Very excited for the beautiful new school building in Woodland. We love this school. Amazing community and inspiring vision. We have been so extremely happy with MRM over the past 4 years. All of our children are enrolled here (and will continue to be for years to come) and we have been so pleased with their growth. It s a joy to see them smiling before and after school every day. Their confidence (emotional, educational, physical, social) continues to grow day after day. The teachers are smart, involved, loving and truly care for every child at the school not just those in their classrooms. Another huge win is the parental involvement which is beyond remarkable. Lots of parents attend parent meetings, auctions are always exceeding goals, and parents are constantly helping the school. It is comforting to know our kids are so well taken care of, and that their futures are brighter because of the experiences they’re having at such a young and impressionable age.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2018
MRM is such a beautiful and welcoming place for children. The school far exceeded my expectations and what I've seen elsewhere in preschool settings. The Montessori teachers are superbly and authentically trained, exceptionally qualified and caring individuals. This school works hard to nurture kindness and connection among children. Choosing a school of this caliber for my children is no contest. It will serve our family’s needs from infancy through middle school. What a treat to be part of such an exciting and growing community. I highly recommend this school to anyone in the area!
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2016
Many Rivers Montessori has been a HUGE part of our family's life for two years already. We have two children attending there as Elementary students and they both absolutely love it. We think the teachers, the staff and the Head of School are all wonderful. We are proud to be a part of the MRM community.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2015
Many Rivers has made a huge difference in our child's emotional and academic growth. She entered 4th grade this year and has really challenged herself with new concepts - math, reading, cultural. And the social interactions in her classroom are her first real foray into helping shape her community. Fostering a love of learning and sparking curiosity are what her guides do best in the classroom - she's just about ready for her first "going out" to pursue a project in the real world!
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2015
What an incredible school! The teachers at Many Rivers are experienced, caring, and committed. They provide a unique, student-centered experience for each child, following the principles of Maria Montessori. The Head of School is well-educated and has extensive experience. The school is run with great vision and passion. The facility is top-rate, with exceptional classroom materials, beautiful classrooms, and great outdoor spaces. Parents are encouraged to participate in school activities, and are routinely found in large numbers at school events. I can't imagine a better school for toddlers through eighth grade.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2015
Many Rivers has become an amazing addition to our life. The way the school fosters the growth of each individual child is impeccable. My daughter was in the toddler room last year and is in primary this year. The teachers she has had are nurturing, educated, and responsive. The school is more than just a school, it has a vibrant sense of community. My daughter has intellectually grown so much from one year of Montessori and I cannot wait to see what her future has in store for her. I will be sending my second daughter when she is old enough.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2015
Best decision ever to send our son to this school. Though it has only been one year, he wakes up every morning wanting to go to school. We chose this school despite good options closer to home because of the focus on social and emotional intelligence, the beautiful facility, and the general sense of humility and warmth from faculty and staff. The sense of community is very strong with parents and staff and that positive energy translates to the children. My son's intellectual growth has been stimulated, he is learning how to learn, how to ask questions, how to think critically, but as important, his social and emotional growth has been nurtured. Everyone can have a bad day, but generally the other children are kind, warm-hearted and accepting. I really think that is due to the emphasis placed on grace and courtesy. If you want a school where children are taught how to think and how to become good, solid people, Many Rivers is the place!
