Undercroft Montessori School

If you are looking for worksheets, busy-work homework and memorization, you won't find those here. Undercroft is an accredited Montessori, which allows children to learn concepts from working with materials. I have two very healthy, bright children who love going to school at Undercroft. This is a school which encourages children to be independent, free thinking, and respectful of different ideas. While each child is taught on grade level, they are encouraged to go beyond. This is one reason why last year's 8th graders, on average, tested four years above grade level. I take issue with the previous poster who wrote that this is a great school for special needs children but "not optimal for gifted individuals or children on a more regular tract". The teachers at this school guide each child to meet their full potential. The gifted students are thriving, as are those who need to be challenged a little more.
—Submitted by a parent

Undercroft is a great school for special needs children. They do an excellent job catering to students which can't function well in a normal environment . While admittedly the school is not optimal for gifted individuals or children on a more regular tract, it's wonderful that Tulsa has a school that can teach the kids on the outer spectrum. No other school we have found does this in the city.
—Submitted by a parent

It is our little girl's first year. We have been very impressed with the school, its teachers, and the kindness of the other parents!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful. They have done a wonderful job in educating my son. Mind you, he is only 4, but he can now read and add and subtract. Not the usual 1 + 1 = 2. He can add/subtract in the hundreds. He also understands the place values. I wish I had gone to a Montessori school when I was his age.
—Submitted by a parent

I relocated to Tulsa and tried 2 other schools for my daughter before finding the perfect fit for her with UMS. The staff is excellent, caring and warm. We feel like "family" and love her Montessori Guides. This is "the Montessori" school in Tulsa and they have great lessons, Montessori materials, outdor playscape and extra-curicular programs. I don't get other review that say UMS students are lagging - my daughter is 4 years old and started to read already...
—Submitted by a parent

Undercroft has been a tremendous joy and satisfaction for both our children and as parents. It is a fantastic facility with fantastic and dedicated staff. True, the teaching method is non-traditional and a little difficult for those of us raised in public school systems to embrace but the benefits are never-ending. Both of our boys have attended Undercroft since the age of 3, at which point they immediately start their learning curriculum (there is no day care there). The students are taught in very tangible ways concepts of math, science, practical life, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son just completed primary at Undercroft, and will be continuing in lower elementary there; our daughter will be starting primary next month. Almost every aspect of our experience at Undercroft has been wonderful. The guides are wonderful, and strive to keep parents as involved in their childrens' educations as possible. The facility is top notch, indoors and out. The degree of community involvement is amazing. My only criticism would be of the prior administrator, who has since left the school. I take issue with the reviews suggesting Undercroft is only for kids with special needs; our gifted child thrived there, both socially and academically.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not a good school. The new administrator is not responsive to problems in the classroom. This is not run like a typical private school. Children also leave Undercroft lagging their peers.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the fact this school is a peaceful, independent environment. With the help of the guides my daughter has learned so much and amazes me with what dhe DOES know.
—Submitted by a parent

A fine school if your child can not succeed in typical classroom. Otherwise save your money. Teachers are not certified like typical teachers, they are Montessori certified (different outlook). Also do not get parent involvement in child's learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I, as a student of the Undercroft middle school think that, in response to the varying ratings of the middle school program, you learn more, have a better time, and fully understand the material, much more than you would in almost every other middle school
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has just completed the primary program and will be moving up to the lower elementary program next year. We have been very satisfied with her experience at Undercroft. I am always amazed at the calm, peaceful, organized environment at Undercroft, both in the classrooms and in the campus in general. I have had a worry free 2 years at Undercroft. Her teachers are wonderful. The office staff is wonderful. The materials in the classroom are top quality. It is a calm structured environment for learning. I can't wait for the completion of the new outdoor play area!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a middle school student and I have been very happy with the middle school program. The teachers are genuinely caring and support students' varied interests. Students who are intrinsically-motivated (the majority of Montessori students), have the freedom to truly challenge themselves. My child has achieved great things academically and personally.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Undercroft Montessori in middle school. My teachers are very sweet, but we have a huge discipline problem. Students are allowed to get away with just about anything, swearing at teachers, not turning in work and staying up all night on school trips. I have not learned one thing this year and I am extremely disappointed, as I have attended this school my entire life and have had no problems except this year. This is a good pre-k and elementary school, but the middle school program is completely awful.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a Student at Undercroft Montessori School in the middle school. It's excellent, and you really learn alot about everything from math to social studies. In my opinion you should enroll your child here as little as possible. They will start learning asap and get a great education.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has gone to Undercroft for 1 1/2 years now. For anyone who is familiar w/ the Montessori philosophy, they will find that Undercroft is the best. Undercroft has really helped to bring out my daughter's natural drive to learn and she constantly amazes me with the skills and concepts she's bringing home with her. The Guides (teachers) are simply amazing - since they are with the children for 3 years in a row, they build solid relationships and really come to understand each child's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to better respond to the child in various situations.
—Submitted by a parent

Individualized learning environment. My kids are eager to go to school and I have never seen a great drive for learning. I love the fact that practical life is addressed. My kids do the laundry and other household chores as well as gardening. Montessori children are very independent. The guides look at the positive aspects of the children and work from there. It is a small school that they have a sense of belonging and they get know each other well, even the ones from other classes and grade levels. Students usually stay in one class for 3 years with the same guide, therefore, there's consistency. Less stressful because school work is done and completed at school including projects, research and report. Very minimal homework given. An excellent school if you're looking for something other than traditional.
—Submitted by a parent

I recommend enrolling your very young child here, and leaving them enrolled as long as possible! Both our kids have attended this school; it has met their very unique needs extremely well. The school focuses on the child's own learning style, and reaching academic milestones at their own pace. As a result, students gain self-confidence, and achieve the internal motivation that is so critical to future success. It is the only authentic Montessori school in the region. There are several good academic schools in this area, but UMS offers much more than a conventional education. Undercroft taught us to be better parents. The ONLY negative is the challenge to access and maintain social interactions for children. But this is the case at most private schools where the students do not all live in the same neighborhood, and it is solved by parents working harder to create social opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent