As a graduate from Eagle Peak myself, this school has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. I've been at Eagle Peak for eight years, and it's been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I learn much more than I could have from a public school, it was also incredibly fun. Some of the friends I have made at Eagle Peak, who I have known for years, will probably end up being my friends for a long time from now. The Adolescent Program (AP) took all 34 of the 8th graders, and all 26 of the 7th graders, and made us into a community through a variety of fun activities. We all know each other as though we were best friends, and there's hardly any fights between us, and when there is the teachers are great at working them out. During AP I not only learned a lot about math, science, social studies, and language arts, but also about myself. Through AP, I have become braver, stronger, more outgoing, and better at solving my own problems. On a field trip, we hiked 16 miles from the heart of San Francisco to the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was hard and long, but everyone made it, and I learned how much stronger I was than I thought. I would highly recommend staying in Eagle Peak until you graduate. Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, and 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, respectively) were also great for me. During those years the teachers taught us not just what we needed to know, like addition and subtraction, science, basic geometry, cursive, and a lot more, but also how to make friends, how to keep them, how to settle arguments, to express gratitude, and so much more. However, Eagle Peak may not be the right school for your child if they have difficulty applying themselves to their work. The whole system only works if the students are trying to learn, much like a regular school. However, in Eagle Peak there is a much less stressful atmosphere, so some kids might just not do any work, which is hard for the teachers, because they can't exactly follow children home and force them to do homework. The only reason Eagle Peak worked for me was because I learned to apply myself and to care about my work from my parents, and then, later, my Lower Elementary teachers. Overall, though, Eagle Peak was a great school, and personally, I don't think there could have been a better school for me. Sincerely, Roland read more

EPMS is a wonderful school. My son has been attending, and he truly loves it. Prospective families should keep in mind that this is a Montessori school, where some of the most important elements are mixed-age classrooms and student autonomy. Coming from a traditional school myself, I disliked sitting at a desk for hours listening to a teacher, with only short breaks between classes. At EPMS, children have much more freedom in the classroom, and I believe this helps them enjoy school rather than see it as an obligation. Student autonomy also builds a strong sense of responsibility--they're not just running around all day There is a clear structure and flow in the classroom, and everyone knows what to do and when to do it. What I love most about EPMS is the customized learning plan for each child, based on their individual level. Every child moves at their own pace, and their work during class is adjusted accordingly. The mixed-age classrooms really support this approach. If your child is more advanced in certain subjects, they can both receive help from peers and help others. The school offers a thoughtful balance of academic and emotional learning. If you are looking for a highly competitive, homework-heavy environment with constant academic pressure, EPMS may not be the right fit--and that is exactly why it works so well for our family. I have not heard of a single bullying incident in our class, and the school is very strict about this. The children are respectful toward one another and toward their teachers, and conflicts are handled in a healthy and constructive way. Dianne Adair is also fantastic and does an amazing job with the after-school activities. Compared to public schools, where 30 students are often crowded into one classroom with a single teacher, EPMS feels like a much better option. While private schools are another alternative, I appreciate that EPMS admits students through a lottery system, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to learn together. read more

YIKES RUN AS FAR AS YOU CAN! This was the weirdest tour of a school ever. A meeting you attend that literally just lets you know how our kids will be place in a class together all different ages not with desk and they all are working on their own things. Teacher won't be up in class teaching. SOUNDS LIKE A COMPLETE CLUSTER TO ME. On top of that the stuff they decide to teach here no child needs to be taught. Kids need to learn how to invest in life, add, subtract, read. Not the non sense they want. Let a child decide at 18 those sorts of things. But, I am happy the principal did not waste my time and laid everything out in how they do things there. She kept stating this is a choice school and you have a choice to not come here. Well that's my exact choice to not come here, so thanks. The way they teach these kids is odd to me. I don't see how any kid can excel in this school sadly. Also sticking a bunch of 6-9 years olds in a classroom together is unacceptable. Each age has different stages of aging maturing and learning about things going on in the world and I def don't think certain young ages should be hearing things that a 9year old would be discussing with a 6 yo. That's just my opinion as a parent and want to give other parents heads up of the atmosphere. Sincerely, concerned parent. read more

We love love love EPMS! We have three very different kids currently at the school, and they are all thriving! It is such a special place!

