Foothill Progressive Montessori is a truly exceptional school that we have had the honor of sending…read moreour daughter to for the last two and a half years. Run by Ms. Kanthi and staffed by a truly excellent array of teachers, including Ms. Chrissy, Ms. Kim, and Ms. Fatema, Progressive has been instrumental in the growth and development of our daughter from age 3 to 5. With the guidance of Progressive, our daughter gained admission to our first choice private school, and one of the most competitive schools in the state. Over the years we have come to deeply value the warm, thoughtful environment of the school. Birthdays are truly special occasions frequented by princesses and superheroes, exceptional art is made with the guidance of teachers, and the educational rigor is unmatched. With the dedicated guidance of Ms. Fatema, our now 5 year old daughter can read, write, and do basic arithmetic at the level of a late Kindergartener, winning the admiration of family, friends, and admissions directors alike. Just as important, Progressive has allowed our daughter to find her voice, speak up and give her opinion, and instill her with a level of confidence that wows everyone around her. While perhaps less well known than other preschools that profess to be "feeders" for the competitive Pasadena private school scene (and who charge accordingly), Foothill Progressive is exceptional in that it stands not on a name, but the merits of its teachers and genuine commitment to the success of its students. Our daughter's success is proof that this is what truly matters. Thank you, Progressive Montessori, for everything you have done for our daughter and family. You deserve nothing less than our highest recommendation and we encourage all parents in La Canada, Pasadena, and Altadena to join your wonderful community.

We absolutely LOVE Foothill Progressive Montessori School. Our kids have been at this school since…read more2022, and I was a student 1997-1999. Ms. Kanthi was my teacher and now she owns the same school and teaches my kids! She is absolutely amazing! All of the staff are incredible. Ms. Fatema, Ms. Chrissy, Ms. Kim, Ms. Sumudu, Ms. Raquel, Ms. Angelica, Ms. Hazmik. Literally every single one of them. All of them treat the kids as if they were their own, so much love and patience with the kids. My kids love going to school and they actually get excited about learning. Ms. Fatema's science class has been amazing in instilling a love for learning for our oldest child. We can't wait for our other kids to take Ms. Fatema's science class and Ms. Kim's science class. My oldest is definitely ready for kindergarten solely because of Ms. Fatema. The school has great hours for working parents from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Hot lunch is available for an additional fee. The school goes all out for all of the holidays and graduation. There are lots of opportunities for parent involvement should you want to be involved. The environment is screen-free and true to the Montessori method.

My daughter was very close to her previous preschool teacher at another school, so we initially…read morethought the transition to Flintridge Montessori would be difficult for her. However, Ms. Joyce and Ms. Melo in Room One made her feel comfortable and welcomed from the very beginning, and she adjusted much more quickly than we expected. The entire staff was also incredibly supportive and caring throughout the process. At one point, there was an after-school program that did not meet the expectations of us parents, but the Head of School recognized the issue immediately and took action to discontinue it. That experience reassured us that everyone at the school genuinely prioritizes the well-being of the children above all else.

We've had such a positive experience at Flintridge Montessori so far. From the beginning, it was…read moreclear that this is a high-quality school with experienced, nurturing, and organized teachers who genuinely care about the children. My daughter adores all the teachers. One thing that really stands out is the communication. The school is very responsive and consistent with emails and updates, which gives parents a lot of peace of mind. They also offer enriching extracurricular activities including violin and piano lessons, Chinese classes, soccer, and dance, which has made the experience even more well-rounded for our daughter. Our daughter has learned and grown so much since attending Flintridge Montessori. At only four years old, she can already read, do math, and even knows her flags. Seeing how excited she is to learn makes us happy as parents. We've had a wonderful experience and plan on enrolling our younger son there as well.

This year marks our 8th year at MCMS, and it has truly been a wonderful experience for our family…read more My son graduated from 6th grade, and my daughter is currently in her 5th year here as a 4th grader. Over the years, we've had the privilege of working with some incredible teachers--Ms. Armand (retired), Mr. Bell, Ms. Lewis and Ms. Haddadin in particular have been absolutely amazing and have made a lasting impact on our children. The teachers at this school are warm, caring, and genuinely invested in each student's growth. The curriculum is also excellent. When my son moved on to high school, he was very advanced in math and well-prepared academically, which speaks volumes about the quality of education here. Ms. Lee, the administrator, deserves special recognition. She is kind, compassionate, approachable, and deeply dedicated to the students and families she serves. Her leadership reflects genuine care, strong communication, and a thoughtful, steady presence that helps create a positive and supportive school environment. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to thrive. Another thing we deeply appreciate is the strong and close-knit community. There is a real sense of connection among families, staff, and students. I especially love that there is a parent-led prayer gathering every Monday, where parents come together to pray for the school, teachers, and students. It's a meaningful way to stay involved and spiritually connected. Overall, this school has been an amazing blessing to our family. In the 8 years we've been here, we've had no major issues--only positive experiences. If you are looking for a Christian school for your children, I highly recommend this one.

