Apple Valley Montessori School

Helene Horwitz: Extraordinary School. I have two children in Apple Valley and I could not be more satisfied. The teachers are authentic and true to the Montessori way of education. My children and loved, inspired, cared for and most of they now love learning.  This is not a day care and not about just play, its about inspiring  your children early on to love learning, to be curious, to be kind and considerate and to care about the planet. I could not be happier. My 2 and 4 year old are growing each day and as a parent I feel supported and part of a great community.

Fantastic school. Our two girls -- one very high energy and outspoken, the other very reserved and sensitive, have both thrived thanks to the amazing teachers at AVMS. Our older daughter is now in public school and the teachers continue to comment on her focus and self-directed learning style. We were told by doctors that our younger daughter would be severely delayed, but would hopefully be on track by 1st or 2nd grade. This year (age 4) she started reading (among many other things) - and could not be prouder of herself. I am a tough customer/critic when it comes to my kids (aren't we all?!). And I can honestly say this school is worth every cent.

Maria Markonidis: The school has changed dramatically over the last five years.  Enrollment use to be 150 students and is now less than 50.  The classrooms do not have enough students to learn according to the Montessori method.  Poor administration has caused the enrollment to decline. I do not think the school will be around for much longer.

Montessori Family: The one star is for the amazing education we might have been able to be a part of if it weren't for financial hardship.  We had every intention of sending our child here and were really excited to join the school community.  Then, financial hardship struck and struck hard, with 1 fell swoop, our entire life was turned upside down.  As soon as I got our budget in line, I called the school letting them know that we could not afford to send our son there.  This was well before the start of the school year.  They said they would return our money when his position was filled and that there were already students interviewing so it would not be long. Well, 4 months later, they not only have not returned our money- any of it and we are talking thousands.. but the will not even call back.  Sad that they are more concerned with lining their pockets then the well being of a child and their family.  Many other montessori schools in the area, move on.

The school is unique and we have not found a better place to trust with our children. The staff are all extremely experienced, have been there for a long time, and will continue to be there. Other programs we looked at seemed to have staff that changed over every year or two (including at other Montessori schools). We have one child that went through the program with spectacular results, one in the program and doing extremely well, and a couple more who will enter once they are old enough.