Foothills Montessori School

1401 Amador Lane

Henderson, NV 89012

26 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 06, 2024

I DO recommend the school for kids who fit their mold and have no delays. But please be cautious if your kids have any delays (speech included) or are energetic boys. The teachers are amazing but ill equipped to support kids who can’t sit still and stay focused independently. Or have any delays - even speech. But if your child is gifted and fits their mold -It’s an amazing school. Otherwise please do your due diligence so you aren’t scrambling to find a new school mid year that can support your children like me and other parents.
Submitted by other on October 22, 2023

Don’t take your kids to this school, they just care about your money and not the children. Teachers are not supportive nor helpful, they don’t motivate the students to learn, kids are scared and do not feel safe. The school’s learning principle is based on independence, by letting kids do the work by their own and if they are not able to complete their goals they’ll be hardly judged plus teachers will start a campaign to get this family out of school. Teachers are not passionate about teaching, they don’t want to deal with any issues students may have. Your tuition fees will go higher and higher with no notifications. Teachers don’t have a degree. Your kids are not safe, anybody can go in a out, no active cameras, and not securities. They have 30+ kids per classroom and can’t really offer good quality learning to every student. Kids from different grades will all be together in the same classroom. They don’t have a library, don’t have a school counselor, don’t have a cafeteria for lunch, don’t have a gym, dont have an appropriate parking lot, they don’t teach science, don’t allow kids to have Holiday celebrations, kids with special needs are not welcomed and the school principal is not supportive at all, if you have any concerns about their system, or complain about anything they’ll force you leave the school and say they have a waitlist of kids waiting for that empty place. This school should be closed, their system is a FAILURE, there are so many other private schools in town for children to have a good education, Foothills Montessori should not be an option for any family.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2021

I have been a parent at FMS for 4 years now with 2 children in the school. I normally don't write reviews, but was saddened when I saw the previous person's really harsh comments on the school. I would say take everything with a grain of salt when choosing a school, and know that there are people all over the spectrum when it comes to their children who are important to them. I would look at it as maybe you would when reading reviews on Amazon and rule out the people who absolutely love it and those that write angry reviews and absolutely hate it...the middle ground is really probably the most accurate depiction as nothing is perfect. I have sent my children to another school here in Vegas and I, personally, like the caring, nurturing environment that FMS provides. I mostly describe this school to my friends as the closest thing to a co-op experience in Vegas. Coming from Cali, I enjoy the "Berkley" vibe and idea of being on campus, helping out where needed. The first time I set foot on campus as a parent, I saw the PTO president assembling the community library box at the front of the school, and she asked my hubby to give her a hand with the hammer. That's the kind of environment and welcoming community that I want to be a part of. I want my children to understand the idea of the greater good and that we are part of a bigger world and planet. This school focuses on the person and not just academics. If I wanted a more academically rigorous program, I know where to find that in Vegas- I won't name names, but it's easy to find. The comments on the teachers' education astounded me as I always look that up when my children enter a new classroom, and ALL of the elementary staff have a minimum of a BA or BS and 99% of Lead teachers have MA degrees. My child's middle school class has one teacher with 2 MAs and the other teachers each have one as well. So I am confused at that comment. I know some of the primary teachers have MAs (like 4 of them) and some have no degree but Montessori certificates, but that is Preschool. I don't think you'll find many Preschools out there with teachers with any kind of degree. I will say that sometimes the math homework seems like pointless packet work, but from my understanding, they are getting Montessori Math during the day and the packets are to align with what CCSD is doing, just to keep them relevant to their public school peers. Spelling is on point. Writing is improving with a new specialist. Karen is no longer there.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2021

