Three Tree Montessori School

It's hard to believe how much we like this school. My daughter is in the toddler program for half days, and is excited to go to school everyday. On the weekends, she wakes up and starts to get ready for school and we have to explain to her there isn't school today, which bums her out. Her class has 12 students and 3 teachers/ guides. In the toddler program she learned to bake, garden, paint, sing, dance, clean up after herself, and was potty trained. Now she's in the primary program and is learning geography, cursive writing, geometry, music, and painting, just to start. The staff and teachers are the most positive, balanced, healthy group of people I've seen in a long time. I didn't know much about Montessori education before we found this program, but if you're looking for a school for your kids, look into Montessori. It's amazing. Make sure it's an AMI accredited program. And beware of places that call themselves Montessori but don't follow AMI standards. From what I can tell, there are only a few really good Montessori programs around the Seattle area, and TTMS is one of the best. We couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had an exceptional experience at this school. My daughter is now in her second year in the Elementary Program. The real strength of this program is the way that it has encouraged our daughter to challenge herself academically in all areas. She goes to school excitedly each day. Our friends with children that attend more conventional schools have remarked on our child's poise, vocabulary and her ability to stay on task. We've had nothing but success! Our girl began reading novels of several hundred pages at pages at age 6, and was learning the basics of multiplication at age 5. She is a child of normal intelligence. I truly attribute her success to the support of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The toddler program is wonderful, but we found the Pre-school "primary" program to be lacking in some school prep categories. After 4 years at the school, our child did not learn how to write, never even had a pencil in hand in the classroom. Only cursive writing is taught to the older students, printing is not allowed in the primary program. This was a serious problem when transferring out to another school. Enough of an issue that we actually decided to have our child repeat Kindergarten. We were blown away when we saw the academic skill levels of other non Montessori kindergarten children. While our child has some great social skills from Montessori, we found the Primary program to not be challenging and did not give our child the core skills needed to go to Kindergarten. More of a caring daycare. Toddler program is top notch however.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous parent. The pre-school program is acceptable., but not the elementary. When my child started 1st grade, we were told he was above average, but by the end of 1st grade, we were applying for a different school. My child got tested and found out he was 1 grade behind. It got us out of surprise! I talked to other parents that had tried the elementary , but decided to leave, they all had the same concern. Now my child is in a different school. He learns so much more. Montessori concept is wonderful, but when it is put in practice. Not everything carry out... As other mentioned, school administration has their own favorites one. So don't expect to be treated equally here.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children are both in the toddler program and have loved it. Their guides/teachers are very much like family, our children enter their respective classrooms with eagerness, and exit in high spirits. The guides and assistants provided us with the best and most reliable advice about all manner of things---from sleep issues, to toileting, to tantrums. The administrators have communicated well with us and even set up a book club at the suggestion of a group of parents. The community of children and parents is diverse ethnically and socio-economically, and has welcomed us with open arms. The school facilities are gorgeous with beautiful Montessori materials and tidy, student-maintained gardens. We have learned so much about Montessori education through the patient modeling of the guides and administrators, who never shy away from finding ways to resolve any problems that come up. We could not be more pleased: our experience here has altered our perspective about what education of the whole child can truly be.
—Submitted by a parent

Three Tree Montessori is an acceptable pre-school but I would caution parents about sending children to the elementary program. Some teachers are good, but turnover was exceptionally high. Tuition, especially in the elementary program, was extraordinary high and when our children transferred to a mainstream school they tested 1-2 grades behind and remedial tutoring was necessary (at added cost to us). We certainly did not get our money's worth for private school education. The administration was mediocre at best and it was apparent to us that favoritism exists between the administratve staff and selected teachers. It seemed like the very best teachers were constantly let go or left. That said, some pre-school teachers are very good and all seemed caring towards the children.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended TTMS from age 3 through sixth grade. She experienced the full academic benefit of a stellar Montessori education (a rock-solid foundation in reading, writing, composition, mathematics, history, science, art, music, geography, social studies, etc.). But her experience was so much more than the 'three Rs'. The mixed-age, collaborative class communities and incredible teachers have supported her and her classmates' growth into compassionate, responsible, empathetic, empowered, self-directed children whose love of learning, creative problem-solving, intellectual inquisitiveness, caring, and ability to think outside the box is seemingly boundless. It has been a joy to see my child transition to the larger social sphere and expanding academic aspects of middle school with relative ease: she is confident in her abilities, has stretched herself with greater responsibilities and leadership roles, and has faced challenges secure in the knowledge that she has the intellectual and emotional tools to meet them.
—Submitted by a parent

Three Tree Montessori School has provided my children with a wonderful learning environment. Our family became acquainted with the Montessori Method of teaching quite by accident and is so very thankful. The child centered curriculum allows each child to be self directed and become life long learners. The children, guides, assistance, administration and the parents of the Three Tree Montessori School community are exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one of the wort I've ever been involved in. My son, and my husband and I, are much happier now that we have moved him to a more honest and ethical school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids are thriving at Three Tree Montessori. TTM is a pedagogically-observant Montessori school, which will come as a relief to those parents who believe in the method and seek something more for their kids (and their expense) than a glorified day care. The class sizes are small, staffed with Montessori-trained guides & aides, and feature a full complement of beautiful wood, metal, and fabric Montessori-specific works arranged to allow curious minds instant access to meaningful, self-directed learning. The staff is exceptional, led by a former administrator from Pacific Crest Montessori & Northwest Montessori School. While transparently placing the student experience first (as they should), this administration takes great pains to accommodate the needs of parents by being respectful of the scant spare time available to most parents, and by reaching out to parents with lots of pertinent information & updates.
—Submitted by a parent

TTM is a wonderful school providing an exceptional learning environment for our children. Each staff member loves, nutures and guides our children as if they were their own. The children make amazing progress at their own pace. TTM is a close community that really cares for one another. My son LOVES school. I am thankful to be a part of such a special school.
—Submitted by a parent