It pains me to leave this review as we have just completed our 4th year at Young Minds and it is…read moretime for our son to go to kinder. We will miss the teachers, Jordan, Tanya, and Indu tremendously but will be forever grateful for the care and instruction they have provided to our family. In our current culture, where educational systems are pressured to meet the ridiculous and non age appropriate academic standards, it was non negotiable that our child was able to be a child. He has plenty of time to be pressured. The Montessori Work provides the true school readiness at my child's pace. Increasing his focus, self regulation, intentionality, task completion, and an understanding of the world around him. Not the rote memorization of letters and numbers that are as meaningless as us memorizing Mandarin characters when done inappropriately. There is definitely the introduction of these objectives, but they aren't pushed on the students who aren't socially ready to absorb the content. The teachers follow the student lead and support their academic readiness when students show the signs that they are ready. Kindly and appropriately challenging students by meeting them where they are at. I could write a novel about how this school has supported my child's social/emotional and academic well being. I will leave it with the fact that I have been in early education and public K-12 education for nearly 20 years. We need more schools like Young Minds who truly tend to student social, emotional, and academic readiness to inspire the foundation of life long love of learning.

Our daughter went here for 4 years and it was the best experience! The staff is wonderful and there…read morewas very little turn over. Most of the teachers and directors were there from the day she started. She loved going to school and came out more than prepared for Kinder. She made friends, learned to be independent and you can tell that the teachers and directors really love what they do. I would give a million stars if I could!

I absolutely love this school. We have been part of the school since it practically opened w my…read morefirst daughter and now with our second daughter. We have gone through all the changes and know they are only bettering the organization. My girls have loved all the teachers they have had in the past with the opportunity to Be taught by them. We love all the office staff as they work hard to better the school community and treat us like family. They are always accommodating. I have a needy child and they still show her the love and support as they did w my first daughter but more. I can't imagine life without their love and support during this hard time the world has gone through but especially with the challenges my family has gone through. Thank you

I am truly saddened by the direction this school has taken The past 4-5 months…read more Since the change in management, I have seen a drastic decline in the overall experience. Many of the long-tenured teachers and administrative staff who had been with the school for 5+ years are no longer there, and the turnover has been very noticeable. The environment and approach feel completely different from what originally made this school such a wonderful place. If you are specifically looking for an authentic Montessori environment, I would strongly encourage you to do your research before enrolling here. Based on my experience, the school no longer reflects the Montessori philosophy and standards that initially attracted us. The changes in staff and classroom approach have been extremely disappointing. There was a child left outside for 10 minutes unattended and footage deleted. I feel horrible for not only the parents but this precious child. I cannot imagine how scary that must've been. There have also been ongoing plumbing issues, including situations where the school has had to shut down because of backed-up toilets in classrooms. We received an $50 for the week. yikes! Over the past six or more months, I have also noticed a persistent mildew/musty and unpleasant smell throughout the school. Unfortunately, the facility simply does not feel as clean or well-maintained as it once did. It genuinely hurts to leave this review because I once had such a positive opinion of this school and would have gladly recommended it. However, the changes over the past several months have been significant, and I can no longer recommend it to other families. I sincerely hope the school addresses the staffing, cleanliness, maintenance, and overall management concerns because there was once something very special here. As things stand today, though, I would recommend families consider other options.

it is soooo good my kid have learned a lot from the school and also he said the school makes him…read morereally ha and the teachers are so nice to him

