Riverbend Montessori is small but provides a very well-balanced curriculum that emphasizes math, reading/grammar/literary analysis, cultural studies and fine arts. We left the public school system after the 4th grade and witnessed an immediate change in our son. I thought Montessori was a laissez-faire approach to learning but that is not the case at Riverbend. The curriculum is structured in terms of content but flexible with how each student learns. The classrooms are mixed grade levels but the students operate at their own pace. Some are more advanced in math whereas others are not. The teachers are very much in tune with the students' academic, emotional and social developments. Learning is very tactile, utilizing tools (beads, boards, etc.) to reinforce understanding, not just memorizing. Homework is assigned with a purpose; incorrect math problems must be corrected to ensure mastery of the topics. Books are read and literary analyses are performed to understand setting, plot, theme and characters. Laptops are used for research but very much controlled and monitored. Field trips are common in order to reinforce their curriculum. Creativity is another strong point of this school. An annual play is performed where all students have a role. Creative writing is a special event that involves students writing personalized short stories and presenting them to parents. Music and art are taught weekly and involve learning instruments such as ukeleles and kalimbas as well as recreation of famous masterpieces (Van Gogh, Vermeer, Warhol, etc.). The culmination of all the hard work is on display at their end-of-year Art Festival where students showcase their art and perform musical ensembles. The teachers are nothing short of incredible; they are vested and believe in their students. They spend extra time with students and manage all field trips, including overnight ones. They encourage natural curiosity; champion building responsibility and accountability through hard work and perseverance; allow students to learn from their mistakes; and encourage them to advocate for themselves. After two years with this amazing school, we see a much more confident and mature child who is ready to take on new challenges. My only regret with Riverbend is not enrolling sooner. If you are looking for a school that will develop your child your child's love of learning, critical thinking skills and sense of responsibility, this is the school. If you want a babysitter, please look elsewhere. read more

Riverbend Montessori has been a transformative experience for my children. The school has enriched them academically, while also inspiring a deep love for learning. From the moment we walked through its doors, it was evident this wonderful school places an emphasis on nurturing the whole child. The individualized learning plans ensure that each child progresses at their own pace, fostering both confidence and curiosity. The educators at Riverbend Montessori are not merely teachers; they are passionate mentors who cultivate an environment where questions are welcomed, and exploration is encouraged. I am deeply grateful to Ms. Salima, and Ms. Ruby who inspired a sense of wonder in my children. Beyond academics, Riverbend Montessori has played a pivotal role in the personal growth and development of my children. My little girl blossomed from a shy transition class student into a confident reader, proudly delivering her lines at the Kindergarten school play. While there are newer, larger, more modern Montessori schools around Sugar Land, Riverbend Montessori remains a charming, and nurturing haven. It stands out as a place where children are truly empowered to become the best versions of themselves. We are profoundly grateful to the owner Ms. Marcia for running a school that promotes love, empathy and the pursuit of knowledge in a most exquisite way. read more

I recently removed my children from this school after being here for over 3 years. I see several negative reviews were removed from Yelp most likely at the request of the school. That seems odd why not rebut their claims? All I can say is I'm sadly disappointed to learn about some very concerning issues since our departure from this school. This is first hand knowledge from several families we know personally. All in all 14 children won't be back next year due to the pervasive problems that aren't being addressed by the management. There were significant changes in staffing that were quickly and poorly made. While the teacher to student ratio is great, the staff doesn't effectively communicate with children or parents. As an example of lack of communication: Like the other reviewer mentioned her child was kept from recess as a form of punishment. I was only made aware this occurred to my children when I asked them after having read this review. That is unacceptable one as a form of punishment and two for not telling the parents. And not to point out the obvious but isn't Montessori all about working at your own pace?!?! Punishment for not finishing a class assignment goes against the very premise of Montessori. True Montessori programs don't even have homework this school has a lot, especially in upper elementary. If you are looking for a Montessori education for your child you would be better off at sugar creek montessori or casa de bambini. read more

