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    Guidepost Montessori at Foothill Ranch

    4.5 (53 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Total Citations for Guidepost Montessori Foothill Ranch per California Department of Social Services website

    Based on our personal experience of having our child enrolled at Guidepost, I would not recommend this school to any parent. While we are extremely grateful that our child's teachers were outstanding the entire time we were there, we cannot say the same about the corporation that owns all Guidepost schools, Higher Ground Education, Inc. Our child was enrolled for 10.5 months; and during that short period there were a total of 3 Heads of School, several teachers and other administrative staff resigned, and abuse allegations were made against one teacher. On March 9, 2023, we received communication from the Head of School that a teacher's aid was put on administrative leave. The e-mail was very vague and spoke about how the individual needed a break to recharge for an undetermined period to reflect on her journey in education and take some time to herself and her family. Within a week, more information came out through other parents (not the administration) that there were allegations that several children were affected by abuse from this teacher. Trigger warning: Per the police report filed with the Orange County Sheriff's Department (Report DR# 23-008774), "On 3/9/23, [head of school's name redacted] was approached by seven of her employees who were concerned about a teachers aid named [teacher's name redacted]. The employees felt [teacher's name redacted] was being both physically and verbally aggressive towards the students. The employees stated [teacher's name redacted] would verbally abuse the children by calling them "losers" and telling them to "Hit other children because they deserve it". They also alleged [teacher's name redacted] would also slam kids down on their feet hard and slam them on bicycles seats when asked to ride a bicycle." Unfortunately, several teachers reported these allegations to the prior administration sometime at the end of 2022, but due to the administration turnover, these allegations were not taken seriously until March by the new Head of School. This negligent oversight enabled the abuse of children to continue for months after the first allegations were made. We are extremely lucky that our child was not directly affected by this teacher; however, after the abuse allegations came to light, we had severe anxiety dropping off our child to school. Every day we worried that a teacher outside of our child's two teachers would harm our child. There was one day that both the lead and assistant teacher were out, so we did not have our child go to school that day because we did not trust anyone other than our child's teachers. During the 10.5 month period my child was enrolled, the school received 3 citations. One citation was because a child was left out in the play-yard without any supervision from staff (4/10/23). Another parent, who was picking up their own child, had noticed the child was alone on the play-yard without any staff present. Please visit https://www.ccld.dss.ca.gov/carefacilitysearch/FacDetail/304371143 to view citations and reports filed for Guidepost (Type A Citation Total: 1, Type B Citations Total: 6). As for security, there were no working cameras. In fact, there weren't any cameras installed in the front exterior or playground area. We received communication on May 17, 2023, that front exterior cameras were installed and that two exterior cameras would be installed in the playground. It took two months after the abuse allegations to get the cameras installed and working. Also, to enter the school only a short numerical code is required to enter and most of the time, no employees were monitoring who was coming into the school. The lack of monitoring made us fearful about the ease in which someone could gain access to the classrooms. Our child's teachers were outstanding despite all the challenging events that occurred, but it was difficult to see them not being taken care of by the administration. We truly hope Higher Ground Education will provide better benefits for the teachers because they are the heart of the school. The only reason we did not leave after March was because we trusted and loved our child's teachers. They showed better leadership skills than the administration throughout those 10.5 months. The administration has demonstrated a complete and utter disregard for the safety of children. Enticing parents to leave positive reviews in exchange for raffle tickets further demonstrates that the priority of the school is rooted in preserving its reputation, and not in the safety of children. Guidepost knows no parent is going to write a bad review in exchange for a raffle ticket and intentionally uses raffle tickets as a mechanism to garner positive reviews. I am deeply disappointed at the administration for the way they handled the abuse allegations and in the way they have handled the safety of children at the school and the well-being of their teachers.

    Foothill Ranch Guidepost!
    V P.

    Carnival day at school! Thank you team for hosting. Our kids had a blast! Bouncy houses, artwork, painting, popcorn, cotton candy, were all great!

    Edgar A.

    I highly recommend this school. We have 2 little ones here and both have grown and learned so much. They teach everyday skills to help them be independent and we couldn't be happier being here.

