Coming from another Montessori elementary school in Vancouver, the Earth School is a breath of…read morefresh air - it is what every Montessori/private school should be! There are 4 Lower El classrooms (1st-3rd), 3 Upper El (4th-6th) with plans for another, and the Middle School (really a Jr. High) with 50+ kids. In making my decision to transition during the school year January 2015, we were allowed a trial day for my boys to take part in the classrooms. My 5th grader stated that he learned more in the one trial day than he did in a week at his other school. My suspicions were confirmed and the decision was made to change schools. (We also tested the Gardner School, which was way too easy). My son was obviously right - his testing went from mediocre on the MSP at the old school to 85% on the Stanford 10, with 5 of the 12 categories at "post-high school level" and 4 at high school level. This in less than 14 months. There was no emphasis on test-taking - the education was simply that much better. His new teacher Gladys Munoz shows an interest and engagement with him that was lacking at least in conferences with his former upper el teacher, and reminiscent of the passion his lower el teacher Tami O'Kinsella had for him. Another difference was the clearly articulated plan with achievable goals that Gladys created for and communicated not just to me but to my son as well. She modeled a belief in his ability to achieve the standards she sets for him. I believe she does this for all of her students. So how do you know if a private school is living up to what is it supposed to be? Without standardized minimum expectations for academics or actually seeing the children interact in different environments to know how they handle bullying and other social problems, how does a parent know? Specifically, how do you know whether a Montessori school is successfully implementing a Montessori curriculum? There is Montessori teacher certification, but you need more than that (yes, there are horrible Montessori-certified teachers out there just like any profession). There is Montessori school certification by AMI and that would be best, but is expensive and limiting to the school and therefore not all Montessori schools apply for it. School management is the key. The Head of School must have the experience, training, and aptitude to manage, delegate, guide, motivate, and correct when necessary. She must have an ability to mentor the teachers, spot problems/weaknesses before they blow up, create a plan for improvement, and then follow that plan. If he/she does not have the training and experience, AND aptitude then she cannot support your teacher. This requires experience and training teaching the higher level classrooms or beyond so she can understand what a properly functioning classroom looks like and what type of support teachers need. If the Head of School does not have those tools, she might still be able to support the staff if she has great management skills - she would need to use outside consultants on a regular basis, but she needs the skills to follow through with the consultant's recommendations. Otherwise, you as the parent are left to rely on luck to get a great teacher. Our prior school did have great teachers, but but my boys drew the dud cards. The Earth School has an experienced Head of School who is accountable to her higher-ups and has decades of school management behind her. She seeks her customers' input. She has great hiring skills and the staff is experienced and top notch. Sister Therese is constantly seeking ways to improve the school and attends parent forums to here concerns and suggestions yet can firmly let you know the current priorities. As my mother said "Franciscan nuns run a tight ship!" She was right and they do it kindly, firmly and with love. So, what should you hear from a prospective teacher? You need to hear her/him discuss how they will be creating a plan for your child and the steps to follow that plan. You need to see that teacher be excited to find out about your child and how they will assess your child. You need to watch that teacher "follow the child', i.e., listen to your child, ask probing questions, patiently await the answer. In the case of my preschooler, the teacher literally followed him, allowing him to go first and point things out and ask questions. Good luck in your quest. The Montessori philosophy is amazing and needed in this world. Our Montessori schools will create the entrepeneurs of tomorrow! http://blogs.wsj.com/ideas-market/2011/04/05/the-montessori-mafia/

We have now been at this school for three years and we could not be happier. We left our…read moreneighborhood school mid-year because our son was being bullied and despite numerous conversations with his teacher, the counselor, and the principal little to nothing was done. When I picked our son up from his shadow day at FMES, he said it was the best day of his life. Within a week he was more joyful than he'd ever been at our neighborhood school. Three years later, he has some of the sweetest friends and is the happiest I've ever seen him. This past weekend (end of spring break) he said he was missing school because he is really enjoying math. Our younger son has ADHD and is also thriving. The options and flexibility really work well for him. FMES feels different from the moment you walk through the door. It's a very warm and welcoming community. Having taught special education in public schools for twelves years it was tough for us to make the decision to switch but we could not be happier. The love and care our children receive at FMES protects their innocence and joy, giving them a wonderful childhood.

