Summit-Questa Montessori School

Summit Questa has neen a part of my family's life for 12 years. My grandson graduated with Honors and now is in his second year of high school. My granddaughter still attends and will for the next four years. We connected with Miss Judy's vision and with great enthusiasm have watched SQ grow and grow. When a teacher doesn't follow Montessori methods, that teacher is allowed to move on somewhere else. The students come first, consideration is given on a personal level and the students learn responsibility and integrity, good manners and empathy along with top educational subjects and results. If a child isn't a genius upon enrolling, if they stay with SQ, the best that is in him or her will be found and encouraged. Our graduated students are invited to the most prestigious high schools and colleges. So proud to be a SQ family!

EEducation is very good, however I do agree this school needs some maintenance. Paint inside and out, needs new flooring, bathrooms should be remodeled a bit dirty. Gardens could be cleaned up a bit, playground could use some new equipment too. I do agree a bit dingy and dark. Makes it very hard to decide to keep my children there. Great education, wonderful teachers, but property could use sprucing up. Especially in the younger side of the younger children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in Summit Questa for 3 years . This is the best school for him . He was ask to leave a school in kindergarden , and my husband and I where so upset til we found Summit it has helped him turn into a delightful student and person. Thank you to Mr.Jose ,Ms June,& Ms.Caroll and all Family Staff
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending SQM for the past 12 years, since she has been two. My son has been attending for the past 5 years. The teachers and the staff are so loving and caring, always willing to help and always have the time to listen. The foundation that is established in your child is unbelievable, I can definitely say it is because of this my children stand out in any crowd. They are loving, grateful and extremely bright. This is my daughters last year, we are so grateful we have been so blessed to have been part of this wonderful SQM family. It is because of this school my daughter has become the beautiful young women she is today. Thank You Ms. Judy, Ms Gabi and Summit staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 6 children & came across Summit Q when my youngest was starting 1st grade. I have experienced 6 elementary schools w my other children & wished I knew about S-Q earlier. My daughter is bright & has been fully challenged with the curriculum, not only academically but has practiced public speaking skills since 1st grade. A lesson sometimes not taught until high school or college. S-Q Principal is very nurturing, she really listens & offers great solutions to all issues. S-Q has grown tremendously under her guidance. PTO is very supportive and give our children a wide array of fun experiences. I Finally found the right place with a good mix of academics, and real life learning lessons taught. Can't imagine going anywhere else. Kudos to Ms Judy
—Submitted by a parent

My son started 6th grade at Summit-Questa in August. Our family loves the school, the teachers and the administration. He loves going to school every day and is doing unbelievable academically. He has learned to be independent, work with partners and in groups, become organized, focused and the other kids are a great influence on him socially which is a big issue in middle school. This is the first time in five years he did not require a math tutor. The teachers are very focused on the kids and are warm and nurturing. 11 year olds still need that. The school is amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at this school for two years, and we couldn't be happier. I'm not sure where a previous reviewer saw a campus full of trailers and bedroom-sized classrooms, but it certainly wasn't at this school. The teachers are well-educated and caring, and my child performs at an academic level well beyond the "standard" found at other schools. She loves going to school, which was something that was missing before we came here. I also appreciate the emphasis the school places on independence and personal responsibility. It is well worth the money.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry, but if you are going to review a school, please get your facts straight. Most teachers are Montessori certified. Many have degrees from 4 year universities. However, the classrooms are not "dark, depressing, tiny and dirty." And there is only ONE trailer. The majority of the rooms are homey and inviting. It is definitely not your typical school room. The people who give the tour will show you any place you like; it's not as if some areas are "off limits" as you imply. Summit-Questa students far exceed most academic standards. Where else can a 5 year old do multiplication if he's capable? Montessori allows for that. I'm sorry if your child had a poor experience at Summit, for many, such is not the case. Maybe my opinion doesn't mean much because I am a teacher at the school, but I could be teaching anywhere. There are not many places where you will find teachers that genuinely care for your children and their education.
—Submitted by a teacher

