Santa Monica Montessori

This school is a prime example of the best that Montessori education has to offer, which both my husband and I strongly believe in. Many of the most innovative people in the world were Montessori children, including, but not limited to the founders of Amazon and Google. We love this school and everything it has done for our son and we can't recommend it enough to prospective parents. The Principal is one of the most well respected teacher trainers in the field and really knows her stuff. Regardless of what school you pick in the area, pick a Montessori school!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and staff. This is truly a community school, all the parents are actively involved and engaged. I cannot say enough about the amazing group of teachers at SMMS, my son loves going to school, learning and is eager to show me all that he was worked on during the day when I pick him up. We moved my son from this school to a language immersion school last year and he was not happy, he kept coming home telling me that they did not do any "work" and they were told "zip" their mouths and listen for long periods of time. I love that at SMMS they are allowed expression of thoughts, allowed to question things and are thought to think not just do. Great place for young kids to explore, learn and develop their inner leaders.
—Submitted by a parent

The montessori method is great for letting children learn different subjects at different speeds, and this is by far the best montessori school we've ever had our son at. What has really set this school apart from our other experiences is that we feel that they really care about his individual progress. The parent teacher conferences have been very eye opening on how he is learning and developing.
—Submitted by a parent

The best school in the area by far. It recently had a lot of major upgrades to the playground and the building in general. The teachers are amazing and our son is the happiest he's ever been going to school. I highly recommend Santa Monica Montessori.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter first attended the school and now my son goes there. I can't speak highly enough of Mrs. Crisman the director and all the staff at the school. It is a very special place and we have been absolutely thrilled with the attention our kids received. We credit everyone at this school with the little geniuses they have become.
—Submitted by a parent

This school really takes the time to know your children and their needs, take it from the parent of a happy child, it's a fantastic school that I would definitely recommend to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school for early education. The teachers are top-notch and the director of the school really believes in and practices the Montessori principles. The community of students and parents is diverse and supportive. We have sent all three of our children here and when they entered public school their abilities were a grade or two above their peers. SMMS truly fosters a great academic community and a lifetime love of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I have always been impressed with the Montessori method, but now we're enamored. Our child has loved her time at Santa Monica Montessori school and we would recommend it to anyone looking in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the most caring and competent teaching faculties around. I really felt like they cared about the progress of my son and the parent-teacher meetings helped me to better understand the sensitive development period from birth until age 6 where many important characteristics are developed in children.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school this year but feel we were very lucky to be part of this school and this community, it is UNBELIEVABLY better than our experience in the public school system. Our daughter loves her teachers, is learning so much and was recently part of one of the best science fairs we've ever seen. I would strongly recommend this school to anyone looking right now in the Santa Monica area.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is amazing! Great teacher's led by a fantastic principal. My daughter is so happy to go to school in the morning and often asks if she can stay longer when I pick her up in the afternoon!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at SMMS for 8 years andis thriving. She is excelling in Math. Mr. Rosasco is a fabulous Math Teacher. The teachers are wonderful and the Administration is extremely supportive of the children excelling in all areas of the curriculum. Field trips are frequent and the students are engaged in a variety of activities including a student government. They are globally aware citizens.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school and adheres to the finest principles of the Montessori Method of Education. The administration and staff are well trained, professional, and caring. I would recommend this school to anyone desiring to offer their child the best that education has to offer.
—Submitted by a teacher

It is what it is. A sweet, simple school, sort of quaint and old-fashioned like a school of the past. The staff and teachers try to give individual help. Every child is not on the same page but that's OK. Children learn from where they are.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school for our two boys! The opportunities for learning at SMMS are boundless so it's an excellent fit for highly motivated individuals. There is emphasis on character development, particularly in the areas of responsibility and respect, in keeping with the Montessori method. The culture is sophisticated but casual. Communication is a breeze. Diversity thrives.
—Submitted by a parent

A very beautiful school in a mansion. Very safe playground. Teachers all well educated and very kind to children. The school is international with students and teachers of every race and creed. New management.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent program, our daughter is in her second year here and we a thrilled with her progress! Cannot recommend this school enough, was surprised to see negative comments about the principal, we were very sorry to see her go.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely terrible. High turnover. Do not communicate with parents or return calls. It says a lot about the school when a five year old child can not identify more than two letters in the alphabet.
—Submitted by a parent

I reviewed this school a year ago and my opinion has changed dramatically since then. Where previously, I was happy with the school, I am now moving my child. The school is in disarray. There is constant teacher turnover, an inaccessible director, no communication. Sad to see this decline. Perhaps a change in leadership will allow the school to return to its glory days.
—Submitted by a parent

Montessori is a great educational philosophy. This school implements it well in the primary grades. However, the middle school and high school leave much to be desired. There is not a well-thought out, stable plan for the high school. Communication is at best poor between the director and parents. Before you consider this school for a child beyond third grade, talk to a parent of a middle or high school student.
—Submitted by a parent