I highly do not recommend Montessori Center School under the new ownership of Ms. Li and her husband, John. Positive reviews are from years ago before Ms. Li and her husband John bought the school. If you notice all parents sharing having a similar experiences. And please read Ms. Li's responses, pointing the finger back at the parents. The gaslighting and lack of accountability by Ms. Li and her husband are not acceptable. There's a reason they always have openings. We had ongoing issues, and every time my wife or I tried to bring something up, it felt like we were met with defensiveness instead of a real conversation. We often left those discussions feeling dismissed and blamed rather than heard. There was no genuine engagement with parents. We were asked what we could contribute to the "community," but we never experienced any real sense of one. Communication felt controlled and one-sided. After we set boundaries around comments we felt were inappropriate, our child was removed from the program without notice. As far as we know, our child had done nothing wrong. It was abrupt, upsetting, and incredibly disruptive for our family. This was not the supportive, respectful Montessori environment we were expecting. read more

A common theme you will notice is "suddenly removed". They have 0 accountability and the solution is to always kick kids out with no notice, no conversation, no effort to have due process. This is not for extreme behavior, it's for developmentally appropriate struggles. read more

This school may seem wonderful on the outside but it is very fake and misleading. Li and John are very condescending in the way they talk to you and do not give real updates when we were working on my daughter's behavior issues. I told them before enrolling what she was struggling with and was assured they could handle it and openly communicate with me! That was a bold face lie, and I got a cold and rude email saying she is kicked out, mind you they were just telling me she was doing better and did not give any warning as to a possible expulsion. They left our items outside on the porch. These people are the worst and do not care about children only their image and a money grab since schools cost so much. I'm so very interested in seeing how she responds to this and places the blame! Disgusting people read more

Last week, my 3-year-old daughter was removed from her preschool classroom during drop-off because she had a cast on her leg. We had informed the school the week prior that she would return with a temporary cast after breaking her leg. Despite being able to walk safely with it, she was sent home in front of her peers because she couldn't wear a shoe on the injured foot. Since then, I've received no follow-up from the school, despite calling, emailing, and visiting in person. I was told today an email was "drafted" but never sent. There was no attempt to accommodate her or involve me in finding a solution. The way this was handled showed no concern for my daughter's education. We asked several times for accommodations --none were offered. This school accepts public funds. Their actions and lack of communication were inappropriate. They work in real estate and bought the school from the previous owner, who worked hard to make it what it was. Miro International School accepted my daughter right away and has been amazing! They show genuine care and concern for her, and they've made her feel truly welcomed- would definitely recommend instead. read more

My child just aged out of a few years at MCS. I see our family entered the school just after the transition to the current operator, Ms Li. I have nothing but positive things to say about her and the staff at MCS. She took over the operation just as we hit Covid and the work they've put in to keep things running -- and then make capital improvements and prioritize grounds care on top of it -- I see the love they put into their place. As far as the schooling goes, I'm happy. Really enjoyed the small size, multi age classrooms, and their commitment to the Montessori Method. "I've got friends..." who tried Montessori schools elsewhere with poor results -- but none of their schools sounded like MCS at all. For my two cents, the environment MCS cultivates daily is safe, considerate, honest, and supportive. I'm on my only child so preschool research wasn't a major priority for me. But now, having seen my child grow through MCS and the instruction Ms Li provides-- both to students and staff -- I would recommend any parent consider this school. It's the real deal. I've been so impressed. And because I'm clearly a MCS fan, I'd like to add my own thoughts regarding the ownership transition. I didn't experience the old owner everyone loved. I did experience some parents choosing to leave the school, in part, because of the results of the change. I liked the school enough to stay here as long as i could. My thoughts today: (1) everyone seemed to like the decisions of the old owner; (2) he sold it to the owner; (3) today the new owner seems to have it under control and is putting her mark on it -- sounds like the old owner made another good decision. Since we started at MCS, I've seen a consistent child-first atmosphere from the staff that does not compromise on the child's experience. They've not kept around staff that did not fit. They have invested In the building and landscaping. And they even have a little monthly newsletter now. It's an awesome little school and you deal right with the operators. I love it. Plus Ms Li is really on it about the Montessori Method and she walks the talks. She's a real professional. read more

Over time it became apparent that the director's teaching style and attitude toward learners was not compatible with my grandson's learning style. (My grandson and granddaughter both went here part of the 23/24 school year.) The family decided to move him into a different school after he started to consistently complain every morning about not wanting to go to school because of the yelling. When the family informed the director a better fit was found for him elsewhere, the director notified my daughter at the last minute, on a Friday, that they would therefore be disenrolling my granddaughter and that she would need to leave the same day. She was doing well and was happy in the infant teacher's room. This action towards my granddaughter and the family felt abrupt, surprising, unfair, unkind, retaliatory, and non- professional. read more

