Review for South Lake Montessori School…read more Our family has had the privilege of being part of South Lake Montessori School for over 25 years, with multiple children attending throughout that time. Each one of them has not only thrived during their years at SLMS, but has continued to grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals -- a testament to the strong foundation they received here. The care, dedication, and consistency of the educators over the years is extraordinary. The Montessori approach at SLMS fosters independence, curiosity, and respect -- values that our children have carried with them well beyond the classroom. From early childhood through their transition to elementary and beyond, our children were always supported, challenged, and truly seen as individuals. We are deeply grateful for the role South Lake Montessori has played in shaping the lives of our kids and for being such a steady, nurturing presence in our family's life across generations. SLMS is more than a school -- it's a community that helps raise thoughtful, lifelong learners.

South Lake Montessori School has been life changing for my child. He started school here at age 4,…read moreand knew basic academics for his age (shapes, colors, the alphabet and counting to 20). Fast forward to just one year at SLMS in the primary classroom, and my son can write in cursive at a beginner level. He is also reading beginner level books on his own at the age of 5. Beyond that, the focus on practical life has made a huge difference beyond the classroom. My child enjoys cleaning, cooking, helping take care of his younger sibling. These are all things he does daily at SLMS. The director of the school, Mrs. Sheldon along with the primary teachers, Mr. Gonzalez and Ms. Dass have been absolutely amazing. They provide an authentic Montessori education, and they are always willing to take the time to speak with you and offer advice. They are patient, kind, and extremely nurturing. This school has become like a family to us.

I couldn't be happier !! AMAZING teachers and all around staff . My daughter loves going to school…read moreand I am so happy I finally found a place where she loved and I feel completely comfortable in dropping her off everyday because I know she is in good hands. She was previously at a school that she cried every time I dropped her off and as a first time mom I thought it was an "adaptation period" and it was NOT . With Kidsgrow preschool my daughter loved it from the very first day !!! This really is a good school with a very good staff !!

We loved this school. My daughter still talks about her teachers (she's now in second grade ).read more

I was excited to explore this school because of how it presents itself as a Montessori environment…read morethat embraces individualized learning. Unfortunately, my experience during our observation left me disappointed. What was advertised did not match what I observed. Rather than meeting children where they are developmentally, there seemed to be an expectation that every child should immediately conform to the classroom routine, including group activities like circle time. I did not observe the child-centered, flexible, and individualized approach that is often associated with authentic Montessori education. I also found the communication about my child's experience to be discouraging. Instead of highlighting strengths, curiosity, or opportunities for growth, the feedback felt largely focused on what my child was not doing. Families of children who may need additional support, whether with communication, development, or transitions, should know that this did not feel like an inclusive environment equipped to help children succeed in different ways. If your school advertises individualized education and a Montessori philosophy, families should expect to see those values reflected in practice. Based on my experience, I felt the marketing was misleading and did not accurately represent the classroom environment we observed. I encourage parents to schedule an observation and carefully evaluate whether the school's philosophy aligns with what is actually happening in the classroom before making a decision.

Updated 29AUG2024 in response to administration reply:…read more Once again, they responded with excuses. Every school faces challenges, but what matters is finding solutions and communicating effectively--two things this school fails to do. I advise any parent considering enrolling their children here to be cautious. You'll encounter excuses and empty promises, as the owners seem to care only about money. Ask yourself, "Why are google reviews disabled?" My daughter attended this school for three years, but last year was the most disappointing. This is not a genuine Montessori environment. The owners appear to prioritize profit over providing quality instruction, valuable extracurricular activities, and clear, organized communication. In our experience, they often say one thing and do another, so it's crucial to hold them accountable for their promises. At the start of last year, they hired a new teacher without informing us. This teacher failed to properly notify me when my daughter was sick during class, claiming a birthday party in the classroom was the reason. I ended up moving her to a different class, but near the end of the year, the main teacher in that class was let go, and an assistant either left for vacation or quit entirely. For a full day, a classroom of 23 kids was left under the supervision of just one assistant, and communication about this situation was delayed. Based on our experience, I do not recommend enrolling children in this school for grades 1-3.

