Middle Creek Montessori

I have visited this school often, as a 'friend' of the school; the opportunity for academic achievement is what I see as the number one mission for this school; the administration and skilled staff reflect this mission in a strong way; the environment inside the child is enhanced by the environment in the classroom and also the outdoor environment around the school; a creek runs along one side of the property and safe, supervised exploration by the children is just a joy to see; and having a small selection of chickens, goats, rabbits for the children to care for is a plus for any child.

My daughter has attended Middle Creek for five years (preschool and lower elementary) and loved every minute of her experience. It's a wonderful place to learn and grow! She particularly loves the playground with the forest and creek--what child would not?! In the classroom, the children learn the usual math and reading, but also get very excited about science, history and geography while doing some fun projects. In elementary school, they also learn to budget their time well to get all their lessons done, which is a very important life skill. Parental involvement is very much encouraged, and many parents have taken time to come into the class to teach short lessons on all different topics: nutrition, cooking, making butter, etc. Middle Creek opens children's eyes to the exciting world around them and teaches them to love learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyday of the ongoing six years my daughter has attended Middle Creek Montessori has been an absolute pleasure. If you want to witness your child develop a true joy and love of learning, in the richest of environments-------check out Middle Creek!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We worked very hard to send our children to this school...a few years later my children are academically very behind their peers. Socially Middle creek is a train wreck, children do not get disciplined for being violent, rude, disrespectful, you name it. This is NOT a Montessori school, its more like VERY overpriced daycare, with little to no leadership. The board is not at all involved, and they are continually losing the amazing teachers they do have because of the lack of support they receive.
—Submitted by a parent

Middle Creek Montessori is an amazing school where children are taught responsibility, independence and the importance of respecting others. My oldest daughter has attended since she was three and a half years old and is currently a curious, thoughtful and challenged 2nd grader in the lower elementary class. My youngest daughter is currently a kindergartener in the Sushine class and is also thriving - reading, exploring and enjoying each day. Middle Creek offers an incredible faculty who truly care about children's needs and appreciate their differences. Go take a tour - I think you'll be impressed by this unique school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have five children and looked extensively at schools in Bozeman before choosing Middle Creek Montessori. My 17 year old son, now a high school junior, was a member of the very first elementary class at Middle Creek and looks back at that year as his best year in school. My 19 year old daughter was in the first kindergarten class and returned last summer for a wonderful experience as an assistant teacher in a primary classroom. I also have a twelve year who blossomed from an extremely shy seven year old into a happy, successful student at Middle Creek and completed five years of elementary education in four years. At present I have a ten year old at Middle Creek in fifth grade. He has a wonderful relationship with his teacher and is reading and doing math and science way beyond his grade level. He is also given lots of support and encouragement for areas where he is not as confident (language mechanics, writing). Our youngest child is not yet in school, but joins his older brother for art and PE one day a week. The school has been one of the primary reasons we have remained in Bozeman rather than moving our business to a larger urban environment.
—Submitted by a parent

LOVE Middle Creek Montessori! My oldest started there after we pulled him out of Public school. He is now in the upper El being taught by one of the most amazing teachers ever! She is compassionate and respectful, and has appropriate boundaries for the children. We love it so much our youngest started this year in the Primary Rainbow classroom, which has been wonderful! His teachers are amazing! I feel so blessed to have found such a wonderful place to send my children to school. The environment is warm and friendly and it is very obvious the teachers enjoy teaching & being with the children.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest daughter attended MCM for 4 years, and [solely] due to economic reasons, she now attends a Bozeman public kindergarten. Her current teacher recently contacted me and asked my how she could keep her challenged, as she is reading and writing at a level much greater than her classmates (most of them are learning the alphabet). She now uses her skills to help her classmates. I cannot the stress the quality, caring and trustworthiness of the teachers and staff at MCM, and how they have instilled a passion for reading and learning in my daughter, which I am certain will be lifelong. Although it saddens me that she is not continuing her education at MCM, my youngest daughter is now able to thrive there as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I had high expectations for Middlecreek Montessori which have all been met and exceeded. My child has grown and learned so much in his 2+ years attending and has gained impressive independence. It is a joy to visit the school because of the polite, engaged children and the calm, clean atmosphere. The teachers are the most dedicated I have ever seen. My child loves going to school each day and I am completely confident and trusting in the staff. I would recommend Middlecreek to any parent with young children.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a great school, in my opinion. My son left this school feeling bad about himself . He has thrived in the SPED and Gen. Ed environments at his public school. He still talks about his experiences at this school. It took a full year to bring him back out of his shell after our experience with this school's primary program. I do not recommend this school for any child that has special needs or needs any kind of extra help and/or attention. Self-reliance is a big thing in Montessori. The description of this school was inaccurate because when we enrolled my son the website said children in Montessori "work at their own pace." Working at your own pace means repeating same activity while other kids move ahead. Very frustrating for our son. Teachers seemed to have very low-tolerance for kids who need extra assistance. The pre-primary class is wonderful and I would have no hesitation recommending it to someone if it were a separate school and you did not have to write a check to the same people. The teachers in the pre-primary class were friendly, caring, and gentle with my younger child. He learned quite a bit and is performing ahead of his same-age peers at this time.
—Submitted by a parent

Strong academic program, wonderful teachers, impressive natural outdoor setting, and a great community spirit!
—Submitted by a parent

The facility is awesome! Farm animals, a creek, gardens, natural playground... and the classrooms are full of hands-on lessons for the kids to explore. My kids love it and never want to leave!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. It's full of strong teachers who understand attachment and holistic learning. It offeres student a great place to learn and experience nature.
—Submitted by a parent