Where do I even begin with Meridian Hills Cooperative? My family and I love this little school so…read moremuch. This is going to sound overly dramatic, but it aint no lie: Enrolling my child into this school has probably been one of the best decisions I've made since moving to Indiana. We just finished the 4s class, which was our first foray into any type of schooling. Meridian Hills Cooperative is play-based, which means that the kids learn through exploring, building, creating, moving their bodies, and just plain being kids. The teachers do not push the kids to do anything (as in, they aren't receiving formal lessons in the 4s class) -- instead, the teacher invites each child to participate, and lets them join in whenever they feel comfortable. Each child is valued for whatever stage they're at in life. Similarly, each type of personality -- from super shy guys to boisterous kids to everything in between -- is cherished and respected. A huge plus about the school is that they value playing outdoors. They will tell you straight up when you go for a tour: We play outside in all types of weather! The only time the kids won't play outside is if the weather is dangerous, such as during thunderstorms, or if the windchill is in the single digits. Otherwise, kids bring their snow clothes, rain boots and other outdoor gear because they know they'll be playing outside, rain or shine! Meridian Hills Cooperative is a co-op, which means that parents participate in the classes on a rotating basis. I love this aspect of the school because you really get to know your child's classmates, and in turn, the other parents really get to know YOUR child very well. It's very much like an extended family, with everyone invested in each other's well being. One of the most unique aspects of Meridian Hills is the Kindergarten class. This school is one of the only in the Indianapolis area that offers a part-time Kindergarten. (It meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.) On Thursdays, the class spends all day outdoors in the "forest Kindergarten" area, which is basically set up to be an outdoor classroom. So the kids get to learn while feeling the cool breeze, hearing the birds chirping and feeling the earth under their feet. It is such an amazing space, and an amazing way for kids to learn. I feel like I could go on and on about Meridian Hills, but it's just one of those things you have to check out yourself. I'm probably the most jaded and cynical person I know, but whenever I talk to people about this school, I get super mushy and emotional recounting all the ways I love this school and how much my child has grown and blossomed because of it. It's truly been a blessing in our lives.

I searched high and low (aka Noblesville to downtown Indy) looking for a nondenominational,…read moreplay-based preschool for my daughter. After looking at multiple Montessori schools and not finding many other options, I was delighted to find MHCNS. As soon as I arrived, I knew I had found something special. The spacious outdoor playground is like no other I've seen in the area (and there are hiking trails, too!). Once inside, I was impressed by the "block room" full of wooden toys for building, the "art room" with easels set up and a table full of homemade play dough, and a third room where the children were enjoying board games and reading in little groups. And then I met the teachers. There are three, and they are all amazing. They have history with the school, an easy rapport with the children, and they believe in the power of play. I was also impressed that this school has a half-day kindergarten available. As a cooperative (and member of Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives), this preschool is run by parents. One of your child's caregivers will help out in the classroom once or twice a month and take on a "job" within the school. Your job could be anything from organizing the Fall Picnic to ordering the art supplies for your child's classroom or caring for the class pet. My daughter loves seeing me in her classroom, and it really gives me a better sense of what she is experiencing and what I can do to help her grow. MHCNS offers parent education nights and a two day training workshop. Since all of the parents are so involved with the school, you really get to know the other families and create lasting friendships. Overall, I feel that being part of this school has not only been beneficial to my daughter, it has also made me a better parent.

What can we say about IMS? There are almost too many wonderful things to mention in one review!…read more Miss Ranee has such a passion for teaching children. She is patient, calm and direct. She expects the children to excel, and she helps give them the confidence to rise to the occasion. All of the teachers are quick to identify student's strengths and areas for growth and have consistently communicated his learning plan to us via daily notes and parent teacher conferences. My son was recognizing his letters when he first started Kindergarten, and is now able to read level one chapter books at the end of the year. His verbal and written communication have improved exponentially as well, and despite his naturally shy demeanor, he is now confidently reciting poetry in front of classmates and parents. The curriculum is top notch as well and we love the diversity of subjects that the school teaches. The school staff is also fabulous. Miss Erica in the front office is always there to help with anything the parents or children need during the day. I always felt confident sending my child to school each day. I can't recommend IMS enough!

We love IMS! Both of our girls started there around age 3 or 4 and both will have completed…read moreKindergarten there as well. The teachers are all supportive and reliable. The education is well-rounded. We love the cultural appreciation that the children are taught. Our oldest entered elementary school ahead of the curve on her reading/writing and math. The individual attention is remarkable. Both of our girls have loved all of their teachers and support staff and always looked forward to a fun day at school.