Don't be fooled by the positive reviews. They are all over 4 years old, before the current owners purchased and took it over. Two weeks ago (4/12/24), on a Friday afternoon, my 1 1/2 year old daughter was abruptly removed from Montessori Central School where she had been attending since October of last year (2023).  A little background. That same Friday morning, I had informed the school that my 3 1/2 year old son, who was also attending Montessori Central, and whose tuition was paid up for the next two weeks, would no longer be attending the school effective the end of that school day. I had found an alternative Montessori program that I felt would be a better fit for my son's needs. However, I did inform the staff that my daughter would remain in attendance at the school. I cannot adequately express to you how shocked I was when, while picking my children up at the end of that school day, I was met by a staff member who handed me all my daughter's possessions. I was told further that the reason for her disenrollment was explained in an email from the director that I was encouraged to read. To quote the director, "Your dissatisfaction is a sad situation [referring to me removing my son], and as the result, we are notifying you that today is also [my daughters name] last day of Montessori Central School. Their belongings will be available for pickup today'. This action levied against my daughter was clearly vindictive payback for disenrolling my son and speaks volumes about the character of the owner/director. To remove her so close to the end of the school year, without warning, put me in a terrible bind, directly affecting my job and forcing me to spend hours trying to find a program that would accept my daughter on short notice. To date, I have still not found a program that has room for her. I would highly recommend that you DO NOT send your children to this school. The couple that runs this school simply lack the compassion and competency to operate and run a Montessori educational program. Further, there is frequent unexplained staff turnover, and a general lack of transparency. My son was very unhappy in the program and I only wish I would have removed him sooner. read more

The best Montessori school in Arizona! Amazing education, caring, clean, involved, knowledgeable, and simply the best!! We had amazing 3 years there and will forever be grateful for the amazing education and knowledge we got!! It's truly a little heaven on earth!!! We miss you!! read more

I have a son who began preschool at Montessori Center School. I wish I could have kept him there longer, but he graduated the program and entered 1st grade at a new school in 2019! I also have a daughter who just began preschool at Montessori Center School in 2019. We absolutely love this school! We needed to find the right program for our son's needs where a smaller class size was necessary to build his sense of self confidence as a new student. The staff worked with our son and us as parents to understand him as a learner and work proactively to help him gain confidence, and promote healthy learning. Montessori Center School lessons and practices promote an understanding of the natural world and practical work and social skills. My son came to love going to school and quickly brought his new found skills home to share with the family. What I love most about Montessori Center School is how flexible and reactive they are to each student's needs. They allow space for children to be children while providing enough structure to guide them along the path of learning. As my son graduated to 1st grade and started at his new school, he was ahead of his new school's expected competency level for his age. The grounds are absolutely amazing! An old ranch home, with a welcoming feel, students are welcome to enjoy gardens, fish ponds, sheep, birds, and other animals. The staff are incredibly knowledgable, kind, understanding, and helpful. We could not be happier about choosing to enroll our two children at Montessori Center School!! read more

This school is nothing short of a blessing for our family. When initially doing our research for our oldest son, I was drawn to the beautiful school grounds and curious about the Montessori methods described on the website. I am so glad we chose this school and did not hesitate to send our second son here. Both of my sons have had daily opportunities to build foundations of learning how to use his five senses to expand his knowledge in not only math and science, but art and nature. Students are allowed to work at their own pace and encouraged to challenge themselves at appropriate levels. This method taught them to be responsible and each task is followed by carefully cleaning up before starting a new challenge. Each day my children would come back excited to tell me about all the "work" they were able to accomplish that day. From the time you arrive, you feel a sense of peacefulness and awe. The staff here are amazing and make you instantly feel like you've joined a family. The campus grounds are beautiful and encourage learning through multiple avenues. Children get the opportunity to participate in feeding animals, planting and harvesting, and taking nature walks to learn about caring for the environment around them. When my eldest son graduated, he finished Kindergarten with a true love for education and instantly started first grade at the top of his class. I will truly miss this place after my second son graduates. read more

This is an amazing school and I'm so glad we found it for our kids. The Vaz family, along with all the teachers and staff, are dedicated to educating the whole child. I can't imagine sending my kids anywhere else because it provides such a strong preparation for the school years ahead of them. Beyond the excellent academic preparation The Montessori Center School provides, it also provides lessons in accountability, self-control and independence. Much is expected of the children and they all rise to the expectations. I know I was shocked the first time I came in for an observation and saw 3 year old kids working on solo or small-team math projects. They were quiet and focused and put all of the tools back at the end of the lesson. The teachers are there for guidance but it is up to the students to focus and work - and they do. The school also sets the bar for behavior and achievement. Students are praised for true achievement and have enormous pride in what they do. I know the system works. My daughter left Montessori and started first grade at a 6th grade reading level. This is because the Montessori program gives kids the building blocks to "learn how to learn". There is also plenty of time for free play, music, chess, yoga and gardening in the one acre garden. The children also have an aviary and sheep that they love. It's the kind of school I wish I had gone to as a child and I will miss it when my kids are both in elementary school. read more