If you've ever asked yourself, "Are there benefits to sending my child to a Montessori school over a good public school", or, "should I let my child continue into the AP program?", as a former graduate, the answer you're looking for is NO. From the terribly abusive principal Michelle Hammonds, to the overall lack of resources and teacher support and training, EPMS will not set your child up for success unless they are already gifted or EXTREMELY independent (or are in out of school tutoring). Students learn mediocre leadership skills, but fall behind in most other areas. As someone who completed 8 years at Eagle Peak, it is not what it pretends to be. It's a good idea executed poorly, unfortunately. read more

This school is so different from the usual, and it's certainly not for everyone, but it has been such an amazing experience for my kids. Caring, empathic staff that go above and beyond daily. These teachers are worth their weight in gold - they get to know every kid and how they think, work, motivate, and react. The principal is very present on campus and knows all of the kids. Kids even love to schedule appointments to eat their lunch with her. The administrative staff are kind, warm, efficient, and nothing short of amazing. The academic opportunities are endless. My kids have consistently tested "exceeding grade level standards." This is a school of choice and it was always in the back of our minds that if this place didn't work for our kids, we could always go back to our home school (or one of the various private options). Thankfully, it's been a magical experience. Obviously, Covid changed the way schooling could proceed but we've been so pleased with how much the school and teachers shifted to get back to as normal as possible. I'm concerned about why people from Henderson,NV and South Lake Tahoe, CA are rating a school many hours away from their homes that they are clearly not associated with. The mask policy is as much of a choice as the school is. Local public schools and most private schools are massless, so parents could easily choose a school that would meet that need. It is also of note that out of state people with an agenda are seeking out and "helping" a handful of upset parents threaten legal action against the school, while these same parents still decide to keep their kids enrolled at the school. I can assure you that I would not continue to send my kids to a place I truly believed was in any way a danger to them. Truly bizarre! read more

If I could I would give 0 stars! I graduated from EPMS one year ago and still have lasting trauma. So do many of my peers who have shared similar experiences to me. There is so much wrong with this school. I will start with the teachers. The language arts AP teacher tried way too hard to not get cancelled. She only built a real connection with people who had mental problems or were in the LGBTQ+ community. She would often accuse people of bullying and harassment without any proof. An instance of this is I had a group chat with two of my friends and another girl who was making us uncomfortable with her rude comments. We asked her to leave us alone and she played victim and was really rude and gaslit us. She told the teachers we bullied her and when I told the teachers I could show them proof it wasn't true they said they legally couldn't look at my phone but earlier had taken and looked at one of my friends phones. The LA AP teacher often overshared and it took away learning time. My social studies teacher was amazing but he was actually a teachers assistant and he left. My science teacher was okay until around the middle of the year when he lost his patience and got angry. He would yell at us and tell us he didn't have anything for us to learn because he was too busy sun basking. My math teacher straight up told me I wasn't real. He told me my other teachers hated me and that he was the only one I could trust. He made multiple inappropriate comments and insinuations towards me and my friends. One time he said my friend's lips reminded him of his dead wife's. My friends and I were so scared to tell anyone because he told me if I did it would backfire and I would be in big trouble. We'll come back to him later. Next, the academics. There isn't honestly much to say here. I'm struggling in basic math skills and it was never really helped. We didn't even really have a science class until AP and it wasn't helpful. Next, social life. When I tell you the teachers have no idea what is happening in our social lives I mean it. One time during class this kid got mad that I asked him to stop clicking his pen in my ear so he told me he was going to shoot me and light my house on fire. I told my mom and only when she called the school was when they actually did anything. They brought me and him in the office together and when he made up a whole story and then said he couldn't bring in any witnesses because he didn't want to (even though he claimed there was one) the principle had him leave and told me to just not talk to him and used his ADHD as an excuse for his death threats. She then out of nowhere asked me about the math teacher because one of my friends had told her his crude comments. I broke down crying telling them about it and they questioned me. I was in that office for almost two hours. I went back into the class with that same math teacher and student who gave me death threats. The principle did nothing about the kid and literally brought in another math teacher and said the other one wasn't allowed to speak to me. One time he came up to me and another teacher ran to get in between us out of fear of what he might do. It wasn't until a zoom meeting with the whole school when a parent exposed what the math teacher was doing and the lack of handle on the situation that the principle finally got rid of him. One day he was gone and we got an email saying that he had left and that he was a great teacher and we will miss him. The principles lack of taking accountability and responsibility has left me with emotional trauma. I have more stories but I literally have run out of room in the review. This schools should honestly be shut down. DO NOT send your kid here. read more

EPMS is a wonderful school with amazing teacher involvement, outstanding parent support, children who love their community and work to improve all aspects of their lives. EPMS combines the best of the Montessori Philosophy in the framework of the PUBLIC school system. Remember, this is an anomaly, a charter school dedicated to a specific philosophy of community, learning and life skills in the bureaucracy of a State school system. Now the Montessori Philosophy and paths may not be for everyone. Those seeking a "pure" Montessori elementary school will not find it, as EPMS works in the frame work of public school. Those searching for an alternative to traditional Public Schools may not be happy, as success in Montessori does require a unique mindset from both the child and parents. The teachers of EMPS are dedicated to their field and students. The Principle, Ms. Hammons, speaks at the American Montessori Conference in S.F. every year. The entire school staff takes one day off, so the teachers may attend up to 3 days of workshops & seminars, then bring new knowledge and insight back to EPMS. How many other Public schools have such an investment from their teachers? Our daughter is a second year student (as of school year 2011/2012) and we look forward to many more years of EMPS invlovment, success and enjoyment. read more