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2015
We've had such a great experience at Many Rivers Montessori (MRM)! Our son is completing his Kindergarten year and we couldn't be happier with all he is learning - both academically and socially. We feel so great dropping him off at school each day, knowing he will be surrounded with caring, passionate, patient and well-qualified teachers. The Montessori model really fosters a "love of learning" and to see the fire grow in our son has been really rewarding. Thank you MRM!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2015
This school could not be a better fit for our daughter. It's proof that kids do not need to be forced to learn and are naturally interested in learning. We love seeing the spark in her, that desire to discover and explore, and this school does a great job of fanning that flame. She's doing great academically (just got back great scores on the one standardize test they do a year). It's impressive the math, language and history she knows, but way more impressive (and important) are the lessons she's learning that don't appear on standardized tests. Leadership, self-discipline, responsibility, independence and initiative - are all areas in which this school has helped her grow. And, she loves the hands-on, self-paced, collaborative and challenging work that she's doing. She also loves that she get's to follow her interests, regardless of what the other kids are doing. The teachers don't lecture to a class where half the kids are checked out, they give lessons to individual or small groups of students who are ready for and focused on the topic. Our daughter is an energetic, engaged and accomplished student - and it has a ton to do with this great school.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2015
Our family has been so impressed with our experience at Many Rivers Montessori this first year. From the beautiful classrooms to the fabulous teachers and assistants, just about everything about this school is top-notch. In particular I also really value the opportunities for community building and getting involved.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2015
Many beautiful classrooms and welcoming staff. Just met the new head of school and couldn't be more pleased with the decision - he is available and visible. It feels like a community here. There are goals in place for future growth, times to discuss student concerns, and opportunities for parents to volunteer/connect. The kids are happy and want to be at school. The school is "in the know" regarding student needs and concerns such as outreach, allergy awareness, and learning outcomes. They have camp opportunities through the summer and are licensed for before and after care, which is important for working families.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2015
Everyday my children want to go to school and learn. That's the best thing about this school. PROS: TEACHERS who actually know my children, who lovingly guide and challenge them, who know their stuff and really care; MONTESSORI METHOD seriously works, give children freedom & responsibility, let them move and interact with physical things, allow them to work together, but at their own pace, and they not only learn at ton of math, reading, history, science, etc, they learn initiative, and creativity, and collaboration, this school gets the most out of the method; COMMUNITY the children, parents, staff, everyone is in on a fun, joyful, caring, growing and welcoming culture, grace & courtesy are part of the curriculum, openness and mutual respect are core values; DIVERSITY my children's friends are not all the same as them and they're learning how to appreciate others, having a financial aid program is a big plus; ENERGY there is a contagious energy and enthusiasm at this school, they're building something amazing and not just for themselves, they want the school to benefit the whole twin ports community. CONS: adolescent program(7-8 grade) may not open soon enough for all my children.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2015
My second grader is learning about ancient civilizations, using the classroom scale on a regular basis (calculating weights using the metric system), and has abstracted a number of mathematical concepts - beyond the beautiful materials. Learning in a mixed-age environment under the individualized learning program created by her teachers/guides has inspired my daughter to challenge herself with new learning every day. The nurturing community of the classroom and school has also helped her grow socially and emotionally. There are also many ways for parents to get involved as volunteers with the school- which has led to some wonderful new friends and a vibrant community of extended families and friends. I would recommend Many Rivers to any parent looking for the highest quality in Montessori education in the Twin Ports. Many Rivers is also licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which was very important to us as parents. This school values diversity and inclusion, and provides a significant amount of financial aid.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2015
I have a toddler and a preschooler at this new school, which is in its first year. Despite the startup nature of this school (it only just hired its principal in March), I have to say my children are very happy there. My older child is thriving in math and language (and she often speaks of her "math powers" and can't stop talking about all the math works she is doing), and my younger child is able to put things away, "bus the table" after meals, and give friends a hug when they are crying. At the recent conferences, I came away with a strong sense that my kids' teachers know my children and what makes them tick. As a parent who feels guilty for leaving them in someone else's hands for much of the day, I can't imagine a better, more home-like, more loving place for them. They truly are thriving -- what more could I ask?
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2015
My kids love this school! Like all kids, they're natural learners and they love the freedom to follow their passions and to take responsibility for their own learning. It s a thrill to see the pride and accomplishment when they come home and present to me the reports they've given at school. Their level of engagement with school is amazing. The individually paced, collaborative work fits perfectly with how their little brains work, but they don't care about all the research that supports Montessori learning. They just love it.