High Desert Montessori Charter School

I have watched this school deteriorate for three years and will not bring my child back in Fall 2012. The Montessori methods spoken of in the initial parent meetings are not in place at this school. For example, this school will talk about the Montessori method of having the same teacher for three years, but my child had three different teachers in three years due to the high staff turnover. In fact, June 2011, every single 1-3 grade teacher left the school and not one of the new hires is a certified Montessori instructor. This school will talk a lot about Montessori methodology, but they don't hire AMI instructors. This school is shortchanging students their Montessori education so they can pay for the middle school expansion into a new building. I don't know how long this school can operate in a deficit before it closes. The afterschool program is a nightmare of untrained, unfriendly office staff and teachers aides. The playground is small and has no shade so my child received several sunburns during the school year, especially on water day when they hose kids down and wash off their sunscreen. Overpriced, horrible care, poor education
--Submitted by a parent

I attended the parent meeting and read up on the montessori method. We decided to leave our private school with great expectations. Unfortunately, I regretted the two years we spent at HDMS. I must say the two teachers my children had were great but one of them left. As a matter of fact, ALOT of staff and families left when we did. My children were bullied physically and mentally. We also had problems with the before and after school program due to poor supervision. I hope the situation has improved there this year but we are back to private school.
--Submitted by a parent

When I first came to HDMS I was in the 4th grade, my G.P.A. was very low and I couldn't figure anything out. I am thankful to my upper elementary and middle school teachers at High Desert Montessori School. Upon leaving HDMS in my 8th grade year, I moved to the Southern Cal to a big desert town, there i found out I had a G.P.A. of 3.8. I progressed from the Bottom of the Bunch to Top Banana. I am now going into High school in a big city, my family has a big house now and I have grown another foot.

This school is led by a principle that shows no true leadership. The school does not show materials used for the student's learning progress upon request. The school changes policies and procedure each year during the year without warning. The school does not guide individual learning as preached by Montessori philosophy, nor do they fully staff with licensed teachers for Montessori. The students are then set back when they enter public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been there for preschool and kindergarten. I feel very lucky to have her receive the montessori education she has received. The classrooms are beautiful and have taught her well. Most teachers are AMI certified. The only complaint is that her teachers have been very good with her, but aren't super warm to the parents. But most important is that my child has loved them
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the quality of teachers and adminstration. Carole Andrews is a power horse. My kids are thriving and have been there since the begining. Great kids, great teachers and wonderful parents
--Submitted by a parent

I m still in awe that we found a school where both teachers and administrators work so hard to attend to the needs of every child. We spent several years at another school trying to make our child fit a public school mold that she just wasn t able to work within. After moving to High Desert Montesorri nearly two years ago, both our children are healthy, happy, and progressing well in what we feel is a exceptional learning environment. Obviously, from the other parent comments, it s not for everyone. But for us, the switch to HDMS has given us our children back.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have been attending High Desert Montessori School since 2002. Both are designated 'gifted,' but were not receiving meaningful services in a traditional school. HDMS has removed obstacles from their education, and the results have been amazing. Our oldest has moved on to honors high school classes and is doing well. Our youngest already perceives himself as a researcher and writer thanks to the inspirational atmosphere. It is critical to understand all aspects of Montessori Method before jumping into HDMS. Some parents come for the peaceful atmosphere, but are unwilling to accept the responsibility of supporting a charter, Montessori education.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been very happy with our son's experience in his first 3 years at HDMS. The level of instruction has been tremendous. Families must understand that Charter schools in Nevada are chronically underfunded, hence the fundraisers. Figure out what you can give, and be part of the community. It's a young school, that's going great places.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had nothing but problems since my child has started at HDMS (2007). Problems are being experienced both with my child (which we had never experienced in the past) as well as problems communicating with the teachers and staff. During open house nights and other 'fund-raising' events (which are constant) other parents, staff & children are disrespectful & rude. Currently I am in conferences with my child s teachers and am looking to change classrooms/teachers to see if these constant issues can be resolved w/ a different dynamic/environment. If not...I am certainly ready to remove my child from the school altogether.
--Submitted by a parent