Montessori Children's House

My son has attended MCH during 4 years (pre-school to K included). The teachers and staff of the school, the settings, the learning environment have been amazing.We deeply appreciated the community and the way children were taught to be nice to each other and caring kids. My son still has that sense of community and sharing that make MCH so special to us. And transition to a regular public scholl went very well, he was prepared and ready thanks to a nice team work with his teacher on his 2 last years at MCH. I strongly recommand that school !
--Submitted by a parent

I was really looking forward to touring MCH, but I was disappointed in what I found. While they appear to have all the 'bells and whistles' they don't adhere to the principles of a Montessori and the class sizes are very big. I think the 'owner'/Principal of the school has good intentions, but doesn't understand what is missing. She has a very corporate perspective of the school and is focusing on growth.

I'm impressed by the entire organization at MCH. #1 I feel very safe dropping my son off. #2 all the staff seem to be on the same page...the children are the number 1 priority. #3 I amazed by the things my son is learning and how much he enjoys learning with the Motessori techniques and culture.#4 the overall environment with goats and chickens at the playground is amazing. It has been and continues to be a great experience for our family.
--Submitted by a parent

I consider Montessori Children s House as an extension to our family. The quality of teachers and loving environment that they provide to my daughter and son has exceeded my expectations. Not only are they both so happy at MCH, but I am happy knowing that my children are in a school that creates an atmosphere where they are eager to learn and grow. The outdoor enviornments are unique and intoduces a 'extension' to the classrooms. I am astonished at the things my kids say and know about each day as a result of their experiences at MCH.
--Submitted by a parent

I m constantly impressed and amazed at what my daughter is learning at MCH. From knowing the names of all the continents at age 4 to sharing her knowledge about biomes and fundamental rock types in grade three to recently outlining her Neanderthal project for this year, I m thrilled at the enthusiasm she has for learning. MCH has helped instill a love of learning in my daughter that will stay with her along whatever path she chooses in life. My daughter was in a great Montessori in California and we looked long and hard when we moved before deciding to invest in MCH. The results over the last six years (she is now in Grade 4 at MCH) have been spectacular. I am happy to give them 5 stars, and would also be happy to discuss our MCH experience with parents looking at investing in a Montessori education.
--Submitted by a parent

I d hate to think that parents are making decisions about their children s education by how easy the pick-up / drop-off are (re 2008 reviews). My daughter has been going to MCH for years and the biggest issue with pick-up/drop-off is when other parents pull up and don t have their kids ready. But that said, it is what happens inside the classroom that counts more to me. I ve seen my daughter grow at MCH. Not just the education, but the social interactions (getting along, team play, etc) and the way she interacts with people outside the school (including me). I m very happy with MCH and am sad to see how the drop off low scores have affected their overall ratings. p.s. there are probably over 150 students when you look at the Pre-K program and the 1-6.
--Submitted by a parent

MCH is a boutique school with beatiful grounds and great setup for children (such as natural trails and live animals for children to care for). If you like small school feel and close community, this is the right school for you. My son has been here since 2.5 years old (coming 3 years this summer). We had very positive experience with the teachers, especially in EC program where all teachers are Montessori certified with many years' experience in teaching and early childhood development. I am especially impressed with parent teacher communications both with his teachers as well as administrative staff and leadership team. There might be things here and there that needs improvements, but what I like is I can send an email and walk into the office and I know they take feedback very seriously and implement changes quickly.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience at MCH has been very positive. Our daughter has been there for 2 years and has grown tremendously through the strong Montessori program, quality educators and amazing environment. All schools have their challenges but the teachers and administration we interact with are professional and experienced. Their curriculum includes a great outdoor program, music and gardening specialists, beautiful classrooms with quality Montessori materials and extracurricular programs funded in part by an active Parent Association. The teachers and administration are available, responsive and compassionate. At MCH kids are a priority, teachers are a priority and Montessori certification is a priority. They care about the families and the community and regularly hold festivals and events that bring everyone together. It s a great learning environment!
--Submitted by a parent

My three children all started MCH as toddlers and now are in preschool, K and 2nd grade. I am impressed by the level of independence they have achieved at a young age; by the love of learning they have; and by the raw knowledge they have gained. They all demanded a high level of independence as toddlers from demanding to move out of diapers, to self-dressing and choosing clothes, to being responsible members of the house bussing their own plates after dinner. I saw them learn. At age 2 one came home pointing out colors in Spanish. At age 5 another came home reading Mat Sat books and show us maps she had drawn of the continents and then tell me all about them. At age 6 another came home one day telling me, Dad, I can speak Hindi only learning to find out he could completely follow his teachers that were speaking to each other in Hindi. In math we found him starting long division in Kindergarten with him now doing 3rd/4th grade math in 2nd grade. The school, teachers, environment, and curriculum are all part of this success. I've found the school, teachers and admin, to be good partners in problem solving when we've had challenges with our children.
--Submitted by a parent

Some teachers are good and experienced, others are less so. Our experience was very disappointing. When problems occurred MCH talked about working together but problem solving focused on problems with the child. Problems with teaching staff could not be discussed and the administration stifled communications when the news was too negative. Even when multiple children were pulled out of a classroom in order to make it functional issues with teaching ability and how the class environment may have impacted our child were off the table. All along their position was trust the teachers and stop raising issues. The staff may have been too focused on expansion to handle current problems in a timely manner or support their weaker teachers. After spiraling problems at MCH, our child is thriving at another Montessori school with more experienced staff and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent