Bergamo Academy

Our 5 year old daughter is in her 3rd year in primary at Bergamo. The teachers/guides at the school are stellar. The administration has been bumpy, as it's a newer school. Our daughter LOVES going to school and is writing in cursive, reading, spelling and doing advanced math.
--Submitted by a parent

We think that parents should beware of Bergamo Academy. We were not able to visit this Montessori school before moving to Denver. We did not realize that Montessori schools differ in their traditions, and that Bergamo is an old-style, rigid and unfriendly school. Our son had a great experience at another preschool/playgroup prior to coming to Denver, and did well the first day or two. Then he became terribly upset about going to school. When we visited, we understood the reason for his distress. The school and teachers seemed cold, sterile and the environment is miserable for a child. In addition, the facilities are rather sparse, especially the tiny playground that was hardly appealing for the purpose of outdoor play. When we withdrew our son from Bergamo, after 14 days, we were notified that we would lose our $1500 deposit and, in addition, owed $2500 for the 14 days that he was enrolled. It became clear to us that Bergamo is a cold business, and loving care of children is not the major goal. Our son is now happily attending Paddington, where the environment is child-friendly. It is so nice to see our son go off to school happy, and come home singing.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Bergamo Academy and have been at the school since its inception and it has been so great to see it grow and prosper. We have two children at Bergamo, one in Toddler, one in Primary and they are both thriving. Our youngest (almost 2) carrys his lunch out the door to the car and takes his shoes off upon entering any home, and carries his dish to the sink...it has been an incredible transformation for our little man. Our older child (4 1/2) is doing addition with 1000s and understands the continents of the globe and has a very advanced vocabulary, she is truly exceeding our expectations scholastically and emotionally at the school. The teachers are warm, very intelligent, and we feel that they truly care about our children's safety and health. We are so happy to have found a wonderful place for our kiddos that they love also.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the best Montessori school we've seen, and by far the best place for day care our child has been too. The school has been extremely responsive to parent requests and needs. The teachers seem far more able and on top of things than we've seen at other day cares. It could be the international Montessori training, or just some great teachers, but in any case it makes for a very happy place for our child to learn and play.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. My toddler daughter has been to a couple of good schools, as we've moved cites, but this is the one she seems most content in. The teachers have a wonderful manner, and there is a sense of calm in the school. I have no doubt that my daughter is well taken care of, and that she learns a great deal in the Montessori environment. Their strict adherance to the International Montessori guidelines make this a very special place.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a new school, with a great program and terrific potential. Our 2 year old daughter is enrolled here. It is a Montessori school. The classrooms are large, spacious, and filled with healthy wooden toys, tools, educational materials, etc. The student-teacher ratio is excellent, especially since the school is new and not yet full. Our daughter gets wonderful one-on-one attention for a very well educated and warm-hearted/caring teacher. Every day in the morning, our daughter says she is ready to go to 'school' to see 'miss claire,' and is happy to do it. The directors of the school are working hard to provide extras such as parent-education evenings where montessori education philosophy and techniques are discussed, and where parents can meet each other and build a bit of a community. We are confident that our daughter is in a very nurturing, warm, and educational environment.
--Submitted by a parent