We love Montessori school. Our son is been going there since 18th months old. Is been an amazing experience to see how he grow so happy and full of joy. Already have life skills as small as they are and learning the basic of Maria Montessori! Great teachers, great staff. read more

I can't say enough good things about MCS and the community it fosters. It was our lifeline during the covid pandemic. I can't work from home, so zoom school wasn't an option for us. We started with MCS for that reason (one of the few, if not only, schools offering in-person instruction and childcare). 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. read more

This is a special place. My family has really enjoyed being a part of this school. The teachers are so gifted. If you want to raise kids that love learning and enjoy their time at school, go see MCS. read more

Montessori Center School - Science Fair - Elementary Schools Near Me - Goleta, California

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Our three children are attending MCS and absolutely love it! The teachers are seasoned and teach so much more Han academics. Grace and courtesy is a cornerstone in their classrooms as well as conflict resolution between peers. The teachers know when to encourage a student to do more and when to let them go at their own pace. Here are specialist classes in Physical Ed, Spanish, music and Art. All the children regardless of age go to these Specialist classes. I'm so happy with this school on so many levels; kind staff, professionally run business, community feeling, etc. The Admissions Director is so kind and accommodating for your child's needs when you enroll as well. read more

This place is a gem and you may not realize it until you move somewhere else and cannot find an equivalent. My daughter was in the 18m-3yrs classroom for a year and the impact on her personality, social abilities and understanding of the way the world around her was phenomenal. To this day everyone who meets her is amazed at her level of maturity, creativity and focus. Also the children are taught to be extremely well mannered and taught how to look after themselves as well as others. We perhaps owe this all completely to her teachers and the the well organized school. There are many things unique about this school: - this is an authentically run Montessori with very well trained and practiced Teachers who understand the theories and know how to implement it. (Trust me, this is very hard to find as there are too many "Montessori" schools out there which really aren't true Montessori). - the school facility is large .i.e. Has a huge playground, garden area, multiple play structures and open space, separate library, art hall, conference hall with stage... All these things together greatly enhance a child's learning experience. - Each classroom had its own separate small kids playground attached with a variety of outdoor toys - baking and flower arranging was included along with kids learning Spanish - they practice art vs. crafts. I see this problem in most schools that art is taught as close ended craft projects vs. an open ended interpretation from the child through study of different art techniques. At MCS my daughter was studying Van Gough paintings and coming home with her own version of Starry Night! There is a huge difference between arts and crafts. They did some crafts too like pumpkin decorating etc but most of it was still left to the child's own imagination. - they did not push religion but instead used seasons as themes for holidays which i loved - they potty train! - as a parent you were allowed to be in constant contact with the teachers through emails and regular meetings - very neat and clean classrooms which is extremely important imo - very secure school as each gate has a code - the teachers do home visits to help child get used to the classroom! - there is a car line at drop off - this is a true non-profit... Your child definitely receives more than you pay out in fees due to the generous donors and the open book policy of the management. We miss MCS and strongly recommend this school. We did have to wait for 3 months on the waitlist but it is so worth it. My daughter never cried a single day at school from her first day she loved it and everyday looked forward to it. read more

Montessori Center School - Adorable geniuses sitting in this classroom. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Goleta, California

About 5 years ago, I was looking for not just good but a great school for my son. After I did a thorough research and visited many preschool,I finally found this school,Montessori Center School. I was more than happy and felt relieved. My son is very enthusiastic, very curious,eager to learn things and most specially,he is a happy kid. I am so thankful,that this school cultivated and provided an effective and a happy learning environment for my son. This school continued to developed my son's passion which is the "Love for Learning". He loves going to school. A year later,of course, my 2nd child was enrolled in this school as well. My kids are very opposite in some ways,but they both benefited and love this school as much as we do. Here are few of the many reasons of why I love this school and strongly believed that is the best preschool in the valley: *Different ways but yet an effective strategies of teaching. Like for Math,they are using beads and for writing, they are using a sand and something else. * They let the kids do things like a household chores: slicing vegetables, sweeping/vacuuming the floor,throwing trash,stitching and so many many more. *International Luncheon Day,my favorite school event. *GARDEN- everybody lovessss it. Kids will have a chance to plant,harvest and eat some vegetables. * Mr. & Mrs. Vaz,Ms.Roseanne and the rest of the staff in this school are the reasons of making this school as one of the best preschool. Thank you so much!!!! More power and God bless! read more

Both of my sons have graduated from MCS with a fantastic base of core knowledge, respect for the world and others and a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Now my daughter is there. We wanted our children to have the best first years of school possible and found that MCS meets all our needs and more! We wanted a school that addressed the whole child and was enriching both academically, but also supportive to to their creative-side and their ever expanding imaginations. We wanted them to love school and learning. We wanted a school where academics were taught in a way that our children could really understand. Not just by memorizing things or seeing them as entirely abstract, but a place that shows the deeper connection to these subjects and our natural world. A place that made learning fun and where our kids could really wrap their minds around a subject and stay with it until they get it. MCS also has excellent enrichment programs like Art, Music, Spanish and Physical Education taught by some of the best people I know. The teachers and staff at MCS is just beyond amazing! Montessori learning is a philosophy that utilizes sensory learning and that was key to us. We all learn in different ways and this program helps support this uniqueness. Most of all we wanted our children to be loved and grow in a caring, respectful and kind place. There is also a fantastic community of families at MCS and we have made so many close friends over the years. Getting involved in the many volunteer activities has been one of the best things I've ever been a part of as an adult.No matter what your schedule there are many avenues in which to get connected and involved. It's all been really fun, successful and rewarding. From pre-school to 6th grade, MCS is a fabulous start for your child. Each class has a garden, and stations within the classroom for sensory learning. Every class is unique and special. Each teacher is highly trained and specialized in Montessori learning and philosophy. If you walk into any classroom you will find all the children are calm, quiet, courteous, and engaged in a learning activity. It's a powerful thing to witness. So, my rating for MCS tops. read more

