After doing my research amongst the different pre-schools in the area and visiting a few of them, I…read moredecided to send my child to Flintridge Montessori School. When it came time to send my other child to pre-school, I without a doubt, wanted to send him to FMS. They both competed their toddler through TK/K program.
At FMS, their teaching style is the Montessori method. It is well balanced with social, academic, hands-on learning, then they add in workbooks as they get older. The classrooms are always clean and organized, never cluttered. They have "toys" for learning, which are kid accessible, on low shelves, easy for them to reach. I like their play yard. They have age-appropriate play structure, sand pit, tricycles, rock climbing wall. I like that you can visibly see every part of the yard from the classroom locations.
Many of the teachers have been there over 5, 10, 15+ years. Special shout out to Ms. Joyce (curriculum director /lead teacher), Ms. Melo, Ms. Hilda (lead teacher), - who are in the pre-school classes and they taught both my kids. Along with the other FLM teachers, they are all caring, nurturing, welcoming to my kids. Every morning, you will see them working 1:1 with the kids on their letters, numbers, lifecyles of a plant; while other kids are playing with their Montessori toys or doing an activity with the other teachers. They even had an incubator to let the student watch fertilized eggs develop and hatch while learning about biology and life cycles. My younger child went onto the TK/K class, he was taught by Ms. Jasmine (lead teacher) and Ms. Karly. Every morning, like the other classes, she is always so happy to see my child, providing me updates on his development. She too, working 1:1 with each child. By the end of TK, he was able read full sentences, do 1st grade level workbooks, solve simple math and subtraction problems, and name the state capitols. He is WAY more than ready to go into Kinder!
Other highlights that I liked about the school are the showcases, held every holiday and spring, in which each class puts on an amazing performance organized by the teachers. The kids will perform several songs with choreography. I look forward to these every year. Potty training offered at the school was immensely beneficial. They made it so easy. After school care is another reason that I choose FMS. All the after school teachers are kind, playing and reading with the kids. They have a variety of days/hours/plans to choose from based on your needs. For working parents, this is very important. They are open even when other schools are closed for most winter and summer breaks. They are only closed for teacher trainings and holidays. Extracurricular after school activities is offered there for an additional, nominal fee. They have soccer shots, dance classes, art classes, and Ms. Joyce offers Mandarin classes. They offer summer camp, with themed weeks, and specialized events for the school year and summer, ie. reptile show, petting zoo, pony rides, bubble show, visiting the fire station next door, Doctor/Dentist /JPL career lessons. With Ms. Taylor managing administrative duties, I have seen a such an improvement on clear, concise communication to the parents, sharing information, keeping track of any payments and record keeping, like office stuff. She is so organized and pleasant to work with. The Director, Ms. Rohini, has been instrumental to this school, from hiring a strong team of teachers and maintaining a childcare & learning community we are happy to be part of.
We are so sad to leave, but they prepared my kids for their next stage in life while teaching them to become good human beings. I love this school and especially love the teachers. EVERYONE there deserves raises!