If you're reading this, you are probably in the middle of the crucial quest to find what is Best…read moreFor Your Child. Play-based? Study-based? Experiential? We visited SO MANY schools and talked to SO MANY teachers. Lots of nice schools, lots of nice teachers. But Meher was the only one where we came away from our visits and meetings feeling like they had a real, concrete plan, and an understanding of children's behaviors, wants, and needs from the educational process. There are a lot of "Montessori" schools but not a lot of real Montessori schools. Meher is, as they say, a real one. We've never come across an educator like Mrs. Wildhaber - such a unique, insightful, caring, special teacher that when the Altadena school was lost to the Eaton fire, most of the parents from our kid's class decided to spend an extra couple hours of their day driving their kids to Mrs. Wildhaber's new classroom in Monterey Park rather than switch schools. Our kid has come into her own socially, linguistically, artistically, and in other ways in just a year at Meher (and we intend to keep her there). We're proud of her and we're indebted to Mrs. Wildhaber, Ms. McCray, Ms. Van Ness, and all the other caring and capable teachers and staff. Thank you, Meher.

My daughter attended Meher for 2 years at the Altadena campus, and when we lost both the school and…read moreour home in the Eaton Fire, we transferred over to the Monterey Park campus to finish out her final year before she starts kindergarten this fall. Words fail me to describe the kindness, generosity, and strength of the entire Meher community during an incredibly challenging year for us and for the school as well. Beyond all the positive academic developments our daughter gained, as detailed in other reviews, Meher is filled with the kind of kind, hardworking, and humble humans that you want your children to be around as role models. I have only the highest praise for the school, and we saw them react and adapt under very difficult circumstances. They supported my family in so many different ways, and I will always be grateful to the entire school community for their grace under pressure.

Where do I even begin with this amazing place? IMA is truly a gift to children, parents, families…read moreand the entire community. First and foremost, the teachers are stellar! They are incredibly talented, caring, and passionate about teaching children-not only foundational academic skills like reading and math, but important life skills such as cleaning up after themselves, problem solving, independence and responsibility. I truly feel like we found a treasure in IMA. Although I am sad my first child's time there is coming to an end, I am incredibly grateful for the educational foundation he has received. I know the skills, confidence and love of learning he has developed at IMA will have a lasting impact throughout his life. Thank you, Mrs. Sollito for such an exceptional job of creating an environment where children feel safe, loved, supported and excited to learn. IMA is such a special place and we cannot thank you enough for all you have done for our children!

Our family has been part of the IMA community for the past five years, and with our youngest now…read moregetting ready for TK, it's bittersweet to say goodbye. If you're looking for a school where the owners and staff are 120% dedicated to creating a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for your children, you've found it. Their kindness, patience, and genuine passion for what they do are evident every single day, and those values naturally rub off on the children. We truly believe our kids are more kind, empathetic, and confident because of the environment IMA created. We feel incredibly fortunate that both of our children were able to attend IMA. The fact that they prioritize siblings during enrollment was also a huge blessing for our family. The teachers and staff are simply wonderful. They consistently go above and beyond, especially during the summer program. Every week is filled with exciting activities like petting zoos, magic shows, carnival days, pony rides, and so much more. You can tell how much effort goes into making each event special with all the decorations, treats, and thoughtful details for both the children and their families. As working parents, we also found tremendous value in their extended early drop-off and late pick-up hours. It gave us much-needed flexibility, and our kids genuinely enjoyed being there, even if it's past 8 hours. Having them in the same program year-round (with scheduled holidays) made life so much easier and helped keep our family's routine consistent. We also felt the tuition was an incredible value for everything the school provides. More importantly, every interaction with the staff was met with understanding, warmth, and genuine care. They always made us feel like part of the IMA family. We will truly miss IMA and everyone there. Our children were incredibly lucky to grow up in such a nurturing environment, and we will always be grateful for the love, support, and unforgettable memories they gave our family. We wholeheartedly recommend IMA to any family looking for an exceptional Montessori school. It has been one of the best decisions we've made for our children.