Reed Elementary is a truly special school…read more We discovered the school because of the Gómez & Gómez Dual Language program and the more we learned about Reed the more we liked it. The campus is well-maintained and beautiful (with a yard full of bluebonnets!) The student population is wonderfully diverse. The talented and caring staff and leadership are the best anyone could hope for. We moved and built a new home specifically to be in the zone for Reed. Our daughter's kindergarten experience was absolutely awesome, and the teachers made an incredibly good first impression on our entire family. We were all amazed by how quickly the kids picked up a second language and were able to jump right into conversation with others at the playground. We had unexpectedly opened up our daughter to a new world of cultural experiences, and more importantly, great friends. This early experience set the stage for many good things to follow. The other subjects are taught just as effectively as Language Arts. Math and Science are delivered in an interesting and fast-paced way that really clicks with our kid and others in her classes. "Specials" are a big highlight. The selection of books in the library, both English and Spanish, is great! The musical and dance opportunities in Performing Arts are amazing, from concerts throughout the school year to unique events like a special performance at the State Capital. The fundamentals that the kids are taught in Visual Arts provide an excellent foundation for future growth in drawing, painting, and understanding of color. The art projects our daughter brings home, and more importantly, creates completely on her own while AT home using her new and improving skills, are wildly impressive. Physical Education is also a favorite, with exposure to activities and sports that would have blown me away as a kid. And Running Club!! Everyone LOVES Running Club! After struggling with reading, our daughter was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. The school provides special accommodations for these challenges. The amazing 504 team has been able to keep her learning along with her classmates and actually enjoying reading and writing, something that never happened for me as a kid. Our child's education is our top priority, and time and time again, we are convinced that we made the right choice with Reed Elementary.

Inside Outside School has been such a blessing for our family. Our kindergartener describes it…read morebest: "My favorite thing is that the weather is perfect there and we get to play outside all of the time. I also like that our classes have rainbow centers." This school has truly transformed the way our tender-hearted, introverted daughter feels about education. She used to dread school every single day, but now she cries when it's time to leave. The nurturing environment, emphasis on outdoor play, and creative learning spaces like the "rainbow centers" have made her feel so safe, happy, and excited to learn. We couldn't be more grateful to the teachers and staff for creating such a magical, supportive experience for her. Inside Outside School is a place where children truly thrive.

We LOVE the Inside Outside School! I have been following the school since it's opening year, and as…read morean educator (former public school teacher), I love the blend of academics and outside time. From all that I can tell, they are taking the educational research that talks to what truly works in the best interest of children and applying it in all aspects of the school. The class sizes are small, there are many opportunities for mixed-age learning, there is direct teaching of core concepts, highly individualized learning, lots of outside and student-led activities, and an integrated social/emotional component that is woven throughout the structure of the days that helps our children learn one of the most valuable skills that will serve them through life - emotional intelligence! This is not an unstructured school - there is structure and academics happening even when it can appear unstructured. For instance, I volunteer once a week for Nature Literacy in "the woods" as my daughter calls it. I have watched students create amazing learning opportunities for themselves that are completely self-initiated. I've seen them perform experiments on the flow of the creek, figure out how to construct a dragon's lair with tree branches, create mud homes, and compare/contrast plants and rocks. This is all proof to me that these kids are learning HOW to learn and LOVE LEARNING! All things that make both my mommy heart and my teacher heart very happy. :) Our daughter is currently in the 1st grade in a 1st/2nd grade classroom. She came with a high reading level and (in my mind) a low math ability which was compounded with a self-esteem issue from her kinder experience in a local charter school. Her teacher has done an excellent job of finding out what she needs and providing her with opportunities to expand her learning and fill in the gaps she had. Within the first semester the esteem issues I was worried about have all but vanished, and she truly enjoys math as well as reading now! I love the way IOS approaches assessment of the students - there are no grades (which did make this former teacher a little nervous at first), but it has been replaced with anecdotal records that are far more meaningful than a single page of letter grades! I received a 10 page document that took me through the semester, explained what was learned in class and how my daughter is progressing. We used this document to review our previous goals and set new ones as a team - teacher, parents, and student. This is authentic learning at its best! I really cannot say enough about this school. Parents are encouraged to participate in the school day, and I love that this school is as welcoming to the parents as it is for the students. This school may not be for everyone, but I am confident that this is the school for our family and for our daughter. :)

Best Montessori School around!…read more Where do I begin? The staff here are some of the sweetest and friendliest people I have ever met. They go above and beyond to involve our children in everything and are so patient with them. My son was in Ms. Jerical's class last year with Ms. Gabi, Ms. Becca, and on e more assistant. He raved about them and spoke about them everyday when he came home. He had nothing but great stories to tell. His younger brother took his spot this year and was beyond thrilled to be a part of the Marimont Montessori family. Ms. Rachel the owner, and her husband, run an amazing, clean business and are also so friendly. They always return our calls and emails right away. They have chickens and other farm animals, the children learn to garden, and there is ample outdoor time, which they believe is so important and so do I. I have so many great things I can't fit them all. Stop looking around and have your children go here, you won't be disappointed and your children will THRIVE! We love everyone here. Thank you so much for helping my children grow and be the best they can be!

