Ramalynn Montessori Academy

Ramalynn is fantastic. We enrolled our daughter there in pre-school when her daycare facilities experienced problems intending to send her to public schools later. But they had her reading within weeks and now in kindergarden she's reading at a 2nd or 3rd grade level and doing lots of math. We're keeping her enrolled past kindergraden because of her excellent development. I think the white/minority balance is closer to 50/50 then reported below. The facilities aren't incredible, but the teacher to student ratio of 8:1 is more important. They have about 4, maybe 5, former students in the NFL or NHL. Both academic and sport programs are outstanding. The kids are mature beyond their years and very respectful. They're not exposed to peer pressure like bigger public schools. Communication with the school could be improved and there are some negatives. But the positives far outway the negatives and most importantly our daughter is blossoming academically and as a person that's what counts.
—Submitted by a parent

Good basic reading and writing instructions, just like any other montessori school in the Twin Cities. They have good diversity, about 85% of students are from South Asia and speak another language at home. Facilities are subpar, about 7 dusty rooms on the back of the industrial building. They manage the best they can but winters are tough with one medium-size room multitasking as a gym, music room, assembly room and indoor recess room on cold or rainy days. Not enough bathrooms and they are filthy by mid-day. Other montessories provide hot lunch option, but not here. Kids bring their own food and cold lunch is encouraged because of only one microwave. Monthly fee is expensive compared to other schools, given outdated facilities and constant extra fees. Every other Friday is a mandatory pizza party and healthy eating is difficult to maintain. Communication is not consistant, there is no school directory or email lists.

Every parent knows their child has the potential to achieve great success and Ramalynn has been the Catalyst for equipping hundreds of students with the necessary tools to be successful. Ramalynn have some of the finest teachers I have ever seen, many of them long tenured, The student to teacher ratio great, allowing teachers to have close relationships with each student. This close relationship allows teachers to customize a curriculum for each student and group students with students of similar needs. This simple but effective method maximizes each student s ability to learn and retain knowledge. Ramalynn s students excel in their studies and development because teachers and parents recognize schooling does not stop at school but continues at home. Parents are encouraged to participate in a verity of school activities allowing parents stay involved with their children s progress. I am very pleased with Ramalynn; I truly believe my child has been instilled with the building blocks to have great success in all aspects of life. If parents have the means of sending their child to this school it would greatly increase their potential to become a well accomplished member of society.
—Submitted by a parent

I whole heartedly recommend Ramalynn to anyone interested in providing their children with a positive, forward thinking learning environment. Our goal - as far as education for our children, is to have them enjoy learning, be confident in the work they do and to be inspired to purse their passion, whatever that may be. We have had three chidren go through Ramalynn, preschool - 8th grade (last one is still there), and all three have been inspired to be better with their academic work and to think globally in their own unique way. I truly believe that RMA is not just a place for gifted students, but really a place where students find their gift. The teachers are passonate and care about each child as an individual, and they encourage the students to reach out as mentors, everyday the older students are tutoring the younger students, just because at some point they had the same wonderful experience given them. I know that every child that graduates from Ramalynn is well prepared for the academic challenge that lies ahead.
—Submitted by a parent

As a new member to the Greater Twin Cities Community we have had the pleasure of being involved with this school on a regular basis. We have worked closely with this school's after school programs and cultural activities. We have never seen an institution go above and beyond at this level of education more than this school. The programs and volunteers are top notch and really teach the kids about teamwork and other life skills. The culturally diverse atmosphere is something that you can't get at a lot of places and is an invaluable asset the kids will use and draw from for the rest of their lives. You would never find a staff that puts in the hours that they do or gives the children such personal attention like they do at Ramalynn. Every staff member goes above and beyond what is required of them. We believe it is because the administration treats all staff, the children and their families as if they were their own.

