Leport Schools, Irvine Spectrum

Reviews

• Submitted by parent on February 03, 2023
  My Son has been going to Leport since he was 2 and being in Mrs. Yvette's & Mrs. Maria's class in the toddler program has allowed my son to become more independant & has learned a wide variety of skills. From dressing himself, cleaning up after himself, setting the table, watering plants to cleaning his own shoes & pouring his ownglass of water for his meals.. all things he has been able to apply at home. We could not be happier with what he has learned in his class!
• Submitted by parent on February 03, 2023
  Ms Evette & Ms Maria are great teachers. Our son loves the class and has grown a lot as a little guy ini just 6 months.
• Submitted by parent on August 25, 2021
  Review for Spectrum South Ms. BrendaI have the most beautiful-hearted teachers to help me raise my child. (Ms. Jaya, Ms. Fariba and Ms. Brenda) Today I lingered after saying good bye and saw an interaction with my daughter (15 months) and her infant teacher, Ms. Brenda. My daughter was getting her lunch items out to put it away for later in her lunch basket by the refrigerator. While taking each item out with such happiness and looking through the food containers Ms. Brenda was going over all the different foods and taking to my child about it. I couldn't hear anything but I could see my daughter happy and paying close attention to what Ms. Brenda had to say. Ms. Brenda in my child's small world is one of the few people that she hugs, runs to, kisses, and giggles with, one of the few adults that she truly loves. I saw Ms. Brenda show such patience, and respect to my toddler. I can clearly see she loves my child. As I saw this interaction my heart exploded with so much appreciation, gratitude and relief that I had found a special person to be my child's first teacher. I had to leave my baby girl at 4 months old in care of Ms. Brenda, Ms. Jaya and Ms. Fariba because I had to go back to work like so many parents. But I was so lucky to have been placed with these wonderful ladies. I plan on enjoying the last few months in Ms. Brenda class before my daughter transfers into a toddler classes, because you can bet that we want to keep her in this campus with the amazing and dedicated ladies that lead and assist the children in the classroom.
• Submitted by parent on November 06, 2019
  Great experience!! The environment is very conducive to learning. Teachers are very well qualified and trained in respective fields.
• Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018
  We are big believers of the Montessori Method, but Leport was not what we were expecting. The environment is not conducive to learning. In fact, it is quite disruptive as admitted by the teacher in our child's assessment. Our child was commended on his ability to focus despite the distractions. Concerns (disruptive behavior and lack of consequences for physically violent behavior) were brought to the school's attention, but changes were not forthcoming. These issues need to be addressed as they impede on the fundamentals of learning, Montessori or not.
• Submitted by parent on February 18, 2018
  We had great experiences in Infant and Toddler, both classrooms had highly tenured head teachers. However, on our daughter's first week after moving to the Primary classroom with a highly inexperienced teacher, she had 12+ incident reports. This was MASSIVE compared to what we'd seen in the Toddler room. We were given 9 weeks to show improvement or leave. We ended up following ex-LePort head of school to another Montessori school (Guidepost). We've been there for 6 months and it's been a night and day difference. The new school actually cares about the children and has worked with us to create an environment that works for our daughter until we can complete an IEP and figure out the most appropriate environment for her. They allow her to use a sensory necklace, which LePort would not allow. They allow her to have an aide, which LePort would not allow. They recognize that Maria Montessori believed in inclusion and in helping children blossom. There is a genuine love for children at the core of their very being there, while Dr. Daniels was completely alien to such a philosophy. The administration at LePort used to care about these things but they clearly don't any more. I directly attribute this shift in philosophy to Dr. Daniels taking over as head of school, and the obvious lack of oversight by upper administration.We thought Leport was the best Montessori education Southern California had to offer, and maybe it was at one time, but today it most definitely is not. While Leport has an amazing campus and some truly stellar tenured teachers, they also have an overabundance of very inexperienced teachers and assistants due to high turnover and expansion and worst of all, an incredibly poor head of school. Unfortunately, I'm left with the distinct impression that money is the only thing the administration truly cares about them, and the only reason Leport enjoys any success is because of the tenured teachers that remain.
• Submitted by other on August 07, 2015
  LaPort is ONLY about making the most money they can. They will do anything and everything for the dollar, and honestly don't care at all about your kids. I would stay away and find another school.
• Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015
  My now 3 year old is currently enrolled in the Primary program. My daughter is a very sensitive child and I am so grateful that her teachers know how to foster her independence but at the same time, respect and understand her needs. The teachers here truly have a strong understanding of the Montessori principles. Ms Carlin, my daughter's previous toddler Parent and Me teacher, taught me how to gently guide my daughter to develop confidence and love of learning. The true test, of course, was when my daughter started the Primary program and I could no longer be by her side. My daughter, being very sensitive to changes, had a rough start. Her teachers Ms Liz and Ms Nazee were incredible with her. In the last 6 months, I watch my child transformed from screaming and crying in class to telling me how much she wants to go to school. She is now a happy and productive member of her class! Ms Liz constantly gives me valuable feedback on my daughter's progress in class. The administration and staff are always responsive to my questions and concerns. Everyone in this school is truly invested in the students and I am so grateful to have chosen this school for my daughter.
• Submitted by parent on February 08, 2015
  This is a belated review. My child has already graduated from Leport's junior high school. Nevertheless, I am submitting these comments because Leport's basic leadership team and some teachers are still on board. Recently, my son said the difference between junior high and high school was that he easily knew the correct answers on quizzes and tests because he enjoyed listening to the Leport teachers during class. The teachers had a lot of heart and generously shared their time, knowledge, and sense of fun. My child is still good friends with a classmate, even though they moved on to different schools many miles apart. I miss the informative parent-teacher conferences and being kept in the loop in regards to my child's education. Did Leport make a positive difference? Definitely yes.
• Submitted by parent on January 25, 2014
  My two daughters attend LePort. Our oldest enrolled when the school opened in Irvine (Sep 2012). She is thriving in the primary program. When she enrolled, she was very reserved in social situations. She has made lots of friends and is brimming with confidence. Her academic progress has been excellent - her guide, Ms. Fergusson, is so attentive to her specific interests, has really listened to us as parents, and we couldn't be happier. With child #2, I started with the Mommy and Me weekend program hosted by the school so that she could transition slowly, since she would only be 2 when she enrolled full time. Ms. Carlin, was an invaluable resource for all of the parents to discuss all matter of parenting questions and always with references back to how "Maria" (Montessori) would do it. When she enrolled the following spring, my youngest was already familiar with the school and many of the materials. She is in Ms. Calvo's class. She is very knowledgable and though she is strict (in a class of toddlers!), she is very loving. There were some hiccups in the school's first year, but to me, they were minor, and the growing pains are gone now. We will be at LePort for the long term.
• Submitted by parent on November 27, 2013
  Head of school, Donna, (and Wendy) who wrote the above sentences are gone. School head changed (or resigned!?) for the fourth time in a year. So did the teachers in our class. Our last teacher, who is still there, is really good at yoga, flower arrangements, keeping voice low, pouring water from one cup to another and that's what she enjoys teaching the kids, even the 5 yr olds. ('normalization' !?) We moved to another school with older facilities where my kid learns real social skills, reading, math, Spanish, dancing, music and plays in a natural garden. He is happy with her own age group in a K-1 class (still Montessori). I tried to give feedback to Leport Management after our experience in this new school, trying to make a difference for the remaining kids but they did not even reply my mail.
• Submitted by parent on November 27, 2013
  CONTD. I guess the management is so busy opening new schools, earning a better return on investment. And why would they care when the schools in Irvine have long waiting lists. Why the Irvine preschools have waiting lists is a big social debate!!. What I suggest to current parents in Leport is to push their teachers, management to give what they deserve. Parent involvement is zero in this school (except fund raising!!). Management does not want to get in any thing that may result in a way to track their performance (other than marketing meetings). They behave as if Montessori is smt mysterious and it can not be explained or followed up. It can be actually. In our new school, the teacher gives me weekly reports showing how my kid was using his time, my kid's work sheets (not only drawings), her development results and further development areas, etc. Good luck to all Leport families. May be we come back sometime in the future if things change :) Probably not, but I still hope the best for every body. P.S I hope the marketing manager stops posting those fake positive messages. They just stand out!!
• Submitted by parent on November 11, 2013
  Our 7th grade son is now in his second year at LePort and the experience has been outstanding. The teachers are smart, kind, and committed to helping each child. They make learning entertaining and our son truly looks forward to going to school each day. The school even offers opportunities for after-school enrichment programs (our son participates in one re science). LePort keeps parents apprised of the child s progress, both through regular conferences and report cards as well as through impromptu emails with highlights of the child s accomplishments. The Irvine Spectrum campus is new, beautiful, and full of teaching technology in each classroom. But more important than the physical environment, the enthusiasm of the LePort staff for teaching and helping the students succeed is rare, refreshing, and impressive. We would strongly recommend LePort for an A+ private school experience.
