Montessori Center School

8625 North 19th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85021

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-K
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 01, 2024

Don’t be fooled by the positive reviews. They are all over 4 years old, before the current owners purchased and took it over.Two weeks ago (4/12/24), on a Friday afternoon, my 1 1/2 year old daughter was abruptly removed from Montessori Central School where she had been attending since October of last year (2023).A little background. That same Friday morning, I had informed the school that my 3 1/2 year old son, who was also attending Montessori Central, and whose tuition was paid up for the next two weeks, would no longer be attending the school effective the end of that school day. I had found an alternative Montessori program that I felt would be a better fit for my son’s needs. However, I did inform the staff that my daughter would remain in attendance at the school.I cannot adequately express to you how shocked I was when, while picking my children up at the end of that school day, I was met by a staff member who handed me all my daughter’s possessions. I was told further that the reason for her disenrollment was explained in an email from the director that I was encouraged to read. To quote the director, “Your dissatisfaction is a sad situation [referring to me removing my son], and as the result, we are notifying you that today is also [my daughters name] last day of Montessori Central School. Their belongings will be available for pickup today’.This action levied against my daughter was clearly vindictive payback for disenrolling my son and speaks volumes about the character of the owner/director. To remove her so close to the end of the school year, without warning, put me in a terrible bind, directly affecting my job and forcing me to spend hours trying to find a program that would accept my daughter on short notice. To date, I have still not found a program that has room for her.I would highly recommend that you DO NOT send your children to this school. The couple that runs this school simply lack the compassion and competency to operate and run a Montessori educational program. Further, there is frequent unexplained staff turnover, and a general lack of transparency. My son was very unhappy in the program and I only wish I would have removed him sooner.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2023

Rip off money. Go to regular daycare than this so called school!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2023

the owner knows how to annoy parents and not teach ANY Montessori stuff to the kids. Very unprofessional and unauthentic management
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2021

We enrolled during a pandemic after a move from southern California. This means we could not tour the school, nor have we seen the inside of our daughter's classroom. It is difficult to find high-quality, working hours care for children in Phoenix. This is exactly what is offered at MCS. We could not be happier with our choice. Her teacher is highly qualified and I know this from the conversations we have had at parent-teacher conferences and through the completed "work" my daughter brings home every day. Her ability to manage her high energy level has improved, as has her ability to interact with her peers in a more gentle, calmer manner. Thus, her social-emotional development has been a focus for the school. The utmost care is taken to communicate and demonstrate that children are being prepared for skills for life: how to interact and respect others, how to learn independently, how to be gentle and kind towards others, how to care for learning materials, how to engage in conversation with others, and how to be motivated about learning (not enticed or externally rewarded). Academically - and this is less important for us than her social-emotional growth - she is on the verge of reading and she began at MCS in early October. Letters are learned through their phonetical sound and are associated with the matching American Sign Language letter. Makes a lot of sense when lips cannot be read in a pandemic. Phonetical sounds are taught in a very well thought-out manner and which one would encounter in any well-designed pre-k curriculum. My child just finished reading aloud a (very simple of course) book on her own, this week. Impressive. Did I state that she began in October? Mathematical concepts are being introduced, as well. All of theses are meeting my daughter where she is and encouraging her to become an independent learner, not expecting her to "be" at a certain level. We love this school. The grounds are lovely, with a terrifically appealing and inviting garden at the front. Everyday, I have to lure my child from this spot . . . and this is after she has spent her day at "school."
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2019

I am more than satisfied that my son is attending this wonderful school. Highly recommend Montessori Center School
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2018

Montessori Center School was a part of our lives for over 5 years and helped show our children the pathway for life long and independent learners. Montessori Center School embraces the Montessori way of learning and living and provides a caring environment for children to grow. The school utilizes the indoor and outdoor environment to create a hands on environment for children’s self growth, exploration, and responsibility. We spent so much time before and after school in the gardens and with the sheep. The Montessori Center School and staff ended up as an extension of our family who taught us and our children more than we thought they were capable of. We will be forever grateful for the school, the staff, and the directors of the school.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2016

What a gem of a school. Mr. And Mrs. Vaz, as well as Ms. Rosanne are the most welcoming and supportive people anyone could ask for at their child's school. The teachers, assistants and office staff are warm, receptive and friendly. The environment is conducive to many great opportunities to learn, explore and grow. The children are given the freedom to follow their interests while being guided by knowledgeable staff. There are several varieties of animals on the grounds, including sheep, birds, turtles and fish. The school has a sensory garden and a functional garden that Ms. Kim manages wonderfully with the help of students. Extra enrichment activities include Spanish, Mandarin, chess and yoga. I would highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 27, 2016