Our son Fraser started at Enchanted Castle at 18 months and just turned two. The transition was…read moretough during that first week; he cried constantly from drop-off until lunch, and we had to pick him up before nap time. Fast forward to today.. he feels so safe and at home - he is definitely thriving! Fraser has a very strong personality, and we love how patient the staff is and how the Montessori way allows him to channel it positively. We absolutely adore his teachers (Ms. Nhi, Ms. Veronica, Ms. Wen, and Ms. Cat) + a special shout-out to Ms. M, who spoils him with so much love! What really stands out is that all the teachers at the school seem genuinely happy and know Fraser personally. The director, Ms. Prima, is super on top of everything and fosters a great relationship with all the families and staff. I truly appreciate the extra thought and care she puts into the school. If you want a place where your child will be safe, known, and nurtured, we highly recommend this amazing team!

My child transferred to this preschool because of the Eaton Fire. One of the main reasons we chose…read morethis school was that it is much more than a regular daycare -- it offers a trilingual learning environment with reasonable price. Even though my child is in the English program, he also takes Chinese and Spanish classes. Friends of mine from other cities and states often see the school activities I share/post and tell me how envious they are that we have access to such an amazing preschool. My child has learned so much here, especially in STEM-related subjects. His life skills, independence, and hands-on abilities have improved tremendously. The school also provides a wide variety of enriching activities, including science fairs, carnivals, puppet shows, bubble shows, and animal petting events where the children can ride ponies and interact with rabbits and other animals. The school also hosts special Mother's Day and Father's Day breakfast events that make families feel very involved and welcomed. Every year, the winter and spring performances are what I look forward to the most. It is truly impressive to see a group of 4-year-olds confidently perform three English songs, one Chinese song, one Spanish song, and even a dance routine on stage. The children always look so confident and joyful. This year, my child will be graduating, and I am incredibly grateful to Ms. Joanna and Ms. Regina. They are warm, energetic, patient, and genuinely caring teachers. The classroom environment they create is loving and harmonious, and the children are kind and supportive toward one another. We will always appreciate the wonderful experience our child had here.

Both of our children attend Aria Montessori, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The…read moreschool provides such a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment where children truly thrive. Mr. and Mrs. Schofield-Smith place a strong emphasis on character development, good behavior, and respectful manners, which we deeply appreciate as parents. Beyond academics, the children learn independence, responsibility, and kindness toward others -- values that stay with them far beyond the classroom. We have seen tremendous growth in both of our kids, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. The teachers genuinely care about each child, and the sense of community at the school is truly special. We are very grateful to be part of the Aria community and highly recommend this school to any family looking for a nurturing and well-rounded Montessori education. Definitely recommend this school!

Our son attends Aria Montessori, and it has truly been a happy place for him…read more Before Aria, he attended another private school starting at age three. That school had beautiful facilities, a large playground, and lots of fancy toys. However, despite all of that, our son cried almost every morning when we dropped him off. Over time, we noticed that our normally very happy and talkative boy became quieter and less excited about school. Everything changed after we transferred him to Aria Montessori during the summer. After about a 10-day break from the previous school, he started at Aria. From the very first days, he was excited and genuinely happy to go to school. Now he wakes up looking forward to his day. He has learned wonderful manners, greeting his teachers with a cheerful "Good morning" during drop-off and happily saying "Bye-bye Mommy." Many afternoons he even reminds me not to pick him up early because he doesn't want to miss activities like cooking on Tuesdays, science experiments, or popsicle day. What we appreciate most about Aria is that while the environment may be simpler than some larger private schools, the teachers truly care about the children. They create a warm, nurturing atmosphere where kids feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. The Montessori approach provides a more individualized style of learning that encourages independence and curiosity, which really helps children grow and develop qualities that many top private K-12 schools look for. For our family, that feeling is far more important than a fancy facilities. A school where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn is priceless. Seeing our son happy, confident, and eager to go to school every morning means everything to us. As Elon is graduating from Aria, we can clearly see how much he has grown. He was recently admitted to one of the top private schools for kindergarten, and we truly believe the confidence, independence, and curiosity he developed at Aria played a big role in preparing him for this next step. We are also very grateful to the principal, Mrs. Schofield-Smith. She knows every child and family. The teachers also know each child by name and greet the children and families warmly every day, which creates a strong sense of community. An involved principal makes a big difference for a school because she understands the children, supports the teachers, and can make thoughtful improvements when needed. We truly appreciate the teachers and staff at Aria Montessori for creating such a warm and nurturing place for children to grow.