My 3.5 year old daughter has been in 3 schools since we arrived at America. I definitely can claim that Riverbend Montessori is the best. Every teacher is so nice and patient as well as managers. My daughter has learned how to hold a pencil, how to write numbers and letters. She even know some words that I don't know. In addition, their after school is also wonderful and colorful. read more

I recently removed my children from this school after being here for over 3 years. I see several negative reviews were removed from Yelp most likely at the request of the school. That seems odd why not rebut their claims? All I can say is I'm sadly disappointed to learn about some very concerning issues since our departure from this school. This is first hand knowledge from several families we know personally. All in all 14 children won't be back next year due to the pervasive problems that aren't being addressed by the management. There were significant changes in staffing that were quickly and poorly made. While the teacher to student ratio is great, the staff doesn't effectively communicate with children or parents. As an example of lack of communication: Like the other reviewer mentioned her child was kept from recess as a form of punishment. I was only made aware this occurred to my children when I asked them after having read this review. That is unacceptable one as a form of punishment and two for not telling the parents. And not to point out the obvious but isn't Montessori all about working at your own pace?!?! Punishment for not finishing a class assignment goes against the very premise of Montessori. True Montessori programs don't even have homework this school has a lot, especially in upper elementary. If you are looking for a Montessori education for your child you would be better off at sugar creek montessori or casa de bambini. read more

Yes, bad things happen in places. And everyone has a title of their options. There are some good experiences that come out of this school. My son went there and the teachers made such an impression on him and this was 27 years ago. When someone says don't go there - do they realize that they are hurting everyone in the school. Even People that are not even involved. There may be lower grade teachers. Are they suppose to suffer just because of another person's experience. When people say don't go there, others depend on their jobs. I agree there can be negative reviews but, don't say don't go there when innocent people are not involved. My experience is a positive one. I will stand with this school. Please support the teachers, they work hard for their jobs. read more

I will never be able to put down in words how absolutely impressed I am with Riverbend. Initially, I had placed my 2.5 year old daughter at a learning center and for 3 months straight, she cried at drop off, very clingy and difficult to leave. She never adjusted. Then we met with the administrator and staff at Riverbend and immediately I sensed a difference in the learning environment. I switched my daughter there and NOT ONCE has she cried. In fact, she asks about her teacher all the time, before we go to school, after I pick her up, on the weekend. She actually wants to go to school and gets mad on the weekend when we can't go. There is magic at Riverbend that I cannot put in words. I am a very attached parent but I leave her at school with such peace and no worries. She thrives there, she is a happier kid. She is learning so much and is so social now. The staff is incredibly skilled and patient and kind and sweet. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Riverbend. There is so much love there and everyone is so willing to work with you and your child individually. It is amazing. I love Riverbend and am forever grateful to have found it. If you have any hesitation, just set up a meeting to visit and you will understand why the students love it so much there. read more

My children went to this school before we moved. The staff was wonderful and caring and the teachers really took the time with the children. I had children in different grades and class rooms and they all experienced this kind of learning. I think it was a great environment for my children. Hated to leave this school. Children miss it. read more

The reviewer "family F." Has no first hand knowledge of our experience with Riverbend Montessori. We are aware of the people whom wrote this review and their connection with the owners. They said we made up lies and that my child was disruptive, which is completely false. Unfortunately, my son attended a birthday party at this family's home and they are awful and snobby, pretentious people, that are friends with the owner of the school. What they are unaware of, is that I myself, was a student of the owner of Riverbend when I was a child. They are completely different and do not practice Montessori the way they did when I was there. Also, my son since being kicked out, has made all A's and B's and is above level since going to a better school. I have the grades to prove it. And to add, his teachers and students say how sweet and kind my son is to work with. Also, 14 kids have left this year from Riverbend, after this happened to my son. That says a lot for itself. Beware of this school. Go somewhere else. read more

