A Simple Path Montessori

Our son transferred to Gilbert Elementary after spring break, and we were honestly very nervous about the change—especially considering his IEP for ADHD needs. From the very beginning, Gilbert Elementary has been nothing short of amazing.This is our home school, and Mrs. Lauren Granillo in the office has been incredible. She answered all of my questions with grace and calmness. No matter how many times I called—whether during registration or with random questions—she never made me feel rushed or like I was bothering her. Mrs. Victoria has also been kind and helpful, always with a big smile. The entire office staff is welcoming and truly sets a positive tone for the school.Our first meeting was with Principal Mr. Justin Sremba, School Psychologist Mrs. Sarah Devena, Special Education Resource Teacher Mrs. Regina Mayes, and his teachers, Mrs. LaFontsee and Mr. Armenta. It meant so much to meet the full team supporting our son. They took the time to understand who he is, his needs, and how best to support him. Things have only continued to improve. Communication between us as parents and Mrs. Mayes, Mrs. LaFontsee, and Mr. Armenta has been phenomenal. It’s a relief knowing our son is surrounded by people who genuinely care and want him to succeed. They truly make us feel like part of a team.I also want to give a special shoutout to Mr. Chris Marcrum. On our son’s first day, he personally walked us to the classroom. As we walked through the halls during a busy morning, he greeted students by name, made eye contact, gave high fives and fist bumps, and checked in with them about their lives—asking about weekends, games, and even how one child was healing after an injury. It was incredible to witness. I’ve also seen Principal Mr. Sremba interact with students in the same genuine way. It’s clear the kids here are truly seen. It’s one thing to recognize a name, but it takes real intention to truly know each child—and that’s exactly what this staff does.Our son LOVES this school. He comes home excited to talk about his day, what he’s learned, and he especially loves the “Dino Dollars.” Seeing him so happy and engaged means everything to us. Our son needed a fresh start, and with the support of Gilbert Elementary, he is absolutely thriving. We feel so lucky to be part of this school community and highly recommend it to any family considering a change or just starting out.

My son was at Playa 3-6 grade. My daughter is in 4th and has been there since kindergarten. Since the beginning of our time at Playa we have seen the school grow tremendously. The current school principal has been there for about three or four years now (as of 2025) and has brought such wonderful, positive change. The pool of teachers are caring, thoughtful, well educated, and bring innovative ways to teaching in the classroom. The school has amazing PE, music, and art teachers. These three really bring a wealth of knowledge with them. The art teacher has come up with really fun and challenging projects for the kids to learn and create. Their music/choir club teachers has really opened the doors for kids to want to try new things: play instruments, sing, etc. The PE teacher also provides a fun curriculum for the kids. Between the principal, support staff, teachers, and the PTSO, Playa does such a wonderful job at building a strong community. Plenty of fundraising efforts to provide updated equipment on the play ground and classrooms, and great opportunities for both in house and out of the classroom field trips. The school has been recently updated with safety Technology and measures. There hasn’t been safety concerns in the past, but with how the world is these days, they decided it be best to ensure student and teacher safety and take the precautionary measures. They make great efforts to ensure kids are promoting excellent behavior and positive characteristics: Pride, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, Empathy. We loved our time at Playa and can’t to see what the next several years bring!

My children have been attending Islands since kindergarten, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. The teachers are deeply involved, attentive to each child’s unique learning style, and truly caring—you can see how much they love what they do. It really does take a village to raise children, and the staff here create a warm, family-like environment rather than just a school building.Mr. Davis, the new principal, has been an incredibly positive addition to Islands. His energy brightens every room, and he is always present—offering guidance, instilling important life skills, and supporting both staff and students. We have continued at Islands because of the genuine love and support we feel here. Highly recommend!

My son transferred to Sirrine Montessori Center as a former Montessori pre-K student, but he had also been at one of the top-rated Kyrene elementary schools for years prior. His kinder and first-grade teachers were amazing, but in the second grade he became very down, lost all his self-belief, and frequently told me he was the slowest and dumbest in his classes at the former Kyrene school. I asked him why he felt this way, or who had said any of that to him, and he would say it was just obvious. We spoke to his teachers and sent him to a counselor there, but no one seemed to know what we were describing. From a teaching friend I have, I learned I could ask to have him evaluated in case he had any learning disabilities or needs. I asked at least three times, and was told it would be arranged, but never was. Meanwhile, every single day when we picked him up he was unsmiling, worn out, defeated. I'd had him on waitlists at public Montessori elementary schools all during his second grade, and when we learned he was accepted at Sirrine I was beyond happy and relieved, not just for the Montessori elements, but also due to the smaller school and classroom sizes overall.He loves this school! (Well, as much as he will ever love going to school.) When I say he literally looked like his old self with the reduced stress, and no more of that completely defeated demeanor that first week, I'm not exaggerating. It was like he was a kid again, smiling, lighthearted, and at ease. As the year progressed, his teachers were both incredibly kind and encouraging to him, and they never waivered in giving support. His lead teacher stayed in regular contact with us (without us reaching out first) and I realized this is what it feels like to actually be partners with his education. He had some rough quarters grades wise, and she gave me tools and suggestions that made all the difference.And then, in the winter when he had the worst repeated/ongoing illness he's experienced by far, not only were his teachers there for him, but his school's office and health staff were incredibly supportive. I was so concerned about him, but not once were they anything but genuinely caring and calm while I was seriously worried.I am eternally grateful for SMC's staff and environment; it is truly an amazing group of people that make it so great.Caleb J's mom