More than two years in, our daughter loves CMS and so do we. After visiting more than a dozen schools in the area when we moved here, the CMS environment felt the most right for us (even if it is a bit more or a drive from home). But it is well worth it with a fantastic teaching and support staff, a deep commitment to Montessori education, and lots of space to roam and play = happy children. Were extremely grateful for all the hard work put in to re-open and keep everyone safe during the pandemic, which has allowed the children to continue to thrive and be together during a very challenging time.

This review is for the admission process. Our child was struggling with public virtual learning so we began researching private schools and we came across Montessori and loved the Philosophy so called two in the area (both AMI/USA member school) to see if it was possible to transition if the child was already in 3rd grade. “Not a problem” we were told, just cycle in on the next school year so that they begin in the next 3 year group. The first Montessori school, the process was simple: Zoom interview about 30 mins and if you like you can enroll since they have 2 openings available. Community Montessori School’s admission is more complex. The process starts with in-person campus tour. My husband went because I just had a baby. We paid $100 non-refundable application fee. Also, we are asked to submit parents questionnaire, former teacher questionnaire (we homeschool so we had to contact previous teacher), her sample math and writing work. And Lastly, my daughter was scheduled for a campus visit. the campus visit was rescheduled because the teacher’s questionnaire has to be submitted before the visit. we had it sorted with her previous teacher who was kind to help my daughter with her admission. My husband took day off work to sit outside while they “evaluated” our daughter.The visit includes campus tour, meeting the teacher, and easy math and writing test. Our daughter was excited to talk about the great stuff they have and the farm animals, so excited to be going back to school. Now decision came thru an email by the Admission Director. I quote “..almost all of our currents students re-enrolled which leaves almost no room for new students. While {my daughter’s name} is a bright girl who appears to be on level with math and writing, she does not have a Montessori experience and we worry she may struggle in an unstructured, self-directing setting. We have decided to go with another candidate who is coming from different Montessori school”. and followed by recommendation to check out public charter schools in the area. The admission director did not even recommend other Montessori schools in the area. As a minority, I felt very discriminated. does that mean that our child is not fit for Montessori school? The other Montessori school we contacted didn’t have a problem whether a child has Montessori background or not. and we were honest that we did not have Montessori background in the beginning of the admission process. When i received the email, I cried and felt heartbroken for my daughter. how am i going to tell her this?It took us few days to tell her. we just told her that they do not have available spot for new students and just left out the other details why. The hard part was to hear my child say “maybe i did wrong in the interview” “did the teacher not like me?” of course, choosing the candidate with Montessori background is the most convenient option. at the end of the day, this is just business and should not take it personally. I hope they review the admission process, especially the part when a child is invited to visit the school only to be rejected. the whole admission process took 3 months from the day i contacted them up to the final decision.

We love CMS! We searched high and low for a school for our toddler. As with all parents, we wanted to find a caring teacher, a nurturing environment and a safe school. We were also looking for an environment that would allow our son to have an organic education and time in nature. We were SO lucky to find CMS. Upon touring the beautiful campus, you can see the school staff takes pride in the entire environment and all staff are so caring to the children.Our 2 year old loves this school! He comes home happy and spouting off all of his classmates names and talking about the chickens.

If youre considering a Montessori School for your family, THIS is the place to be! My son has been there for 2 years now after spending his kindergarten and 1st grade year in public school. We decided to make the switch after his enthusiasm for life and learning disappeared. I finally convinced my husband to give us 1 year -- just 1 year and well see if we notice a change. If we notice an improvement...if he comes back to life, well stay. If he remains unmotivated, then well move on. Those were life changing words for us! Within a few short months, and thanks to his AMAZING friends and teachers, we watched our sons renewed vigor for life gradually unfold. Were here to stay and so very excited theres an upper elementary program on this side of town. You will LOVE it here! The teachers, families and staff are committed and involved. If youre curious about Montessori schools, just do like we did and take a tour :)

Every person here is dedicated to education. Their commitment is incomparable to any other school Ive witnessed

Our child started at CMS when he was 16 months old. He is now 4 years old, and his development has been amazing, both mentally and socially. He is developing an inquisitive mind, and he is learning to seek knowledge independently. Socially, he plays well with different age groups, which is a direct reflection of the socialization he receives in the classroom. The campus is second to none. Its spacious, beautiful, and peaceful. Most telling of all, HE loves to go to school. We are beyond pleased with his experience there and intend to keep him enrolled through the elementary program.

My son has been attending CMS for 3 years now. It is a fantastic school and he has really thrived there! We plan to continue his education into elementary for many years at CMS. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful and I feel like it contributes to the learning environment. There is a big emphasis on nature which I love, and he still learns all the fundamentals to keep up with regular public schooling. I would definitely recommend this school.

I am honored to have my daughter at such a beautiful school where the love of learning is encouraged in an inspired way on a daily basis. Actual knowledge can be given through multiple modalities, books, computers, lectures, etc, but love of learning is a very hard thing to pass along, and this is priceless. The guides at the school are selfless in their love of the children and their teaching of life skills and academic ones at a high level. It reminds me of the saying, give a man a fish and they will eat for a day, teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. CMS specializes in teaching children how to learn to learn in an independent manner, so through their guided lessons, they are shifting the impetus of learning from themselves to the children. Essentially, passing along all the tools for the students to be able to do everything for themselves, and creating lifelong inspired learners through an andragogical model where adults collaborate with children instead of ordering them around. This prepares children for the adult world so that they can be the creative leaders of tomorrow, quite literally teaching them to learn for a lifetime. I couldnt be happier with the school or the guides.

The school has been a fantastic experience for my 5 year old daughter. She enjoys the class, the guides, and most importantly has developed and shown an enormous love to learn. Thats what Montessori is all about and I feel that CMS does a great job instilling that love to learn in kids.I can only speak for the 3-6 year old range class, where my daughter has been for over two years now. I strongly feel CMS offers the best in a childs development and education at this age. Im excited to see her develop over the years at CMS as I have also been impressed with their lower and upper elementary for older kids. I know she cant wait to be in those classes too.Do yourself a favor, check out Community Montessori School, take a tour of the school, observe the kids at work and play and then form your own opinion. I think it will be well worth your time and your childs development!

My daughter started in CMS in the toddler class and is graduating from Upper El. She has thrived in the montessori environment. The guides and the staff play a huge role in developing how the students view themselves, how they interact with people around them, how they approach learning, life, and the world around them. The academics are great, but its the focus on the whole child thats priceless. To list some things weve appreciated over the years: the beautiful campus, the classroom patios, the chickens, the materials, communication with the teachers, latin, the egg incubator, the camping trips, the cultural lunches, the MMUN trips, the classroom cooking, knitting, sewing, crocheting, international festivals, and the enrichment classes.

It took a lot of research to choose the right school for our baby, love this place

It is amazing. The people are nice.

Great new school!