I hired some of these sitters to watch my children early in the mornings. Bunch of college kids who…read morethink it's entertaining to go through other peoples things and cause chaos... not all of them were this way, but I have never dealt with such childish behavior in adults before.

I would avoid this agency if at all humanly possible. I was in a situation where I desperately…read moreneeded a reliable nanny and saw their name mentioned on a Nextdoor post. When I contacted them, they were kind and assured me they would find someone who would be the "perfect fit" for our family. But I soon found out that dealing with this company is like communicating with a bunch of flaky college roommates. It was one disappointment after another-- offering me nannies that were actually not available for the days/times we needed, not getting back to me, etc. This is an added stress you definitely do NOT need when trying to find a trustworthy caregiver for your kids. Not only did they not find someone for me, but they haven't checked in once to see if I'm still looking. So much for finding that perfect fit. I ended up finding someone through care.com. I wish I avoided College Nannies and Tutors from the start!

These guys are really great! Good tutors. They helped us with mathematics. Would recommend.read more

I used the tutor service 4 math High School level for my daughter. The Tudor was very accommodating…read moreand communicated very well with scheduling and any changes necessary. Helped my daughter a lot with understanding or math homework.

Morgan Rich runs an amazing coaching program for youth in the Portland area. He is the most…read morecaring and talented mentor that I have ever met. He knows how to connect with youth of all backgrounds and fully invests himself in there success. If your child needs help in any area please call him right away. Your children deserve all the best in life to help them move forward in positive and profound ways.

From the owner: We prepare our young people for their quest to discover and deliver their unique gifts!read more

Terrible college coaching assistance, basically a giant waste of time. This place basically just…read moretries to lower parents' expectations by saying any top tier college is a "reach" or "lottery," and then doesn't provide any actual effective strategies to game the system. Why would parents drop 10 grand on a service that basically only amounts to hand holding through the admissions process? From the beginning we were told our son should be "realistic" in his expectations, and that it was a waste of time to apply to schools like UCLA or UMich. Well he got into both after we fired these useless grifters. Any kids that get in to the top schools were probably going to get in anyway. I'm paying extra money to give my kid an unfair advantage. It's not like we were looking for Rick Singer, but c'mon.

Coached into my Dream School Results: $120,000 in…read morescholarships, 8/9 acceptance letters. "You're writing is superb!" "You are writing at a college level!" "Articulate and well-informed." Not to boast, but my high school teachers were pleased with my writing. University admission officers are not evaluating a class of 30's essays, but faceless pools of applicants numbering in the thousands. Writing in such a way that catches those readers attention is Jodi's bread and butter. On a personal note, she listened to what I wanted from my college experience and gave me every piece of advice I needed in order to gain admittance (with fantastic scholarships to boot!). As any senior applying to multiple colleges will find, you lose yourself in writing dozens of essays explaining how much you love their institution. When I narrowed it down to my Top 2, the choice was clear, but I couldn't see it. Jodi led me through a visualization exercise that clarified the months of work I had done; I confidently made my final choice and could not have been happier with my college experience. College isn't cheap, but it is a crucial investment in your future. College Admission Coach is not cheap either, but it is worth every penny in order to make sure you're presenting your best self to the college of your dreams (and earning valuable scholarships in the process).

My daughter joined the Elementary program at age 6 after enjoying several years at another…read moreMontessori preschool. The transition was very smooth and now in her 3rd year there, she's still doing wonderfully. The community (parents, administration, teachers, support staff) are all relaxed and intelligent people that clearly love and value children. The Montessori philosophy and learning environments are authentic and beloved by the children. There's plenty of interaction between the children and the outdoors, with fun interactive garden experiences and an interesting outdoor play area. Tuition is the same as most other Montessori schools, and they offer before and after care, and plenty of opportunities for parents to volunteer. Good times!

Here is a haiku about Puddletown: Perfect, wonderful…read more and exciting just as well you should join right now! I joke, but it really is an amazing school. I have attended for 9 years and the community, the experiences and the curriculum are all great. Please enroll in the middle school program there so I am not a lonely 8th grader next year... - A Puddletown Student

Scott and Patty have a wealth of experience in the area of training, leadership growth, and…read moreassessments. I left their training with tools that I was able to use immediately in my business. I love that they are able to customize training for companies! I am looking forward to using their business again and again.

