Marin Montessori School

5200 Paradise Drive

Corte Madera, CA 94925

42 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 28, 2024

Our son graduated from Marin Montessori’s (MMS) Junior High in 2023 and is enjoying a great first year in high school in San Francisco. He was fortunate to attend MMS’s primary and elementary programs, as well as two other AMI schools along the way. Consequently, we have a solid understanding of the pedagogy and have experienced its successful application in various settings. Most recently, we feel deep appreciation for the MMS Junior High team for creating such a caring, safe, nurturing, and academically rich environment for our son to grow and prosper. The team expertly guides these adolescents toward agency, advocacy, collaboration, initiative, peace, and the cultivation of the habits of mind to be engaged learners wherever they apply their focus. These are skills for the jobs that don’t yet exist.All of MMS’s teachers have the depth of knowledge and autonomy to follow each student's individual development, giving them what they need not just academically but with regard to the development of the whole person. At the Junior High, the administrative office sits at the heart of the school; as an example of the open culture here, it often serves as a hub of activity — with students chatting with administrators, the head of school, or faculty in equal measure. Subtle but significant, this partnership mindset manifests in many ways at the school: morning gatherings, student-led community lunches, students leading creative expressions classes, chores on the farm, caring for animals, and planning/planting/harvesting crops. Students have the opportunity to participate in/take ownership of virtually every aspect of their life at school. Though our son has attended Montessori his whole life, the two years he spent at the MMS Junior High were especially impactful despite the pandemic. He is imbued with confidence in engaging with the adults in his life, has a strong moral compass, empathy toward his peers, and motivation to see things through completion. It has been a wonderful partnership with MMS and we recommend this program with no hesitation.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2023

Our children started in the toddler program and are now well into their primary years (3 and 5 years old). Their experience has been nothing short of exceptional from day 1. The teachers (aka guides) are top notch, lead by example and set a culture of collaboration, community and curiousity in the classroom. Our children have been consistently supported emotionally, socially and educationally in their early childhood years. We can't say enough good things about the school and would recommend it to any family without hesitation.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2023

We have had our two children enrolled in MMS Toddler and Primary programs since 2021 and cannot say enough incredible things about the school. It is a daunting task to evaluate all Marin County pre-school options, and MMS always stood out from the pack. From the thoughtfulness of the admissions process, to the caliber of the teachers and facilities at the Corte Madera campus, we couldn't be happier with the decision we made for our children!
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2023

A disappointing year - the program has gone downhill from when our first child attended. Our 2nd child had an okay experience in 7th, 8th grade but the optional 3rd year was a disaster. The school was too small and unable to deal with older, spirited teen boys. Our son fell behind in math and found it boring as it was entirely online software instruction and geometry the entire year. He hated school and lost his self-esteem because they labelled him a troublemaker and wouldn't let him move beyond his mistakes. When his new school found out what he had gotten in trouble for - they couldn't believe it. Typical teen boy behavior they said - not a big deal - nothing they couldn't deal with. When he had ideas that were different, he was shut down and made to feel bad - he stopped sharing. There were double standards at MMS Jr High - Some students were favored and got special treatment - their mistakes overlooked. As hard as our son tried, he just wasn't good enough. The school admitted they blamed our son for an incident for which he wasn't even present. What a relief to pull him out in March and put an end to all the drama. We transferred him to public school where he thrived - teachers said he was kind, engaged, and a pleasure to have in their classes - his grades went up. Without the stifling small school environment and constant negativity (where every tiny mistake was seen under a microscope), he was a completely different child. MMS was a toxic environment for him. MMS Jr. High has potential - they used to have Washington DC, Model United Nations and research trips but those fell off towards the end. A program overhaul and additional training for burnt out staff would really help. While some staff were very supportive, toward the end of the year, some were putting students in detention and told to stare at a wall without clear explanation. The farm program used to be great but my son said it was incorporated less and less. Facilities and technology were run-down/old. Update: (Initial rating was 2 and edited original post due to length limits). Sam, the Head of School, called me - he saw my comments and had taken them to heart. He told me the school has updated some furniture and the kitchen, and staff had summer training. Model United Nations is back for some students, and no more detentions. Some other changes are planned. Sounds promising for future students and I appreciate him reaching out to me. The school didn't work for us but it did for others.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

