Oneonta Montessori School

2221 Poplar Boulevard

Alhambra, CA 91801

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 08, 2021

My son began attending Oneonta Montessori after a private preschool, public TK and then a false start at a local private, Catholic Kinder. In short, he struggled to find a good fit. From the first day at Oneonta, however, we knew he had found his home. Ms. Terri was his kindergarten teacher and welcomed him in such a way that made him feel safe, loved and celebrated! His foundational reading skills exploded during Kinder due to the multi-sensory approach. His curiosity about numbers was sparked by all of the fun games and activities that encouraged math thinking. Additionally, his behavioral challenges were mollified as well due to the "keep active minds busy" approach. Ms. Fiona, the school director ,is instrumental in creating a culture of imagination and acceptance and this isn't done in a random way. Teachers are strategic with the curriculum and instruction but lead with the Montessori pedagogy that is so powerful! Our son moved into 1st and second grade with Ms. Vangie who was an example of teaching excellence every day. Our son adores her to this day and every time we pass Oneonta he shouts out a "Hello Ms. Vangie!" to her. In third grade, he rounded out his time there with Ms. Blossom whom he adored as well and grew so much in his maturity and writing skills through her patient and steady approach. Today our son is back in public school and thriving. The foundational skills provided by Ms. Fiona and the academic team at Oneonta have been invaluable and our son loves learning. I feel certain that this is, in large part, due to his rich time spent within the walls of Oneonta. I can't recommend this gem of a school enough.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2019

Oneonta Montessori School is the best!! This school was our son’s second home from 1st through 6th grade, and he absolutely flourished there! The director, Ms. Fiona, and all of the teachers were very nurturing towards the children and responsive to any parent concerns. The kids were not only provided with a safe and fun-filled environment (creating beautiful artworks, adventurous field-trips, end-of-year sports day and talent show, etc.), but were also challenged academically with thought-provoking books to read and analyze, eye-opening science and cultural geography research projects, accelerated mathematics, etc. Oneonta Montessori engaged the kids in a yearly Spelling Bee, Science Fair, Poetry Contest, and Math Whiz Competition. They also taught the kids the importance of giving back by having them participate in the Spark of Love (giving Christmas presents to needy children) and Pennies for Patients (raising money for leukemia patients). This school provided the children with many opportunities to explore their unique talents and consistently encouraged them with a “yes-you-can” attitude. Our son loved this school! He was more than well prepared to enter junior high school. If you want a great academic program and a well-rounded education for your child, I highly recommend Oneonta Montessori School!
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2019

I had both of my children attended OMS since 2.5 years old. My oldest just graduated from 6th grade. We loved this school so much. The teachers are awesome and patience with the kids. The Montessori learning style gives the children a strong foundation in academic and personal grow. I am so proud to be part of the OMS family.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2018

We have had two children attend Oneonta from 2 years to 5 years of age and we loved it!! All of the teachers in the early school are amazing - warm, thoughtful, and creative educators who care for the children as family and also inspire curiosity, learning, and kindness. Ms. Audrey, the Assistant Director, is the creative energy behind the curriculum and programming. Each year the overarching themes are different but they always focus on connection with others and empathy. The kids are engaged in service learning. One year, my daughter's class (with Ms. Audrey) adopted a cotton-top tamarin at the LA Zoo. Each child was responsible for figuring out how to raise money to contribute to the class adoption. The kids were so engaged that they learned about the Titi (cotton-top tamarin) Festival in Colombia and performed a class dance just like the kids in Colombia do during the festival. This year, my other daughter's class (again with Ms. Audrey) adopted goats for a family through Heifer International. As part of their learning, the kids had a goat milk day when they got to taste test various goat milk products. They also made goat-milk soaps. In addition to service learning, they also learn language - Spanish and Mandarin, which my younger daughter loved! She would come home and teach us new words and new songs in Mandarin. My daughters have also had Ms. Vanessa, Ms. Esther, and Ms. Melinda... all equally warm and loving and inspiring as educators. When my older daughter struggled with transitioning at the beginning of the year, Ms. Vanessa took her under her wing. Every day, my daughter would seek out Ms. Vanessa and was able to smoothly transition into class with her extra care. And I would be remiss not to give due credit to Ms. Fiona, the school director. She is open, understanding, and always willing to help. I strongly believe that a school culture is dictated by the director... Ms. Fiona has fostered a wonderful community of learning and warmth, exactly what we desired in a school. Honestly, we would have continued into the older grades at Oneonta except that we had already committed ourselves to a Dual Language Immersion Catholic education because of our bilingual/bicultural home. We highly recommend Oneonta to anyone seeking an excellent early learning environment and/or a Montessori-based education for any age.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2017

I'm am sure there could have been no better place for my son. He started at two years old and has developed into amazing learner. Although we belong to an excellent district, we have kept him here due to this enriching environment.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2016

this is a Montessori school located in Alhambra. They have morning and afternoon care available.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2014

Oneonta montessori is amazing. First things first- the curriculum is very impressive to say the least, my daughter was challenged and succeeded. She has moved on to another private school and ranks at the top of her class. The teachers care about the children and want them all to do well. Having the option to put both my kids at the same school once my older one graduated was a definite no. I wanted my youngest to have the same opportunities as my older daughter.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2014

