If you are looking for a quality accredited Montessori program Christopher Academy is the school…read morefor your child. I had two children through the school, starting at 2 1/2 years old and my oldest leaving after 1st grade, and I'm so impressed. Both my children have progressed to other outstanding schools in the area and they were very well prepared academically and socially. Christopher Academy staff and teachers proved themselves knowledgeable and very supportive throughout my children's time at the school and they made life-long friendships as did my husband and I.

My sister and I went here pre-K 3 through 4th grade (they used to only go up that high). This was…read moreback in the early 2000s, but my parents still say it was the best choice they ever made to this day. We, along with many other alumni, went to a Suffolk private school that was a common filter school for Christopher Academy kids to go to after the 4th grade cut off -- The fact that every single one of us among my sister and I's age groups (We are 5 years apart in age, so about 20+ kids) graduated with straight A's in the top of our classes is not a coincidence. Even now, I still see that many of the recent valedictorians of our Suffolk private high school are Christopher Academy alumni (our high school sends us the graduation mailer every year). Long story short- the curriculum, class size, and amazing teachers here laid a foundation for us all that put us ahead of our peers at our Suffolk private school, college & beyond. My parents STILL donate to this school 18 years later & do not donate a nickel to the previously mentioned school that we went to for middle/high school. We are in the process of helping multiple friends make the change to send their young children here based on our experiences. Thank you CA for shaping so many of us into successful students and leaders.

It's hard to put into words what the school means to me but it would be a disservice to not share…read moremy experience. My son did not have the greatest first year of preschool at a different school so I was a bit nervous before starting his new school year at Apple Montessori in Morris Plains. However, my worries went away immediately once we started the school year. I have always heard great things about this school and it makes sense why. From the start, we were given a very warm and welcoming introduction from the director. Ms. Rathjens, and assistant director Ms. Yun. Both are very involved with interacting with the kids and greeting them throughout the day. They are attentive and responsive, and my kids feel comfortable around them. My son's preschool teacher, Ms. Kellish, and the teacher assistants, Mrs. Morales and Mrs. Ikram, are caring, supportive, and organized. My son loves going to school and always shares how nice his teachers are to him. He has learned so much and has become more independent in class. They encourage him and it shows. My daughter's toddler room teacher, Mrs. Castano, and the teacher assistants, Ms. Ucles, Mrs. Millar, and Mrs. Charles, are all so patient, nurturing, and gentle. They have helped my daughter transition well to school and never hesitate to reach out in case of anything. I also love how they have food tasting every week. My daughter is constantly singing and dancing at home, and I know it's a result from her thriving at school. It feels relieving to know that my kids are in the best care and I don't have to watch the camera like a hawk to see how they are doing. Any time I check in, I see my kids are learning and playing, and are building their independence. The parent teacher communication and level of care are unmatched. The teachers really put forth effort into all that they do and I really appreciate it all. My only regret is not enrolling my son sooner for his first year of school. Do not hesitate to go for a tour and enroll

I enrolled my son at Apple Montessori during their summer camp in 2023 when he was 2.5 years old…read more It has been an year of love, care, learning and so much fun for him! He has built friendships, developed so many skills, learnt to dance, work together and care for younger kids. This has been the best decision we made for him! Ms. Rasdell and Mr Wagner puts so much care and thoughtfulness in building the curriculum, making sure each child is getting the attention they need while also developing and focusing on their strengths. The school conducts so many events to give an opportunity for parents to network, for kids to develop new skills, have outdoor time, learn to work together and lead. I love the observation sessions and parent teacher conferences as well that gives us visibility into their day to day learning patterns and opportunities for growth! Looking forward to his tenure at Apple Morris Plains and all he learns during this time!!

We are so grateful we found the Montessori Learning Center (MLC) in Ridgewood - truly the best…read moreMontessori school in the Bergen County! As soon as we met Ms. Effie and toured the school, we knew it was the perfect fit for our toddler. The teachers at MLC are truly special - they genuinely care about each and every child. In one year, our toddler went from hesitant and shy to incredibly confident, independent and social. Most importantly, he developed a true bond with his teachers. Shout out to Ms. T, Ms. Angela and Ms. Ellen, who greeted us with smiles and positive energy at drop-off and pick-up! We also appreciated MLC's flexibility as we figured out the right schedule and cadence for our little guy. They worked with us every step of the way, making us feel like family! We are so thankful for the love, patience and support they've shown our little boy, and us! We look forward to watching our children grow here! We couldn't recommend MLC more highly!

Ridgewood Montessori Learning Center has been everything we hoped for and more. From the moment we…read morewalked through the doors we knew this was the right place for our son. The teachers are exceptional -- warm, attentive, and clearly passionate about the Montessori method. What stands out most is how communicative the staff is. We always feel informed and in the loop, whether it's a quick update at pickup or a note about what our son worked on that day. The consistency in the classroom has been remarkable -- our son has genuinely bonded with his teachers and you can see it in how confidently he walks in every morning. He's learning so much, growing in independence, and most importantly he loves being there. The community here -- both the staff and the other families -- is something we didn't expect but are so grateful for. This school is a hidden gem in Ridgewood and we plan to send all of our children here.