Marin Montessori Junior High is the best kept secret in Marin. Our daughter is dyslexic and struggled in public school even with support and an IEP. We decided to transfer to a private school in 6th grade expecting her to thrive in a smaller school environment. Instead she was overwhelmed by the intense academics and competitive nature of the students.We were thinking of sending her to a 1:1 school just to get her confidence back but decided to tour MMJH after hearing that the campus had a farm (my daughter is an animal lover). What we discovered on the tour was what we had been looking for all along; a nurturing academic environment that truly sees each student for who they are and fosters their strengths. My daughter was drawn to MMJH's hands on learning program that allows students to pick their classes. She has beekeeping for science and cooking for PE. The teachers are brilliant at meeting kids where they are at and supporting a curriculum that isn't one size fits all. In a few short months she has gone from being a reluctant learner who hated school, to an engaged student who feels a part of her community. As a parent, the MMJH community has been very welcoming and inclusive. I felt at home from day one. I've also been so impressed by the Grounded and Soaring podcast/website the school produces. It's a valuable resource for insightful interviews and parenting strategies. We are thrilled we found this amazing school and community and only wish we had discovered the beauty of Montessori learning earlier.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2023

Our family is having a wonderful experience at the Junior High. My daughter is seen, challenged, and cared for in a way that I have a hard time believing could be replicated in any other school or community. The relationships built between the faculty and students are very strong and supportive. I genuinely feel that I am working in partnership with the school to address both the good and hard things that are par for the course of a middle school teenager. Three things stand out. 1. The school does not blame or shame students for making mistakes but rather supports students to learn and grow in a safe and caring environment. 2. The integration of hands-on experiences and access to nature creates a healthy environment where students are encouraged to move, explore, take a break, pick a raspberry, and just have space to be themselves. 3. Lastly, I cannot overstate how impressed I am by the creativity demonstrated by the teaching faculty and how adept they are at engaging adolescents in the course material. From star gazing to shelter making, the teachers put incredible effort and care into igniting intellectual curiosity and engagement from every student. It is very impressive. 10/10
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2023

I've had countless conversations with parents outside of the Marin Montessori School community about how challenging middle school can be. I feel incredibly fortunate that I can't relate to their experiences at all!We feel so supported by the faculty and administration who generously share their expertise in early adolescent development through various avenues, including parent education events, teacher conferences, and one-on-one conversations. Our son is met with compassion by both his teachers and peers as he learns to take big leaps, learns from his mistakes, and explores new social and academic horizons.Navigating the complexities of these early teen years is made more manageable by the presence of thoughtful, open, and generous families around us. I have absolute confidence that the parents at MMS have my back and will respond to any situation with kindness and compassion as we journey down this path together.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2023

We have one daughter and we put a lot of thought into choosing a school for her. Marin Montessori School has been the best choice we have made for her! She has attended since first grade, and when it came to deciding on middle school, we wholeheartedly decided on the Junior High program at MMS. The growth that we have seen in our daughter at her time at the Junior High (the last year and a half), in terms of confidence and leadership ability has been nothing short of amazing! The faculty and administration are extremely experienced and present for our child. She has not only been challenged, but also supported by them. She has been able to delve deeper into her interests and try new and interesting topics that she might not have otherwise chosen. This year, as part of her Community Life Guild, she has had the opportunity to take on a leadership role, working with the Director of Admissions as a school ambassador to coordinate and arrange all the shadow visits for potential new students coming to the school. This has been an exciting highlight for her this year! The campus itself, located at historic St. Vincent’s, is absolutely beautiful and serene. The kids have the opportunity to work on the MMS farm, planting and growing fruit and vegetables (which they harvest and cook), and also tending to animals--chickens, goats, pigs, and this year they have a few pregnant cows who will be giving birth soon! Such a wonderful opportunity to have at a school! The facilities have also been newly renovated including a renovated lounge and a brand-new commercial kitchen for the kids to cook in (they make community lunch every Wednesday). Our daughter will be graduating in the Summer of 2024 and we can honestly say that the Junior High Program at MMS has prepared her for the next chapter and whatever High School she chooses to attend. We can confidently say that she is ready for high school not only from an academic perspective, but also from a personal perspective because she has the confidence to advocate for herself and ask for help when it is needed! The middle school years can be a trying time, but our daughter has thrived at the MMS Junior High. She gets up every morning excited to go to school and eager to learn. What more can we ask for as parents? We highly recommend the Junior High program for anyone looking for a middle school that will offer your child a nurturing, challenging and supportive community!
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2023