It's been a few years since we graduated from Our School and we are still so happy with our…read moredecision to send our daughter here. We visited recently and everyone still remembered our daughter's name and anecdotes about their time shared together. Everyone here is just so generous and loving; Im so grateful they exist in our community.

Our daughter started going to Our School in April 2023 when she just turned 2.5 and fully potty…read moretrained (required). And now she is going to be turning 5 this summer and graduating! Time flies and I couldn't be more thankful for the wonderful women who make this school so special. It is truly a safe space and a home away from home. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. Where to begin? I've toured a lot of preschools before seeing Our School and I instantly fell in love with how cozy and intimate the environment felt. Some of the other schools felt a little too "corporate." Here, there's no app or portal. Just good old fashion face-to-face chats with teachers and Ms Janel. They genuinely foster a sense of community so it feels like you are a part of the school too. In general, the school is well structured and organized. The staff ensures a good mix of boys and girls and will move kids up classes when they are ready socially and emotionally. Our daughter started off in Ms Yolanda's class, then Ms Doretha's class, and now in Ms Tiff's class. She has so much fun! She's grown so much socially and academically. The school gives you a booklet of the work they do everyday and it's such a treat to see how much they progress over time. I have no doubt she is more than prepared for kindergarten. The school also has a saltwater pool and my daughter swam everyday in the summer as an extracurricular (additional fee). This is her third summer swimming and is swimming like a fish. In the fall and spring, the school offers dance and gymnastic and pizza Mondays year-round for an additional fee. There's tons of fun activities that Miss Tiff does to make school so engaging and exciting. But above all, they all know your child SO well that you know they are truly paying attention to each child everyday. And during the Eaton Fires, Miss Tiff opened up her heart to make school feel as normal as possible and made sure the Our School families were cared after. Pajamas days, lunch provided for all students, donation drives for affected families, she did it all. There is so much intention and humanity built into this school and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. It's going to be really hard to say goodbye.

I cannot put into so many words, without the help of ChatGPT to say how much we love Bridge…read moreMontessori. So bare with me... Our son went to the Pasadena campus, off of Lake Avenue for over a year, and will continue to attend every summer and every break if his current school (because we moved and are no longer local, but will make the drive) is on opposite breaks. He started during their summer program before TK, went for TK and then half the summer after that. He enjoyed his teachers, his friends, and the school. He has excelled so much that he's way beyond his years in math, reading and writing. He really is starting kindergarten strong. They truly are a gem and I'm sad we moved and he won't be attending on a regular basis, but glad he's had such great teachers and made such sweet and amazing friends. They have set the bar very high for us. We have been recommending the school to every one.

My daughter just graduated from Bridge after 3+ years, and I wish she could stay for years to come…read more I have several Montessori preschools to compare Bridge to, since my older child went to 3 different ones in Southern California. None of them holds a candle to Bridge. The community at Bridge is very down-to-earth. I've made some of my closest parent friends from amongst this great group of families. I would attend birthday parties and enjoy everyone I spoke with upon meeting them. Sierra Madre is also a wonderful and welcoming community for all kinds of families, and I think that also contributes to the great vibe at the school (and at the Pasadena campus!). The educators at Bridge are also fantastic. My daughter, who went in shy and fussy, came out confident and caring, and beyond ready to go to TK. The subject matter at Bridge is age-appropriate and so thoughtful. My 4-year-old is still talking about their exploration of South American countries this past year. It made a big impression on her. The educators are all kind and so sincere. Kids can work with a few different educators across classrooms each day. They love these teachers. From what I've observed, these teachers are practical, highly organized, and treat each child equally. A very expensive preschool we attended for a while in Los Angeles would gush about children to the parents, then put on a very different face in the classroom, choosing favorites and barely bothering to get to know most of the children. But not here. It's been the opposite. I also appreciated that parents weren't asked for additional money all the time for things like shows. Bridge puts on two excellent showcases each year, and if anything is asked of parents, it's a few dollars at most. To go back to that Los Angeles preschool, the kids would put on "shows" quarterly, and each time, families were required to pay $75 or more to cover costumes for essentially unorganized chaos on a makeshift stage. Bridge, quite the contrary, respected families' time and resources and put on great shows that we truly looked forward to attending in the summer and spring, which gave children confidence and something to be proud of. A lot goes into making days and various celebrations for children each month special at Bridge. I'm just going to miss it so much!