Oneonta is a great school. My children have been going there for the past three years. It truly is like dropping them off with family. All of the teachers are very friendly and they will not hesitate to give feedback and talk to you about your child's specific needs. My older child is in Miss Courtney's kindergarten classroom and has come so far from where she started. Miss Courtney has made every effort to answer all of my e-mails promptly, answer any questions I have had throughout the school year, and has helped my child gain independence while challenging her to do the work we all know she is capable of doing. I would most definitely recommend this school.
Submitted by other on November 18, 2013

I actually attended the school from preschool (4 yrs) to 4th grade so I had quite an experience here. While I was there, I thought I was learning many things, but when I got out into public school, I learned it was not much different. Public, depending on the area might even be better! Starting from 1st grade I began to feel that the teachers had favorites and certain decisions were affected because of it. I was so glad to leave after 4th grade because I am not going to down play it, it was brutal. There was a teacher who taught 4-6 grades who yelled so much I saw my classmate cry. And over what? cause she couldn't dance. If you responded wrongly, without even knowing, she would send you out, shouting that you made her day. She even tore apart a bake sale poster because a student spelled Sacramento wrong and threw it away angrily in front of all the students. Overall, she is a bad influence and should not be a teacher, I think students should have to be in that presence. The lead teacher in that class could not teach at all, lessons were dull and repetitive. She always handed over the papers to grade and Xerox to the new assistant so she virtually had nothing to do at all!
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

I love this school. There are so many great things to say about this school and not enough space to write it. The teachers are very caring and helpful. If you have any questions the staff is always there help. The children are very caring and nice. I love that all the children are taught to be independent and excel in every way. This is a great place for all kids to attend. Oneonta Montessori Rocks!
Submitted by other on July 09, 2013

This is a awesome school they make learning fun.They are very nice.they are super cool
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2013

The 1st thing I want to say is I seriously doubt about those 4/5 star reviews. As a parent here for a year, I saw none of the good things mentioned. Regarding teachers, there're few that are qualified. Their 12/1 ratio is deceiving; except for the main teachers who know what they are doing, the rest acts as babysitters. The main teachers are not friendly, even arrogant. Regarding safety, this school is even worse than public schools. They don't notify parents when theres a lockdown, not during, not after. In the playground (it's pathetic btw), children are barely monitored. One time while waiting in the parking lot, I observed a kid push another one off a swing. The kid on the swing refused to stop while this other kid kept throwing sand at her and yelling at her. Finally, this other kid grabbed the swing and pushed her out of the swing. This kid cried and eventually walked away. This whole thing lasted for a good 4 minutes and no one came to intervene. Regarding tuition, it's expensive given the many days they take off and many half days they have. The only strength is its curriculum. Although, its beneficial only to smart kids. For slower kids, they don't get extra help.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2013

Our child began at the school when she was two years old. Now, at 3 1/2 years old, she has blossomed in every way of her development. She loves school at Oneonta. She has made lovely friends, her teachers are excellent, the learning is always fun. She sings songs, counts, knows her letters, and has a great time every day on the playground. The staff has also been really supportive in helping the process of toilet training. The Director of the school is always open to Parents' comments about safety and enrichment. I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants a happy, intellectually stimulated child!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2013

I have a 4 year old attending this school and he loves it. This is my first time Experiencing the Montessori curriculum. I am amazed of how much my child has learned over the past 2 years he has attended this school. The staff is friendly, warm and welcoming. The class room environment is welcoming for the children to be engaged in their learning. This is an awesome school, recommended to any parent who is focused on exceled education.
Submitted by other on January 10, 2013

Three of my grandchildren have attended Oneonta Montessori Preschool in Alhambra. The youngest is now in kinder. This school does an excellent job in preparing a child for a successful future. The teachers are very caring and experienced in their teaching, offering children the proper guidance and tools they need to be a success. These children are very self-assured and often amaze me as to the way that they can express themselves. They have an excellent vocabulary! Sometimes I feel as if I'm talking to a tiny adult as my granddaughter expresses herself so well. The school has various activities, field trips...hands on activities to satisfy their curiosity about many things in life. I was really impressed that my little five year old granddaughter came home on our recent election day, happy and exited saying "Guess what gramma! All of us voted today! And guess who won?! Obama did!!!" She always talks with such enthusiasm whenever they do something special. We are always informed as to her progress, and if we have any questions, they are satisfactorily answered. I cannot begin to say what a wise choice we have made in the choosing of this excellent school. Amazing! <3
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2013

All three of my boys attend the Oneonta Montessori preschool. We are very impressed with the school. The teachers demonstrate a strong commitment to child growth and development. The atmosphere encourages the children to engage in their learning activities. I appreciate the special events the school involves our children in, such as raising funds for the victims of the hurricane, special packages for our men/woman of the military and holiday toy drives. The children are involved in a process of giving and are exposed to current events in an age appropriate manner. I absolutely feel the teachers genuinely care about our boys and are looking out for their best interest. They keep us updated on their performance and behavior by providing weekly notes. Also, the administrative staff is caring and available via e-mail and phone when needed. If you are looking for a nurturing, fun environment for your child/children I would highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2012

Extremely warm teachers. Highly professional director. My 3 kids love it there. The school allows you to do things you wouldn't normally get to do in public schools such as give speeches/presentations, perform skits/talent shows, and participate in education field trips and community service.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2012

Oneonta Montessori School is a great place for strong character development, solid academic program, and a nurturing environment. The principal and staff are amazingly dedicated, and they go above and beyond on daily basis. My 9 years old son is currently attending at Oneonta Montessori School, and he loves it. He is very proud to say I have attended Oneonta Montessori School since I was 3 years old .