We've had a truly wonderful experience at Clay-Platte Montessori School over the past two years…read more From our very first tour with Lishchkaya (who became Head of School shortly after we started), we felt welcomed and seen. We were drawn to Montessori principles, but what really impressed us was seeing how beautifully those ideas are lived out in the classrooms. Our son was in a Primary classroom with Mark as the lead guide, and we watched him grow so much in his independence, confidence, and curiosity. The teachers and staff are top-notch: patient, caring, and incredibly intentional in how they observe and support each child's development. The access to nature has also been a huge highlight. Whether it's exploring the creek or building outside, our child came home full of stories and wonder from his outdoor experiences. And beyond just academics, he learned real, practical life skills (things like how to care for his space, solve problems, and take initiative), which we know will serve him well long after he's left the classroom. One of the things we appreciated most was how well they got to know our child and us. It's a place where relationships matter, where each child is respected as an individual, and where learning is joyful and meaningful. We couldn't have asked for a better foundation for our son's early education, and we're so grateful to have been part of the CPMS community.

I am a parent of three children attending Clay-Platte, as well as a Child Development Major in my…read morelast semester of my Bachelor's. I spent five hours observing here, four of those being in the Orange Room with Julia. One day I was observing for quality of childcare. The room was cozy and inviting, with everything accessible to the learners. What I enjoyed most was that students were very confident while interacting with the classroom. Julia is wonderful while interacting with the students. She is firm, but kind with her redirections. The way she speaks to the children is very gentle, and helps the students solve conflict together. She is bilingual, and speaks Russian in her classroom frequently. This is a unique opportunity for the students, and my own son (4 years old), who is in her room, has come home saying Russian words. I also look for how the children's work relates to child development, and am impressed at the level the children achieve at such a young age! We are so thankful to have Julia as his teacher. She has built a very strong classroom community that my son feels like he is apart of. He is learning so much and loves going to school everyday. Tiffany is the assistant in the room, and she is also wonderful. My son thinks she is so funny! We also love the Sunrise Room and Green Room! Jen and Damiana are also excellent guides. My 2 year old is with Damiana, and she talks about her constantly and is always ready to go to school to go see her. My 6 year old in Green Room is learning so quickly and works so hard. His teacher says the most kind things about him. I was looking for an alternative to public school for my 6 year old, but wanted to keep all 3 kids together, and I am so fortunate to have found that in Clay-Platte. All 3 of my children that attend are happy, thriving, and learning more than I ever could have imagined.