Montessori Elementary School

We have found this school to be average, at best. Students are supposed to have the same teacher for 1, 2 and 3, and then another for 4 and 5. Our child had a different teacher every year. Only one of these teachers had much experience teaching the Montessori process. The others were either new to teaching, or new to the grade level they were assigned to teach. We have not been impressed by the teacher our child has this year, nor felt particularly welcomed by her. Our child required outside tutoring to bring her up to grade level. While the music program is strong, the visual art program is average. Physical education is taught by non certified staff members. The school has very little, if any, technology for the students. Perhaps with more time TMES will develop into a stronger school. There needs to be more consistency and less teacher turn over, and perhaps a more friendly atmosphere. We see very little advantage at this school compared with our local public school.
--Submitted by a parent

We placed our son in TMES for kindergarten because we knew that he needed a more open and flexible learning environment than he would be afforded in a "traditional" classroom, where most of his day would be spent sitting at a desk doing worksheets. We could not be more pleased with the education our son has received so far. His confidence, competence and skills have grown tremendously since he started at TMES. Yes, TMES expects a lot of their students, parents and teachers. This is not a negative thing; actually it is a positive, and something sorely missing from most educational environments. We have high expectations for our son as well, and expect him to do his best every day. Between the instruction he receives at TMES and the encouragement we give him at home, he is thriving. He also gets art, music, physical education, and culture instruction at TMES he could not get elsewhere, at least not without a hefty tuition charge. We feel fortunate to be part of TMES and highly recommend the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Teaching at TMES for over 4 years now is a pleasure. We have such a knowledgeable, passionate staff. I love how many family volunteers we have participating daily in our school! The school keeps growing in a positive way and I am excited to see where we'll go.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have volunteered in TMES for half this current school year (2010-2011). As a retired teacher of 30 years I was amazed at what I witness and observe at TMES. Children are busy learning, working on independent projects, sharing ideas and integrate effectively within their classrooms as community...unified and happy. The classrooms I have been lucky to have worked in have been supportive of the children's levels of learning and provided individual and group instruction so that every child is attended to AT THEIR LEVEL. It has inspired me to return to teaching and get licensed in the state of New Mexico. I continue to be amazed at the music program and recently attend an end of year concert that was unbelievable. Every student learns to play violin and parents are urged to attend lessons as well. TMES was for me, a breath of fresh air to see innovative instructors and children that actually are enthusiastic about learning.

This charter school provides my children a 'private school' without tuition. My 10 yr old 4th grader and 8 yr old 2nd grader are wrapping up their 3rd year and I couldn't be happier with their teachers. The Suzuki violin program offered to every student is a wonderful compliment to the Montessori method. All children are encouraged and inspired to work at their own level. The school has met AYP standards each year while still allowing for a large percentage of self-directed learning. I can't afford private school, but am happy to supplement the school where I can to maintain the high level of instruction it provides. The school has never forced or guilted parents to donate money. They are forthcoming with financial information so parents can decide if they want to help or not. This school has none of the bullying, cliques or prejudice I've witnessed in 2 other elementary schools my children attended. This school teaches cultural, social and environmental awareness and tolerance. Great job, TMES.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended TMES and its previous private version since they were 2. Here is why I, my wife, and both of our kids (now 11 and 9) are huge fans of TMES: (1) The teachers and staff. Totally committed to the kids, the montessori principles, and the culture (including behaviors like respect, personal responsiility, and conflict resolution). (2) The curriculum, with both the classic "written" form of learning, and the tacticle and spatial experiences of montessori. (3) parent involvement. If you want to contribute, you are welcomed into the process - not pushed away as with other, larger schools. A word on the negative reviewer here... if you take one look at TMES and our montessori materials, art supplies, music program, and the educational assistants (EA's) etc., OF COURSE it costs a little more and the school needs to fundraise. It is not out of line wth what I see at other schools, and TMES offers such a better experience, that I think it's a bargain. Before being a charter school, it cost $8,000 per child so as a charter with no tuition, it's a great deal.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been involved with TMES since it transitioned to a charter school over 5 years ago, and I am very happy with the teachers and curriculum of this school. Contrary to a few other reviews here, math instruction at TMES does not result in children being behind. Both of my children are doing fine in math, and if they weren't, I feel confident that the teachers and staff would do everything in their power to help. Any parent who is considering TMES should visit the school, talk to other parents, and read up on the Montessori method --- it is a different way of learning than what you might be used to. I would like to correct another statement made here - TMES does not ask for a $400 donation per child every year. That was a suggested donation for one year, to meet a fundraising goal, but no family is ever required to make any kind of donation. Ever. TMES is a public charter school and is open and free to all. Unfortunately, budget issues have put TMES, and many other charters, in the position of having to do some fundraising, but donating is completely voluntary. And finally, there are many more families who are devoted to this school than who are unhappy with it!
--Submitted by a parent

The Montessori Elementary School provides outstanding students with a challenging atmosphere and has an excellent program all around. My children are leaps and bounds beyond their peers from other schools in all areas. I am completely satisfied with the strong teaching staff and I highly recommend this great school for any family.
--Submitted by a parent

We left the Montessori school and had to put my child in summer school because she was so behind in math. She is now in a private school and is still playing catch- up in math.

I have two happy children who enjoy learning that go to this school. The staff is friendly and very competent. I consider it a real privilege to be able to send my children to such a well run school. I truly believe they are providing a quality private Montessori school education for free. In addition to very good academic instruction they get Suzuki Violin, general music, and fine arts. Once you consider those additional subjects and teacher's assistants in all classrooms, I am happy to give help them out as much as I am able so that they can continue providing my children a great education..
--Submitted by a parent