1536 Saffron Cir
Traverse City, MI 49696

My sons disability rights were violated. Completely unprofessional. No contact when meeting was changed. This district needs to be investigated. Taking action in hopes this won't happen to any future families.

I would not recommend this school. The culture is rather unwelcoming. Of course there are some wonderful teachers here, but during my observation I noticed numerous red flags. I saw staff discouraged from (and chastised for) interacting with students in favor of self-guided learning. I know in theory this is a part of the Montessori method, but what I saw resulted in several instances of isolationism (employed by both teachers and students). I heard politicized statements from at least three staff members (in the presence of students). I found out multiple paraprofessionals were deprived of lunch breaks (or any break) for days on end due to staff shortages. I also saw a staff member nearly hit trying to cross Franke Road. She informed me this was a regular occurrence because staff were required to park across the street at Meijer.It occurred to me that perhaps safety was not a top priority. One of the rooms was 62 degrees. I saw students shivering after coming in from recess soaked in wet coats. In the other schools I observed, students had indoor recess when it was raining, but apparently not at Montessori. I tried to keep an open mind. I found the "Montessorian" pledge that followed the Pledge of Allegiance slightly odd. Coupled with the ubiquitous pictures of Maria Montessori throughout the school, I was stricken with a feeling of unease. It was also disconcerting to see three year age gaps in the classroom. Large nine year old students sat next to small students who just turned six. At that age, a few years can make a considerable difference in physical, social and psychological development. I was told the Montessorian philosophy emphasizes creating an external home for students, one that reflects their own home. While I did not find the austere, gargantuan modern glass building to be particularly conducive to this principle, I did notice one teacher constantly refer to her classroom as their family. I am not sure whether I view a school as my child's secondary family.I witnessed a birthday celebration for one of the elementary students, but there were no cakes, cookies or candies. Evidently, the school does not allow sugar. I asked if exceptions were made for Halloween or other special occasions, and I was assured there were not. Instead the students had rice cakes and walked silently around a candle. The whole ceremony seemed bizarre and unnerving. I understand nontraditional educational paths, but not at the expense of enjoying one's youth.

Being a part of this school for many years with my child attending, I will say the past couple have been more challenging with the principal. We went from a very loving, professional principal who cared about students and families to one who is more worried about paperwork and administrative duties. She does not interact with students like the previous and has very poor social skills when it comes to parents and community. She surrounds herself with her circle of staff and parents and others are ignored and not treated with the respect and compassion as those close with her. She has zero interest in the larger picture of schools (social aspects). Under her leadership we have lost quality staff which hurts the school culture and morale but to her its ok I think as she replaces with her friends or those who will take her lack of kid friendly approach. There is plenty of nepotism at Cherry Knoll these days. I do think that she would make a good high school or college administrator but elementary students need love, teaching social AND academics and understanding. Cherry Knoll would do better under new administration and Dr. Victoria Derks needs to find a new school in my opinion. Cherry Knoll is not a school for someone with no personality or family culture. The school would benefit from a new principal so it can thrive again. Dr. Derks is destroying our school every day she is there.

My daughter has had a comprehensive high school experience at TCCHS. The staff is full of highly qualified, dedicated and caring teachers. The extra curricular offerings are just as good as the academics. My child is prepped for college and has developed many life skills from her time as a Trojan.

This school is something special. It isn't focussed on getting into some snob nose university I'll admit, but it does what it needs to. People go here to graduate, that's why we go to highschool. The staff is amazing, and the atmosphere is the best I've ever seen. Everybody works with each other in a way I've never seen at a high school before. No dumb cliques, ingroup outgroup, or anything like that. It's special.