Foothill Progressive Montessori is a truly exceptional school that we have had the honor of sending…read moreour daughter to for the last two and a half years. Run by Ms. Kanthi and staffed by a truly excellent array of teachers, including Ms. Chrissy, Ms. Kim, and Ms. Fatema, Progressive has been instrumental in the growth and development of our daughter from age 3 to 5. With the guidance of Progressive, our daughter gained admission to our first choice private school, and one of the most competitive schools in the state. Over the years we have come to deeply value the warm, thoughtful environment of the school. Birthdays are truly special occasions frequented by princesses and superheroes, exceptional art is made with the guidance of teachers, and the educational rigor is unmatched. With the dedicated guidance of Ms. Fatema, our now 5 year old daughter can read, write, and do basic arithmetic at the level of a late Kindergartener, winning the admiration of family, friends, and admissions directors alike. Just as important, Progressive has allowed our daughter to find her voice, speak up and give her opinion, and instill her with a level of confidence that wows everyone around her. While perhaps less well known than other preschools that profess to be "feeders" for the competitive Pasadena private school scene (and who charge accordingly), Foothill Progressive is exceptional in that it stands not on a name, but the merits of its teachers and genuine commitment to the success of its students. Our daughter's success is proof that this is what truly matters. Thank you, Progressive Montessori, for everything you have done for our daughter and family. You deserve nothing less than our highest recommendation and we encourage all parents in La Canada, Pasadena, and Altadena to join your wonderful community.

We absolutely LOVE Foothill Progressive Montessori School. Our kids have been at this school since…read more2022, and I was a student 1997-1999. Ms. Kanthi was my teacher and now she owns the same school and teaches my kids! She is absolutely amazing! All of the staff are incredible. Ms. Fatema, Ms. Chrissy, Ms. Kim, Ms. Sumudu, Ms. Raquel, Ms. Angelica, Ms. Hazmik. Literally every single one of them. All of them treat the kids as if they were their own, so much love and patience with the kids. My kids love going to school and they actually get excited about learning. Ms. Fatema's science class has been amazing in instilling a love for learning for our oldest child. We can't wait for our other kids to take Ms. Fatema's science class and Ms. Kim's science class. My oldest is definitely ready for kindergarten solely because of Ms. Fatema. The school has great hours for working parents from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Hot lunch is available for an additional fee. The school goes all out for all of the holidays and graduation. There are lots of opportunities for parent involvement should you want to be involved. The environment is screen-free and true to the Montessori method.

My daughter started in Nov/Dec 2024, around the age of 2. Her development from 3 different classes…read morereflected at home and having a fun, chatty, artistic, emotional, and intelligent characteristics. Each class taught and developed her skills and growth. She has been attending daycare since 6 months but her major milestones happened at Evergreen. The teachers are great with the leadership from a caring and professional director. I personally will miss Evergreen but what my daughter gained from there no one can take away but build upon it. I couldn't ask for a better group of people that just cared and were realistic with life. My wife found a great school, my daughter learned valuable lessons and I have great memories because of them. Thank you Evergreen!

My daughter has been attending Evergreen Montessori since she was 10 months old, and she's now 18…read moremonths. As a first-time mom, I was definitely nervous about leaving her in someone else's care, but the director, Rosi, was so warm, friendly, and welcoming that she made the whole transition so much easier. It gave me such peace of mind knowing my little one was in good hands. My trust in Evergreen also came from my sister's experience. Her eldest daughter attended from infancy until she started kindergarten, and her youngest is currently enrolled as well. That reassurance, combined with my own first-hand experience, has made me confident in choosing this school. The teachers are truly wonderful, always happy, friendly, and caring. My daughter has grown and developed so much since being here. They put so much love and effort into everything, from daily learning and fun activities to thoughtful artwork, gifts, and celebrations for holidays and events. Even the food they provide is high quality, which I really appreciate. While tuition is on the higher side, I honestly believe it's worth every penny. The care, attention, and nurturing environment they provide is priceless. Their hours are also very accommodating for working parents, which has been a huge help. I have absolutely no complaints and would wholeheartedly recommend Evergreen Montessori to any parent considering it. Knowing my daughter is safe, loved, and thriving there is the best feeling.

