Jonathan Montessori School

112090 Hundertmark Road

Chaska, MN 55318

16 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-K
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 13, 2023

My children have been at JMS for about three years. It has been a wonderful experience for them/us. The school has a warm atmosphere with caring, knowledgeable teachers. It is a true Montessori school. While I am not a dedicated Montessori parent (I was open to other non-Montessori schools), my children have really enjoyed the presentations, the academic- and hands-on everyday activities that are included in their school days at JMS. The classrooms are beautiful(!) with lots of wood and other natural material. My children also really appreciate the wonderful outdoor space with the garden and the huge "park" area. I like the fact that the outdoor space is not right next to a major road/heavy traffic (air quality). My kids have enjoyed playing outdoors almost every school day, often twice a day, all year, weather permitting- they learn so much from spending time in nature. I like that my children are growing up with an appreciation for nature, experiencing the seasons, watching birds, squirrels and deer, tasting fresh peppers, raspberries, and herbs, while socially interacting and learning from their friend group and teachers. Above all, throughout our years at JMS, the teachers have all been very warm and supportive towards children and they listen and collaborate/work as a team with parents. It is a wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2019

The management and staff at the school seem very friendly on the surface but to a point where it does not seem legitimate like its a mask.This becomes apparent if you end up in any sort of conflict with the management of the school as they only see your child as a source of income and do not truly care about your needs or feelings.The school also uses a very unflexible and punitive contract to keep families in a sort of financial prison even should it be in a families best interest to withdraw their child from the school. So please be careful in recognizing the existence of the contract text that is included in small print in the online enrollment. Be aware that the school will not be reasonable with you in the event of any situation where you may need to leave the school during the contract period (safety concerns issues at the school, injury, relocation, poor fit, etc.).Management if highly defensive about any situation in which the school could be considered to have performed a wrong and will even place blame on small children for negligent acts on part of the school.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2019

My family loves this school. We chose this school for our children because the authentic Montessori teaching method is an extension of the values we teach our children in the home. The authentic Montessori environment, beautiful classrooms and outdoor space, excellent guides and staff have made our experience at JMS excellent. My children have learned to be confident, responsible, curious, kind respectful (to all humans, animals and the earth), independent and have truly enjoyed their time thus far at JMS.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2019

Great, our children have excelled at JMS. Could not be happier!
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2018

there is a lot of potential, but needs leadership
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2017

Our daughter just completed her third year at JMS, and I can't begin to tell you what an incredible experience it has been for her. Warm, caring teachers; an amazing classroom setting; and beautiful outdoor environments complete with acres of natural play grounds and gardens. There is simply nowhere else like it in there area!
Submitted by teacher on August 08, 2017

Overall this is an amazing school. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in pursuing a Montessori education for their child. The staff is dedicated, knowledgeable, well-trained, and passionate. The school has strong leadership that is dedicated to upholding the Montessori philosophy and creating lasting relationships with families. The school itself is located on a beautiful campus and truly follows the philosophy provided by Dr. Montessori herself.
Submitted by teacher on July 22, 2017

As a former assistant, I had witnessed so much inconsistency, so much change in staff and change in rules that it had absolutely effected the children! I would not recommend sending your children to this school!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2015

Our 4 year old daughter has been going to Jonathan Montessori for 2 years and she absolutely loves it! She is always happy to go to school and is learning new things everyday. She is writing and learning how to read. She has also learned other important life skills. Her teachers and the staff are so welcoming and wonderful. The school was recently remodeled as well and is such a bright and warm environment to learn. Our 7 year old son was in several Montessori schools in different States (we've moved a bit!). He is now in 1st grade and the Montessori education prepared him to be successful in elementary school. Jonathan Montessori is by far the best Montessori we have attended.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2014

Our son Henry has been a student at JMS for a year now. Part of the Montessori philosophy is that the older students mentor the younger students. It has been amazing to watch Henry's confidence grow, as he demonstrates when helping his younger friends and family and interacting with new people he meets. The environment at JMS is an extension of the values we teach Henry at home, so we know he is in good hands with the staff. Social graces, intellectual curiosity, independence, friendship...the foundation of life skills that your child will learn at JMS.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2014

My son is starting his second year at Jonathan Montessori School (JMS). We chose Jonathan because we believe in the Montessori philosophy and method of education, and believe that Jonathan delivers on its commitment to this method better than any other (Montessori) school in the area. Our son is learning to love learning, to be independent, responsible, confident, empathetic, curious and a good citizen of our world. He'll need and use these outlooks and skills for the rest of his life, and he'll have them, thanks to his family and JMS.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Between my two kids, we have tried no fewer than 4 preschools in the Chaska area and JMS stands head and shoulders above the rest. We pay a small fortune for our daughter to attend JMS and it is worth.every.penny. My daughter has attended JMS for 2 years and is now in the kindergarten program. She is happy to go to school every day and frequently expresses her love of the challenging work she does. The individualized instruction at JMS and the emphasis on personal responsibility, as well as the expectation of caring for others, has helped mold her into a truly enjoyable, kind, self-confident child. The genuine Montessori instruction (not Montessori-Lite like other Chaska preschools we have tried) creates a peaceful, cooperative learning environment. The physical facility of the school is also top-notch (especially when the remodel is complete!), the teachers are all amazingly educated and qualified, and the school is well-run from a financial and administrative standpoint.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2013

As a former Montessori student myself, I visited multiple preschools looking for the traditional Montessori school for my son (who was 2 yrs 9 mos old when he started). Without hesitation I chose JMS (even though we were living on the other side of the Twin Cities at the time). I knew the moment we walked into the classroom for a visit & his teacher began observing & interacting with him that this school would be a great fit. In the 1.5 years that he as been here, his vocabulary & independence have exploded & he is getting the 1-1 academic attention that he needs. He is surrounded by a community of students (3-6 yrs old) who are treated as equals & all given the love, attention & support they need to thrive. There are also many opportunities for parent involvement including education about parenting. I would recommend this school to everyone!!! (& i couldn't leave this review without saying that the staff in Casa III (the extended day classroom) are AWESOME!!!). :)
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2012

This is our daughter's 2nd year at JMS and we couldn't be happier. We have seen her confidence grow as she learns new skills and takes pride in helping younger children this year as a Kindergartener.The teachers and staff at JMS genuinely care about the development if each unique child as a whole person. Wish I could start over again and send my older daughter there too!
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2012

I feel so lucky to have found Jonathan Montessori. My son's teacher , and the staff and facility are all lovely beyond words. The quality of the environment and instruction from a Montessori perspective are outstanding. If you want authentic Montessori, Jonathan is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2011

Jonathan Montessori is a fantastic school. Our family visited several preschools in the Chaska area, including other Montessori preschools, and found the administration and staff to be more engaging than other schools we visited. Most importantly, our daughter has blossomed in the year and a half she's been attending Jonathan Montessori. At just 4.5 yrs old, she's already reading and is more independent and confident than we've ever seen her. We attribute it not only to the traditional Montessori philosophy followed at Jonathan, but also to a dedicated and caring staff. We could not be happier with our decision to enroll our daughter in Jonathan Montessori and look forward to what the next two years bring.