As a proud stay-at-home mom to a (then) 2.5 year old I saw no reason to put my daughter in preschool yet. However, I was interested in some of the "Mom & Me" types of programs that I heard OFMS offered. For that reason, we all decided to take an official tour of the school and see what it was like. We were sitting behind a one-way observation mirror that looked in on the part-time toddler classroom when my normally introverted daughter exclaims, "Play with other kids!" For those in need of a translation, that was her way of telling us she wanted INSIDE the classroom. Between her reaction and ours, needless to say, we ended up enrolling her as quickly as we could. Oak Farm is more than most parents could hope for in a school. Seriously. It truly is a second home for our daughter. I did not cry, nor did she, on the first day of school. We were all so excited to begin this journey. For new toddlers, it was our experience that the lead teacher (there is also an asst. teacher at that level) would come to our home so she could meet our daughter on HER turf. A much less intimidating experience, especially for those on the quieter side. Lori Z. (my daughter's teacher) is a genuine gift to the academic world. I know my daughter is in wonderful, caring, kind and respectful hands whenever she steps into her classroom. Lori is quick to answer questions and to offer encouragement (it's hard raising a toddler!). She clearly loves spending many hours of her day with our children. That in and of itself is priceless. I'd say that probably 99% of all of my interactions with any of the staff members at OFMS have felt warm and welcoming. They are readily available to answer my never-ending stream of questions and to help me in my quest to learn more about the Montessori philosophy. Judith Cunningham, the head of the school, is easily accessible. She has an open forum once a month or so where questions can be addressed and new ideas shared. She is a visible presence at the school and can readily be reached by email, too. (How many parents can say that about their child's principal?) Moreover, she encourages parents to give feedback and embraces new ideas. When those ideas turn into solid suggestions they get implemented, not just talked about over and over again! (How many schools seem stuck in the same old way of doing things, just because that's the ways it's always been?) This is an environment that specializes in healthy living for the mind, body, and soul. They are accredited by the American Montessori Society, as well as ISACS (the accrediting body for independent schools in our area) and they bring life to the Montessori method in everything they do. How neat is it to see a bunch of two year olds peeling their own hard boiled eggs or to watch four year olds going down the hall to the library and checking out their own books?! What about the middle school students who used a system of levers and round fence posts to help move the chicken coop? (How many schools give our kids hands-on, real-life applications to their math and science lessons?) OFMS is the reason we've given up several better job offers (i.e., lots more $$) to stay in this area. I also know of at least two families who live much closer to a Montessori school in Fort Wayne, yet CHOOSE to drive 40 minutes or so one-way to have their children enrolled here at Oak Farm. Come see for yourself. It's hard to know just what a gem this school is until you step inside and feel the amazing vibe emanating from our children absorbed in their work. Good luck in finding the best academic fit for your family. Feel free to visit http://www.oakfarm.org/ for more information. P.S. Ask to try one of Jill (their chef's) famous muffins to find out how great their school lunch program is first-hand! read more

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The shill commenter Raphael F. is the head of the school, Judith Cunningham's son! Our child attended Oak Farm for 2.5 years. The toddler classroom teacher and setting was a wonderful experience. The second half of our experience in the Primary 3-6 year-old classroom was AWFUL. We were told we were not welcome back to the school if our child discontinued experimental listening therapy for an extra $100 a month (credentials: administered by a physical therapist/school gardener). We were told our child needed to be evaluated and after evaluations, our pediatrician assured us our child was a normal 3-year old likely having a difficult time adjusting to a classroom of 4-6-year olds as he was the only 3-year old and the other two 4-year olds were closer to five years old. Furthermore, our doctor and his nurse confirmed our son was one of many children sent into the the practice for superfluous evaluations. The head of the school will likely have this comment removed. This is the second time I have written a review as my other was removed as was two family forums set up by parents for discussions concerning the school's practices. We are just one of many disappointed parents who had a poor experience at Oak Farm. read more

My problem with the school is the lack of diversity and inclusion. Oak Farm will boast their student-teacher ratio and retention rate but NOTHING about diversity. My children attended Oak Farm for a couple years until we had to leave when unexpected life events made it unsustainable. The last three years I have tried to get my little girls into Oak Farm and have been told by the admissions director, that they are "on the waiting list." Last year, they were "number 8" on the list. This year, I was once again told that there were other families ahead of me. I personally know families who have applied recently and been accepted to oak farm. I met with the head of the school, she cited "behavioral issues". My daughters friend had similar age appropriate behaviors and still attends Oak Farm. But my black children were denied enrollment for "behavior" issues. They still have a picture of my black son on their website but our family is not welcome read more

We are thrilled at our children get to attend Oak Farm. What a blessing to have such a great school in our community! Simple put - you must make a visit to Oak Farm and take a tour to truly see the difference between Oak Farm and the other options out there. The style is different, the community is different, and my wife and I truly believe, the quality is very different. Our family appreciates that Oak Farm emphasizes the same values that we hold to be very important in our family - respect for all people, confidence in oneself, and a sense of responsibility for our world and all the people in it. Our teachers have been great thus far, and we expect that going forward. Knowing some of the administrators and those in charge (who all have children that go there), I am confident that they will do whatever they can to give the best education to all the children at Oak Farm. Give them a call for a tour - they are always happy to show new people around! read more

We switched to Oak Farm after we were frustrated with the focus on teaching to the test in the public schools and the teachers having no flexibility with a classroom filled with varying abilities. We wanted a meaningful education for our kids that was filled with purpose and met their individual needs. That is exactly what Oak Farm offers; essential life skills, small teacher to student ratio, individualized lessons and curriculum, amazing community, and worldly values. This school is preparing my kids to be productive citizens in today's society, not to just sit and learn to pass a test. I have never felt so confident in my kids education as I do now that they are at Oak Farm! read more

We have been at Oak Farm since the school opened. All 4 of our children have attended the school until at least 3rd grade. To say the least, we are very happy with the education they have all received. While not perfect (is anything?), I have always found the school willing to listen and talk with me about concerns or challenges. I find the staff to be helpful and caring. Our children all love the school and still consider their teachers there among their favorite and "best". For those who question the absence of traditional education and testing--consider it a blessing! They are learning and developing a genuine love of learning--not how to fill in a circle for ISTEP. read more

BEWARE!!! This is NOT a traditional Montessori school! Do NOT be fooled when you see the environment, they have all of the Montessori materials, but their "application" is different. We came to Oak Farm because the Montessori school we were at (and had been for 8 YEARS) was not offering Upper Elementary classes. We were sold by the beautiful campus, the"Silent Journey" they make you take to show you what the school has to offer; however when our daughter started the Primary Class, it was less than 6 weeks before we were told something was seriously wrong with her. She was having major anxiety going to this school & was having potty accidents, although she was almost 6, no accidents since 3! She completely shut down and we were told she was showing "autisic like" behavior and to see a Neuro Psycologist, fast! We struggled through with the help of a psycologist using cognitive theapy and coping until she could be tested by the Neuro Psych. All that and we find out she is FINE!!! Anxiety, most likely from her environment... this peaceful Montessori environment! We pulled her out IMMEDIATELY & went to Willowbrook Day School! She is doing VERY well! They should be investigated!!!!! read more