Great place, location, my sons went here, staff means well for most part, a few improvements could be made, but still worthwhile

I've been extremely pleased with the way that my children have grown and developed while at Montessori Center School. The teachers, staff and other parents all strive to make the school a community and I'm glad that we chose MCS. Our children have truly developed a love of learning. read more

Our daughter started at MCS when she was 2 years old in the "pre-primary" class and has now moved up to the "primary" classroom for ages 3-6. We could not be happier with what she is learning in terms of reading, science, art, Spanish, social interactions with other kids and adults, sports, fine and gross motor skills, communication, etc. The kids learn and grow every single day and have a great time at school. The learning methodology is well-grounded in research. The school is a beautiful and loving place where somehow all the teachers know all the kids' names! The teachers are amazing professionals and provide great learning opportunities and preparation for success in life. The teachers make this a great school and life experience for the kids. We have also enjoyed the community and social aspects of the school and expect to enjoy it even more as our daughter gets older. read more

The Montessori teachers have made my child go from enjoying academics to not enjoying going to school. We had decided to change to another school, the school teachers decided to send the worst recommendation, to keep my child from changing schools. Highly recommend not putting your children in a school where the teacher's have lost the passion to teach and try to hold their kids back, just so they can recieve another pay check. read more

After a long search and tours of many schools in the area, eight years ago, we enrolled our oldest son at Montessori Center School in the pre-primary program (for toddlers). Every year, we have been so impressed with the school, the teachers, the nurturing and positive social environment, and the world-class educational environment, that each year we have re-enrolled, and our oldest is now in the 4th grade. We also subsequently enrolled (as they become old enough) each of our other three children, and now we have all four at the school. Many people are not familiar with the Montessori method, which emphasizes hands-on learning, use of materials, and moving the children at their own pace through the work in a positive environment Many of the children here are quite exceptional, and it's no wonder than the students that come here are often the children of accomplished professionals and university professors, people that have a high standard for their children's educational environment. The student-teacher ratios are very favorable, with two teachers in each class. There are many choices of private schools in Santa Barbara, as well as good public school options. My wife and I have made ourselves very familiar and knowledgeable about each one of the other options, and have asked ourselves - where would our children get the best education, and the best experience to prepare them for life, and to feel positive about themselves and learning. Each year it's been an obvious choice - continue the exceptional educational and social experience that each one is having at Montessori Center School. My recommendation to anyone who is considering different schools is to take a tour of MCS. It will be pretty obvious to you when you go into the classroom. read more

My wife and I feel so blessed and lucky that we choose Montessori Center School for pre-primary when our twins were 22 months old. The are now in their fourth year at MCS and I already know that it will be a bittersweet day about eight years from now when they graduate. MCS is really like their second home. The teachers and administration are all so smart and caring. Take it from me, if you are looking for a school for your toddler to elementary age child, you will be thankful later if you choose MCS! read more

I cannot say enough good things about this school. It is a second home to my two boys. They both started at the school since they were 18 months old and have thrived under Montessori philosophy. All the teachers are exceptionally professional, caring and sensitive to the needs of the kids. Additionally, the community of parents is amazing. I love this school and would encourage everyone to take a tour of this beautiful place. read more

Montessori Center School demonstrates an extremely thoughtful and highly effective approach to education. I toured many schools in Santa Barbara in search of a school that would give my 4 yr old daughter the absolute best opportunity to thrive emotionally, intellectually, socially, and academically and this is where my search ended. The school puts in the necessary care and attention to give children what they need to succeed in all areas. Respect and independence are at the cornerstone of their mission. The children feel enthusiastic to learn and take ownership and pride for their work (and choices). They are also very focused, independent, and mindful of their choices and explore their unique individual creativity with freedom and purposeful curiosity. My 4 year old is strong willed and sensitive so I wanted to make sure I chose a school that would successfully give her the necessary tools to tap into her love for learning (rather than work against it). She loves being at school where she is constantly learning what she chooses to learn, and it is always changing because the teachers are excellent seasoned Montessori experts who know how to properly expose the children to various Montessori approved activities and materials. Socially she feels a sense of belonging, acceptance, respect, and social confidence. The teachers are highly sensitive to guiding the children towards healthy social interactions and involve the children in discussions involving empathy, effective problem solving and conflict resolution. Academically my daughter loves teaching me all that she has learned in school - and it is so sophisticated! She teaches me about the continents, Spanish, music (and famous composers), math concepts, science, word work, and so much more that is beyond what I ever expected her to learn at such a young age. I am extremely impressed with the school! Montessori Center provides children with boundaries and expectations that make sense to them and they really thrive to their highest potential appreciating the process and loving the learning process. The education that my daughter has received at MCS is knowledge that will stay with her forever and will inspire her creativity and imagination. She connects with the learning and feels good about it. When she "teaches" me about what she has learned at school she shares the information with sincere excitement and confidence. I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about the school. Education doesn't get any better than Montessori Center School. I highly recommend this school to all parents that want the best education for their child. read more