As a stay at home mom, I was apprehensive about sending my first kiddo to preschool. MCMS has been…read morean incredibly nurturing place. My preschool aged son has been attending MCMS for 1.5 years and the school has been nothing but a dream! Love that they are a faith-based school and adhere to Christian values. The teachers are so incredibly attentive, warm, and genuinely kind. My son is thriving in his class and literally asks me on weekends to go to school. I could not think of a better environment for little ones to flourish and lay the foundation for their educational growth and personal & social development!

Dear Bright Future Montessori Team,…read more As a full-time working mother, I cannot thank the staff at this facility enough. I have been with Bright Future Montessori for five years, starting from the very first day of my firstborn's preschool journey. I now have three children enrolled here--one in the infant room, one in the toddler room, and my oldest graduating this year--and I couldn't be happier. My children are always excited to be dropped off and often want to stay as long as possible. The daily activities and educational programs are wonderful. Most recently, they came home with goodie bags from the egg hunt, and the photos Susie shared of the event truly made my day. I want to specifically thank the owners for creating such a happy childhood environment and providing these precious moments for my family. The kids are already looking forward to the summer program; they love the variety of activities, from pool days to cooking and planting. Thank you to all the teachers for the genuine kindness and care you show to every child.

As a mom who had to go back to work early after having my babies, I was extremely nervous about…read moreputting them into daycare--especially at such a young age. I toured several places before finally choosing Bright Future Montessori, and I'm so grateful that I did. Both of my children started here at just four months old, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've made for them. One of the first things that stood out to me was the director, Ms. Suzie. She is always incredibly responsive whenever I have a question or concern, and she is so approachable and easy to talk to. That level of communication gave me so much peace of mind. What has truly kept us here for the past 4 1/2 years, though, is the amazing team of teachers. My oldest has already gone through four different classrooms, and every single teacher has been kind, patient, and genuinely caring. They treat the children as if they were their own, and that means everything to me as a parent. My kids absolutely love going to school. Every day they run in and hug their teachers, and that alone reassures me that they feel safe, happy, and loved. It has made such a difference in easing the guilt that comes with dropping them off. I highly recommend Bright Future Montessori to any parent looking for a nurturing, loving, and supportive environment where their children will truly be cared for.

We are so incredibly grateful for our daughter's experience at the International Montessori Academy…read more(IMA) in Pasadena. We simply cannot recommend this school enough! Our daughter was in Ms. Kenia and Ms. Citlally's class, and the growth we've witnessed has been remarkable. She has learned so much while at IMA, from essential manners to grasping the basics of how to read. Key Highlights of IMA: Exceptional Teachers and Staff: Ms. Kenia and Ms. Citlally, along with the entire staff, are truly loving, warm, and caring. The environment they cultivate is exactly what we had hoped for. A special thank you to Ms. Susie and Ms. Ivy for their dedication and kindness. Enriching Afterschool Program: We were very impressed with the breadth of their afterschool offerings, which included wonderful exposure to Spanish, Mandarin, and Yoga. Outstanding Communication: One thing we truly appreciate is how great IMA is at communicating with parents. This clear and proactive communication made us feel connected and informed every step of the way. We are truly sad to be leaving IMA. It is a fantastic place for children to learn, grow, and thrive in a warm and nurturing setting. Thank you again to the wonderful teachers and staff!

My daughter had her last day at IMA this past week, a bittersweet finale to our IMA history. Both…read moreof our kids attended the school and we have been part of the family for 8 years. It has been a wonderful place for our kids to learn and develop, and we kept them at IMA through their kindergarten/"leadership" year. We're so happy we did, and both kids entered their first grade year with confidence when they moved to their elementary school. The teachers and administrators are wonderful, and there was very little (if any) turnover while we were there, which made our experience even better. Our son's teachers were also our daughter's when she attended. We speak highly of the school to all of our parent-friends in the area and always encourage a visit when they're looking to start their child's school journey. We loved our experience and feel our kids were well prepared going into their new schools.

LCMS is a wonderful school that has done and is doing wonders for my 2 children. My son attended…read morethe school from 2021-2023. The small classes allowed my son to learn in a classroom with a low student to teacher ratio and in an environment that allowed him to learn at a flexible pace. By 4yrs old, my son was reading, writing, adding single digits, sorting, identifying shapes, and creating art pieces. My daughter currently attends the school and since my son left the school, LCMS added a cooking class, Spanish class, yoga, hands-on science class, gardening, and soccer for the kids. In short, they added more programs to provide a well-rounded learning experience. The teachers are nurturing, encouraging, and kind. I believe they set my children up for success academically and have their overall development as a top priority. No two experiences will be alike as there is no such thing as a perfect school. If you are considering the school for your child/children, tour the school for yourself and don't let my review or any other review for that matter influence your own decision.