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL. We are pulling our child and going elsewhere. I agree with previous reviewer. This school IS a threat to the Montessori way of teaching. They use the word Montessori as a marketing tool but do not fully embrace the teaching philosophy. INCONSISTENT QUALITY of TEACHERS. Some classes are good but most teachers at this school are average to POOR in quality. SCARCE RESOURCES FOR A PRIVATE SCHOOL. Classrooms are almost all trailers. Dark, depressing, tiny and dirty classrooms. They show you the most beautiful parts of the campus on the tour but several classrooms are bedroom sized (if that). Children are stepping all over each other and WORKING IN A VERY CHAOTIC ENVIRONMENT There is TERRIBLE COMMUNICATION all around between administration, teachers and parents. TWO THUMBS DOWN.
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my children currently attend Summit Questa and love it. The environment is very peaceful and the teachers and staff are very caring and loving. Academically they are on track, and I couldn't ask for a better school, especially for the price compared to some other private schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a threat to the montessori way of teaching their methods of teachingare very poor many of the teachers are extremely mediocre Total Waste Of MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a teacher

RED FLAG . "I want your money school" . facade . The PreK is what sells the parents into thinking other grades will be just as nice . .School is like a day care till 8th . Like sending child to a school with No teacher .But tons of work for the child and parent to do . Many fund raisers , holiday expect to give teachers money for bonus . No real exp a montessori training course at the school /owner ceritfies them herself .Get the picture ? end up investing 60 grand by 6th gade, so your child can stay with his friends . Parent will be teaching their child more then school . Do not be fooled .The good reveiws they sound identical to the words the staff uses. Hint .Go back further ,hope your child does not show more energy then a tomato or they will be labeled . teachers in upper are the worse , yell ,.If you complain expect your child to be treated poorly .
—Submitted by a parent

It is an amazing environment to foster the whole child, teacher's, staff etc. Is exceptional! We love this school because our son is blossoming into an amazing human being!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. Friends' children are learning their ABCs and how to count to 10 at kindergarten level. My son is performing multiplication, talking about animal classifications in depth, learning different types of land forms. But more importantly, his behaviour and level of confidence in himself has improved tenfold at this school now that he is recognised as an individual with his own personality, interests, and learning style. Fantastic school for developing the child into the person that they were meant to be. I would highly recommend checking this school out; I don't think you can find any better.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a fabulous school that teaches to the child. There is a wonderful community spirit.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just started here in PK4 and has been transformed from a child that hated to go to school to one that runs into his clasroom with a huge smile. Both his behavior and attention span have improved dramatically due to his phenomenal teachers and the program they apply. They truly seem to respect and understand each individual child and exhude complete faith and passion in all principles of montessori. Parental involvement is awesome; the school really views itself as a community with a common goal of raising phenomenal children. In the 6 weeks that my son has been attending, we have had parent orientation, a welcome breakfast, PTO meeting, a parental lecture on the principles of Montessori, a parenting workshop, a peace celebration and a community BBQ. This school is a perfect fit for us and we could not be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

I am in the eighth grade, and currently going to SQMS. I absolutely love it there. We learn fantastic leadership skills, how to care for animals, and so much more. The teachers are great. I must say that although this school has some flaws, such as the ongoing construction, it is a great school. Your child(ren) will love the hands-on experience they receive here. It is not for everyone, but overall, an amazing school.
—Submitted by a student

I went to this school for 10 years, and i feel that it more then prepared me to enter other school settings and feel that I have above the average social skills. I learned about every aspect of life, about ethics and morals, as weel as getting an amazing education. I was able to be very successful is high school and graduated with honors. I credit this school, and my parents for putting me in an environment like this, with all of the academic and personal acheivements I have made. I don't think that this environment is for everyone, but it is more about the parents commitment, and them having an open mind, then the school not providing the proper foundation for the rest of their lives.
—Submitted by a student

Wow hard to say. Yes it is a holistic approach but not sure the kids are getting the basics like money and how to tell time. Your kids are safe here and they will have close friends and the teachers will get to know them well and yes the campus is nice despite all of the construction. Pre-K teachers are the best Ms. Jane and Ms. Sylvia are real stand outs. They are though a for profit corporation and you can't help to be reminded of this when tuition and fundraising season starts. I have always felt my children got a good foundation in Pre-K but the book is still out on lower elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

My child hated this school. Felt lost and uncared for. Previously a good student, lost self esteem. Judy, as well as other's do care. They are overworked and lost themselves. My child was left behind on a field trip due to poor communication. Some teachers, in my opinion, do not care or are exhausted. This is not, I repeat, not, a 'whole child' education. Preparing a child for an IVY league college is great but there should be more. I am not sure that every child can do well academically here but even if they do, that is ALL they will get. Knowledge without ethics or morals is dangerous. Buyer beware.
—Submitted by a parent