Thomas B. Chinn Elementary School

We’ve had a truly wonderful experience at Clay-Platte Montessori School over the past two years. From our very first tour with Lishchkaya (who became Head of School shortly after we started), we felt welcomed and seen.We were drawn to Montessori principles, but what really impressed us was seeing how beautifully those ideas are lived out in the classrooms. Our son was in a Primary classroom with Mark as the lead guide, and we watched him grow so much in his independence, confidence, and curiosity. The teachers and staff are top-notch: patient, caring, and incredibly intentional in how they observe and support each child’s development.The access to nature has also been a huge highlight. Whether it's exploring the creek or building outside, our child came home full of stories and wonder from his outdoor experiences. And beyond just academics, he learned real, practical life skills (things like how to care for his space, solve problems, and take initiative), which we know will serve him well long after he’s left the classroom.One of the things we appreciated most was how well they got to know our child and us. It’s a place where relationships matter, where each child is respected as an individual, and where learning is joyful and meaningful. We couldn’t have asked for a better foundation for our son's early education, and we’re so grateful to have been part of the CPMS community.