Oak Knoll Montessori School

1200 North Lake Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91104

19 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 13, 2024

My child did a year in the toddler program here, which was great. Her toddler teacher had a decade of experience and adored the children. Her teacher when she moved up to primary (aka preschool) was inexperienced as an educator (although clearly well trained as a Montessori guide) and had no idea what to do with a 2 year old acting like a 2 year old. The school felt very fussy and micro manage-y, and the fundraising demands were constant. We switched schools to Meher Montessori in Altadena, which has been around for over 50 years and AMI accredited for that same length of time (OKMS is more recently accredited). Now that we have been at Meher for 3 years, it makes me realize how many of the teachers at OKMS are interning as new graduates, and therefore naturally do not have the wisdom, perspective, and grace of educators who have decades of experience. Also, Meher is thousands of dollars less expensive per year and much more friendly to working parents, and much, much less fussy. I’m just sharing my experience because I wish I had known these things when I was looking for a AMI program in the area.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2024

Let me start by saying that there is no perfect school, and what works for might not work for the next person. In saying that though, I would not recommend this school when you compare it to all the great Montessori/ private schools the area offers. My son went there for pre school and was in the Oak Owls class. His teacher hardly spoke to me and hardly greeted me in the year we were there. She was actually borderline rude to me at pick up and drop off - I have no idea why, but other parents shared this experience and it was really weird. I told myself that she was busy and is probably great with the kids. Luckily, the teachers assistant was incredible and really had a lot of kindness and energy with the kids.In terms of the curriculum, my kid did a lot of craft activities and came home with a ton of cute stuff. It was a safe and sweet environment for him. Now that we are in kindergarten at a different school (charter) , I’m really noticing how kind and attentive his teacher is now. I feel like this should be the standard. I’ve also noticed how ill- prepared he is for kinder - a lot of pre schools start introducing tools to help with this transition. Since his current school isn’t a traditional Montessori, it makes sense that he wouldn’t be prepared academically. The third and last thing I want to mention, is that you will get a constant shake down at this school. The fees are pretty high to begin with- but this is comparable to private schools in the area. However, the asking for money was CONSTANT and uncomfortable. Is it a good school? Sure! It’s fine! Is it exceptional? I don’t think so.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2023

We love OKMS. Our children have both had amazing experiences at school. They both love learning and are very happy to go to class every day. The community is warm and caring. Specially for our older, who is in second grade, I can tell they are really learning how to learn, and what a skill that is.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2023

I love my child's Montessori school! The community is super nice, and all the kids help each other, making it a happy place. My child has become so independent and confident, taking charge of learning. The school is great, but I wish they had more resources for Math, Science, and Sports. These subjects are important for thinking, curiosity, and health. Even though I have this small wish, I'm still very happy with the school. My child is growing well, getting more independent every day. The teachers are awesome, and I'm excited to see my child and the school keep succeeding!
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2023

Oak Knoll has many positives. I’m going to focus on the negatives:- insane contract where you owe them money for the whole school year no matter what- you drop your kid off at a gate and never get to walk them in or see what’s going on (although you can schedule an observation if you take time out of your day to do so)- micromanage-y tendencies and unrealistic expectations towards parents (in terms of volunteer time)- my kid didn’t like the school and is much happier at another Montessori school.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2019

This is an internationally accredited Montessori school offering programs from toddler to adolescent (at two separate and developmentally appropriate campuses). We currently have children in both the primary/preschool and elementary programs, and both are thriving despite very different personalities and learning needs.The staff here are committed and the guides foster learning for the whole child. As a parent who has had a child begin in Montessori, switch to public school and now return, the difference is palpable. In the true Montessori environment, which this school embodies fully, I have watched my children develop confidence, a love of learning, achieve academic excellence, and exhibit daily joy from being in school.Younger children are nurtured in a safe, gentle, respectful space and the calm approach of the classroom allows for deep learning to occur even at a young age. Young children are given the building blocks for responsibility and freedom, and invited to engage in the classroom community with grace and courtesy.Older children get to spread their wings with the cosmic approach to education that Maria Montessori saw as particularly crucial to ages 6-12. Storytelling is key to instruction for the elementary child, and my older child has been fascinated with stories around the coming of life, language, numbers and humankind. Children get lessons in diverse curriculum subjects and continue to learn in ways that incorporate all aspects of intelligence.I feel like the group of people who work here are compassionate and caring individuals, and the community of families are warm and welcoming. There are many wonderful campus events to celebrate student progress, involve families and community, as well as provide education to parents about the Montessori method and process.We've been tremendously happy with the transition to this school. It's a gem that has yet to be overly discovered!
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2018

Our family loves Oak Knoll. Our son is in his final year at the Lake campus and our daughter is in the toddler program. The teachers are amazing and the community of the school is supportive, friendly, and wonderful. I highly recommend Oak Knoll to parents!!
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2018

Oak Knoll is a special school. It prides itself on delivering an authentic Montessori education for children. My child has been in the program for 3 yrs and it really thriving. We have plans to go all the way through Middle School here. I suggest doing an observation and you too will see how amazing it is!
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2015