Our highly gifted child has been at Riverbend for over two years, and has progressively improved in both academics as well as interpersonal / social skills. Starting in "lower-elementary" and moving into "upper-elementary" we've had the opportunity to watch as our little one has grown mentally and emotionally in the past ~30 months. Teachers hold regularly scheduled child-led and teacher-led reviews of progress to demonstrate where achievements have been made as well as to highlight where challenges yet remain. Not only is this helpful for us as parents, but it is also very rewarding for the kids as it reinforces a sense of ownership in their weekly work planning and daily execution. Riverbend is a wholesome, enriching and family oriented school led by professionals who care for each and every child, as they too are parents of Riverbend students. Teachers do not allow for cliches to form and flourish, they instill a sense of inclusion and respect for each other, and more importantly they help each child build self awareness that leads to each young person finding their own internal locus of control in a safe and supportive environment. Not only do they build an individual sense of confidence but also learn what collaboration means through activities which challenge them to be creative and productive in small teams. We are aware of the issue with the other parent who withdrew their child in September of 2015, then spread false rumors and wrote negative reviews here and elsewhere. In our opinion, what has been posted is not only unfair but is not honestly representative of the way their struggling child was attended to (our child was in the same class). Their unfortunate and malevolent portrayal of two wicked witches (the Principal and teacher) "hovering over an ill child" was completely fabricated. This is simply NOT the way children are treated at Riverbend. It's unfortunate that some folks will stoop so low as to attempt to sully the name of this wonderful educational institution by externalizing the causal factors of their child's inability to adapt to the next grade level up. Their child was still looking to play more and work less, and couldn't make the transition to moderately increased academic rigor. To be frank, when a child simply refuses to do their class work during their 3 hours of morning self-managed time (when teachers are available to work one-on-one with them), but instead use their time to play around unproductively while interrupting their classmates who are already struggling to focus and complete their own individual assignments, there's really no room for the parents of that child to complain. Each child is given the opportunity to bring themselves up to 100% completion of their planned exercises (even if this means losing their playground time), and a parent's refusal to stand by their best allie (the teacher) means the fault lies squarely on the parent's shoulders for poor performance. Parent who feel that their children are being unfairly treated (because the teachers keep them in during recess to focus on completing their basic class work) might be better served by home schooling - because their child will be unsuccessful in any classroom setting (whether private or public) with such uncooperative behavior. There are standards that each and every learning institution establishes and adheres to in order to ensure a level playing field for every child as well as conformance with Texas statues/guidelines, and Riverbend is no different. While there will always be room for improvement in any school or institution, the teachers and staff of Riverbend Montessori really put forth a significant amount of effort to continuously improve the environment by providing progressive learning opportunities in each subject area and social skill category using fun and didactic methods. This is the Montessori way, and it is within this ecosystem that our child has been able to flourish as both a student and young person. We highly recommend Riverbend Montessori. read more

I had my child in this school for 2 years this will be our last. We really liked one of the teachers in the lower elementary class. She was patient and kind. After one year of teaching she quit and now works at another Montessori school. Since her departure it has been one issue after another whether it's with my child or someone else's. If you chose to take your child somewhere else and you let them know prior to the end of the year be prepared for a lot of tears and heartache your child will be singled out and for a lack better words bullied by the teachers/owners and you are bullied for choosing a less superior school. I am thoroughly disappointed by my experience. If you are willing to pay this much money on your child's education you'd be better off at another school. No one should ever be made to feel guilty for choosing the best school for their kid and no child ever deserves to be belittled! Shame on you! Everything the previous reviewer posted is true 100%! read more

Very disappointed with the school!! The very first month the school had a parent-teacher meet and I went their with my wife. All the kids were taken to a separate room where they had a baby-sitter and all the parents were made to sit a separate presentation area. It was an hour long event and after the event we were asked to pick our kids and disperse. So after the event we go to adjoining room to pick our son and our son was not there. We searched the entire school but could not find him. Then a parent told us that our son was all alone in the parking lot and crying. We were so shocked!!! How could our son, who was just three years old, was left unattended by the teachers and the baby-sitter that he managed to reach the parking lot??? Anything could have happened to him that day. We did raise this issue with the school administration but they had a very casual approach and said they will be more vigilant next time....the school principal did not even apologize to us..... read more