We have had two children attend MCS for the full 3-year program. Our second just graduated this month. Our oldest graduated 6 years ago. Both children are very different and the school has been absolutely amazing for both of them. Our oldest just finished 6th grade and has been in an extremely accelerated gifted program working 2-3 grade levels ahead. I truly believe that the experience she had at MCS from ages 3-6 set her up for such an accelerated program. Our younger daughter graduated with her finals works including division and some geometry along with writing stories and completing amazing art projects. The teachers here are fantastic across the board. The administrator has devoted herself to teaching tradition Montessori methods and they really work. The animals and specials are wonderful. The children learn through the environment and they also have Yoga, Mandarin Chess and Art. I cannot say enough good things about this school. Wherever you are in the Valley, it is worth coming here. Your child's entire educational journey will be better for it!
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2015

If every child attended Montessori Center, we would have a nation of brilliant and creative children. The academics are superior to any school I've seen and children move at their own pace, which allows them self-confidence and the feeling of mastery before moving on. Unlike most schools, there is no sitting around waiting for the last student to "get it" or a rush for any student that is behind the others, and hence, no feeling of failure. Children never want to leave at the end of the day and they head toward the magical sensory garden and beg not to leave it. You, too, will be enchanted by the love and care that goes in to this organic garden, replete with seasonal vegetables that the children harvest themselves, and gorgeous flowers and trees all the children can name. The extracurricular activities, such as chess, Spanish, Chinese, and yoga, to name a few, contribute to the well roundedness of each student. Our grand daughter knows more about geography, history and science than I think we do! The best gift you can give to your child is to have them spend time at Montessori Center.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2014

Montissori Center School has been the home for our children these past 2 1/2 years. Never in my life have I witnessed the joy for learning that I see in their eyes. If only every child could begin their education at Montissori Center then I truly believe our society would be a better place.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2014

This school has a solid administration staff, where one of the owners greets you almost every afternoon when you pick up your child, and the morning staff member has been there for over 15 years. The other owner is one of the teachers, and she was a direct student of Maria Montessori and she herself has taught for over four decades. The student population is diverse, and many parents and children before heading home spend time conversing while children are exploring and playing in the sensory garden located immediately outside of the school's front door, most of which has been maintained by the students and the environment specialist teacher who comes in to teach gardening to the children several times per week. Afternoon activities include several languages, chess, yoga, and more. We transferred our daughter from another Montessori from the east side of town and although the beginning was an adjustment (as it would be with any life change), she has excelled gracefully and loves the friends she has made and the teachers and aides at MCS. Parent involvement is limited to specific events and days, but parents can come in to observe or have lunch by appointment at any time.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2012

Do your child a favor and send them to this school. Literally everything is perfect about it. It is an educational oasis in our literal and figurative educational desert. My daughter went here from age 2.5 to 6, she loved every minute of it. I wish they would expand through college!
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2012

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Montessori Center School. This is the best school to challenge your child's natural ability. Teachers and staff are dedicated to the well being of the child's growth. I will be sadden when my son graduates next year, I am not finding it difficult to find another school that compares to this one.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2011

I have always been extremely choosy in regards to daycare and education for my children. A teacher myself I wanted to make sure that my children were in the best hands possible, and I can say that after visiting a dozen schools, we chose Montessori Center School and could not have been more impressed and appreciative. The beautiful environment (sensory garden), caring and dedicated administration, staff and teachers who teach the true Montessori curriculum and the variety of enrichment opportunities offered (including yoga, Chinese, French, Spanish, and chess) created a lasting impression on us. My son is not only significantly ahead of children his own age (without a Montessori education) in reading, math, geography, and science, but has learned valuable life lessons about responsibility, community, concentration, commitment, and patience. He has also gained a greater appreciation for animals and nature. Simply an exceptional school.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2011

The best school for our children! The staff and teachers are an extended family for us. Everybody is so helpful and nurturing. Our daughter loves to go to school and my husband and I are amazed at her learning since she joined the school. This is the best place for your child after your home!
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2011

An excellent choice for our children's education. We love the staff and teachers and our children are so happy to be part of such a great family.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2010

It is difficult to explain how good this school really is. The only problem we have had is that when our children graduated, the schools they entered could not easily accommodate such advanced students.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2010

I cannot say enough great things about Montessori Center School. My daughter has attended this school for the past two years and will be graduating from Kindergarten this year. This school offers a fantastic learning environment and so many opportunities for children to learn and grow. My daughter has been exposed to a variety of experiences that include foreign languages (Spanish, French and Chinese), yoga, chess, as well as a phenomenal garden (just to name a few). I cannot speak highly enough about the staff at Montessori Center School. Staff members display a high level of enthusiasm and are very creative with the children. Each day I am amazed at the level of learning that my daughter demonstrates. I would highly recommend this school to anyone that seeking a wonderful educational experience for their child(ren).
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2009

N/A
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2007

N/A