Charter | K-8 | 206 students |
Spring Lake's Walden Green Montessori is a charter school that serves grades K-8. It has received a GreatSchools rating of 7 out of 10 based on its performance on state standardized tests.
This school has an average Community Rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on reviews from 13 school community members.
School highlights:
| COMPARE | SCHOOL | GREATSCHOOLS RATING | COMMUNITY RATING |
|---|
0 miles | |||
West MI Academy of Arts and Academics 0.4 miles | |||
0.8 miles | |||
1.7 miles |
I have a daughter who went from Kindergarten all through eighth grade. The school teaches to manage their own time in a way traditional schools do not. She is now a straight A student in high school and she credits what she learned at Walden Green to her success. I give the school 5 stars!
I'm only giving three stars, the jury is still out with me on this school. I have observed in class, and firmly believe if your child is not good at self direction, they may fail in this school setting. However if your child has potential to learn quickly, they have opportunities to advance just as quickly. It is certainly not for every child. My child seems to be doing fine with it. I think the self direction is ultimately preparing him for the working world.
In 3 days of observation I saw many examples as to why my child did not feel safe at Walden Green. In the classroom I saw boys pinching bottoms, slapping frontal private parts, raising of fists to faces, hitting and wrestling on the carpet, all within close proximity of two teachers. The lack of supervision extended to the playground. Most times there was only one teacher supervising the class in a vast space with unclear boundaries. They didn t guide conflict resolution conversation or correct behavior with Love and Logic. There was a major lack of professionalism, huge communication issues, and no true desire for parent involvement. They informed us of a decision to limit our child s school hours, during an all school holiday event, with no discussion and/or offer of discussion. Repeatedly, requested information was ignored. No volunteer schedule was presented, despite many willing parents. They spoke to children and adults manipulatively and disrespectfully. Parents should observe at least one full day and pop in to draw their own conclusion. Parent satisfaction surveys and exit interviews are needed. Check how many withdrawals are from moving vs. dissatisfaction.
This is the 4th year my children have been students at this school, and it is a very inviting setting. Parents are welcome to come and observe at any time they would like to. Parent involvement is actually quite high here. Just go into the school and walk down the halls, you see parents all over. My only regret is that it ends at 8th grade.
This school is amazing. Top notch teachers who REALLY care about the kids and an administration that REALLY cares about the teachers. And the proof is in the pudding--go watch a class and see Montessori in action. You'll be amazed at how articulate, polite, intelligent, and engaged the children are at all ages. Needless to say, we're THRILLED to have our child in this school.
Excellent in every category. We could not be happier with this school.
Walden Green is a fantastic school. We have been very pleased with the education they are receiving. Parental involvement is very much encouraged and appreciated. The school went through some growing pains last year with their new building, however things are much improved. My girls love this school and so do we!
They have you drop off kids at the door and walk them out to your car after school. They do not encourage parental involvement since moving to the new school. They do not encourage you to enter the school or be part of child's school experience.
Walden Green has done wonders for me! Before I came there, I was not very good at applying myself to work, I also was not very good at working individually. I have only been there for two years, but it feels like I have been there my whole life, because I have learned so much in the little time I have been there. Unfortunately, it was my last year there, and it is now summer break. But, I know when high school starts, I will use the knowledge I have gained from Walden Green, and I will use to my advantage. Thank you very much Walden Green! ~Allison O.
Walden Green Montessori sets high academic expectations, yet recognizes that each child learns in different ways. Hence the motto, 'Follow the Child.' It is a very small and comfortable school. The teaching staff is second to none. No anxiety at the beginning of the school year. Mixed-grade classrooms mean that many students are comfortable with the same teacher for a couple of years (and vice versa). Everyone knows and respects each other. Spanish, music program, Scouts... there are a number of nice extra-curricular activities for such a small school. Soccer, swimming and other programs offered nearby. A before and after school program is available for working parents. All-school picnic, musical programs, and breakfasts are nice. Great field trips for the kids (parents have fun too). Kids take pride in their school (note the previous student review). It is a unique place thanks to Jean Hicks (founder) and all staff.
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