Marquette Montessori Academy

My daughter has been at Marquette as a 3/4 year old for two years, and I can't think of a thing that I would change. She has learned so much it seems that daily I am surprised by the things she knows. She is clearly loved, nurtured, and learning. I love that while there is an emphasis in growing and learning new skills, she is not forced. Instead of dreading more complicated work, she looks forward to new lessons. Her teacher has always responded within the same day if we email her, and also alerted us to a bigger problem right away, so that we could address it with our daughter.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are thriving at Marquette and one of our chief reasons for limiting our search for a new home to South Bend is that we don't want our kids to leave the school. The teachers are always quick to respond to emails and the stories our children tell about school illustrate that everyone is treated with respect at Marquette. The school body is racially and socioeconomically diverse - a very important trait in our opinion. I personally attended a private Montessori school from PK-8th grade and I find that my own children are using the same Montessori materials and vocabulary that I grew up with. We feel fortunate that our children are able to attend Marquette!
--Submitted by a parent

This is my son's third year at Marquette. He is currently in kindergarten, and we have been wowed by the early childhood curriculum. His teacher, who he has had for three years, is incredible. She has built a community out of the children in her room, all while moving them along academically and socially. She is keenly aware of their developmental needs and meets them. The curriculum is authentically Montessori, and the proof of its success is clear: at mid-year assessments, the kindergarteners were the highest in the SBCSC for math and tied for first place in reading. I like that he is in a racially and socioeconomically diverse setting and that there is no ability testing for admission. We are 100% satisfied!
--Submitted by a parent

My son attends Marquette,and i'm so happy he does.My son Robert has learned so much in school that he can't wait to go.He is learning so much that I'm impressed.Marquette has the best Principal Mrs.Carson she is really on our kids to learn and to do their best..I wish all kids could attend this school.I'm a proud Marquette parent.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend Marquette and love it! The Montessori approach to learning has allowed them to learn at their own pace and has allowed them to achieve in their strengths. The staff does an outstanding job encouraging them in their weakness and they've improved greatly in those areas as well. Parent involvement is wonderful and parents often take an active roll in the students education, both in school and outside school. On a personal note, my kids have loved all the classroom pets and enjoy the responsibility of helping their classmates take care of the pets. Cannot say enough wonderful things about this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Marquette is quietly becoming one of the best primary centers in the area, and it wont stay a secret for long. The school boasts a great staff with educators committed to Montessori methods and certification, and the new Principal and growth of the PTO has made a tremendous difference in what were serious communication and cooperation issues a few years back. If you're AT ALL interested in a Montessori school for your child, this school must be on your list of places to check out... you can schedule in class observations and see the classroom environment in action with your own eyes. You can contact the PTO to get in touch with parents/staff. marquettepto [at] gmail [dot] com
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in 2nd grade, and has been here for two years. We could not be happier. The new principal is excellent, the teachers go above and beyond, and it is rapidly becoming a true Montessori - from the gorgeous new building to the classroom style. My son is constantly challenged without being buried with busy work, he does creative projects (he is currently publishing a book on volcanoes with a group of classmates) and he is happy and hardworking. I imagine that test scores will continue to rise, but the real success here is a happy, creative faculty and student body with lots of committed parents too.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 students at Marquette. My 5 yr old has been attending since she was 3, and my 7 yr old has been here for 2 years. This school is absolutely wonderful. Test scores are rising dramatically, each and every year. Teachers are very attentive to each students needs and work with parents wonderfully. The principal is so very dedicated and does a fantastic job. Actually, every single staff member seems to love teaching, which is unfortunately not the case with most teachers. The building itself is great. This school is the best kept secret in South Bend, and I know it will be a model for additional schools in the future. As a parent, I couldn't be happier. The last 3 yrs this school has really made a difference in this schools acedemic history. Each student's education is tailor made in this school, so no matter the intellect, your child will thrive here. Apply early, there are waiting lists!
--Submitted by a parent

Marquette was recently transitioned to a Montessori Academy and, while I believe it has the potential to be a very good school, they still have a long way to go. The teachers are very good and are committed to their students. I am not impressed with the rest of the staff. Communication is a HUGE issue with this school, though I do see some efforts being made to change. I have children at another South Bend school and parental involvement is very much welcomed there. Marquette does not have that same atmosphere and, in fact, I feel they are very resistant to it, especially in the classroom. I think with better leadership, this school could improve but I am not willing to put my child's best interests on hold and will most likely not continue sending my children to Marquette.
--Submitted by a parent

The teaching staff at Marquette is a committed group. They do their utmost to support every child in every classroom. I am currently the principal of Marquette and I believe that we are working toward the common good of all students. We all have room for improvement and with that in mind, we are strongest at delivering an education to students with a high degree of caring about each individual. Students are held accountable for their academic growth. Parents are asked to support their child's motivational aspirations. I hold the staff highly accountable for quality teaching. I hold the student accountable for appropriate student behaviors both academic and social. Marquette is a neighborhood school with many traditions and a dynamic caring culture. Although test scores have not been high, we are moving in the right direction. The staff is fully aware that ISTEP+ and AYP must be realized by all students!
--Submitted by an administrator