This school is a gem. I cannot recommend it enough. The teachers are tenured and understand the Montessori philosophy better than any school I have ever toured or enrolled my child in. My child grew TREMENDOUSLY in this program. He never felt limited or restrained, and he was never made to feel poorly when he struggled. The environment itself is amazing. The staff takes pride in the building and the garden. My son was rarely ill because of the practices they have in place to keep the school a healthy place for all students. I wish that my son could stay here for his elementary years, but I appreciate that they focus in on primary students. We will miss Montessori Center. It will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you to the staff for creating such special memories for my little boy. read more

Hidden gem in Arizona! I've toured so many preschools before I found the Montessori Center School. Its small setting located at former holistic ranch. Very homey atmosphere. First impression of the school was how calm and focused all the students were. Director had spent sometime with Maria Montessori herself when she was a little girl and she is a teacher trainer for Montessori School teachers. I highly encourage this preschool if you are seeking the best education for your child. read more

I have two boys. One graduated almost 3 years ago and my youngest is in his last preschool year before entering the final, the kindergarten year. I believe in the Montessori education. Not only does it provide your child practical life teachings but it enriches early education and ignites the child's development. Montessori Center School, an AMI school, provides exactly that. They will expand your child's mind, teaching them things that we sometimes tend to think "they are too young for that." I'm grateful and forever indebted to the school, Mr and Mrs Vaz, Ms Roseanne, Ms Swati and all the other Montessori educators that have helped my children grow and excel and made them more independent individuals without losing their child-like nature. If you are looking for a school for your child's early development, you won't regret enrolling them into Montessori Center School. read more

My children all attended Montessori Center School and I can confidently say that the educational outcomes are exceptional. It is common for Kindergarten students to graduate with advanced reading, math and life skills, as well as basic exposure to multiple languages. The teachers and staff are outstanding and a pleasure to interact with, and the school's grounds provides many opportunities for interactions with nature. I would give them 10 stars if I could! read more

Montessori Center School is truly amazing. I've had 2 boys go to the school and one more going next year. They nurture and value the students. It's a safe, welcoming, encouraging environment. The teachers are so caring and helpful. The school grounds are beautiful and inviting. They have great communication and understanding. I can't say enough good things about it. Highly highly recommended read more

I have 2 children who attend The Montessori Center School. We have been so pleased. We transferred from another Montessori school because we were looking for a true "follow the child Montessori Philosophy" and we have found our home at this school. There is a large garden for the children to learn and grow fruit and vegetables, a nature path with the solar system, two sheep, love birds, turtles, coy pond, flowers, and large playground with a treehouse. The classroom experience is even more impressive. There are 3 classrooms which focus on Practical Life, Sensory, Language and Mathematics. The school is AMI accredited and has a wonderful teaching staff. Since my children started here, they have made friends, learned leaps and bounds, and really like attending the school. I just wish they went past Kindergarten!!!!! read more

This school is excellent in every way. My child has learned an incredible amount in the 19 months of attending. We intend to complete the kindergarten semesters here too. The staff is wonderful and the children are thoughtful, polite, and so blessed to spend their days here. The school grounds are very well-kept and my child enjoys the animals and the garden so much. I love that the school not only focuses on challenging curriculum but also teaches many useful practical life skills. My child has learned to be independent in many ways. Awesome experience! I only wish they could multiply their resources to accommodate higher grade levels. We will be sad to leave, albeit prepared, for whatever primary school we choose. read more

What a gem of a school. Mr. And Mrs. Vaz, as well as Ms. Rosanne are the most welcoming and supportive people anyone could ask for at their child's school. The teachers, assistants and office staff are warm, receptive and friendly. The environment is conducive to many great opportunities to learn, explore and grow. The children are given the freedom to follow their interests while being guided by knowledgeable staff. There are several varieties of animals on the grounds, including sheep, birds, turtles and fish. The school has a sensory garden and a functional garden that Ms. Kim manages wonderfully with the help of students. Extra enrichment activities include Spanish, Mandarin, chess and yoga. I would highly recommend this school. read more

This is the best school I have encountered in Arizona. Extremely high quality education, lovely campus, feels like a family. The only thing is it's a bit expensive, but you really do get what you pay for! read more

It has been around for more than 20 years and it has the BEST BEST BEST program I have ever seen or experienced! My wife is a product of Montessori overseas and she was very impressed. The school is a wealth of wonderful experiences and education for the growing children. The sensory garden and resident sheep bring so much patient joy and contentment while walking around. The children are so ready to succeed, read, write, math (including long division and multiplication) all at the age of 5 years of age! They learn in 4 different languages including - English of course, Spanish, Chinese and French. The school leverages the talents of its teachers to the utmost including the language, music etc. My Chinese neighbors were so impressed to hear my daughter sing in Mandarin and I was so impressed to hear her sing and speak in French. Other extracurriculars include Chess and of course Music. This school is what a true learning and education program should be. Best of all... they have a strong sense of values and morals too - non-denominational. God Bless them! read more