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    Ask the Community - Guidepost Montessori at Foothill Ranch

    My daughter's birthdate is Feb 9th,2019. We are looking for preschool during 7/29-8/9, is this timeline acceptable?

    Hi Bonnie, We can potentially assist with a short term enrollment. Can you please call our office at 949-340-1695 and I would be happy to assist you!… 

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    Review Highlights - Guidepost Montessori at Foothill Ranch

    . I'm so grateful to be a part of the Guidepost family and highly recommend those considering it, give it a shot

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    4.9(70 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Scholarshine Montessori is an exceptional school and we have absolutely loved our experience with…read morethe school. My son joined there for preschool and went through Pre K. Ms. Richa and Ms. Prerna are so caring, cool and accommodating, absolutely loved their vibe and patience. The teaching staff here is simply fabulous and truly dedicated to each child. During his preschool years, my son had the absolute best experience with Ms. Sal and Ms. Chloe. They provided such a warm, nurturing foundation that helped him love coming to school every day.When he moved up to Pre-K, Ms. Arti and Ms. Hasini were equally incredible. They worked so hard to ensure he excelled academically and socially, seamlessly blending genuine care with true Montessori-based activities. It is such a gift to drop your child off knowing they are in safe hands and coming home so happy.The facility is spotless, safe, and provides a wonderful, home-like atmosphere. I highly recommend Scholarshine to any parent looking for high-quality education paired with genuine emotional and social development.

    I chose this Montessori over others because of the loving environment (not corporate as other…read moreMontessori's and the staff have been there for years if not decades). The cost was very reasonable as well! My daughter was in the infant room age 6 months to 2 years. They took all of my concerns seriously and fostered her learning as much as I could ask for. I'm very happy I sent her here :)

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    Scholarshine Lake Forest Montessori - "Spooky,silly,and oh-so-adorable!Our students bought the halloween spirit with their colorful costumes-what a delightful celebration ."

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    Bella Montessori

    Bella Montessori

    4.6(53 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    My baby started daycare a few weeks ago at Bella Montessori and I can tell you this was the best…read moredecision ever! The Teachers (such as Ms. Iman, Ms. Jenny) are so loving, you can tell they really care so much about all of the children and also for the parents. The Admin Team (such as Ms. Simina, Ms. Alexandra, Ms. Ildy, Ms. Stefanie) are very personable and kind - they always make time to talk to you and answers any questions. You can tell that everyone here loves their jobs. The facility itself is also beautiful, clean, and organized. Plus, there is also a big indoor gymnasium for the children to run around and play. I am so happy that my baby will get to spend many years here and be surrounded by such wonderful people.

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about Bella! We were lucky enough to have a friend highly…read morerecommend Bella for our oldest daughter. She was terrified to go to school and frankly we were terrified to send her. We were blessed to have had so many amazing staff members put us and our daughter at ease. She was very nervous and fearful to try new things! Ms Ildy and Ms. Pam really made her feel safe and as though she could step out of her comfort zone by encouraging her to try new things with STEAM and Ceramics. Our youngest daughter then followed in her sister's Bella footsteps at 18 months, when I received the dreaded news that I had to return to office. She started in the caterpillar room and the teachers were wonderful. I was a bit anxious about her leaving the comfort of the caterpillars class, but she has fallen in love with her new teachers; Ms. Brisa, Ms. Diana and Ms. "Tika" ...and so have the rest of the family. They are truly incredible ladies and I hate to think about our littlest lady leaving them. Aside from the incredible staff, the indoor playground is by far the best feature we found at any Montessori that we visited! It is so comforting to know that on a sweltering hot or rainy day the kids still get to play because they have an amazing indoor playground for the kids. This indoor space is huge. Long story short, Bella is incredible and we have been extremely happy! We have officially been part of the Bella family for 3 years and have about 2 more to go!