• Submitted by parent on October 27, 2013
  My daughter was at another private school in Anaheim Hills that was supposed to be a top school, but had many issues with administration and safety so we left. I researched every private school in OC and selected LePort after my reviews and visits to schools. WOW....I am so happy with our decision because now I see what she has been missing for so long. So many schools claim to deliver individualized instruction, character education, but LePort truly delivers. Each child's plan, growth, curriculum, and development are completely tailored and individualized. My daughter went from struggling in a math program that bypassed basic, foundational math skills to being a superstar in math (and loving it!). Instead of rushing through books for AR tests, she gets small literature groups where students discuss what they are reading..now THAT ensures comprehension. Her teachers actually eat lunch with the kids and discuss issues relating to good character. They don't have unnecessary specialty classes. Students have uninterrupted learning time with their teachers. My daughter is flourishing and I owe it to LePort. The teachers, staff and admin are phenomenal. Best OC private school.
• Submitted by parent on October 26, 2013
  My daughter started at LePort this year after many years in a Montessori school. I had concerns about the transition being hard on her, given it's a new school, new friends, new schedule...everything new. But so far, it has been such a smooth transition. My daughter already loves LePort and has been fully embraced by the LePort community of teachers, classmates and other parents. She happily runs into the school everyday and she is thriving. She adores her teachers and says the kids are all really nice and helpful. She is making friends with not only kids in her grade but in the other grades also. The academic and overall experience are top-notch because of the teachers, who are dedicated and hard working and really give 100% and more to the kids. LePort has far exceeded my expectation. It will be my daughter's second home for the next few years.
• Submitted by parent on October 05, 2013
  I am very pleased with LePort Schools. My son attended a wonderful AMI school for five years in another state. When I would ask my son in the past if he enjoyed school he would say "no". My son has been attending LePort this year and he say's he really enjoys it. He loves his two teachers and wishes that we had moved here sooner. I used to think that it was just my son who was going to be one of those students who didn't like school. I realize now that wasn't true. The school and the teachers make a big difference. I highly recommend LePort, it provides a wonderful environment for learning and growth.
• Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013
  Our son started at the Le Port Spectrum Infant program at its inception, and has now moved on to the 18 month - 3 year old group. After reading some of the negative reviews from other parents, I started to wonder if we are attending the same school? We love all the teachers in the infant program, and consider them partners and collaborators in our son s development. Through their tireless passion and commitment, our son has made amazing progress at Le Port. His language and gross/fine motor skills far exceed standard, and our pediatrician always comments on how strong his focus and concentration level is for his age group. All of his teachers take the time to talk to us and address our questions and concerns. I definitely feel our son is getting the Montessori education we wanted him to have, and we feel confident entrusting our child in their care. All of the staff are friendly and helpful and greet our son with a warm and sincere smile everyday. A special thank you to Ms. Kirsten Carlin, Ms. Denise Rodriguez, Ms.Sharon Jeng, Ms. Bianca Solorzano, Ms. Natsuko Komori, Ms. Susan Carlson and Ms. Jaya Bhandaram.
• Submitted by principal on May 07, 2013
  At LePort Schools, we work hard to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children in our care, and take great pride in offering an authentic Montessori program for infants through third grade, and a rich, stimulating curriculum for our upper elementary and junior high students. Our individualized approach enables each child to reach his/her potential, and we are thrilled to do so in our brand new campus, which is beautiful, peaceful, and safe. Our goal is to welcome not only your child, but also your whole family into our community. You never really know a school until you meet the team that works there, so please do call us to schedule a tour, and to observe in one of our classrooms. Once enrolled, we welcome parents in on a regular basis, for "Watch Me Work Wednesdays," class celebrations, and Parent Education Evenings. When parents experience our classrooms in action, they comment on how content, friendly, productive, and gracious the students are and how patient, enthusiastic, and committed are the teachers interacting with them. We look forward to meeting you soon!
• Submitted by parent on March 11, 2013
  We never thought that creating a path for our child's education would be such a daunting process. So many factors to put into consideration. Faith-based vs secular vs homeschooling? Cost? Location? Safety and atmosphere of the school? Our educational philosophies? After a few months of stressing out, LePort stood out. Great organization, attentive staff, highly qualified teachers. However, despite of all the superlatives we still need to see if the system could actually deliver. And deliver it did. Our child overcame a very extreme case of separation anxiety. Our child is happily flourishing and unraveling beautifully. The teachers are amazing. They talk and act "montessori." They create an environment where children prosper wonderfully. Truly, an excellent school and we could not be more happier.
• Submitted by parent on March 06, 2013
  My daughter has been having a fantastic year at the new Spectrum campus of LePort. She has blossomed in confidence in her Montessori elementary class and her enthusiasm for school is consistently high. She is encouraged to pursue topics that are of particular interest to her, which keeps her motivated and excited about learning. I am very happy to have my daughter at this school!

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