The MMS Junior High experience has been life-changing for our family and especially transformative for our son, who started MMS in 7th grade after spending 6th grade in a large public middle school. We watched our son go from enduring routine Sunday night stomachaches, frequent bullying, out of control campus behavior and a lot of generic busy work to finding a safe and caring community of other engaged learners who inspire and challenge him. Now, he can't wait to go to school--we all can relax Sunday night! We have to pinch ourselves that this is the same young man, now glowing with self-confidence, new friendships and excitement about his future. He is comfortable being himself in a community he trusts and that is in no small part due to MMS.There are a lot of great schools in Marin and academics are probably the easiest thing to find or fix. It's all the other stuff that can get in the way of learning. For us, MMS was the best fit because it was a smaller environment where our son could feel connected without sacrificing an expansive education. We aren't experts yet about the Montessori philosophy, but I've come to think of it like the wild geese of Mary Oliver's famous poem--it aims to show students "how the world offers itself to (y)our imagination" -- and that's been incredible to witness in practice for our son. In a nutshell, this school is special because......the teachers and staff spend time getting to know each student and build an authentic relationship with them; I am always impressed by how well they know our son and the insights they offer specific to his growth....the values and culture are real; MMS staff and parents are inclusive and committed to understanding the issues facing teens today and keeping MMS a safe place to navigate them....the curriculum is student-centered, richly varied, hands-on and FUN!...the beautiful campus and working farm connect students with nature and the joy and responsibility of caring for living things, of working the land and seeing the fruits of their labor--not to mention the empowerment that comes from utilizing the world as your classroom....the students love to learn and aren't afraid to show it. Middle school doesn't have to be miserable. We're almost through 8th grade and it just keeps getting better. Our younger son can't wait to join in a few years and we're so relieved MMS will be there for him when the time comes.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2023

Our son is a 7th grader at Marin Montessori’s Junior High program, and we are incredibly happy he is part of a nurturing community of curious, caring students, and most importantly, compassionate and enthusiastic teachers. We are certain he will be academically and emotionally prepared for the rigors of high school, and we are enormously grateful to have found a place for our son to grow into young adulthood.-Academic instruction is thoughtful and focused on interdisciplinary critical thinking skills. He is taught that disparate subjects are related to each other, and he is given the tools and information to help him build those logical connections by problem solving for himself. He is guided but not spoon-fed (or force fed) the information. The curriculum is vibrant and robust because teachers are constantly considering and deliberating what teaching methods are working, which need refinement, and how to develop deep-learning, not simply skill and drill or churn and burn (out). This is purposeful and intentional decision-making about the curriculum that encourages high-level learning and thinking. Teachers present the “just right challenge” for each student, allowing for appropriate and exciting learning paths. There is little to no teacher turnover! Teachers are classroom veterans with years/decades of experience, which translates into teachers getting to know students very well over 2-3 years. They take great pride in knowing students and helping them grow from year-to-year. -Parent education opportunities are abundant as well, from how to parent in the age of technology to how to talk to your teenagers. Every member of the Junior High team is engaged with parents to help us support our students. We have not gotten to this part of our journey, but I know and understand counseling throughout the high school application process is very attentive.-Most importantly, in a day and age when parents fret more than ever about our children’s social-emotional well-being, MMS Junior High is a place for every student to be themselves, bring their unique selves and interests. Each day, the Junior High educators work tirelessly to help my son and every student be their best selves. From the Director to teachers to staff, the Junior High team really knows how to talk to teens and make them feel safe and confident.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2023

