Aldea Montessori School

15639 North 40th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-K
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 08, 2021

We have been very happy with our experience at Aldea. Our daughter started in the toddler room at 18 months. We were anxious to have her in a new environment but the staff is amazing and put our mind at ease. She is now in the primary room and learning so much. I was pleased to see they identify strengths and target those in various works. We appreciate the community that is Aldea and would definitely recommend to others.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2020

My daughter has been at Aldea for over a year and a half, and in that time, we've experienced her blossoming in the most amazing ways - socially and developmentally. She has fun every day - playing with her friends, learning how to be responsible and contribute to the environment around her, learning manners, learning basics (letters, numbers, shapes, animals, etc.) through the meaning work opportunities provided - and best of all, she seems to be thriving and is a happy girl. It makes us so happy to know that the place she spends her day is full of so much love and support - and a rich learning environment for her to continue growing and learning. Aldea Montessori was such an amazing find for us and I'm incredibly grateful our daughter is part of the Aldea family.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2020

My son started at Aldea this past June. He transferred from another pre school that was not meeting his needs. Aldea was an amazing turning point for my son. He learns so much everyday and truly enjoys his time with his teachers and peers. I could not be happier about our decision to join the Aldea family. My only regret is that we did not find them sooner:)
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2019

I moved my oldest child from a nearby 'montessori' after trying both their campuses which I found to be a joke and waste of money. There was never a doubt that my other two would attend Aldea as well. An amazing experience, the natural playground is amazing allows for great imagination and the classroom environment is clean, neat, and allows for incredible child-led work and growth.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2019

Aldea was our first experience in a Montessori setting and we couldn't be more pleased. The teachers are warm and knowledge, the staff is responsive and helpful, the Head of School is approachable and so very passionate about her work. With the help and guidance of Aldea Montessori, we are raising a helpful, independent and confident little girl. We are so fortunate to be part of the community!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019

Very bad experience, lack of communication between the teachers and parents
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2016

A good Montessori preschool, but with continuous change. The teachers leave nearly each year with little to no notice which takes away from any possibility of having the true Montessori experience of a 3 year cycle with the same teacher. Communication is poor as well.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2014

IMy thoughts echo the last parent who commented - moving our son to Aldea was the best decision we have made. He was in regular day care and was bored and frustrated with his environment. After we moved him to Aldea, he has changed so much - actively making better choices, thinking independently, learning how his actions affect others, and soaking in new knowledge every day! I can actually see him struggle with his emotions and choose NOT to make a bad choice. Amazing stuff. We are looking forward to sending our younger child there soon!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

I found this school by searching online for Montessori schools for my daughter. After taking a tour and meeting the founder, Donna, I knew this would be an excellent fit for my daughter. What I didn't realize is how beneficial it would be for my whole family to be a part of this program. With half of the school year complete, I am thrilled to have made the move. This school offers: 2 separate playgrounds including a "natural playground" and garden. Fun afternoon activities for the children (if you are a working mom like me this is great... Yoga on Tuesdays for the kids that stay late! Toddler & Primary (Pre-K) Programs (parents allowed and encourage to observe children work) Diversity! 21 different languages and 19 different ethnicities represented in school. Teachers speak both English & Spanish to students. Financial Aid and other scholarships (almost half of students receive tuition scholarships) Its REAL Montessori... There are only 12 AMI accredited schools in Maricopa County. Parenting classes At 3 1/2 she is working on reading, sewing, fine motor skills, being responsible for herself and in control of her body, how to make "choices" and think independently.
Submitted by other on July 07, 2013

This is the best school I have ever attended and I wish I could go back! The academic level is perfect and they make it fun to learn! I loved going to school there! Everyone is very caring and VERY kind. They had it right from the start! I started pre k at age 3. It was perfect. The school is kind of new but they have done it right from the start! I'm in 6th grade and read at the level of a junior in high school! They make it so entertaining to learn and are always improving and getting better! You should start your child in that school!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2012

My son has been there for 2 years and we love it and so does he. Staff is very caring and understand the montessori way. It is very important that parents understand the concept because this is not a traditional public school method. My son who hated 'sit at the desk and learn' style loved this setup immediately. Now he refuses to come home and over the weekends talks about what he plans to do at Aldea on 'monday'. Great Principal, very passionate about the system and has tremendous faith on children. Excellent parent involvement and a sense of community.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2012

Both my son and daughter attend Aldea. Excellent education, wonderful staff, very trustworthy and knowleageble. Education os fantastic, my daughter started reading at 4!
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2011

