Portage Collab Montessori Middle School

PCMS is the perfect blend. Our son is thriving academically, but also spends time learning about the world, art, and music. Best of all, he's allowed to move! The Montessori environment allows kids to work at his/her own pace and learn independence.

Ups and downs in 4 years but mostly positive. A little weak in science.

My child is in his 5th year at PCMS (preschool, kindergarten, which he repeated due to his birthday and our personal preference, and now 1st grade). My son is not a child who would be able to easily excel in a traditional classroom setting. We chose PCMS in part because our son could be up and moving more of the day, instead of spending all day sitting at his desk. We have never regretted that decision. He has been exposed to multiculturalism, creative problem solving, and encouraged to take responsibility for his actions. He has engaged in music, art, and movement /physical activity not only through specific outside-the-classroom activities in those areas, but also as integral parts of the Montessori curriculum. I utterly disagree with the reviews I see that say these things are not taking place; I see the work my child brings hime, and he tells me daily about what he is doing in school. -- Our son has excelled at PCMS. Our son's teachers have been creative, kind, and dedicated. The classroom environment is positive and uplifting. Our admittedly sometimes challenging son has been treated only with love, kindness, and respect. We feel like we have won the lottery with PCMS. We look forward to all three of our children attending PCMS one day.

PCMS promotes life-long, curious students who love to learn. They are gracious, peaceful, and kind citizens ready to better the world. The community is open and accepting with a strong emphasis on family involvement. I love the Montessori philosophy that allows for child-led learning. My 1st grader was reading at a 3rd-grade level, working off the 2nd-grade spelling lists, mastering multiplication, and starting to learn division. But more than that, he was encouraged to "Always Be Curious" and always be peaceful.

We are in our 5th year here & love it. My child is thriving in the smaller classrooms with plenty of one on one with the teachers. All the teachers we've had so far go out of their way to help make each child successful. They understand children have different individual needs & repsond uniquely to various teaching methods.