We have a son in the Junior High at Marin Montessori School. To say that he is thriving would be an understatement. In the supportive academic environment of the faculty, our son has flourished beyond what we could have imagined. The nurturing culture of MMS has enabled our son to grow as an independent and critical learner, and provided numerous opportunities for him to take on key leadership roles within the student community. He has been able to start new student clubs and facilitate learning experiences for his peers - in math and chess. Perhaps what surprised us the most was when he decided to try out for the school play and ended up in a lead role. For a young student who has never been shy, but also never wanted to be the center of attention, he knew that he could take on a new risk because the culture of the school is so committed to fostering his growth.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2023

Attending the Junior High at Marin Montessori School has been one of the best choices we have made with our eldest child. We truly could not recommend the school enough.The faculty and administration are experienced and engaged. Our child has felt academically challenged and personally supported. She has been encouraged to dive deeper into her interests, integrate her hobbies into her studies, and explore subjects and activities around which she has been hesitant. This year, she is participating in Montessori Model UN, and it is quickly becoming a highlight of her year. The facilities have recently been renovated, and the environment is even more reflective of the warmth and openness of the school. The community at MMS - the faculty, administration, students, and parents - has been an incredible resource as we all move through our years at the school. Whether it be questions about the Montessori pedagogy, childhood and adolescent development, navigating the tricky technology landscape, or just appreciating the challenges that come with these ages, we have been grateful to have such support as we each take part in raising these young people to be active participants in the world we want to see.As our eldest looks to graduate this spring, we know she will navigate through life with great curiosity, drive, and compassion that is in large part due to her time at MMS. Our youngest, a person with a very different personality and interests than our eldest, cannot wait to join the Junior High next year, and we are just as excited for the growth we will see in him.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2023

This is a review of MMS Junior High specifically, though there is commentary about the lower campus as well.Our son (one of two) has been at MMS since pre-K and will soon graduate from the Junior High program. We credit his curiosity, compassion, and academic drive in large part to the school writ large, and all of the wonderful teachers he has had through the years, especially through the pandemic (where the school was a bright shining light in our world, and that of the other folks fortunate enough to be there at the time).He has taken huge leaps in the last year and a half at the Junior High program, which is incredibly unique in the world, drawing through-lines between history, science, math, and contemporary topics in the world around us (affordable housing, green energy, etc.). The ability to work "on the land" and integrate that magnificent program into academic studies has given our son opportunities to lead, an appreciation for the environment, and real lessons in teamwork when things get difficult.While the school had a tough year in his 7th grade year, with some necessary disciplinary actions taken, having gone through that, the school community is much closer knit this year, with none of those issues / drama. I've always been impressed with the math program at the JH, but even more-so this year given the team-teaching that is going on and the excitement and passion that teachers are brining. It has ignited a spark in our son, for which we are so grateful.The Junior High has also brought back the Montessori Model UN program (back on the lower campus as well). It has just kicked off, but its such a blessing. Kids from 5th through 9th grade are participating and get to go to New York in the spring to be with over a thousand other Montessori students from around the world. In the first weeks of the program, we are already so impressed with how the school is helping the kids discuss insanely difficult, nuanced, and complex topics in the world, and to do so not only diving deep on facts and content, but diving deep on how to view every topic through a compassionate lens, to listen, and to check assumptions at the door.The staff is "in it" with regards to technology policy and education, as well, helping equip parents and students with the information to make informed decisions. We are, with zeal, sending our youngest son to the Junior High as well next year. Just a phenomenal program.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2023