You are paying for location and economic strata of the school. I have two children in public and one child here. The teachers in the team teaching dynamic typically have one good teacher that leads. The other two are aides and lack the basic skills of a Ccsd teachers aide. The school is about appearances. Many many bright children (or otherwise) struggle outside of school with basic skills consistent with their grade level but are taught random obscure “facts” about advanced subjects to appear as if they have this amazing learning experience when the reality is they have zero understanding. While the campus seems welcoming and gentle, the atmosphere is all you’re paying for. The children make strong friendships with other children that likely come from a higher economic strata, but our intent here was to advance our child’s education. The appearance does not match the education. These children; and I’ve got to know many within my interactions over the years, struggle immensely over the basic building blocks of the elementary process. The teachers are not qualified. They are paid vastly less than Ccsd teachers that actually hold a bachelors degree. If you’re considering foothills interview the team, not just the one possibly qualified team lead. These are not trained educators that put in the work to obtain a full degree in education. The bar is very very low.Administration; referring to the school Director is horrific. Unavailable, unwilling to engage in conversation with a parent outside the recruitment process and most importantly: widely disliked by the frightened teachers and aides. It was and is the most unsettling part of our experience at Foothills.And this all sits on the plate of Karen Kolb.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2019

My 3 children spent half of their lives at FMS, for 8 years. It was truly their second home, the teachers and admin partners in their upbringing. We wouldn’t have had it any other way! This school is a one of a kind gem in Vegas. It’s an exceptional collection of educators who, along with wonderful families, have created a space where creativity, love, diversity, high standards, innovation and a sense of FAMILY abound. You can see it clearly when you visit the campus: a little “library” next to a thriving garden (part of the outstanding Green our Planet program), next to a welcoming mosaic, all inside a happy courtyard and playground. All day you’ll see groups of various sizes gathered for gardening or outside reading, or on their way to the kitchen for a cooking project. This is a school that has managed to be dynamic and organic while (sadly) many schools are increasingly restricted. The opportunities for learning are rich because of its small size and commitment to the individual development of each and every child. They are richer yet because of the endless cultural, social and environmental lessons. Above all, children are treasured and cared for at FMS, in that old school way you often don’t see anymore. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2019

Montessori is full of fluff and from spade looks amazing. It has given my daughter a great foundation for learning but staying past 1st grade is a mistake. Children aren’t pushed to their full potential because of the ‘philosophy’ and many children who leave are actually below grade level.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2019

I love Vegas but my only concern raising children here was the schooling…until I found Foothills Montessori School. This school is a hidden gem in Vegas. The Parent Teacher Organization is top notch and provides families many ways to get to know each other. The seamless movement between parents and the school is one of the most impressive aspects of FMS. This year we’ve enjoyed a PTO organized Book Fair, Fall Festival, Movie Night, a themed Family Dance, Fun Fridays and many other well organized events. Foothills Montessori offers dynamic, stimulating curriculum along with a strong sense of community from the primary levels up to 8th grade. I highly recommend this school to anyone who values education along with a strong sense of family and community.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2018

We are generally happy with the school and our child is thriving. Our child reads exceptionally well and loves math and science and art. Our child always tests above grade level and feels nurtured by the teachers.However, my biggest complaint is simply that the school does too much to cater to parents who plan to leave the school. FMS tries to incorporate too much traditional schooling on the premise that children who change schools need to be prepared for traditional school. They would probably do better if they stuck more to the Montessori traditions and simply offered extra after-school classes to 'prepare' those children who plan to transfer out or who want/need extra work. My other pet peeve is the claim to 'academic excellence'. FMS does best at individualized learning, respect and order, developing responsibility and autonomy, and small nurturing environments. They do not practice what they preach when it comes to academics. It's simply not there - we are constantly having to correct or supplement lessons our child is learning in any area that is not being tested. FMS does great in the ares where tests are applied but some other areas are greatly lacking.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2018

My kids have been at Foothills Montessori for 5yrs, since Primary (Son age 4 and daughter age 5). I would rate this school the highest I could. We have been beyond blessed and grateful that our children had the opportunity to receive an incredible foundation!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2018

the experience we have had with FMS has been, without exception, AMAZING and I am so glad we selected this school for our daughter.BTW -- Karen is impressive in running a tight ship and you should meet with her in person to accurately evaluate her and the school she runs.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2017

Our child has attended for 4 years and is thriving. Overall FMS has been positive though that could change.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2017

Putting our daughter in FMS is one of the greatest things we have ever done for our daughter. This school has taught her social skills, values, understanding, patience and about a hundred other attributes that will mold her life forever. The staff, teachers and school itself are exemplary and the level of care is something we never knew could exist or even look for when we started our search for schools Having our daughter here will undoubtedly change the course of her life and be the jumping off point for greatness. If you have the opportunity for your child to attend this school you will learn within the first few weeks that you gave them the greatest gift you could have ever given them. Thank you to the entire FMS staff for changing our lives forever.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2016