Our son Levi (4) just graduated from Enchanted Castle Pasadena Montessori! He has been attending…read moresince he was two, and we love the school so much that he will be staying for summer camp. He has grown into such a kind-hearted, curious helper. He is always smiling and laughing when I pick him up.. I know he feels confident and loves to share and take care of others. The school really fosters a nurturing, calm environment, and he absolutely loves his classes, his friends, and the teachers. Ms. Cassie has been amazing - she really shows that she cares for each of her students and believes in all they're capable of. The kids did so much throughout the year, and it just amazes me. We will definitely miss the staff at Enchanted Pasadena!

After my son's previous preschool burned down, I was overwhelmed trying to find a new place where I…read morefelt truly comfortable leaving him, somewhere he wouldn't just be one of many, and where I knew he'd get real attention and care. Then I met Ms. Cassandra, and everything changed. From the moment she gave me a tour, she was warm, welcoming, and incredibly supportive. I instantly felt at ease, and I knew right away that this was the school for us. The teachers here are amazing. The first ones I met, Ms. Samar, Ms. Emani, and Ms. Cassie, each took the time to help my son adjust, and I saw a difference almost immediately. His behavior has improved so much since starting here, and I know it's because every teacher truly cares. I also have to mention Ms. Jane and Ms. Lassandra, they are all so wonderful. You can tell they all love what they do, and the kids feel it. Another huge plus: they offer after-school programs like Soccer Shots and piano lessons, which my son absolutely loves. I honestly can't express how much I love this school and everyone who works there. They gave my son stability during a difficult transition and gave me peace of mind. I'm so grateful we found this place. Highly recommend!

We came to Foothill after out daughter's pervious school was lost in the Eaton Fires. This…read morecommunity welcomed us with open arms right when we needed it most. We have a 4-yr old and 18-month-old here, and it's been such a gift to have them both cared for at the same school and guided under the same principals. The teachers are attentive, engaged, and truly wonderful with both our kids! Our oldest has grown so much here-not just academically, but in her confidence and sense of herself. As she now moves on to her next school, we're incredibly grateful to Foothill for taking us in during a hard time and helping her flourish. Our youngest has been here since he was 10 months old and we have no plans on going anywhere else until it's his time to move on.

Our family has had such a wonderful experience at Foothill Progressive Montessori, and we will…read morealways be grateful for the incredible foundation they have given our son. Our son started his journey at FPM when he was three years old in TK. He continued through kindergarten and first grade, and looking back, we truly feel that these early years gave him the best possible start to his education. Foothill has provided him with so much more than academics. The Montessori approach helped him develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. He started reading in kindergarten, learned how to build lasting friendships, and developed skills that we know will continue to benefit him throughout his education. By the time he was in 1st grade, he was confident in public speaking and presenting in front of an audience - thanks to the motivation and guidance of his teachers. What has meant the most to us, however, is the care and attention he received from his teachers. In particular, Ms Dushy, Ms Princess, Ms Rebecca and Ms Daniella (TK and Kindergarten) and Ms Sherene and Dr Bodner (1st grade). They were exceptional in recognizing his individual needs, encouraging his strengths, and helping him grow not only as a student but as a person. They placed such an important emphasis on kindness, respect, responsibility, and developing strong values and work ethic. As our son moves into second grade, we can see just how well Foothill Progressive Montessori has prepared him for this next chapter. We are incredibly thankful to the teachers and staff who played such an important role during these formative years. Foothill Progressive Montessori will always hold a very special place in our hearts, and I would highly recommend the school to any family looking for a nurturing environment that truly develops independent and confident young individuals.