This may be the only Yelp review I write with tears in my eyes as I think of our wonderful memories…read moreover the past few years at Marimont. Between two children and a cross-country move, we have experienced more than our share of daycares -- easily a half-dozen over the past decade. This one stands out as being the best by a long shot. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this facility is a hidden gem. My only regret is that we didn't find it sooner. I think the best way to sum up my feelings is that every time I dropped off my child here, I felt such joy -- joy at seeing the directors Rachel and James running a caring-centered facility, joy at seeing the teachers empathetically interacting with children, joy at seeing the kids working independently at lessons that ranged from feeding farm animals on site, working in the gardens or enjoying a variety of lessons inside the classroom. As opposed to stricter Montessori environments I had experienced, where parents were discouraged from participating, we were welcomed here for monthly poetry recitals, Bubbles & Books and more. I loved the random events that inspired creativity, such as Dress Like a Composer Day or Chordate Day. We also participated in extracurriculars such as cooking class. I knew my child was always cared for and would experience a love of learning at this facility. We couldn't have asked for a better start, and how much I miss it now that this chapter is behind us.

Our experience at Lake Travis STEM Academy has been very positive. The school creates a structured,…read moreengaging environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. The STEM focus is meaningful and hands-on, while core academic skills remain a priority. Teachers communicate clearly and genuinely welcome family involvement. I feel informed and included in my child's learning. The culture is respectful, safe, and built on high expectations balanced with support. If I could suggest one area of growth, it would be expanding enrichment opportunities and extracurricular options as the school continues to grow. I would absolutely recommend this school to families seeking strong academics and a supportive community.

I was looking for a new school for my son because he was losing his love of learning. When I found…read moreout about Lake Travis STEM Academy I immediately enrolled him mid-year. I got my son back! He is excited to learn! As a professional teacher myself, I was so impressed with the program that I resigned my position and joined the innovative team at Lake Travis STEM Academy. It is the most fulfilled I have been in my teaching career.

My first experience with Montessori was 10 years ago, with my son, at a Montessori school in a…read moredifferent state. I was quite disappointed with what was touted as Montessori and the results I saw with my son. The freedom that comes with the Montessori method didn't suit him, as he would take advantage of it by reading books all day instead of participating in lessons. At the time, my priority was simply having someone take care of him since both parents worked. As long as he was safe, that was enough. I didn't think much more about it until it was time to put my daughter into daycare, as our parental leave was coming to an end. From the options available, enrolling her in a "private school" seemed like the best choice, hoping she would learn something and not just play all day. I first placed her at the Brushy Creek campus, because they have classrooms for babies. The price seemed steep for just feeding and changing diapers, but again, I figured you pay for quality. Well... I was surprised by how quickly she was developing. She started walking at 10 months old, communicated her needs through sounds and sign language, and got along well with other kids. The benefits of socializing her early were obvious. I started thinking there might be more to Montessori than I originally thought. It wasn't until we transferred her to the Cypress Creek campus, closer to home, that I truly realized how wrong I had been about Montessori. At Guidepost Montessori at Cypress Creek, I saw just how incredible the Montessori method can be when done right. The school has provided an exceptional learning environment for my daughter, with a strong focus on individualized education and fostering independence. The Montessori philosophy is clearly evident in every aspect of the school's approach, from the thoughtfully prepared classrooms to the well-structured activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and self-discipline. Her teachers, Mrs. Ebelia and her assistant Alex, have been amazing. They are both professional, caring, and highly qualified, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere for the students. I have seen remarkable growth in my child's confidence and ability to tackle challenges on her own, and I attribute a lot of that progress to the nurturing environment they've created. One of the standout aspects of the school is the abundance of activities they offer to bring the community together. Whether it's events for families, parent workshops, or school celebrations, Guidepost Montessori does an incredible job of fostering a strong sense of connection and engagement between parents, teachers, and students. Additionally, the diversity of my daughter's classmates is remarkable. She is surrounded by children from various backgrounds, which enriches her learning experience and broadens her understanding of the world around her. The communication between the school and parents is outstanding--I'm always kept informed about my child's progress and any updates regarding the school. The leadership at Guidepost Montessori is also worth noting. They are approachable, proactive, and genuinely care about the development and well-being of the students. It's clear that they are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in education. Overall, I couldn't be happier with our choice to enroll at Guidepost Montessori at Cypress Creek. It has truly been a wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend it to any parents looking for a nurturing, innovative, and effective learning environment for their child.

