Willow Hill Elementary School

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.

We could not be happier with our time at Traverse Heights, how lucky are we that the neighborhood school is so incredible! The support is unending, the entire staff truly does everything they can to make sure that every students feels loved and safe. There is SUCH school pride, and an amazing "House" system, similar to the Harry Potter books ( but no Slytherins!). Everyone at the school, from pre K to the lunch ladies are apart of a house and it has helped create relationships that go beyond the classroom. I know that my son is being prepared for the the future and not just academically, although the accommodations for both advanced learners and those that take their time is there. They truly look at the whole person and use tools and tricks to ready our tiny humans to be empathetic, caring, curious individuals. Go Roadrunners!

Both of our children went through The Children's House and are now in high school and college. They both approach learning with curiosity and interest, excel academically, have high emotional intelligence, and are socially mature for their ages. I credit their experience in Montessori all the way through 8th grade for how they approach life and learning differently from me, their dad, and each other. They are unique individuals who are comfortable in their own skin, appreciate the strengths and differences of others, are always kind, have strong morals and work ethic, and are interesting, confident, and adventurous. I can't imagine a better place to spend so much time in school.

I attended this school system from Preschool through High School. It was an incredible experience the whole way through, and helped ready me for college significantly. I am graduating from Hillsdale College this year, and even here I noticed how better prepared I was for this institution than my peers. The in class experience is very engaging and the student to faculty ratio is very low. Teachers are very keen on attendance and will reach out if students are unexpectedly not present. The community is truly what sets this school apart. My teachers and classmates all knew my family, as I did theirs. All extracurricular events are very well attended because of this community.