This is my daughter's second year at Aldea, and we love it here! A lot of people do not understand the concept of Montessori education and may be afraid of giving this place a chance. Believe me, if you want the very best for your kids, this is the place. Children deserve to be in a place like this to grow in the way they should. Aldea has a wonderful learning environment where children are inspired to learn. They are not forced to learn or follow some kind of rigid standard determined by adults. Here, they are allowed to grow as a person. As a result, these children develop a love for learning and they end up learning more than what we usually expect them to. In addition to that, the community at Aldea is very caring, supportive, and diverse. Everyday children get to learn about respect, tolerance, cooperation, and kindness. As a parent at Aldea, I have learned a lot about parenting from the director and the teachers. By the way, my daughter has also received a scholarship from the foundation, SMFG. The scholarship is real, we worked very hard to get it. Thank you Aldea, thank you for everything.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2011

How incredibly happy we are at Aldea. We met the Director of the school and loved her passion for the children and learning. The teachers and entire staff are caring and amazing and make the school like a home. Our son is enjoying his second year at Aldea, and because of the Montessori way he is in the same class as last year. It has been wonderful to hear how now that he is older he is helping the younger ones with the same things he struggled with. All the children are accepted for who they are. No child is forced to learn things they are not ready for. We are pleased to know that are son is not sitting at a desk all day, instead he is encouraged to explore and learn things in a natural structure using his own curiosity and determination. Many times during the first year our son complained about going to school, but at pick-up on those same days he said he had the best day. Parents are encouraged to partake in activities, but all schools expect that. It is the children who benefit from parents involvement. Kudos to Aldea, it is a great Montessori school.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2011

If you are looking for the best foundation you can lay for your child's education, consider Montessori. After making this choice, go look at Aldea and then attempt to see other AMI schools. Aldea Montessori sets the bar for AMI Montessori schools in the Phoenix area. It is not just a school, it is a community. You are asked to participate. That is part of the method of Montessori. It is a very rewarding experience. Observing little people doing work with confidence and mastery at such a young age is heart warming. To the core comfort in "yes, this is the right decision". AMI Montessori method is different than mainstream education. Don't make assumptions here. Go to the school and ask your questions for clarity. Your decision will become obvious. This is a fantastic facility bringing an excellent product to your greatest gift.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2011

I had read reviews here and looked at this school for my son and daughter. While the toddler section was o.k, the 3-6 is all getting more and more students in the class. They almost have 30 students, and just one teacher and one assistant. Typically at least they should have two. It is more about disciplining the students and hardly enough of learning. Every other day its about involving the parents in fund raising or raising money in some form or the other. In addition if there are two siblings you also don't get a sibling discount. they make up stories of some foundation (SMFG) and take your personal information about grants, which of course never comes to anybody. I think while the teachers are good, the director is all about making money and sweet talk. I don't think the students get as much attention as they should.
Submitted by principal on June 27, 2011

We are always sad to hear that a family did not have a great experience at Aldea Montessori. We try our best to convey to parents exactly what the school is like by encouraging pre-enrollment observations (as many as the parent desires) so that parents can see for themselves how the classroom operates and what the teachers and students are doing. We provide written information detailing our hours of operation and costs so that everyone can make the right choice for their family. We want this first experience with school to be happy and productive for the entire family. Feel free to ask us any questions and visit as often as you want until you feel you have made the best choice!
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2011

My 3 year old loves this school We are really amazed the way our child is developing her skills in this school. Teachers are very helpful and pay individual attention to kids on the aspects they need to improve. We are really happy that we found this school for her.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2011

Overall, this school will be great for your child in regards to the amount of information that they will learn in preschool. That said, you can expect that your child will receive rave reviews if they are compliant, quiet, and can concentrate (typical for 3-5 year olds, right??!). However, if your child is on the other end of the spectrum, you can expect that you will hear about what you are doing wrong at home, even if you are doing everything right. This information, though, will only be privy to you at a parent/teacher conference. If you are a working parent, prepare to be sideswiped at said conference because you will not hear anything about your child in the classroom at all, at any other time unless you are in the inner circle of parents who can pick up at carpool. If you try to email administration or the teacher, do not expect any kind of response, ever. Also, be prepared to have back-up daycare because the actual school calendar is filled with days that you work, but your child will not have school or aftercare. Tuition will also go up every year. Unless you are a parent who donates a lot of money or time, be prepared to be ignored and/or blown off by administration.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2011

We had a very poor experience with this school. Because the class was so large (over 30 students), the teacher seemed excessively focused on discipline and maintaining order. Our child learned little or nothing (despite having tested as highly gifted) and the director of the school seemed largely unaware of the problems in the classroom (which included some inappropriate behavior by other students). We transferred to another preschool (after I dealt with several months of my child begging not to go to school every day) and my child really thrived at the new school. Before we left, I discussed my concerns with the administration, but there seemed to be little interest in addressing the various issues.