From the owner: All companies faces challenges, no matter the size, scope or industry. That's simply a part of…read morebusiness. But when the right people are in place, they not only can overcome them, they can propel their organizations to heights they never dreamed of. At Centrixity, we don't just train people. We help them reach beyond themselves. We help them become the center of your success. We provide the best training for you to help your business and develop tools such as employee assessment tests, manager evaluations assessments, employee evaluations, employee surveys and also any employee development tools. We also help you during your hiring process so you can develop applicant assessments.

Such amazing service! Justin showed up early, which was very much appreciated. He made sure my…read moreelderly MIL knew what she was signing. He was efficient, kind and empathetic toward an elderly woman facing an immense life change - moving from her home of decades, to an assisted living facility in another state. The charge was much less than expected, and worth twice the price.

These guys are very straight forward and professional. Justin explained everything about the…read moreinternational apostille service I needed for some documents for a teaching job in Colombia. It was all complicated and new to me, but he patiently walked me through the entire process. Excellent service throughout!

I have attended Maitripa's Thursday night teachings with Yangsi Rinpoche, participated in their…read moreDiscovering Buddhism Series, attended Sunday morning meditation, and just attended their conflict resolution workshop that is one of the best workshops I've taken part in during my 13-year stay in Portland. The Maitripa community members are wonderful, inviting, and helpful people. The content of the public programs have proven very useful in social work within underserved communities. In other Buddhist communities, I have felt pushed and judged. I have felt nothing but comfort and acceptance at Maitripa. It is refuge in every sense of the word. I look forward to more involvement and participation at the College, and I encourage others who are curious to open their hearts and minds to all of the jewels Maitripa has to offer.

This young college has developed into a phenomenal resource and learning community for students…read moreseeking to start or further their education in compassion, service and meditation through the lens of a time tested Buddhist lineage. This college also draws talented individuals for events year after year, including HH The Dalai Lama just this past spring. Though it has a few kinks to smooth out as it grows, this college deserves a more accurate review: FACT CHECK: 1. Maitripa college is not so simply "un-accredited" as in another review. It is authorized through the state of Oregon to give Master's Degrees, and its involved in the multi-year process of moving toward full "regional" accreditation, (there is no such thing as "National") which will then allow students to apply for federal grants, federal student loans etc. They do offer very significant scholarships to assist students in the meantime. There is much value in this degree, and the multiple references to the college being "un-accredited" are somewhat misleading. If you are considering going to Maitripa for a Masters, then onward for another degree (Ph.d) or certification, as them if the Maitripa credits will transfer. Its highly likely they will. As stated on their website: "Maitripa Institute received legal authority in July 2008 from the State of Oregon to offer graduate degrees in Buddhist Studies. This approval means that Maitripa is now a College, and that its program courses are available for college credit. Maitripa is currently offering a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies and a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) degree. This achievement is the first step towards regional accreditation." 2. The other warning that "these folks are missionaries" is not accurate from my experiences as a student over the last 3+ years, and surely this must have been based on a small sample audience that reviewer interacted with. Some people react differently to religious and spiritual teachers and teachings, and can often make things weird, with attempts to proselytize despite the fact that this tradition specifically instructs students against such behavior. Neither I, nor my friends have experienced a missionary vibe overall when taking classes or attending events at Maitripa. I have indeed experienced that type of environment of conversion before, but not so far at Maitripa. 3. Maitripa is a school based on Mahayana Buddhism: Mahayana philosophy, mediation, service, logic, and debate are the primary focus of the courses. They are not offering degrees in comparative religion, though some dialogue is always welcome in that area. Though "comparative thought" is certainly valued, is not the core focus of most classes, and those classes are not advertised as such, to my knowledge. However, the events have included teachers and professionals from diverse backgrounds, coming to share their expertise and opinions, and engage in constructive dialogue. These guests and teachers have included: neuroscientists, environmentalists, writers, psychologists and more... Maitripa's core is Mahayana Buddhism, but it is certainly open and engaged with the wider religious, scientific and academic communities. As for the online program, I believe it has been partially put on hold (I just checked the website), though I would confirm that directly with the college.