My first grader is in her first year in the elementary program at OKKMS, and what a fantastic year she is having. In just 6 months at this school, she has learned so much, from writing cursive to doing long division to making beautiful posters related to the many things she is learning about science and the natural world, plus caring for the chickens and vegetable garden. The classroom guides are not only incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the Montessori approach, but are also gifted educators and lovely people. There are also terrific administrative staff who are highly responsive to parents and keep everything running smoothly. The new head of school is doing so much to expand and enhance this wonderful school, including plans to improve the huge outdoor play area, offering an intensive Spanish curriculum, and adding another lower elementary classroom to accommodate the many new children who will be attending the school starting this fall. I highly recommend OKKMS if you are looking for an authentic Montessori education that will nurture the independence, curiosity, self-confidence and love of learning that is in all children.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2012

Oak Knoll is the Gold Standard of Montessori programs in both the primary levels and their rapidly growing elementary program. We looked all over the entire area at different Montessori schools for my daughter, and this one provided everything that is excellent about Montessori, as well as warmth, community, and direct, open communication between staff and families about everything that affects the children. My daughter had an amazing experience here in the Primary level. She has become a joyful, motivated learner with a great love of and respect for school. We couldn't have asked for better, and if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2012

My child had a wonderful experience at the Lake campus, it is a great loving enviroment for young children. The head of school is a challenge, and sometimes quite rude to us parents. Unfortunately the Elementry school lacks the education programme, its below standard. Although they teach the children how to function in there enviroment, they fail to keep them on grade level for Math, English. My child failed to progress in this programme. I wouldnt recommend this Elementry school.
Submitted by parent on October 18, 2011

I am so impressed by the elementary program here. The atmosphere of quiet focus in the classroom is so inspiring. The kids seem to be enjoying school so much, yet I have been amazed at some of the things my child has learned and then taught me. My son used to be really shy, but he is becoming more and more confident in this very accepting and nurturing environment. My child is inspired by some of the older kids in the classroom-- the students learn to be each others' role models in this mixed age classroom. I also love that the after school program here is PHENOMENAL and unique. My child looks forward to that every day!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2011

This is simply one of the best schools I've ever seen. Observing children in a true Montessori environment makes me long to have a "do over" of my own early education. The students are focused and joyful in the classroom while they "work". Their choices are all self motivated which makes the reward much greater. After all the discussion about how our current educational system is failing our children, a Montessori education seems to be the obvious solution. My children love their school, teachers and parent community, and we feel lucky everyday that we found this wonderful place.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

I have a son who is in his 3rd year of Primary and will be moving on to the elementary program next year. This school is more than a school, its an extension of family with a great director, dedicated staff and a wonderful parent community. My son is thriving in this environment becoming such a an independent & confident child. If you are looking for Montessori, TRUE Montessori, take the time to observe Oak Knoll in action and you'll be just as impressed as I was 3 years ago!
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2011

My son has attended this school since he was a toddler and is now in the elementary program, and my daughter is in her first year of the toddler program. I strongly encourage you to observe this school if you are interested in education with a purpose. Active learning is at the core of Montessori and you will see it in action at all grade levels. I credit the school s director for ensuring this is a true Montessori environment not just in materials and training, but in practice and behavior. This is a wonderful community to be a part of; and I value the independence my children enjoy in their learning environment and the self discipline and responsibility that comes with that. The director of the school has an open door policy and has proven to be a great resource not only to me when I ve been in need of direction with parenting techniques, but to the entire community with the parent educational meetings she holds .
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2011

I feel very lucky to have gotten involved in Montessori, but Oak Knoll in particular. The school has an outstanding staff, very strong leadership, and a supportive community of parents. I've gone to observe in my daughters class a few times and I am thrilled each time at the function, activities, children, and nurturing staff. These kids are doing activities, academics, and problem solving that are far beyond anything I was taught at their age! A truly amazing school.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2011

We have two children at Oak Knoll and we could not feel luckier to have come across this gem. Our daughter is finishing up her third year at the school and our son is coming to the end of his second. The ease at which they head out the door each morning and the smiles on their faces as we pick them up is almost enough to highly recommend this school, but that would be selling short the great work the teachers and staff are doing inside everyday. The Head of School and the teachers are committed to Montessori and if that is what you are looking for, you need to look no further. Go observe how engaged the children are in their work, how well they interact with each other and the joy they put into all of their activities.
Submitted by other on March 24, 2011

There are good point and bad points to this school. Witnessing staff members being intimated and disrespected overshadows and positive feelings I had of this school. Improvements must start with the principal becoming more aware and respectful of the staff. Once that is in place, a healthy environment will come naturally.
Submitted by other on February 07, 2011

I once toured this school when I was looking for preschool for my son when we moved to Pasadena. One of the questions I asked was about which schools the children attend once they leave Oak Knoll? I wondered what fraction went to public vs. private schools. The person - who ran the school at the time - told me flat out that the public elementary schools were no good and "nobody really sends their children to public schools." Of course, 2/3 of Pasadena children attend public schools. And our son is thriving at our excellent public school just blocks away, Longfellow Elementary. I'm glad we avoided Oak Knoll.