I need to begin this review by clarifying a misunderstanding I had when enrolling my kid at this…read moreschool. It is NOT named after a dinosaur. In fact, there are no dinosaurs named Montessori, Montessorous, Montessori Rex, Montessoridon, or even Montessoridactyl. I think Montessori is Italian, actually. Next obvious question: Were all dinosaurs Italian? This is hotly debated amongst anthropologists even today. My theory is that yes, and that what actually killed the dinosaurs was not a meteor from space, but rather a meteor-sized meatball. All evidence is forthcoming once I can find a scientific journal that will publish my thesis. Anyway, back to the review of the school. Hold on to your butts... My kid has been attending Guidepost at Cypress Creek for about a year and a half. He started in the toddler classroom and is now in Children's House. (They call it a house, but it's actually a classroom. I don't know why. When you reach out to admissions, you can use that as an icebreaker. You're welcome). My partner, my kid, and I have all been very pleased with both classrooms. Montessori schools treat their students as fully capable people with their own agency. This sounds like a recipe for disaster, but somehow they make it work. When you watch a classroom in full swing, it's like a well-oiled machine. The students are working either independently or cooperatively. They are cleaning up after themselves, being respectful towards others, and are highly attentive towards their classwork. They are very clever girls and boys. This is a testament to the excellent guides (their term for teachers, there's your second icebreaker). It sounds impossible but, uh, the guides find a way. The administration is also wonderful. They are pro-active with their communications, and we always feel in the loop. Almost every day there are optional extra-curricular activity options on the school grounds, which is super convenient. Things like art, gym, and soccer. The school is a great size. It's small enough that it feels like a real community. I think all of the guides know our kids' name, even if they aren't in his class, and they know both my partner and me. There are frequent classroom-wide and school-wide events, both in person and remote. There's an outdoor playground, of course, and a garden area that gets frequent use. All of the children participate in maintaining it, which is cool. Tuition is reasonable, even though it seems like they've spared no expense, so that's nice. Well, readers, after careful consideration, I've decided to endorse Guidepost Montessori at Cypress Creek. We like it enough that we will be enrolling our second kid when he's old enough. The question wasn't so much whether we could but whether we should, and even that was silly because the answer was obviously yes. The lack of actual dinosaurs is disappointing, of course, but I'm not going to deduct stars for that. I haven't found any school that has them, so it wouldn't be fair.

They have a great program. My older daughter attended from age 2 1/2 through PreK and my younger…read moredaughter has been there since she was 18 months old and is now in the "Prek" aged class. The price is very reasonable, but more importantly - I feel like my children have thrived there - they are safe, loved and learning!

My youngest son began the MDO program last year (2014) two days a week. The staff was caring, fun,…read moreand genuinely interested in him. He had a wonderful year and I would highly recommend the school to anyone looking for a MDO. The prices are a bit lower than any other local MDO, but the quality of the staff was on par with other, more expensive schools, that I had my older daughter in for the past couple of years. Maria, the director, is a ball of energy and is truly invested in the education of the children. Pastor Ray with the church is kind and does a weekly chapel service for the kids that is really sweet.