We had a daycare close and while at our second daycare (which was good) we got a call from Park…read moreLake. Making the choice to switch to Park Lake was hard, but I'm so glad I did! I trust the staff with our kids and I feel very comfortable with the directors.

When I first looked into park lake there was a waiting list. So, we put our daughters name on the…read morelist and started her at another school due to work demands. Park lake called not too long after letting us know there was an opening. We were very hesitant to switch her schools. The one she was attending was good... but it's amazing what actually a big difference between good and great is. I am glad we made the switch. It was easy too. This school feels more like family...you feel comfortable. You won't feel uneasy asking any question if you need to. Or with anything. They check ids and who is on the actually pick up list if you need to have someone pick up. No one can just wander in the building. They also provide lunches here so she actually eats her lunch and enjoys eating what everyone else is eating (healthy!). She not comparing or not wanting her food if someone else has something different. During this pandemic, they put in place over the top procedures.. to make sure the kids that needed the care during this time were safe and it has been!! They pay attention to all the small things! Communication is excellent. I know what she learns every week, how she is doing, whats happening at the school, etc. The teachers and the staff are all wonderful. Our daughter loves it here. I would drive an extra distance to bring her here. I could go on about this place. It's worth the wait (or the transfer, like we did) if there is a waiting list!! Couldn't be happier.

This has been the best daycare my children have ever attended. The staff is so loving and really…read moreget to know you. I've had 3 children go to this daycare and would recommend them to everyone. They are so trust worthy and loving to my children. When they are at daycare I know they are being taken care of and loved the way they should. My oldest started when she was just 2 and went all the way through vpk. My middle child is currently on the same path. My youngest started at few months shy of 1 years old. This has been the best experience as being a parent and trusting someone to watch your child isn't always the easiest. They also offer an open door policy which I love. A week before thanksgiving they do a eat in day where you get to come in and eat "thanksgiving" with your child in class. They had fun music and fun staff again they make you feel like family when there. 10/10 recommend.

At first I was a bit confused on where to go to pick up my cousin but thankfully the staff wwere…read morevery helpful and made it easy, telling me where to go. Simple and quick. Thank you. The place looks nice too.

We have our son enrolled in their PK4 program and we absolutely love the school and the teachers…read more We first learned about Primrose a few years ago when we lived in Seattle. After visiting several schools back then, I remember telling my wife, "It looks like kids are brighter when they walk out of this school--like they really learned something." That impression has truly held up. The school here is brand new, very clean, organized, and our son absolutely loves it. The teachers are caring and attentive, and we feel confident that our child is in a nurturing environment that encourages both learning and creativity.

Mrs Shawn, Mrs Glorimar and their staff are fantastic. While you're there they become part of your…read morefamily. There's a very low teacher turn around which is always good since they get to build relationships with our little ones. They cared for my now 7 year old for about 4 years and now they are my go-to for my next little one. The prices here are very good being that the offer awesome discount prices if you're a veteran, multiple kids etc. We will keep coming back to la petite and definitely reccomend it to any family searching for great child care

We have joined La Petite twice since my son was 2. They have a great staff that is monitored by…read moreMs. Shawn and as it is a franchise, you can expect consistancy and a clean environment. My son is now 4 and attendes Pre-K that is offered each morning. He enjoys his teacher and their recess area. Pricing I have found to be competitive - the hours are better than the Gingerbread House down the street which helps for working moms. Plus they are accredited.

I am so happy Kiddie Academy of St Cloud opened up in town. Since the day I went on the tour to my…read moreson's time there it's been truly positive. We got a full run down of all their safety procedures, what the curriculum is (even for infants), and how they care for the kids. Plus they also have cameras, and send end of day reports, and have one of the most secure entryways I toured. The process to enroll was also great and I felt like even then they still cared for our family. Once there I can truly see how my son is happy and loves being there. You can tell loves Ms Andrea and everyone at Kiddie academy since he is all smiles when I drop him off. I am so grateful for the peace of mind I have as a first time Mom just returning back to work. - Ana V

My son recently started here and is doing great! They work with him and don't force him to nap if…read morehe doesn't want to. Having a camera for extra assurance that my son is safe is definitely an added bonus. The teachers are very nice and assuring and positive for my son which I really appreciate.