This school used to live up to it's claims of meeting the child where they are, educating the whole…read morechild, fostering their individuality, etc. In the past few years I have experienced a tremendous decline in their ability to hold true to this, sadly. I give it an average star rating because these days is just a costly version of any typical, yet capable public school with the addition of arrogance in their approach.

All three of our children attended The Orchard School. We are very pleased with the education they…read morereceived and so are they. I've often tried to sift through all our years and determine what they most learned/received at Orchard and if I had to pick one attribute (and there are many), I'd pick confidence. They are all confident public speakers. For example, when my daughter was a junior in high school, she won an award that required her to speak at a dinner with over 400 people present. I tried several times to get her to practice and review her speech in advance, knowing that the previous recipient had a professional speech writer. In frustration, one evening she said, "Mom, I went to Orchard. Don't worry." She delivered a flawless speech without notes. They are all confident about their ability to learn. Orchard likes to say they help create lifelong learners and they do. Each of our children knows how to learn and they like to learn. They are all confident expressing themselves to anyone. In high school, their teachers observed that unlike many shy teens they were not afraid to ask questions and advocate for themselves or for others. And, this has continued throughout their college and post-graduate years. Orchard invites and teaches children how to respectfully approach adults. At Orchard, education is not just about science, English, history, etc. While these are important, it's also about helping develop good people and preparing them for the future.

Both of my son's (now 13 and 5) attended MMIA. Mrs. Lynda, Mrs. Sara and Mrs. Laura are just the…read morebest! The focus and individualize attention they pay to my son daily is a blessing. If you are looking for a wonderful learning environment for your son/daughter...don't hesitate to give them a call.

My daughter attended MMIA with Ms. Linda from the time she was 3 until she left for Kindergarten…read moreand I cannot begin to explain how wonderful of an experience we had. She started MMIA and had a difficult transition because she was used to being at home. They provided the perfect balance between nurturing her and helping her to develop her independence and self-confidence. Her foundation at MMIA encouraged her independence and learning in many ways. She learned Spanish consistently and to this day (she is now 9 years old) she has a natural love for Spanish and uses her free time to try and continue to learn Spanish (and she is taking Spanish in school as well). She is very independent and a leader. All of the teachers she has interacted with since leaving MMIA pride her in being a leader and quick learner. She started kindergarten (after leaving MMIA) reading at a 2nd grade level and has always tested ahead in reading and math. She is not only academically advanced; she is so confident and self-assured. She does not follow the crowd and is such an individual. She is always looking for new ways to learn and she is constantly questioning the status quo. MMIA is an amazing program that not only teaches our children beyond "standards" but based on their interests and desires. It is a program that teaches them in a non-pressure way and encourages them to be individuals (no group think here where everyone colors an elephant and if you don't color an elephant you are wrong and labeled as disobedient). At such a tender age she was able to be herself and grow self confidence that without a doubt has helped her to become such an avid learner and individual. Behind the Montessori approach are AMAZING teachers at MMIA. They have been with MMIA for decades and have a system that works! They understand children and Montessori. Not one other program/school we visited had the tenure that MMIA has and that is important to a child's stability and the programs consistency and success. If it is not obvious, I could go on and on about the benefits of enrolling at MMIA. While it's not the "flashiest" school we have visited, I would recommend it time and time again because it really is the best foundation you could give your child.

My little girl goes to this school and I can't say enough how polite and helpful the teachers and…read morestaff are there. This school is truly unique and really brings out the eagerness to learn and creativity in kids. They currently offer three languages (other than English) which are French, Spanish, and Mandarin (Chinese). The kids pick out one language other than English and are basically taught two languages during the school year. Children are awarded throughout the year in front of the school for specific traits the teachers notice and acknowledge. I'm proud of our little girl who does her very best that she can in such a wonderful and advanced place of learning! Jason Spangle Old Foundry Toy Works

The International School of Indianapolis located on 49th Street is an amazing Language School only…read more, as far as academics are concerned I think they rank near the bottom. It's my opinion that the teaching staff are language Specialists from their part of the world and not qualified to teach academics here in the US. I'm basing this review on the experience of my 3rd grader home achieve quite a bit from a language standpoint but suffered academically; my wife and I decided to remove our child after several meetings with the head of school David and principal at that time whereas we were told that ISI could not meet our child's Advanced academic level of learning.