Riverstone Montessori Academy

Our child began her second year at Riverstone and is now in the middle school program. Every day we are witness to how the Montessori approach serves the whole child. She is being challenged academically--without exception, but she is also learning so many life-skills....the value of a strong work-ethic, how to manage her time, the benefits of collaboration and how to lead and inspire others. Inspired by her own desire to succeed, she stays engaged in her learning and gains satisfaction in a job well done. Further, the school's approach to serving the community, developing an entrepreneurial spirit and respect for our environment align with our personal values. We listen to neighbors and friends talk about being frustrated by teaching styles, over-crowded classrooms, the 'dumming down' of curriculum, cliques and bullying--- and how 'hard' middle school can be....and are so grateful that we experience none of that. Our child is happy, valued, contributing, engaged and learning.
--Submitted by a parent

We can't say enough about RMA! My children are thrilled to wake up in the mornings to go to school and delighted to talk about their day when they return home. The Montessori Method allows each child to work at his or her individual level, and my children are never bored! My second son (pre-K age) comes home raving about his work reading a beginner book (all by himself!) or working with the thousand chain, a long chain of beads designed to help the child visualize and count large numbers. Just this week, my oldest son (second grade age) completed a full research project on the giant squid (his choice, and completed in conjunction with several classmates). This project represented four weeks of in-depth work including reading about the squid, writing a paper, completing a painting, and even learning the anatomy of the animal. The project culminated in a dissection of a squid specimen. Next, he is planning to research snakes with a fellow classmate (again, his choice). Where else would my children be able to do things like this? Moreover, this academic work is accomplished in a peaceful, nurturing environment that addresses the whole person.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so grateful for the RMA community and the expansive opportunities that the Montessori curriculum at Riverstone allows. See for yourself!
--Submitted by a parent

I am proud to say that my child recently graduated from the Middle School program after having attended for 6 years. I moved her there after public school failed to keep up with my child's love for math. When we arrived, there was an adjustment period where she had to get used to the Montessori curriculum but the students and teachers made the transition very easy. Six years later, she is thriving and was recently accepted the IB program at a local highschool. My family has also volunteered on many occasions and worked with the other families in the school. I can honestly say the sense of community felt at the school is unique and quite welcoming. They facilitate gatherings so the families can get to know one another. It is a true testament to what community is all about. I will miss the families most. RMA truly stands behind their mission of creating an environment that develops the "whole" child and in essence the "whole" community. I will miss them dearly.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter recently graduated from this school after being there for three years. During her first year here she seemed to enjoy the learning environment and the teachers, but as she progressed into her final year she came home telling me that the teachers were not teaching correctly and that her classmates were rude to her and the teachers told her that they could not help her. This upset her very much, and now that she has graduated she says she is glad to leave. Overall the elementary classroom is great, but the middle school classroom has some major improvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of our children are attending RMA and not only are they excelling above grade level in their academic work they are learning so much more. They are learning about community within the school as well as outside of the school. They are learning things that will help them develop self confidence and help them exceed in life as well. We could not be happier with our choice to enroll them at Riverstone Montessori!
--Submitted by a parent

Riverstone Montessori has made school and learning FUN for our children! Our children are in the elementary program and all of them are thriving. The teachers and office staff are truly interested in knowing every child and every family. They recognize that each child is unique and so is their learning style. Our children are learning skills now that most people do not master until college or even later; time management, conflict resolution, compassion, cooperation, determination, and perseverence are all part of their curriculum. Academically our children are out-performing their peers in public and private schools. OUR FAMILY LOVES RMA!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Both of our children are mastering concepts and subject matter while building a foundation for life-long learning. The joy our 8 year old feels when he understands something like "cubing" cannot be compared with getting a gold star on any third grade worksheet. Our 8 year old son is learning Algebra through the Montessori curriculum and materials. Our six year old is learning long-division. We wish we had the education they are getting! Did I mention that the boys have developed a love for quality music, theatre, art and history...and that they frequently cook for us at home. As parents, we have benefited from RMA because we get involved in school activities... we volunteer and get to know the RMA families. Like real life, we have seen successes and what some may consider failures. Failure is part of the learning process whether it is learning to walk, perform science experiments, run a school or govern a country. It is interesting to research famous people impacted by a Montessori education. Google Famous Montessori People and discover Royalty, President s families, founders of great companies, authors, artists, actors, musicians, inventors and more
--Submitted by a parent

Our family loves this school! The students in my son's class are working way ahead of their grade level and love it! The teachers are really good at getting our son excited about school. It is so different from the private school he was in for Kindergarten. It is like watching a little community go to work with kids doing many different things and working happily without the teacher standing over them. Unlike other places we visited before, the teachers don't seem to be 'guessing' about how to teach or what my child needs. We have a toddler and I can't wait for her to go into their pre-k program! We love you RMA!
--Submitted by a parent

Both my daughter and son are students at Riverstone Montessori Academy in the Elementary and Primary programs, respectively. Having experienced the traditional public school setting through my daughter's Kindergarten year, I can say without a doubt Montessori is the right approach for my children's education. And Riverstone is the best place for them to be. At RMA it is not only about the hands-on, advanced academics. Children are taught to respect themselves, each other and to resolve conflicts peacefully. They are taught to take care of their environment and to help others through countless community service projects. They are also given choices and encouraged to become independent. I have seen amazing academic and personal growth in both my children and they will remain at Riverstone through their Middle school years. Hopefully (fingers crossed) before then they will add high school.
--Submitted by a parent