High Desert Montessori Charter School

The rating by Great Schools.org does not accurately represent how amazing this school is. Kate Smith is a Platinum level SEL school. This means the educators at this school not only educate each grades academic standards but also focuses on the whole child’s well being teaching them social emotional skills. This is one of the only elementary schools in WCSD that is also a Governor STEM designated school. The majority of staff members have worked at this site multiple years and know and love the families in the community. Also most teachers have a masters level degree. This school for the last few years has steadily increased closing the achievement gap as well which is not reflected in this schools score. I have 3 kids that attend this school. They have consistently grown each year and receive individualized attention. Just because this is a Title 1 school does not mean that it is a poor or under performing school. I would invite whoever makes the rating for Great Schools.org to go personally to see the amazing things that happen at this school prior to rating it. Since this is the 7th time I have tried to leave a truthful review, we will see if it finally posts to shed some facts about this wonderful school.

Fantastic small school with amazing staff! The kids are thriving.

My daughter goes to this school. She was choked 3 times by the same student. I had to force the new principal to respond. The principal who just retired was a no nonsense advocate for the students. The teachers are aggressive towards students and the parents. Use school of choice if you can. The community is amazing the school not at all.

I work at the University of Nevada, which is nearby, and my daughters have gone to Lemelson for three years. We chose Lemelson because our work schedules didn't support sending our children to our in-district school. I was initially very concerned about sending my children to Lemelson because of the poor test scores. What I have found is a small school full of caring, dedicated professionals that are committed to providing the best possible education with the resources they have. My daughters have been exposed to children and cultures that she would not get to experience if she had gone to our districted school and I think that has helped make her a better person. She has received top marks on her standardized tests and I am continuously amazed at the progress she makes and how happy school makes her.