This school is apparently getting negative reviews removed because my recent review about my son…read morebeing physically assaulted in this establishment is no longer here. They're also getting a flood of new five star reviews to bury mine, which just speaks to their transparency and honesty (or lack thereof). Before deciding to enroll here, please visit the CDSS website and search for their facility no. 198021594. My son was pinched and bruised and there was a CDSS investigation on the matter (SUBSTANTIATED, see CDSS website). In addition, they're doing a nice facelift of the outside of the facility while their roofs are leaking and they had buckets in my child's classroom to catch the water. Maybe a mold inspection is in their future. CDSS also substantiated that claim. My son came home with all manner of bug bites from this school. They advertise cameras in the facility to make you feel safe, but in reality the Director "doesn't know how to use the cameras" and later flat out refused to provide footage unless legally required. Then the owner promised to provide footage and still hasn't. Please do your research before enrolling your child, there is no shortage of preschools in the area. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME WRITING THIS REVIEW SINCE THE FIRST WAS REMOVED.

We have loved this school. Our son began at age 2 and just graduated. The teachers genuinely care…read moreabout the children and are happy to see them. The director, Zara, is amazing- caring, communicative and prompt to respond with any questions or challenges that arise. The classroom sizes are small, the lunch that is served is healthy and unprocessed. We feel that our son's quirky, unique spirit has been honored and he is thriving, thanks to this school. We are sad to move on!..... but, we also feel he is well prepared for the next steps and this school has made him excited to learn and do new things. Highly recommend.

Both of our sons attended NextGen's Preschool and TK programs, and we couldn't be more grateful…read more The curriculum is thoughtful and intentional--blending hands-on science experiments, early math, early literacy with letter and sound recognition, music, and story time. Their curriculum builds confidence, curiosity, and joy, and our boys came home excited to share what they learned. NextGen sparked in both of them a deep love for learning, creating, and exploring. They learned how to express and advocate for themselves, respect others' space, and understand that everything--from routines to rules--has a purpose. We also truly appreciated the warm family community we've gotten to know over the years--many, like us, returning to enroll younger siblings. NextGen set a strong foundation for our kids to be successful in their next chapter--we see this in our eldest son who is still thriving as a second grader. Thank you, Zara and the amazing team, for creating such a beautiful and inspiring place.

Ms Rebecca, Mr Alex, and the whole Whiting Woods staff were the perfect people for both of our…read morekids' first daycare experiences. Everybody was so wonderful and empathetic and understanding and they really helped our children learn and blossom. We felt that our kids were really paid attention to with a kindness and individual focus that fostered the early childhood developmental skills that they needed. Our whole family is very appreciative of our little ones' time there.

This review is long overdue! My husband and I are both teachers so we had very high expectations…read morewhen looking for a preschool for our 3 year old son. Not only that, but he had severe food allergies so we wanted to feel comfortable sending him to a school where they took them seriously. Rebecca made sure his allergies were posted for ALL teachers to see, double checked when doing any cooking projects, and always had an alternative option for him so he didn't feel excluded. As soon as I knew I was pregnant, we knew we wanted to put our second child on the waitlist. When my daughter was of preschool age, we enrolled her even a year earlier than my son, at 2 years old. She would send us pictures and keep us updated about the school day. She went for 2 years is now in TK, and more prepared than ever (and miles ahead academically and socially) because of Rebecca, Alex and her caring teachers. We had formal teacher conferences twice a year with a detailed report so we knew exactly what we needed to work on both academically and socially. WW had a great balance of crafts/projects, focusing on social emotional needs, academics, and teaching them practical life skills. She even brought in animals for a petting zoo for the children which my daughter still talks about years later! Not only were both my children overly prepared for TK, Rebecca, Alex and her team created a family environment for the parents and inclusive for the students. There were family potluck events and playdates monthly scheduled. If you want an intimate setting (home-based) but with "larger" school expectations, Whiting Woods is THE best of both worlds.

The teachers are great. My daughter loves to be there. She is going there for almost 2.5 years. She…read moreis having food allergy. Teachers took that very seriously and always ask us before they offer any food to our daughter. We are grateful to Pennsylvania Avenue Montessori staffs. Wishing best of luck to them.

My daughter went here for a little less than a year and started when she was 22 months. Her…read moreteachers Ms. Maritza and Ms. Lara are the sweetest, kindest teachers. They are both loving and really care about the kids and their responsibility as caretakers for our precious angels. I really appreciate the regular updates on my daughter on the ClassDojo app. My daughter loves her teachers and her classmates so much. Whenever I would drop her off or pick her up, she was happy and excited to go to school. Ms. Sondra (the director) is responsive and communicative. A few notes for other parents: They give snacks but no meals. They offer hot lunch for $6/day; They do not charge extra for diapering; Their summer school is filled with fun activities and water play once a week; They offer a fun and interactive dance class on Thursdays; Their outdoor play areas are filled with toys, bikes, playground equipment, including swings for babies and toddlers; Almost every holiday they make it special occasion for the kids and parents. My daughter is going to a dual language school next month, but we will sincerely miss Pennsylvania Ave. Montessori.