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    Heritage Montessori School of Lake Forest - Our son at Summer Camp

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    4.1(67 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    We have had such a wonderful experience with Heritage Montessori daycare and are so grateful for…read morethe care, effort, and thoughtfulness that goes into the program. Ms. Karla is incredibly helpful, organized, and hardworking as the director, and it really shows in the way everything is planned and communicated. The teachers are very involved with the children and are hands-on with activities, which makes the environment feel warm, engaging, and supportive. One of the things we really appreciate is the strong focus on educational activities. The children get to do many crafts and special projects, but what stands out is that the crafts always seem to have an educational touch behind them. We have seen other daycares where crafts are more generic or less focused, so it is very nice to see activities that are both fun and meaningful for the kids. The daycare also offers many great extra options for families, including book club, early drop-off, and afternoon care, which makes the program very convenient and flexible. There are also lots of extra special activities, and we love seeing the creative projects the kids bring home. The facility itself is beautifully decorated and has a charming artistic, homestead feel that gives it a lot of character. Another highlight has been the weekly video recaps. Seeing the kids participate in activities throughout the week is so wonderful and gives parents a special window into their day. We also really appreciate that the daycare advocates for and emphasizes no screen time for the children, which has been such a positive and refreshing part of the program. Overall, this is a caring, creative, and well-run daycare, and we are very thankful for everything they do for the children.

    The best decision we ever made to join our little kid to HMS lake forest. He was just two when we…read morestarted and Ms.Tamara was his first teacher, she has that warmth and kindness to her that you cannot ask for a better first teacher to your kid ever. Ms.Maryam was his second teacher and she is the perfect combo of challenge, education and play, my kid started reading letter sounds and words at just 3 years old and makes friends wherever he goes, all thanks to this amazing school. They have introduced every festival there to these little munchkins by celebrating one every month, we loved celebrating and learning so many different cultures.

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    Fulbright Montessori Academy

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    3.9(106 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Fulbright is a hidden gem - it is tucked away on a quiet street and you won't just happen upon it…read more We are so glad we found this school! My daughter is excited to go to school literally every day. With a Montessori approach, there is not homework, exactly, but she is motivated to keep learning at home. She takes an interest in all kinds of topics and even wants to pick out books related to her classmate's research topics and to do her own projects in her free time. There are thoughtfully chosen books for literature circle, and the children get together in smaller group to discuss them. There are opportunities to delve deeper into topics that are of great interest to the group, or to individual students. Ms. Cherish is in charge of the elementary class and she is a blessing. She is one of those teachers who seems to bring out the best in everyone. I'm not sure how to really describe how wonderful she is - like Ms. Honey from Matilda plus some Fairy Godmother powers? The children really trust her and look up to her and it shows in the warm, positive atmosphere. My daughter has grown so much this year, and she feels very much a part of a learning community that Ms. Cherish has created in this class. More generally, I can also comment that things seem to really run well under Ms. Maha's leadership, like everyone pulls together to create a smoothly running ship. She is very present and available. Communication is great and families know what to expect. All the random curveballs one must deal with in a typical school year? We haven't had any of those since coming here. Finally, though this school year has not ended yet, my daughter is already asking about when next school year begins. This school and the teachers in it inspire children to want to go to school and to want to learn.

    This school feels like a second home. Thank you to the amazing teachers for the love and care you…read moregive every child, and to the wonderful director for leading with so much heart. It's because of you that our children grow with confidence, kindness, and a true love of learning

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    Hillside Montessori School

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    Leaving Hillside Montessori after our recent relocation was one of the hardest parts of moving…read more This school isn't just a place where children learn--it's a community grounded in mindfulness, respect, and genuine joy for helping young minds grow. The educators at Hillside have a rare gift. They don't simply teach; they observe, listen, and guide with such intention that children feel both supported and empowered. Their mindful approach shows up in everything they do--from the calm, inviting classroom environments to the way they encourage curiosity and independence. Our child flourished there, gaining not only academic skills but confidence, empathy, and a real love of learning. We've enrolled in a new program since moving, and while we're grateful to have found a good fit, it's made us appreciate Hillside even more. The thoughtful, nurturing culture they create is something truly special. Hillside feels like a family, and leaving that family was a tough choice for us. If you're looking for a place where your child will be nurtured as a whole person--mind, heart, and spirit--Hillside Montessori is extraordinary. We recommend it wholeheartedly.

