Leport School

Objective review of a seasoned parent of three kids, with experience in other Montessori schools: Positives: * Clean, safe, orderly school facilities and convenient location * Young, nice, caring teachers * Montessori method (although not that 'different' than other Irvine Montessori schools) * Intellectual, ready to listen to preschool head (interestingly a young Mr.) Negatives: * Very young and inexperienced teachers; most of them seem not to have their own kids yet * 30% higher fees compared to similar Montessori schools + strange vacation and early dismissal days * Distant HQ people that do not seem to be adding anything, other than cost to parents and burden on teachers * Too much marketing + money orientation Observations: * Leport is old but still, Spectrum went through the struggles of a new school and probably will continue to do so next year. School head and some teachers changed, some kids left. * I don't know much about the elementary program as we will be moving to public when time comes but to my understanding there is not a big demand. They have 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades in the same class and still very few kids, of rich families, I guess. Hope the feedback helps :)
—Submitted by a parent

We never thought that creating a path for our child's education would be such a daunting process. So many factors to put into consideration. Faith-based vs secular vs homeschooling? Cost? Location? Safety and atmosphere of the school? Our educational philosophies? After a few months of stressing out, LePort stood out. Great organization, attentive staff, highly qualified teachers. However, despite of all the superlatives we still need to see if the system could actually deliver. And deliver it did. Our child overcame a very extreme case of separation anxiety. Our child is happily flourishing and unraveling beautifully. The teachers are amazing. They talk and act "montessori." They create an environment where children prosper wonderfully. Truly, an excellent school and we could not be more happier.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been in Montessori programs from the start, so it was natural for me to seek out an authentic Montessori school when we relocated to the area. LePort not only offers my children a nurturing group of dedicated educators, it also exceeds my expectations when it comes to customer service! The staff are extremely sensitive to making sure my children are happy, well-cared for and stimulated in their academic progress and thier social experience, as well. The teachers make time to address even the smallest issue, communicating to us parents in a variety of ways so that I feel totally connected with how my children are doing at school. This is by far the best school I have had the pleasure to send my kids to & I totally recommend it to anyone wanting the best for thier child!
—Submitted by a parent

am a parent of twins enrolled at Leport Irvine Spectrum. I am very happy I made this choice after months of research and touring other Montessori schools. Their teachers (Miss Dee, Miss Monica, Ms. Calvo and Ms. Ana) have made such a great difference on my kids development, I absolutely love them and so do my daughters. True their prices are a bit steep but it's so worth every penny. I love how they let the parents be very involved in the children's curriculum, that gives me confidence and has allowed me to see with my own eyes how great this school is. If you are looking for a great and REAL Montessori school Leport is the way to go. Other places may be a 100 dollars cheaper but trust me you won't get what this school has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

very dissapointed in what has happened to Leport since its moved to Irvine. Our kids are not excited to go to school like they use to. The campus is beautiful on the outside but the once you start peeling the layers you will notice how uncaring the staff are.
—Submitted by a parent

After visiting many schools, LePort was love at first sight for my wife and I: small classes, superb teachers, great staff, safe and state of the art facility. High academic expectations in a challenging but caring, encouraging, and non-intimidating environment is in few words what LePort offers and we believe essential for our daughter's happiness. She always speaks fondly of her teacher and assistant teacher and is very happy with her friends; we couldn't be more thankful. Germain Gabira
—Submitted by a parent

Our two kids joined Montessori over 3 years ago. They have excelled in the Montesorri environment and especially at LePort. This is due in no short fact to the excellent teachers, curriculum, as well as the wonderful staff. My son is 7 years old and my daughter is 5 years old. Both have advanced reading, writing, math, and social skills, and this is definitely a result of the excellent program and teachers at Leport Montessori. My wife and have researched all the Montessori schools in Orange County and LePort is the best.
—Submitted by a parent