My children have been at Ramalynn Montessori Academy since preschool. We have experienced the positive environment which has a strong focus on academics & social responsibility. Included are Spanish starting in preschool, Latin starting in 4th grade, science fair focusing on teaching the scientific method & extras such as chess clubs, field trips, Chinese, art, & much more. The experience & breadth of knowledge of the teachers allows for a rich academic environment. This school focuses on teaching children to be caring leaders & it's expected that older children help & nurture younger children. It's common to see upper level students reading with kindergarten children. After school activities include a sports camp where children are active every day with flag football, floor hockey, soccer, or baseball. The best part of Ramalynn is the family atmosphere & parent involvement. Parents are welcome in all aspects from helping out in class to recommending new learning opportunities to planning activities & chaperoning. The relationships my family has developed with teachers & students at Ramalynn will last a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

Ramalynn Academy is a kind, caring, loving environment with an incredibly challenging academic program. We have been a part of the school with our children for 10 years. Each year we have seen our children grow in their creativity, academic excellence and self confidence. They have become mature and incredibly sure of their abilities under the Montessori method. The teaching staff is amazing! They are sincere, loving guides who nurture and respect all of the children and their various talents. The turnover rate is incredibly low with most teachers having been there for ten or more years. The school is well run and maintained by a fair and involved head of school and the founders. Ramalynn has been an amazing gift for our children who love going to school each day in an environment which fosters core values, tolerance and compassion to all living things.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Ramalynn Montessori for over 8 years and we are very happy with the education that our children are receiving. The teaching staff are committed to our children and guiding them to become intelligent, compassionate and successful members of society. Ramalynn has open lines of communication between staff, students and parents. The website has been a great tool for managing schedules and homework. Our children are also learning great social and athletic skills in the after school Sports Program. The parents at Ramalynn are very involved and committed to the success of the school. We cherish the relationships that we have developed with the teachers, students, alumni and parents and look forward to being a part of this family for a very long time.
—Submitted by a parent

I am taking the time to write this review because I would like other families to know my personal experience with the school as my children were in this school for almost 6 yrs. The school is seriously mismanaged.They have serious admin issues there. There is a huge lack of communication amongst the people who run and manage the school. Some of their policies are so strange that I wonder if it is legal! Unfortunately being a private school I don't believe there is any form of complaint that can be filed. Talk to parents who have left the school before making any decision. Lower school curriculum overall is good though they have recently lost some of their good teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been attending Ramalynn since preschool. The academic & life skills learned while attending & now midway through grade school are invaluable. Children learn leadership skills early on & help one another along all grade levels. There is focus on individual development academically as well as teamwork for various academic activities. Impressive is the technology & using technology for homework assignments through various blogs & websites. Teachers work with all children according to their needs, whether children need more advanced academic challenge or have special needs. Aftercare programming includes 'Sports Camp', chess club, Odyssey of the mind, & other activities. The school ranks among the highest & breaks records in activities such as Math Olympiad competitions, its annual Science Expo is years ahead of other schools & the foreign language opportunities are amazing with its Spanish immersion & Latin. Its after school 'Sports Camp' has graduates who are amazing college & pro athletes. There is no other place I would have my child attend, the school is amazing. To us it is not a school, but part of our family. We love the diverse cultures.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful, as an alumni I am actually now enrolling my daughter into the program. It was a wonderful school, the most welcoming and empowering school, they really focus on your child individually, making each child know what they can do and what they are capable of! Really focusing on the good things and making the things you have a hard time with no a big deal, they encourage you to keep trying and really concentrate on helping you get better! Also the after School program with sports exposed me to all kinds of opportunities. The Skills that i learned helped me my entire life, I even have been playing Ice hockey due to this program my entire life! I am a senior in college and proud of what i learned in elementary...it still helps me today...

Excellent private school with correct focus on ethics, honesty and working together. It does not emphasize superficiality, inter-scholastic sports or cheerleaders [don't have them] but provides a superb student centered experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Does not allow for any sort of team work or creativity. Too much focus on individuality. Also not sensitive to a child's developmental readiness.
—Submitted by a parent

Ramalynn has a very high level of academic achievement. Children are exposed to reading, math, and the liberal arts at a young age. Our children excelled in a caring environment. The school has very high standards in both behavior and academics. The school is a great start for kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Not the right environment for a sensitive child. My child had a lot of stress related sickness in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

From 1997 to 2000 my child was enrolled in Ramalynn. The atmosphere was extremely rich for children to learn in a manner that suits their individual needs. Respect, peace, tolerance and social etiquette were high qualities prioritized in addition to the academic standards
—Submitted by a parent