    This school is a hidden gem! My son started in the toddler room and moved up at 3. The school is…read moresmall so every teacher knows your child. All the teachers are caring and sweet. I have an older child who attended a traditional preschool and the Montessori method is far superior in kinder preparation.

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    Cherry Blossom Home Montessori - Our little chefs.

    Cherry Blossom Home Montessori

    5.0(11 reviews)
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    Highly reccomend! We loved Cherry Blossom Home Montessori. Both of my kids went here, and a lot of…read moremy friends' kids have too. We all had great experiences. The teacher truly cares about what she does. She's patient, very hands-on, and gives each child individual attention. You can tell she's passionate and genuinely invested in the kids, not just "watching" them. The space is clean, organized, and thoughtfully set up. It is safe and welcoming, and a lot of thought went into making it a true Montessori environment. Her curriculum is detailed and intentional. My kids learned so much ..not just academically, but socially too. Honestly, they were learning above what I expected at their age. I also really appreciated how seriously she takes safety. That gave me so much peace of mind. I never worried when my kids were there. Overall, if you're looking for a caring, safe, and strong Montessori environment where your child will really grow, this is a great place.

    We are incredibly grateful to the Ms.Udeni and Uncle. Chinta who took such loving care of our my…read more4-year-old son. From the very beginning, she treated him with patience, kindness, and genuine care. She helped him learn good manners, guided him through age-appropriate activities that supported his growth, and always made sure he was comfortable and eating well. As parents, it means everything to know your child is safe, happy, and understood--and she truly gave us that peace of mind. We have seen such positive changes in our son, and we know it's because of her dedication and warmth. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our child's early years. We will always appreciate you.

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    LePort Montessori School Irvine Spectrum North

    LePort Montessori School Irvine Spectrum North

    4.2(83 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    We've been incredibly fortunate to be part of the LePort community for over ten years. My son has…read moregrown up at LePort--starting in the Mandarin program, then Westpark, and now the Spectrum North campus. With just a year and a half left before he graduates, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the amazing teachers and administrators who have guided him along the way. My son has truly grown up a happy child who loves school, and I attribute so much of that to LePort. I'm constantly told what a wonderful young man he is, and I believe the character-building foundation at LePort Montessori has been exceptional in shaping who he is today. At LePort Spectrum North, he has had the most caring and thoughtful teachers--Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Masha, Ms. Cassandra Kolacinski, Ms. Lauren, and Ms. Robin. We are thoroughly enjoying the middle school program: it blends Montessori principles with strong academics and emphasizes helping others, self-discipline, time management, and critical thinking. During alumni night, every graduate shared that they felt extremely well prepared for high school after completing LePort's middle school program. Thank you, Ms. K, Ms. Lauren, and Ms. Robin, for everything you do! I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the phenomenal administrative team--Head of School Ms. Krista, Business Manager Ms. Karyn, and Admin Support Ms. Jen. You make the school run seamlessly, and I love the new subjects, events, and programs you bring to the community. Thank you--it has truly been a joy to be part of LePort.

    This review is for the South campus…read more Both of my daughters started at LePort in the Spanish Immersion when they were 18 months old. My older daughter did great in the toddler program but we started to see issues when she moved to Primary. I met with Ms. Ana many times where we tried bringing in books from home or I sent her pictures and Ms. Ana made a special work item for my daughter to keep her interest. Eventually we found out that my daughter is Autistic. At that point I asked Ms. Ana to work with me to have a Behavioral Therapist in the school with my daughter. Very long story short, this Montessori environment is not the right environment for my neurodivergent child. But over the last 2 years I have spent upwards of 50 hours on the phone and in Ms. Ana's office trying to find ways to help my daughter succeed. Ms. Ana never gave up trying to help us. I love the Montessori curriculum and LePort was able to nurture my daughter's intelligence where she has just turned 5 and is reading chapter books and learning division. My younger daughter is currently having a blast in Ms. Ivette's classroom. A word of advice for parents experiencing behavioral issues - get your child assessed. My relationship with my daughter improved infinitely once I had professionals helping me understand how her mind works and how to speak to her in a way that she understands.

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    Guidepost Montessori at Foothill Ranch - preschools - Updated August 2026

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