environment when she was in 5th grade. It is a unique environment where the students are nurtured and challenged. Teachers work as guides in helping them discover the joys of learning about the world. They also facilitate their discovery about themselves and how they learn best, all while encouraging them to be independent, creative, and self-disciplined. I encourage parents to see it in action to better understand the quality of education the children receive at SCM.
--Submitted by a parent

We spent many hours and visits seeking a kindergarten that would nurture our son's natural love of learning and gravitation toward certain interests, while maintaining high academic standards and pushing him in areas where he is reluctant. SCMS does an extraordinary job on both fronts. Within two days, the teacher "got" our child--she appreciated his intellectual and personality strengths and had found ways to engage him in the few things--like writing--that he had previously tried to avoid. He now writes every day--and thinks it's his idea! The approach to math is tremendously powerful as well; kids are working at an academic level beyond what I associate with kindergarten (four-digit addition and subtraction) and they are loving it. The teachers pay attention not only to the three Rs, but other aspects of the children--and are adept at supporting all kinds of development (for example, being a friend and the notion that persistence on a difficult task is worthwhile) Most importantly, our son is eager to go to school every day. For our family, SCMS hits the perfect combination of child-directed learning and high academic expectations; I am thrilled that we made this choice.
--Submitted by a parent

Mu son attnded Santa Cruz Montessori School from 2/1/2 thrugh 8th grade. He is a sophmore in college and more impotantly he is a kind and socially aware young man. My son has made life long friends with not only other Montessori kids but teachers and parents alike.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children attended Santa Cruz Montessori. They are now in High school and are ahead of their school mates. The education they receives at Montessori not only prepared them well, it nurtured the humanity and compassion in us all. My children are involved in their community and have developed a keen social conscience. For that, I thank Santa Cruz Montessori and its dedicated staff.
--Submitted by a parent

The concept of Montessori is great in theory, but the practical application in the classroom did not positively translate for our child. Our child is eager to learn and did not feel challenged. We found a more academic school with a fun and challenging environment.
--Submitted by a parent