My children have attended Marquette Montessori from the age of 3 and 4. I cannot describe the high level of education they have received. They wake up with joy on their face to go to school. They have an appreciation for learning and I owe this to the staff at Marquette Montessori.
—Submitted by a parent

I have the opportunity to work at an amazing school. The staff always puts the children first. We work together to give the children the best education possible. We all believe in the Montessori philosophy and teach our students to reach for the stars.
—Submitted by a teacher

My youngest daughter has attended Marquette since she was 3 years old. In kindergarten, she brought home her first research paper (on ligers! They ARE real!!!) and was sent up to the 4th grade room to do her math. Now in 2nd grade, she is reading on a 7th/8th grade level, works with the more advance 3rd graders, and had all A's. By allowing them to work at their own pace, no one gets left behind and no one gets bored. She loves school and is surrounded by people who love her and want the best for her. They are taught to be confident, caring, and thoughtful individuals. I wish that my older children could have had the same amazing education that she is getting. My only complaint is that the school doesn't go through 12th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the grandparent of a third grader at Marquette Primary. I would strongly suggest to all parents of children age 3 and up to get on the waiting list NOW. Your children will be surrounded by the most caring and dedicated teachers and staff that you could ever find. Your questions and concerns are adressed in a timely manner and your children will greatly benefit from the level of respect they are shown and the values they are being taught each and every day. Don't be surprised if they quickly begin to work above their grade level. Their self-confidence will soar and they will look forward to learning. I am so very pleased at how I've seen my granddaughter blossom and mature since her pre-school days. She is truly in love with learning and I attribute this to the excellent education she is receiving at Marquette. This school is truly a shining star on the map of South Bend,IN

My daughter has been a student at Marquette since its doors opened in 2007. She is currently 9, and in the 3rd grade. Ever since my daughter was born, her education was of the utmost importance to me. I personally had no experience with Indiana schools, therefore, I began researching early. As the time approached for my daughter to possibly begin an early childhood program, I was still at a loss as where to have her attend kindergarten. I then received a blessing in my mailbox. It was the information in regards to Marquette. I had had experience with Montessori Education & its benefits, so I was ecstatic at the thought of being able to offer it to my daughter. It in my opinion, is one of the most positive, influential forms of teaching in existence today. In my daughters time at Marquette she has excelled in multiple areas, to the point she is above her grade level in certain subjects. Marquette Montessori has taught her a level of independence, respect for herself & others, & the concept of accepting all types of people, regardless of their status, better than any regular public school could. Montessori Education focuses on the individual child & Marquette does it magnificently.
—Submitted by a parent

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

I am a parent of 2 children currently enrolled in marquette. I must say, my children will NEVER go to this school again. Very chaotic, very poor leadership (with exception of a few teachers). I fight the school daily to find out the progress of my children. I've never seen a school so bad off.
—Submitted by a parent

Marquette has one of the best teaching staffs in the South Bend Corporation. Most of the teachers hold Master's Degrees in education and have many hours of education past a Master's Degree. Several of teachers have been with Marquette for 20 yrs. Each teacher has a strong belief in the Marquette Park Community and an excellent relationship with the parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of Marquette Elementary. I enjoyed my elementary years thanks to teachers there such as Ms Chiszar, Miss Papas and Miss Callas, Miss Young, Miss Manning, Mr Coleman, Jewel, and Mrs Wendowski. I will never forget Marquette. I had some of my best child hood learning experiences and times ever. I am 18 now and I live in Michigan I am attending Wayne State University in the fall and I would like to thank everyone from my Marquette family.
—Submitted by a former student