My older daughter attended Children's Academy for two years before starting Kindergarten, and still…read moretalks about how much she misses her preschool. She's already learned in preschool many of the concepts she's now seeing in Kindergarten, which speaks to how well the school prepares students. She even learned to read during her last year there, and it's been incredible to see her reading progress with the strong foundation the school gave her. The Children's Academy is one of the few true Montessori schools we found in the area. The classrooms are set up with stations like Practical Life, Math, and Language, and the children have the autonomy to choose their activities throughout the day. At the same time, they learn structure and social skills, like taking turns, sitting on "The Line," and resolving conflicts using the "peace rose." The teachers are what makes the school truly exceptional. Many have been at the school for decades. They are deeply attentive and caring, and I'm constantly amazed by how well they know each child, even down to details like their favorite stuffed animal. All the teachers are Montessori-trained and continue to stay up to date with best practices. There's also a strong sense of community. The school has been around for a long time, and there are parents who were students themselves whose children now attend the school. There is a Parent Association that organizes fundraisers, field trips, and events, which adds to the close-knit feel. Another huge factor for us was the flexibility they offer. There are before and after care options, as well as coverage during school holidays, which are important to us as two working parents. We couldn't find any other Montessori school in the area offering this. We love the school so much that our two younger kids now go there. If you're considering Children's Academy, I highly recommend attending one of their open houses. They host open houses once per month on the weekend - the fact that the teachers take time from their weekend to do these open houses also speaks volumes! We are so grateful to have such a wonderful school near us, and recommend it frequently to families looking for a preschool.

I am incredibly pleased with my son's experience at the Little Room. He thoroughly enjoys…read moreattending, often requesting additional days due to his enthusiasm for school. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to his teacher, Mrs. Lambert, who is truly exceptional. Also, thank you to Mrs. Massi, Mrs. Chubbs, Mrs. Haxton, and Ms. Olive, along with any others I may have missed. You have all made Mikey's first pre-K experience a truly wonderful one. Choosing this program for my son has been one of the best decisions I've ever made!

We couldn't be happier with our experience at UVMS. From the start, the warm, family-friendly…read moreatmosphere set it apart from more corporate-style schools. The owners, who are also the teachers, are deeply involved and genuinely care about each child and family. They take the time to understand and support every student as an individual. Our son, who had trouble fitting in at another school, has completely transformed--he now looks forward to going every day. We've been so impressed that we also enrolled our daughter, and she's thriving just as much. Parents also form a wonderful, tight-knit community with the teachers, creating a true sense of partnership and support.

My two daughters attended this school from 2005 to 2010. I agree that the school is better suited…read morefor children with a sense of structure, or this organized becaus they will not spoil the children, and it does require a certain amount of structure in the day and a child who is willing to work on it . However, the amount of care and personal attention that's my daughters got here was amazing, all of that in a very clean, perfectly organized environment that prepared both of my daughters to continue and excel in excellent private schools. We As parents were very happy and I am planning to put my third daughter in when she comes of age. I think the best testimony to the greatness of the school is my oldest daughter memory. Even today, she claims that the real difference in her education was her kindergarten years and she still remembers all teachers dearly.

Is your child is an active explorer? Curious, kind and always in motion? This school is not for…read morethis type for sure. We started out with great hopes but the underlying problem of this school surfaced pretty fast. This is a one-person show and the rest of the teachers and aids are changing very fast. The Montessori method is great but keeping children sitting on the line for an ​extended period​ of time is simply unacceptable. Also,​ each time when they line up for any activity they have to stand motionless otherwise they won't participate in any activity. Her solution - sit back on the line. So what are they doing all day?! Nothing! Young children should never experience such harsh treatment. This woman shows​ no genuine emotions towards the children. Her only way to manage the classroom is by ​screaming and yelling. Harsh verbal discipline (HVD) is scientifically proven to be harmful therefore it is a wrong choice to keep the children under control. The last drop before we pulled out when we realized the water bottle was almost full in the lunch box after a whole day in school. Imagine your child was neglected without drinking for more than 6 hours. Extremely​ disappointing experience! No trust what so ever! Oh,​ and your children's​ vocabulary will pick up a few new expressions such as: "I am overwhelmed with you"; "Shut your mouth!"; "Be quiet" and "It is your​ fault". Isn't that great​!? I am very happy that I could save my child from this bad energy and harmful environment.

Somerset Hills Montessori school has been a godsend to my family. We immediately became apart of…read morethe SHMS because that is how they make you feel at this school, like family. My daughter attended school and camp here for 3 years and again they have been a blessing. The level of education that my child has received is truly astounding. Her level of learning is currently at the level of a second grader thanks to Somerset Hills Montessori school. I truly thank them for everything they have done for my family and we will forever remember them.

My daugther has been at SHMS since she was 18 months. The school is unique because they focus on…read moreeducation vs. just playing. Children have freedom with limits. They learn how to be independent and learn at thier own pace. Most of Teachers there has been there for over 20 years. They are flexible and you feel like family. The school Director personally understand each child because the school small and she is very much hands on. Reading the review below was shocking because I've never experience any of what she mentioned..

We researched many other venues before choosing this campus. We liked the fit and experience of…read morethe leadership here, relative to others. Also, facilities are nicely laid out and setting fosters day trips to various spots such as post office, etc. I'm a product of the Montessori system, yet this is our son's 1st Montessori experience and we are confident he is paired with strong teachers. Additionally, there is sensitivity to allergies and many classes are allergen free. The parent network is good and many have made good efforts to reach out and build relationships.

We moved to the Summit area quite late in the school year and luckily there was one space left for…read moreour son to join the 3-6 class at the Montessori Children's Academy. We feel so incredibly lucky to have found this amazing school with the dedicated teachers and staff. We knew we wanted a Montessori education for our child and have been continually impressed with the kind, calm and thorough education he's received thus far. We highly recommend this school.