Testimonials

Our children are second generation Meerkats and we couldn't be more grateful for the care and development MCS continues to offer our family. As a learning institution, Montessori Center School is second to none. Their evolved Montessori method centers on each individual child, enabling them to develop in their own unique way, while encouraging imagination and fostering a sense of community and altruism.

These past two years, Montessori has offered our family a sense of normality amidst so much uncertainty. Our 3 year old and 18 month old are truly thriving at MCS, it's amazing to see their development day after day. The teachers are passionate, well-trained, and deeply invested in the success of each individual student. The school administration is progressive, well-organized, and strategic. The board is engaged and supportive and the parent organization is extremely involved. There is a strong sense of community surrounding Montessori Center School and we love being a part of it.

We can't recommend the school highly enough and are looking forward to many more years of being a part of the MCS family.

I feel such great gratitude to be part of this school. My background is in education, so my standards of what constitutes a good education experience are extremely high. I see my children truly taking on ownership of their learning not just academically, but also in regards to essential soft skills such as time management, adaptability, self-motivation, critical thinking, respect for others and more.  I have been very impressed with the expertise of the faculty. My son and daughter feel a close connection to their classmates and teachers and feel like their presence and contributions matter.

When looking at programs for our then 18-month-old, what my husband and I knew we wanted was a program that would aid in her development while also providing a nurturing, supportive, and loving environment. There was also plenty of hesitation on my end. Is she too young? Is she going to be scared? How is she going to adjust? But the first day we walked on campus at Montessori Center School, a sense of comfort and ease came over me, and the two of us knew immediately this was it. And as the years have gone by, with now three kids enrolled, MCS has been all we could have hoped for our children and so much more. Our kids have flourished, even in the face of a pandemic, thanks to the amazing teachers and staff at MCS. And for that and so many other reasons, we are forever grateful!

Selecting Montessori Center School has been the best decision we have made as parents, hands down. The teachers are truly gifted in their ability to nurture, engage and inspire children. They have been an invaluable sounding board and support system for our family throughout the years. Our children are cared for as whole children, with individual needs academically, socially and emotionally... There is no greater gift! At ages two and five years old, our girls are curious learners, independent and self assured, all qualities that have been fostered at Montessori Center School. We are forever grateful!

MCS has been an excellent learning environment for both our children. Our older son started at age two and graduated after being there for ten years! If he could, he would go back in a heartbeat! Our younger son started at the Primary level and is currently in Upper Elementary at MCS and loves his school very much!

In our decade of being there, we can confidently say that MCS prepares children not just in the foundation of academics but in building important life skills that shape their personality in so many positive ways. The attention to detail in developing every aspect of their skillset in a fun, exciting, and meaningful way has been so amazing to experience. The teachers are patient and take their time to cater to each child's individual needs fostering an environment of compassion and nurturing. The kids in turn, with their mixed-age classrooms, imbibe these learnings not just in school but outside as well.

MCS has provided invaluable tools to our kids to navigate the demands of everyday life and challenges. It has taught them important lessons in teamwork, collaboration, mentorship, communication, time management, and conservation. We truly believe that the school raises creative, conscious, and aware custodians of the future.

As a parent of a current student and an alumnus of the MCS program, one thing I know for sure is that Montessori teaches the child to love learning. Always curious, thoughtfully inquisitive and enthusiastic about mastering new skills are things I see our daughter experiencing at MCS.  Seeing that spark in her takes me back to my early education days at MCS and I love that we get to share this joy. Learning how to learn and how to ask questions are skills I know that will serve her in all her endeavors.  What a gift!

When I was 3 years old, I started at MCS with Margaret!  To this day, I still remember how my positive experience with the smaller class, and using the MCS curriculum, allowed me to accelerate my development at a very young age.  MCS creates a positive environment in school with all the kids.  With smaller classes, learning is fun and a hands-on.  Every child learns at a pace they feel comfortable!  My wife and I were very excited to learn Margaret was available in Gold door to continue her legacy with our son Luca!  I highly recommend MCS for any parent looking for the best learning experience for their children. MCS is an excellent choice for all ages.

I can't say enough good things about MCS and the community it fosters. It was our lifeline during the COVID pandemic. But we have stayed for elementary school because our experience was so wonderful.

Not only are the teachers at MCS warm, caring, and nurturing, but they are incredibly communicative (as is the leadership/administration). If I have a question or concern, it is responded to almost immediately. Everything is very well organized and I can focus on work each day knowing that my son is happy, surrounded by friends, and growing in a nurturing environment.

MCS has fostered my son's learning and confidence. He regularly works in class with children from other grades and has developed wonderful friendships across the ages. Assignments, homework, and projects are appropriately challenging. It's been awesome watching him grow and develop in this environment. I am not sure what we will do after sixth grade -- I just wish MCS continued through grade 12! - but this certainly is an incredible place for us now.

We feel so lucky for our family to be part of MCS for the past three years. Our children (2nd and 5th grade) come home every day happy and excited to share their school days. MCS accomplishes a balance of academic and social learning and has established a solid foundation of community contribution in our children. From their classroom jobs (rug roller, math card organizer, composter, smile squad) to their group classroom work, our children have learned the value of being part of a bigger whole.

We truly believe that MCS has something to offer every type of child and every type of learner. Our son has been able to break through his shyness and gain more self-confidence, both academically and socially. Our daughter has had the opportunity to challenge herself intellectually, beyond generic textbooks and worksheets. MCS also provides many opportunities for growth for children outside of the classroom. Our daughter has taken class trips to Santa Cruz Island and Astrocamp, and next fall they will be traveling to Yosemite. She is participating in the MCS math super bowl team, writing for the school newspaper, and acting in the spring play! Our son's class has been camping at both Lake Cachuma and Rufugio Beach this year. All-school events, such as Harvest Festival, Jogathon, and annual auction/gala, offer the opportunity for us to interact with families outside of our children's classroom as well.

We really enjoy being involved members of the school community, although we know we can only give back a fraction of what the MCS teachers and staff provide for our children!