International Montessori School

Our daughter is in her second year at the Claremont campus (on Arrow), and she, my wife and I are completely satisfied. The director of that location, Mrs. Lopez, is an excellent teacher and administrator, who loves each child completely, communicates fully with parents and actively manages her staff by promoting stars (like Ms. Williams and Ms. Ordonez) and firing scofflaws. Fellow parents also form an excellent community also, both inside and outside of class. And there are great optional enrichment activities, ranging from karate to keyboard. Some cost money; others, like the "petting zoo" visiting school tomorrow, are free. This school has lots going for it, but so do a lot of schools, so start with the thing that counts the most: a director and teachers who you trust completely to love your child when you're not there. You'll find that here.
--Submitted by a parent

Oh my goodness! The first day we went to check out the school after seeing 5 other schools, my son said, "Mommy, this is the place I want to go", and I was already getting the paperwork :) So blessed to have found Wendy Mitchell and this amazing school! We have 3 kids, pre, 1st and 3rd. Our oldest started at 4 ys old, 5 yrs ago. We love the teachers, the school, the children and the other parents. Your children grow with the teachers, and with their friends and peers. All the teachers know all the students. It is very family like. You know the teachers care about your kids :) As for the elementary, I am so glad to have stayed here. The classes are small and the children have so much to explore. Every time i come into a classroom, there is always a child sitting in the comfy reading area, kids in another area doing research together, studying the microscope, gardening, etc... Another wonderful thing is the inclusion of extra-curricular activities during school. (No after school driving to another location) My kids are in art, music, piano, yoga and karate. I only pay extra for piano. It is incredible :) Extremely happy here :) Oh yes, and it is the Friendship School :)
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended the Claremont Campus. We were so grateful for the staff and especially the Director. She is so kind and helpful. We love her! We love that are girls went to a friendship school. The academic and social skills taught here will carry them through life.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at the Montclair campus for over 3 years now, starting in the 2's classroom before moving to a Primary classroom. What an amazing experience it has been for her and our family! Our daughter has been able to follow her interests, (which usually includes whatever her older sibling is learning!) in a developmentally appropriate way and all the while absorbing all sorts of other lessons from the social (she often talks about what makes them a "friendship school") to the academic (love how sorting and color combining tasks are also strengthening their grip for writing). We love the Montessori model with the grouping of 3-5 year olds into a multi-age classroom that they stay in for 3 years. It has been an amazing experience watching her grow from one of the "young kids" who used to look up to the older kids that would help her with her jobs to one of those confident older kids that model good behavior for the younger kids and feel such joy in helping one of them out. All the teachers are excellent, excellent, excellent and the community is full of thoughtful families that value education in a way that takes into account what is best for the whole child.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent Montessori school with a very caring staff. We can't say enough about what a wonderful experience it has been for our little one. In the beginning he was having a hard time leaving mom but the staff (everyone from the director to the teachers to the staff) was so attentive and accomodating. They were very helpful in his transition to school. Now he looks forward everyday to be there. This school also has an excellent academic program that focuses on the whole child. We highly recommend Wendy Mitchell's International Montessori School.
--Submitted by a parent

Have 2 kids in both programs on Arrow and Monte Vista and can't say how much it's helped both. The focus on the child instead of the test helps them develop a love of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

We've had three kids at International Montessori (both campuses) and they have had a great experience. They are happy to go to school every day, and they get wonderful individualized attention. My 4-year-old talks about science and geography in ways that amaze me! The staff is friendly, loving, attentive.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great preschool and well worth the money. The schedule and the activities are all a child could want! Great family atmosphere, too.
--Submitted by a parent

As far as PK (2yrs-K) this school is excellent. I love the Montessori approach to learning, fostering independence, and caring staff. I cannot comment on the elementary program yet it seems that the majority of parents select to send their kids elsewhere (both to public and private as soon as reaching K or first grade). The elementary program seemed to unstructured for our liking. If you want an incredible foundation for your young ones up to K,..this place is fabulous and well worth every penny.
--Submitted by a parent

This has been a fabulous experience for my child. He went from another daycare to IMS when he was two and is thriving. I love the fact he is learning practical skills that also emphasize reading, math and writing. In this school they mix ages 3-5 in the classrooms. My son is challenged more because he wants to 'do what the big kids are doing' and the big kids actually help the younger ones with jobs. Both are learning. I also want to add that as a working parent they have a FABULOUS schedule. Year round, 7am-6:30 pm and rarely close. Even then you can often pay for extra daycare if you have to work that day. Caring, accessible and observant teachers. I have seen him do things at school that make me think 'I never knew he could do that!' A very postive experience.
--Submitted by a parent