Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

I have my third child going to MPA now and couldn't be happier. Jeffco keeps asking for more and more $ to fund the regular system which clearly isn't working and is full of waste, while MPA and other schools do a fantstic job with every penny they have. When you have as much administration as you do teaching staff (as in most other schools), it's no wonder you've blown your budget.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this school. We've been here 9 years. The Montessori philosophy emphasizes self direction and personal responsibility in the classroom, so it does take a little extra support from parents. Kids are taught to work out their differences peacefully. There is MUCH less bullying here than in a traditional neighborhood school; as when my kids go to various summer camps they come across much "tougher" kids than in school. All of my kids love reading, love going to school every day, and are at least one grade ahead in math. My sixth grader tested into algebra for middle school - Montessori math uses manipulatives to teach complex concepts. I wish I could have had that advantage! The teachers at this school are amazing. They are dedicated to teaching the whole child - its not just about academics here. They also really care about helping kids develop as responsible citizens. Kindness, compassion, and community are core principles of every classroom. The principle greets the kids at the door every day - she's always available and open to meeting with parents. My kids have developed a passion and hunger for learning here...priceless!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at MPA. My oldest daughter has been in the preschool and kindergarten with an amazing teacher, Miss Shari. My youngest will begin in the same classroom next year, with her sister moving into 1st grade. I have had only positive experiences with the teaching staff, preschool principle, before and after care staff, and specials team. On the rare occasion that I disagreed with an issue, I voiced my opinion to administration and was heard. I volunteer at both schools my children attend. I have not seen any evidence of bullying, nor do I believe that any adult (and hopefully our children) would tolerate bullying at the school. I have seen behavioral issues worked through in a positive reinforcement manner. Our family is thankful for the opportunity to have a Montessori school in the public, charter community.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 childrens at MPA. This is our 5th year at the school. I am an educator and have 2 other children who did not attend MPA. I have been in many elementary schools and feel the the amount of bullying at MPA is very low. When I have seen it, it was dealt with immediately and effectively. In my experience the multi-age grouping of students is what helps with bullying. Also, the montessori method of teaching math is exceptional. As a teacher, I am very happy with the math curriculum that my children have been exposed to at MPA. I love the Principal - the best I have seen. This school a great fit for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Agree with last poster. MPA is VERY behind esp. in math. Whomever posted that hit it dead on. It is disheartening to know that so many people are blinded by the deception, lies, and unrealistic hopes MPA pretends exist. Hey, we fell for them too-initially ... although we were skeptical the entire time we were there. Bullying does occur. It mainly surfaces and is tolerated from the children of those who volunteer the most hours. If you have a problem with the bullying, clearly you do not volunteer enough time or money!
—Submitted by a parent

This was not a good experience for us either. What hurts the most is that we tried to make it work. Do check out all of your options. Good schools do exist in Jeffco. There are many great schools out there. We are happier this fall. Worst decision we ever made was sending our child here.
—Submitted by a parent

So glad that we have decided to move on. Should have done so many years ago. Leaving was the best decision we made.
—Submitted by a parent

Here are the results for my 3 children. All three started in Primary and two completed sixth grade there. MPA prepared them well to be responsible self-motivated learners who love to learn. After MPA one excelled in her art magnet Denver school with 5.0 + gpa leaving there after 9th grade and excelled at her international high school graduating this year with honors & awards and 4.0 + gpa and was accepted at selective universities & was offered 4 scholarships including a full ride. The second excelled at her Jefferson County gifted program middle school and is now excelling at her international high school. The third who left MPA after 4th grade due to our move continues to score in 98th and 99th percentile (compared to US students) in reading and science. When she began her 5th grade year she scored at 99 percentile for math having only had Montessori math before that. These details are so you can see how successful the Montessori program as delivered by MPA can be for a student who comes ready to learn and starts the program in Primary & continues the program. There are other ways to measure quality but by this you can see how the transition to more traditional schools went.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sure that all people have different experiences due to their own personal issues, but I have NEVER witnessed bullying at MPA, and I have had my daughter there for three years now (PK, K and now 1st grade). Montessori is not for every child, but if you have a child who can be taught to be self-reliant and be responsible for their own actions, you will be pleased. The principal is the best I have ever dealt with. I did have a problem with my daughter's glasses being broken (by accident) in PK, and it was taken care of within hours to my satisfaction. She will take as much time with you as you need. My daughter's teacher is a very high-expectations teacher, and I have full confidence that she will be well-prepared for the Upper Elementary level. I am grateful every day that my daughter was accepted into this school--especially after spending some time in regular public schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

The best decision we ever made was leaving. The gt program they try and promote is not a recognized gt program... And yes, there is bullying here. Agree with all of the dissatisfied posts.
—Submitted by a parent

AsMPA parents, we were thrilled to hear that MPA won the Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award, an honor awarded to only a few schools in the state. Let's use real benchmarks and not slander to rate this school. We are incredibly satisfied with the quality of the teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

MPA is a haven for rampant bullying and cronyism among the staff and administration. Our children were terrified in tthis hostile and unsafe environment. They have thrived academically and socially in their new school.
—Submitted by a parent

Montessori Peaks Academy does not understand how to handle 504's and IEP's. The staff is interested in protected themselves and in covering up their inadequacies. Staff members who do not communicate with parents are supported by administration. We have withdrawn our children and would advise prospective student families to have MPA document any of their claims. These fact are unfortunate for the few teachers who place students above their own interests.
—Submitted by a parent

Biggest mistake I made was sending my children to this school. Be aware that if your child needs any form of additional support in the classroom they will not get it here.
—Submitted by a parent

We are in our first year at MPA and are extremely impressed. The school teachers, staff, and parents are highly involved and dedicated to creating an enriching and educational environment for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my girls went to this school and loved it. The principal is the best ever (I wish I could take her with us to my childrens furture schools
—Submitted by a parent

This is amazing school! We have been at MPA for two years now and absolutely love it! Both of our boys have really grown and progressed since starting at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at MPA coming from a Denver Public School. I could not be more pleased with the progress my son has made. He seems to enjoy school again and thrives in the Montessori teaching environement. Parents are involved and staff could not be better. I would highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

In the 3 years my kids have been at Montessori, we have not had a positive experience. MPA likes students who fit into a certain mold and don't require any work out of the norm - no more, no less. If you have a child who is special needs or who is advanced, MPA is not willing to pay extra attention to keep your child engaged. They are much more content to call your child a 'problem' child and ignore the amazing abilities that every child brings to the table in order to avoid the extra work and research it takes to teach to any student who does not learn by the traditional linear thinkers. The staff is also unresponsive and difficult to work with. We would not recommend to any family who wants more than a typical education for their child. We did love Patty Dwyer and gifted/talented program, however!
—Submitted by a parent

We are completing our fourth year as members of the MPA community, and the school continues to get even better. The curriculum fosters incredible math skills, and our first grader's teacher is focused on producing a love for reading. He is reading above level at this point. Science studies are being expanded (they had been a bit weak), and students probably know their geography better than many adults! Art, Music and Gym will all greatly benefit from a brand new second building currently in the construction process. The pre-K program shines, and our four year old is beginning to read while also displaying other areas of educational aptitude and personal responsibility. It's a bit more expensive than many alternatives, but is worth every dollar. The staff are all deeply committed to their work, and the results show. Don't let the average CSAP scores fool you, this educational experience is first
—Submitted by a parent