Eagle peak is very different from your typical school because, unlike typical schools, it teaches kids emotional intelligence. Kids are not graded in a traditional way but they understand what it takes to compete and succeed in their **goals**. I emphasize goals because independence is one of the key pillars of Montessori education. As far the principal being mean and shuts people down, I can't disagree more. Maybe she is just misunderstood. Ms. Hammons is an intelligent individual and is very open minded. We might not always agree with her but she listens and makes decisions based on the best interest of the school. She runs a very tight ship and the success of the school and students speaks for her tenure there. Before you decide whether Eagle Peak Montessori is for your children, I recommend visiting the school to meet the staff and students. Speak to the students and you will learn quickly that this school is very special. P.S. You will never have to worry about your kids being bullied at this school read more

This school is not a great school. I Do not recommend. I did not learn anything and the teachers do not care, they are just there for the money. They truly suck at teaching and children that did nothing wrong are sent to the principles office and get in trouble. I also noticed two of the teachers that work at epms( And I know them) went on here, pretended to be parents, and wrote reviews. I remember I would be so miserable each day I was there. Please let me know if you would like some more elaboration. read more

I am so happy we found Eagle Peak. The entire school community is supportive and children are exposed to much more that I could have dreamed. The arts, garden, Spanish, and PE programs are amazing. The teachers and school Principal are all about the kids- they know each and every child. This school is very special and demonstrates inclusion and respect for each student.... something I know my children will utilize for the rest of their lives! read more

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It wasn't that it was a bad school it's just that I didn't really learn anything it was kind of the same thing repeated over and over again through all my grades. I was there from first grade all the way to sixth grade and I left to go to a public school for seventh and eighth grade! I learned the very basic things but it wasn't anything that would help me succeed in life. The teachers weren't horrible but could've been nicer. I wish that the principal would get fired. She was always pressuring people into giving her money and will yell at children for no reason whatsoever. There were so many things wrong with the school but I don't recommend going. You just get behind in life and I think that a public school would benefit me more. Some of the teachers pretended to be parents and wrote good reviews about this School which I think is not OK to be lying especially making things up like that. Ultimately do not go here! The teachers are pretty nice but that doesn't give a bigger reason to go. Just send your children to a public school! read more

As a former Montessori teacher, this is a terrible implementation of the Montessori philosophy. My niece attended for 3 years. When we realized she was roaming around learning very little for most of the day, we had her transferred to a public school. Then we realized she was so behind in her education. Don't make the mistake of sending your child to this charter school. read more

I was just getting the school address this morning on google and saw the Yelp reviews. I was shocked to see the negative review from F.T. In Martinez. I can only hope her review was meant for another school since she does not mention EPMS in her review. Then again, I can only hope no such principal she described actually exists. To suggest the principal does not have time for the children is absurd--it is absurdly absurd. My son's principal, Ms. Hammons, always has time for him. She has also "brought me into the Principal's Office," without warning, to tell me about some cool or quirky thing he did. Having worked with many principals as a father and at work, I am amazed she has and makes time to share. I feel fortunate to have a principal who sees my son for all he is, not just his academics. The entire school sees him and all the children that way. My son is far from the perfect student or citizen but all his teachers have always been encouraging and uncompromising in their expectations both academically and socially. During school visits, I see all the children getting the same loving, no nonsense, facilitative education which leads to building knowledge, sure, but building self esteem and independence as well. EPMS is on the right track here. I give all the teachers who have worked with my son, all the office staff, all the after school staff, and the principal 5 stars. Why? Because 4 is not enough and Yelp won't let me give 10. read more

This school is horrible. My son states that the principal has shut him down many times and called him stupid. If my husband would let me I would pull him out immediately. Some teachers are really great, but the older teachers dont have a lot of patience with any of the kids and yells a lot. This school is not a great one. read more

This school gets a low rating because of its principal. Other than that, it's really good. But, unfortunately, the principal is a bad leader. The teachers encourage kids to take their ideas on how to improve the school to the principal, but when they do, she doesn't let them talk, she makes them feel stupid, she shuts them down, she gets mad at kids for no reason, she contradicts herself (she tells kids they shouldn't come to her but when they go to other people, she gets mad and says they SHOULD come to her--basically, she covers her bases by telling people with good suggestions that they simply suggested it the wrong way -- instead of just admitting she's too lazy to change anything). This is the polite version. PS The principal's meanness is not restricted to kids -- with parents she's even meaner and more illogical. read more

I have a son that is currently enrolled in EPMS. He is quite happy with the school environment. The teachers are responsive, responsible and respectful. The entire Montessori culture is very positive for the students. As a parent who is not active in the PTA, I can not comment on what Anthony has mentioned in regards to the principal. As long as my child is happy and progressing well socially and academically, I have no issue with the school. The fact that we can turn a public school into a Montessori school I am very thankful. EPMS is now extending to 8th grade :) read more

F.T. I disagree with you and seems like you are a bitter parent and your comments are so untrue. I am a parent and my daughter has been there for five years and what you are describing about the principal is nothing how you are describing her. She is totally the oppisite. I give this school 5 stars. read more