Research Montessori Children's House private Schools in Seattle, Washington

“We love this school. This is my daughter's fourth year here. After preschool due to our great experience we have moved on to enroll her in their elementary program and it has been the best decision. She's thriving academically and personality-wise. Of course no school is perfect, but no imperfection that's a deal breaker and I truly feel that we lucked out in finding this wonderful little corner in the educational landscape of Redmond. The school is a little pocket in a rural setting; it has a wonderful playground embedded in trees, animals in classes and outdoors, a great Nature Trail into which students make regular trips and enjoy, appreciate and connect to the natural world. Emphasis on peace education, caring for self and others, respect, self-development instead of competiton, green education; education of the whole child. Lead Elementary teacher is President of the Northwest Montessori Association. Genuine Montessori education.”

“MCH is a good preschool, and trying to grow their fledgling elementary program. We've had great experience with their teachers, and they have a warm and welcoming community via the Parent Association. The administration seems to be a little flakey and unorganized, but overall the school was a good preschool experience for our child.”

“We absolutely love this school and all of the staff and teachers. It was a difficult choice for me to put my toddler into childcare, but within weeks I knew he was getting a great experience and positive structure in ways that I would have never thought to do. The focus on diversity, peace, respect for nature and all life, and even the emphasis on sign language have helped us feel that we have partners in raising our child instead of just a daycare. MCH is dedicated to teaching him all the values that we feel are most important. MCH will be one of the things we miss most when we relocate.”

“I agree with both positive and negative aspects mentioned earlier. The school was somewhat disorganzied in its earlier years but it's moving in the right direction. After comparing many schools, they all have some flaws (no school is perfect). My child has been going here for 3 years now, and we are especially happy with their elementary program. This is a true traditional montessori program (unlike some other 'montessori' schools), working with kids at their own individual level; teaching compassion, group work, peace, love, help others, with no competition. The academic curriculum is definitley way ahead of public schools. The two elementary teachers are great. At this point there are 14 kids with two teachers in an elementary class so they get the right amount of attention and monitoring; and it's growing fast.”

“We looked at over 30 daycares/schools for our toddler and preschooler. We came from Norway and thought it was going to be easy, but were rather horified by the standard at most places. We even tried 2 with very little success. I arrived at MCH after hours, so I went for an inspection of my own without having a typical sales person following and distracting me.What I found was amazing, this place had a feeeling of love for kids. This shone through even with nobody there. I looked through the windows and saw clean, beautiful classrooms, I saw animals in every classroom, 2 goats next to the playground and a forest surraounding all this. The place had such a great feel about it, a feeling of kindness and love for kids. We love it so much we have moved to Redmond! MCH has the best truly dedicated teachers!”

“I also disagree with some of the comments made earlier. Montessori Children's House has gone through some amazing changes in the last few years and is meeting our expectations with flying colors. All three of my children have attended MCH since they were two years old, and I have seen them grow up and thrive in a wonderful and caring environment. My family is moving to Florida this summer and one of the things I ll miss the most is the school. I can also attest to the benefits and great results of the Montessori method. My kids have had an exceptional learning experience and will be very well prepared for their new school in Florida.”

“Disregard the negative reviews they are simply not the norm for this school and while drop-off can be slow sometimes (where is it not?) it is a price happily paid for our child who is happy and two years ahead in her math and reading skills thanks to this school. We have had our daughter in MCH for three years and our son will attend in the Fall. It is a wonderful school with teachers dedicated to the children and the envoirnment stimulating and focused on learning and taking care of the world. As a private school its financial expectations are actually lower than any of its competitors around here. We have loved it and felt that the teachers and administration were very attentive to our needs and the needs of our child. Additionally, they are very open to feedback and incorporate it quite well.”

“I agree that they nickel and dime you, there is a high teacher turnover and drop off and pickup is slow and rude. They only seem to care about the $$$ they are patronizing to parents.”

“I can't disagree more with the other reviews that have been posted. My daughter has been enrolled since September 2007, and so far, we've had a wonderful experience. I have found the entire staff to be compassionate and caring. Her head teacher in particular is talented, creative, and fantastic with the children. The student to teacher ratio of 24 to 1 head teacher and 1 assistant in the Early Childhood classroom (2 1/2 - 6 yrs) is standard for Montessori education. As is visible to anyone who has observed a classroom in action, the dynamic is amazing. To see 24 children all engaged and busy doing their 'work' in an organized, respectful and caring environment is incredible! The materials in the classroom are beautiful, traditional Montessori materials, carefully chosen and rotated throughout the year. To compare this school to a traditional daycare is truly an injustice!”

“We also had a terrible experience at this school. They were quite disorganized. The teacher was unaccomodating to the differences of each child.”

“We had a bad experience at this school. The director is inexperienced. The dropoff and pickup are slow and rude. There was high teacher turnover. They nickel-and-dime you to death. I think it gives Montessori a bad name.”