The Montessori Academy at Edison

Best private school in the South Bend/Mishawaka/Granger area! Our 8 year old son and 3 year old daughter both truly enjoy going to school everyday. My initial concern when considering a Montessori school was it's lack of structure and lack of tangible grading, but The Montessori Academy actually does have a good deal of structure and testing to make sure each student is excelling (what their alumni have gone on to accomplish sold me on Montessori). The tuition is a little pricey, but I look at it as an investment in my children's future. I have seen that the teachers genuinely care for their students well-being and success both with my preschool daughter and my third grade son. The qualities I have seen focused on are leadership, self-confidence, diversity, compassion/service, teamwork, and conflict resolution. We evaluated several other top private schools in the area and are 100% satisfied that The Montessori Academy is the best choice for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Our girls have attended TMA since they were 3. The strength of the community within this school is amazing. I compare notes with other parents whose children attend different schools. The teacher involvement is personal and directed to touch the uniqueness of each child. Our chidren's academic and social skills have developed wonderfully here. We had a very sudden and unexpected tragedy in our lives and the school community and teachers were so supportive - beyond words, and consistently supportive. We have developed what are sure to be life long friendships at this wonderful institution.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and two daughters have blossomed here. We have been part of the school for twelve years. We have stayed because we believe this method is the best way to learn. When students make mistakes, they get their work back to check it until they ve fully understood it. They work at their own pace, but there is a healthy structure, too. The teachers here have always made my children feel safe and secure. My extremely anxious child was never mocked for his struggles, never even teased. I recall the morning in fourth grade when he refused to get out of the car. After about ten minutes, his teacher (informed by a parent who saw the scene unfold in the carpool lane) appeared by our car, full of warmth and reassurance, and my son willingly took her hand and let her lead him to his classroom. My son is now thriving in eighth grade. He even led the opening school assembly in song with three of his classmates! He has scored at the 95th percentile across the board on the Terra Nova standardized test, plays sports at school, and volunteers at The Center for the Homeless with his class. We are grateful to have such a wonderful school for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough wonderfult things about the Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes. We've graduated two of our kids from here, and they've gone on to have great academic success in high school. The teachers are amazing, the leadership is excellent, and the families are wonderful. It's a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

A fantastic school that challenges students academically while appreciating their individuality. Both our kids (now 15 and 11) started in the toddler program so we have been at the school for more than a decade. The school was terrific preparation for the public high school our daughter now attends where she is excelling in an Honors program. TMA trained her to be well-organized, compassionate, and a critical thinker. She really benefited from TMAs sports and extra currics which made us all feel part of a real community. Our son is a quirkier kid--more of an introvert who thinks outside the box. TMA has been a wonderful program for him too. In a traditional school, I'm afraid his creativity and individuality would not have been allowed to flourish so completely. We are transplants who moved to the area from out of state. TMA was a welcoming community from the start and the school has been one of the main reasons we love it here.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about this school. The principal is amazing and teachers are wonderful. Top notch education!
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alumni of The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes program. I started when I was 3 years old, and continued through the 8th grade program. I cherish my experience with the Montessori Academy. The teachers are amazing they go above and beyond for each child, encouraging individuality, instilling integrity, cultivating independence and inspiring leaders. And the bond I created with the other students is remarkable. No matter how much time passes, we can always pick up like it was yesterday. I was nervous transitioning into a public high school after I graduated, but quickly realized how prepared I was. Honor classes were a breeze because I was taught the necessary tools to help teach myself, and I was taught to embrace my individuality and to be confident which allowed me overcome peer pressure and any other obstacle that came my way. The tools Montessori taught me have continued to help me excel in my personal and professional life. Thank you for helping me be the best I can be.

We have a 2 year old in the Toddler program and a 4 year old in the preschool program at TMA and we are trilled with our experience at the school. Our children are well cared forin a clean, welcoming and respectful environment. We truly feel as though this is the very best education we can offer our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kid went to the 3-6 yr old class. The teacher was rude at best. She basically made my kid look out to be a monster; had to hire a child psychologist to deal with the problem. Moved my kid to Growing Kids day care and he was fine from day one. Another kid who was also in the same class at Montessori landed at GK and turns out the teacher had complained using the exact same words about their son and they had also gone through that same psychologist as well. For various non-academic reasons, the principal basically took the words of the teacher over our kid's. I hear that upper grades are better, but for little kids - stay away.
—Submitted by a parent

TMA is a great nurtuting environment. They foster a love of learning and natural curiosity. My only suggestion for improving the school would be to be more accomodating to children outside the norm, socially or behaviorally. A school should be able to meet children where they are and guide them accordingly.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 4th grade and has thrived at TMA since she was 2-1/2. TMA embodies its core values of peace, understanding, and personal responsibility. The academics are exceptional, the teachers are phenomenal, and the community is strong. Self-motivation is cultivated and expected. I recently sat in on morning 'line.' Each child had a weekly planner, outlining each subject and the tasks to complete that week. It was like a little corporate meeting. The teacher went back and forth with the group, each student communicating what they would accomplish that day- then off they went in different directions and began to work on their individual projects. While the teachers review all work, and closely monitor daily plans and progress, it is part of the child's job to set and execute their schedule. TMA gives each child an unparalleled education and the tools to organize and execute successfully for life.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had our daughter enrolled at TMA since kindergarten and we couldn't happier or more proud of the person she's becoming. We believe that the peaceful and caring atmosphere at TMA has helped her develop skills that will set her apart when she goes on to another school, including college. I could go on and on, but I won't. Find out for yourself what a difference TMA can make in yours and your child's life.
—Submitted by a parent