We'd intended to enroll our daughter only through pre-K and the elementary years, but the teachers and staff are so loving and supportive, the community of families so welcoming and open, that she is now in her eight year, and will continue through middle school. I only wish there were a high school attached. Bullying is not tolerated, by staff OR students. My daughter is growing into a happy, confident, self-reliant--and self-motivated--person, and she feels safe taking risks in this supportive environment. I don't know what we'd have done if we hadn't found Foothills. I am grateful every day that I have a safe, peaceful place to send my child to learn.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2016

This is the 3rd elementary school our child has attended (after attending 2 other preschools), due to family relocations. We've only been part of FMS for a semester, and we feel very welcomed and supported. I noticed when we first arrived that many of the very-involved parents are very close; and this may be what others perceive as clique-ish. But I have found that those parents are very open and not exclusive of later-comers like me who also wish to get involved in the school community. The teachers have been very caring as well. I had many questions and concerns during my child's transition to a new school -again!- and the teachers responded quickly each time, with the expressed desire to work together to make our child's experience at FMS a positive one. In the classroom, my child enjoys most the subjects that she find most challenging, because she feels supported and encouraged rather than being pushed and frustrated. Realizing that not all schools will be ideal for all children and all families, I can genuinely say that our experience has been a very positive one all around.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2016

Foothills Montessori is an oasis in the desert. The staff and the teachers know and care for each and every kid. This is the 7th year for our family and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school. Each child is treated as an individual and valued as such which helps in developing their self-confidence. The children excel and are happy. A winning combination. I am glad we found Foothills 7 years ago.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2016

FMS teachers challenge the students to learn and push themselves in a loving supportive environment. The staff is beyond dedicated and attentive to every student. Our son has been at FMS for almost 7 years, and is about to graduate. We will be forever grateful for the great experience we have had at FMS.
Submitted by other on August 11, 2016

I thought we were alone in our experience at FMS until I read the March 4 review below. Free spirits need not apply. Day dreaming and curiosity are surfaced as "concerns for the safety of the child"... But they will continue to take your money, until they get a better offer, at which time, they will passive aggressively question whether FMS is a good fit for your child.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

We can't say enough wonderful things about foothills Montessori. Th small class sizes are wonderful. Their staff is adequately trained and really love and care about the well being and progression of the students.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2016

Our daughters attended FMS for two years and we loved it. We saw such extraordinary growth in both of them in ways we had never expected. Our older daughter has Sensory Processing Disorder & Anxiety, while our younger daughter is high performing. The teachers and staff were able to meet the needs of each of our children; they often went above and beyond to ensure their success.We have now moved multiple times and our children have attended two Montessori schools since our time at FMS. To this day FMS offered the best school experience for our children and for us as a family. From the teachers to the administration I look back at our time there and wish that more schools operated at the level they do. As a family who has had to move a lot, I would like to point out that no other school we've attended has come close to being able to provide the sense of community that FMS has created. The staff and families are invested in seeing the school continue to develop and achieve success. They care about the well being of each of their students.For the children who do well in Montessori, you will see them thrive in every aspect. It goes well beyond academics. These children develop a love of learning, independence, a sense of responsibility and kindness through the mixed age environment that allows them the ability to mentor each other. These children also tend to maintain a level of innocence that is rare to find in children today ... especially at the Junior High level.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2016

We regret not leaving this school sooner now that we have discovered what a positive experience school can be. Foothills was not IT. If your child is average in every aspect he or she will fit it. It is ironic that this school calls itself a montessori school because the school does not embrace individuality or being "different". The parents form cliques. The teachers form cliques. Then guess what, the children learn that behavior without even trying. The director, who isn't even an educator by trade, makes very hands-on decisions concerning teaching and discipline. She also goes on personal vendettas, is rude and on a power trip. The emotional climate is not good in this school. That is so much more important to your child's development than a flashy campus. It's easy to be blinded by the nice spot and area of this school.