We have both our sons in Leport for a couple of years and are very satisfied with the quality of this school. Our older son is in the Lower Elementary and the younger one is in Primary. The teachers and administration are truly dedicated to your children, and friendly and easily accessible. We came from another (very popular) Montessori private school in Irvine prior to this and the difference is like night and day. From the warm, inviting environment all the way to the detail attention of your children's behavior and academic progress. Even the playground is fully supervised. The curriculum and the classroom material are far superior and only gets better in the Lower Elementary. The new campus in Spectrum is also a great plus for us. Both of our sons are excited to go to school everyday, and couldn't wait to go back to school after our last Christmas vacation. We are so blessed and thank God that we can enroll our sons in LePort. We have the option to enroll them in Irvine public school but we've decided to keep our sons in LePort because of the superior quality. We consider it a wise investment for our children development.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has made great strides since joining the Irvine Spectrum location. Our teacher has many years of experience and we can see the difference in the way she interacts with our daughter. We see her really becoming a leader and more independent. I'm glad we found this school and look forward to the many more years to come in her learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I had such a wonderful experience with my child at LePort initially, and I am devastated to see what has happened to this school. I am looking forward to when my child is older and is in the 4th-8th grade program, which I have heard from parents is very strong. For now I am stuck in the Montessori elementary classroom, which is a mess. The teacher last year was very sub-par and was fired at the end of the year. Unfortunately both the new teacher and the new head of school were even worse than the teacher who had been fired. The new head of school has also since "parted ways" but I think was fired after just a few months, and the new teacher is right out of school and is so nice but just has no idea what she is doing. The children are running around the class and are getting sporadic lessons at best. It is not at all what the other Montessori classes look like. My child is less mature after starting school this year, whereas in the past being in a Montessori classroom was a great help to her. It is a sinking ship.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son joined Le Port Mission Viejo in 5th grade and absolutely loves it as do we as parents. We have been at several schools including several years at Montessori schools in Houston and in Laguna Niguel, two years in a "blue ribbon" public school (where bullying was a problem), a year at a non-denominational Christian school and finally at Le Port. Hands down this has been our best experience. Le Port lives by the principle that educating the child is their business and there is no solicitation of parents to volunteer in the classroom. The children are taught self-sufficiency and acquire a passion for learning from the young, energetic smart teachers who LOVE teaching and honor and welcome curiosity from their students. We truly feel privileged that our son has this opportunity and are so glad that we discovered this school. If your child is getting bored with the curriculum at his/her school, he or she will thrive at Le Port.
—Submitted by a parent

We started sending our son to LePort Montessori in Mission Viejo since June 2011, when he turned 18 months old. Our experience with the school and the teachers have been nothing but positive. Our son is very happy there and we have noticed big improvements in his physical, verbal, and social skills. We are impressed by the friendly and professional staff and we are very happy with the decision of sending our son to Leport. -Submitted by Jian and Carsten (parents)
—Submitted by a parent

Every year we come back to US and have our holiday here but since we had our daughter Melissa who is 8 years old now we decided to send her to summer school here in LA. We had a wonderful experience with Le port Schools at Mission Viejo. That she has decided to come back this year again. Her teacher Stacy Blailock has made her feel at home and she was so happy to see her again. Her English has prospered and her skills improved very much. Her afternoon teacher Amy Smith made her time there so fun that everytime I went to pick her up early she was upset and wanted to stay more. The friendly and welcoming staff made our lives much easier. Being a foreigner I would highly recommend this school. And it is one of the safest schools I've seen so far.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has thrived while attending LePort from first through third grade. Her scholastic achievements were phenomenal and far exceeded our expectations. Possibly more important is the fact that the faculty and staff focus not only on the scholastic advancement of the students, but vigilantly provide social skill guidance on the playground and on field trips. There is zero chance of bullying or cliques on these premises. The field trips and school celebrations have been exceptional. Our family will treasure the memories of our experiences with our LePort family.
—Submitted by a parent

Expensive but I think it's worth every penny. The primary teacher is great and has a lot of experience in Montessori education. She focuses not just on academics but more important the child's character. The class size is small so you can expect 100% attention given to your child. My daughter loves this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Leport should be an inspiration to other schools. Everything from the academics to the teachers, Leport has the ideal formula for producing well rounded, well educated and happy kids. My kids have excelled above and beyond their dreams. Their confidence level has soared, and that makes for two grateful parents. Thank you Leport Educational.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a very proud father thanks to Leport school Mission Viejo. The advantages my 2.5 and 4.5 year old boys have now because of this very special school are breath-taking. The entire staff is remakable, thoughtfull and caring to a degree that is second to none! When you get to watch your boys intellegence and personality blow away their peers that go to different schools, it says something. It has given them skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. All thanks to Leports advanced academic program. I am greatfull my wife and I found Leport, and highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been coming here since she was 18 months and she has loved it every day. She is always excited to go to class. The pre-primary teachers are great! They are nurturing yet still will enforce polite and courteous behavior. The staff is always available and quick to respond to questions. They also offer many opportunities for parent involvement to learn not only more about what sets their school apart from other schools but also to learn more about the montessori method. Overall, a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Best thing that has ever happened to my daughter and to our family as well. The teachers are so supportive and helpful, and they really know and love what they are teaching. At a family reunion this summer my daughter was discussing history with her uncle and correcting her cousins' grammar - but quietly to me so that they would not feel badly! That's another thing that the school encourages: positive social growth. Wish they had a high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Leport teachers are so uneducated about child developments and child's mental needs. they are usually brought here from Europe, and they re very strict and unnurturing adults. the management only considers their financial benefits, ignoring children's feelings. It was the worst place I left my child at.
—Submitted by a parent