Bloomington Montessori School

Our children have been at BMS for the past 6 years. We have been so happy with our experience at BMS. The teachers tend to stay at BMS for many years. We love the continuity of care where children stay with their teachers for 3 years in each of the age settings (early education, lower elem, upper elem). We also greatly appreciate the ways that they incorporate social-emotional learning into the curriculum. We also greatly prize the Our Whole Lives sexuality education curriculum, which provides age- and developmentally-appropriate information related to topics like bodies, puberty, and reproduction beginning in lower elementary (1st grade on up). Having been at BMS for many years now, we also love seeing how they scaffold skills and encourage increasing amounts of independents, incrementally over the years. There are also lots of opportunities for parents to get involved with the school, if they want to.

We are so happy to have found Bloomington Montessori School! My kids have thrived there even through the pandemic and schooling from home. Being directly involved there for 9 years now, I've witnessed the positive changes and growth in the leadership and overall structure of the school. One of the most important aspects for me is that they utilize Positive Discipline techniques which is very much in alignment with the Montessori philosophy. As someone who has also completed Montessori teacher's certification, it is extremely evident to me that BMS continually strives to be true to the method. Now that my oldest has completed Upper Elementary, I can truly say that the Montessori method as a whole has been great for her. She's well prepared for middle school and will be going in still having the light in her eyes and the love of learning. We love Bloomington Montessori School and highly recommend it to anyone who feels personally aligned with the Montessori philosophy.

My kids have attended Bloomington Montessori for 8 years, and we’ve had a fantastic experience - especially in the preschool and lower elementary classrooms. One of my kids hasn’t really clicked with their upper elementary lead teacher, but the faculty and staff have been great about communicating and troubleshooting with us.My kids feel totally comfortable expressing themselves authentically, conflict between peers is resolved thoughtfully and effectively, and the students are all encouraged to be good global citizens and stewards of their environments. My kids love when visitors come into the classroom to share an aspect of their culture, an animal ambassador, or a special skill, and were particularly fond of the Kindergarten nature walks in the Magnolia classroom.Is it expensive? Yes, I won’t lie, it’s kinda up there, but it’s been worth it for my family.

We love BMS. My kid has been attending Montessori school for 2 years and I'm so impressed and proud of her progress. She has learned so much and she is always happy and excited for new challenges. The teachers are constantly rotating subjects in a seamless manner which keeps the children engaged. The blended age learning style really works for our child because she learns not only from the teacher but from the older children in class, it also helps her practice her kindness and patience by helping the youngest kids. Some of the things they teach them are practical life skills, so she is always eager to help around the house with cleaning, food prep, gardening, etc. She is in the Sweetgum classroom with the lead teacher April and we are very pleased with her leadership and with the kindness and professionalism of the other teachers (Terri, Nancy and Lindsey). You can walk your kid to their classroom so you get to see the class and how the students are working independently in such a calm and nice space. I always get quick responses from the teachers whenever I need help with anything. She gets to stay with the same teachers and the same classroom for 3 years which I think is unique from other schools. It is a community, our kid is constantly invited to birthday parties, play dates and the parents association is always planning fun events for the parents and students to come together.They also have a Spanish program and the teacher Paola is very fun and knowledgeable.The director Quinn and subdirector Jess, are very accesible and they are always there in the front office as soon as you come in, so you can always talk to them. Mc Kenzie at the front office is very attentive and quick to help with anything. One of my concerns about my kid starting prek so soon was the food but I'm so pleased with their food. Emily preps fresh and healthy food for them everyday, my kid now likes to eat curry, pea soup and all of the variety of food they prepare for them. They don't get any processed foods or snacks and that is very important for us. We have nothing but positive experiences with the school.

I suspect some of these reviews are older from under the previous administration because the current administration has been well-versed in Montessori philosophy and discipline. I have had three children at this school for the last 5-7 years. All the teachers have been wonderful and supportive. Children are encouraged to work independently and work at whatever their skill level is for subjects. Classes are small for a great student: teacher ratio. I have a child with sensory processing issues and the teachers and administration helped him tremendously with emotional outbursts. This school truly helped my children find a love of learning. Teachers are always responsive to my concerns and suggestions for ways to help my child with their struggles.