Border Star Montessori

Mixed reviews. Definitely depends on your child's teacher. Border Star has several dedicated teachers who are wonderful, but also has many teachers who are overwhelmed & burned out. Might be better now that the principal has left. Better than most in the KCMO district. Great parents & a nice community, but the loss of KCMO's accreditation will drive many families who have a choice away. It's unfortunate for the others who don't have a choice. I don't feel like it is worth the tuition for preschool though.
--Submitted by a parent

A wonderful school, wonderful students, wonderful teachers, a wonderful community. We wanted to send our daughter here before she was even born, and we were very fortunate to get in. One of the few bright spots in the Kansas City School District, which would otherwise have forced us into private school.
--Submitted by a parent

My 2 daughters have been attending Borderstar for 4 years now and absolutely love it. They are way more advanced than public school kids their age. My oldest learned multiplication in 1st grade and my youngest learned how to read & write in cursive in Kindergarten. Borderstar has a wonderful violin and piano lesson program starting in preschool and the teachers are patient and take great care to make sure each child learns before moving them further.
--Submitted by a parent

No way would I consider spending over 6k+ for pre-K at this lackluster school. I can get a smaller, private montessori preschool at the same price that actually knows my child and demonstrates a high level of caring and customer service that this school/district isn't capable of. My child won't be back.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! I wouldn't send our daughter to any other school in the KC area. Great principal, teachers and staff. A real cornerstone in the community.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been involved at Border Star since our son started attending 5 years ago. Our daughter started as a P3 3 years ago. I cannot say enough positive things about the principal and teacher quality. Both our children are doing as well or better than their friends who attend private schools. I am proud to tell people that my children attend public school - this public school.
--Submitted by a parent

My children both attended this school for six years, my oldest graduated last year and is currently in middle school. Choosing Montessori and Border star was truly the best educational decision we have ever made. The prinicpal and staff are excellent, and while the overall school district has its problems, creating a Montessori program was something they have done well. My son, now a Junior, just got a 28 on his ACT and is in the IB program. This is due to a strong Montessori foundation which he will carry with him through college.
--Submitted by a parent

How disappointing that there are still parents who view Border Star as a 'free preeschool'. With a waiting list over 50 children long to get in for the P3 class, she is taking a spot from a parent that truly believes in the school. Only 10% of preschool families choose to take their children out. Border Star has the highest rating among all KCMSD schools for reading at or above grade level and among the lowest attrition rates. The Montessori system is not for everyone. In particular, it requires a strong relationship between student and teacher as well as Parent and Teacher. Our children are far ahead of their counterparts at both other KCMSD schools and those at Private schools. This may not be typical, but certainly the opportunity to excel at Border Star is there.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been at the school for 4 years now and will be sending our youngest to Border Star next year. I consider the school to be one of the bright lights within the KCMSD. It does have to blend being a public school and all that entails with Maria Montessori's principles, but they must being doing something right as the school was recognized by AMI last year and continues to work on keeping that recognition. My husband and I have been very pleased with our daughter's teachers. She has thrived academically and made many friends. The best part of Border Star is how involved the parents are with everything. It really does feel like a BIG family. Mind you there are always things that could use some work, but no school is perfect and the committed parents, teachers, staff and students are ready to tackle whatever needs addressing.
--Submitted by a parent

Fine as a free preschool, but most kids leave their Kindergarten year for private or charter schools because the elementary program isn't very good. We left when our son started falling behind in 1st grade. Lack of structure and clear expectations made transitioning to a traditional classroom difficult. Surprised this school isn't on the list to close - very few families in the neighborhood send their kids here for K-6.
--Submitted by a parent