It is without hesitation that I highly recommend Marin Montessori School’s Junior High program. Having had one of our sons graduate and seamlessly transition to one of the top private high schools in the area, we could not be more pleased with the administration, (especially under the exceptional leadership of Bill Sneed), staff and educators for providing a solid foundation for him. I can emphatically state that he is better prepared than his peers that attended some of the other private elementary and middle schools in the area and his grades are reflective of that. My husband and I are often asked by current and prospective parents whether the Montessori curriculum is robust in math. Our son’s assessment scores speak for themselves. As a freshman, he tested into Honors Geometry. Because his scores were in the top percentile, he was also placed into a Physics class with a more advanced math focus. In both courses, he has found the material engaging but “sort of easy.” While our older son was tackling the high school admission process, our younger son asked if he could compare MMS to the other local junior high programs. After many discussions with faculty and several visits to the other private junior high schools, we all chose this school, MMS, for him. The main reason we chose MMS was that we all felt and knew firsthand that the administration and educators would see him as his own person; an individual with opinions, hopes and goals. We knew they would listen to him and challenge him accordingly. Sadly, at the other schools, when asked the same question, we received the same programmed responses, but assured us that they knew what they were doing. We were not convinced then and now we see at the high school level that there was nothing special about their schools and certainly not worth the cost. Because of our experiences, I can say that MMS offers the best junior high school program in Marin County. It offers an individualized experience for students from a supportive, engaged and highly skilled faculty. Many thanks to the MMS community for all that they do.
Submitted by other on September 22, 2023

Marin Montessori Junior High Program has the highest quality Montessori education can provide. Highly trained/dedicated teachers/faculty who focus and guides the growth and independence of each child individually. They really create an environment of enthusiasm for learning, appreciation for growing and room for making mistake a long the way.Our son graduated from the Junior High Program this year. We have seen the positive advances in him during his time at MMS.The Junior High program also has a beautiful campus with a wonderful garden and farm.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2022

Marin Montessori has nurtured our children's curiosity, fueling their learning of academics and also of life. We are blown away by the invaluable life skills that our kids are gaining - collaborating with their peers, guiding their own work, discovering how they learn best as an individual, experiencing the joy of solving a problem after truly struggling with it, meaningfully contributing to a community - which few schools are set up to instill in children. Most importantly, they have developed a love of learning and truly enjoy going to school. We are pleased knowing that when our kids graduate from Marin Montessori, they will be kind, capable, and confident to pursue their dreams.
Submitted by other on April 27, 2022

In my 4 decades of teaching Montessori I have not ever come across a Montessori school as well run at Marin Montessori. They have an extraordinary dedication to the philosophy and education of young children that Dr. Montessori envisioned. They value their staff, families and children and build a strong sense of community for all social economic backgrounds. Running a school of today is very complex, and most schools do not make the grade as well as Marin. Their environment is unparalleled and a concrete example of their integrity.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2022

We have two children at Marin Montessori School and so appreciate the thoughtful and attentive approach to educating our children, focusing on social and emotional learning and nurturing each child’s individual needs. The classroom guides have been instrumental in our parenting, helping us navigate milestones and challenges with informed practices and strategies that really help our family on a day to day basis. The community is incredibly special and one we are immensely grateful to be a part of. This is a wonderful place for young children to learn and grow.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2022

Marin Montessori school has been a champion of children and their social, emotional, and academic growth for over fifty years and I can personally attest to the dedication and hard work for the entire administration and faculty. Lead by an amazing head of school, Sam Shapiro, the faculty and staff go above and beyond on a daily basis to provide the best environment for all children. My kids, 7 and 9 are thriving and I am especially grateful during this time of Covid. Thank you MMS for all you do for your community! I could not recommend a more special school!
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2022

My husband and I are eternally grateful that there is a school like Marin Montessori in our county. We have two children at the school and have been part of the community for the past four years. Our greatest educational hope for our children is that their love of learning is fostered and nurtured. The very ethos of Montessori education is lived and breathed in this way at MMS. The teachers are so deeply invested in the mental, emotional, social development of each child in the classroom. The multi year approach allows them to truly "know" each student and challenge them appropriately to bring out their very best. We are so grateful to the administration who have kept our kids safely in school throughout the pandemic (minus March-May 2020) when the world was shutdown. That said, knowing how impactful that loss was on child development they quickly pivoted and created a summer program (free) to make up that lost time! The school is all about putting the kids first while taking care of their staff, which is why so many have been there for decades! MMS is teaching our kids to think deeply and critically, how to to problem solve with their peers, how to move and think consciously and I believe those are all skills that will serve them throughout their futures! I would be remiss if I did not add how wonderful the community is. We are so grateful for the friendships we have made, but more importantly that our kids have made.