-
July 2023 by YiMu Li
It was an amazing positive experience for my two kids at California Montessori School. Teachers are thoughtful, attentive and caring. Kids are really learning and growing. I still remember the first day my boy joined CMS, he knew no single english words at all. But not for long, my boy spoke english like a native and made friends at school thanks to the help of all the teachers, espeically teacher Reenu. She built the curriculum that sets kids up for success as they enter into Kindergarten and beyond. I also trust CMS to maintain a safe, clean environment that teaches kids self-responsibility. Therefore, when my younger girl turned three, i didnot hesitate a single minute to send her to California Montessori School.For those who are looking for a preschool, I cannot recommend this one enough -- thank you CMS for everything you did to care for our two kids and set them up for success!
-
July 2023 by Samuel C.
To start with a story: At dinner, our one y.o. dropped a cube of avocado, on which my wife inadvertently stepped. While my wife and I were freaking out to cleanup, our three y.o. gleefully shouted: "you made guacamole!" This is one of many instances when we know our daughter must have picked up from school a new word, logic, and/or a proud sense of optimism that we grown-ups have taken for granted. And also perhaps because they just made guacamole in class a few weeks ago. Right from the start, CMS challenged our notion of needing to choose : between academics and play; between a family setting or classroom-like environment; between one-on-one attention and structured curriculum. CMS offers the best of all worlds! Our daughter joined CMS when she turned two. We will never forget the first day when two older classmates welcomed and comforted our daughter -- shy and trepid about the new environment into which she was about to venture. The teachers are kind, patient, and demonstrate extensive experience working with youngsters. When we were potty-training our child, we appreciated the school complementing our efforts. We enjoy the opportunity to chat with the teachers about our child's progress when we drop off and pickup everyday. Whenever there is an incident at school -- big or small -- the teacher or director will notify us right away via SMS. Since going to CMS, our daughter has brought home words, phrases or ideas which we, as immigrants, would not have thought of teaching her at home (or even knew ourselves). As much as we are glad that she now has a good command of language, we are even more appreciative of her enthusiasm to learn and ask questions. She has been more expressive -- well, generally -- but more importantly, about her feelings and emotions. I can see that the CMS encourages kids to solve problems and resolve conflicts with civility. What our daughter loves: 1. her friends at school2. her teachers3. birthday parties 4. singing and dancing5. learning Spanish 6. running into friends at nearby playgrounds7. art!What we love:1. the weekly, hand written schedule that tells us the curriculum and what to prepare for the week.2. a diverse class 3. a portfolio of school work that progressively challenges her writing and math skills4. our kid exposed to language and culture markedly different than that with which she is familiar at home.5. our three y.o. correcting our English pronunciations 6. chatting with parents at nearby playgrounds -- and getting the sense that they feel similarly about the CMS. 7. the artwork our child brings home!The best endorsement we can give is to send another child to the same school. And we are planning to do just that when our baby turns two next year. Who knows? We might even start making guacamole together at home.
-
April 2023 by colin d.
Our son started at CMS when he was 3 years old. I am certainly impressed with the level of progress we have seen in his academic growth. He has learned to read, write, and also spell reasonably wellfor a four year old. CMS also incorporated numbers & mathematics into his program. Being a person in finance I am grateful that our son has learned addition & scratched the surface on subtraction. Equally important to our family is that he learns to be kind & patient. That is often times difficult for children but I must say that CMS has helped him with learning good values & it reflects in his behavior at home. We trust the teachers & staff at CMS and although we are moving to San Mateo we will likely send our daughter here in a couple years as well.
-
March 2023 by Gregory F.
Well, I guess my 2 star review was over met with intentional mischaracterization from the director of the school. I was neither aggressive nor on the premises of the school.Unfortunately, the director of the school can't make a distinction between frustration of a parent that needs to tell his crying child the school is turning them away from an actual aggression.Yes a kind parent offered to drive to his house to bring a test but with an existing time constraint on my schedule I was unable to take him on his offer.The reason I am adjusting my rating is because:1. I would never do business with this school again, and2. I would never recommend this school to my friendsAs such a 2 star rating would be making California Montessori School overrated. I reserve such rating for a business that would satisfy at least of one of the points above.
-
March 2023 by Jessica D.
I have three rambunctious little boys. The eldest has graduated from there, my three old is presently enrolled, and my third is on his way to becoming a student there. Words cannot describe the deepest gratitude I have for this school and it's teachers. They have done wonders for my children's academic growth, confidence, and have instilled important values such as kindness, honesty, perseverance, and respect. They truly treat our children like family! It is hard to find an establishment like that these days. Their communication with parents is effective, consistent, and delivered in a number of ways- digital, audible, written, etc.. It is obvious that any child that walks through their doors of learning comes out feeling safe, loved and valued. I appreciate all they have done and continue to do for my children. Thank you CMS
-
July 2021 by Mani S.
My son has been at CMS for over 2 years and he has made some resounding developmental and academic leaps since then. My son actually started at a larger school but the classroom school size disabled him from getting the one on one attention, we as parents know, some kids crave. CMS was the perfect setting for my child in that regard. As well as getting a more direct and targeted form of learning, I also believe the teachers helped instill some good values in my son. Simple things like saying 'good morning' and 'how is your day going' may sound like ordinary things but to me they are very important in teaching our fruits about respect and being gracious to others. I echo thoughts from other reviews that say they will treat your child like their own. This is 100% true. I am always comfortable knowing my son is getting his lunch and snacks as well as getting his potty training and all the love and attention that any ordinary parent would give. This kind of feeling is priceless to a parent. Teachers do a great job of keeping us afloat of how the day is going, and whether its text messages, photos or a quick chat at drop off or pick up, there is a great line of communication, and we never feel like we are left out in the dark.. I am a realistic parent, I know my son is not easy (they say most kids are not at that age!) but I fully respect and support this establishment and the values they have. CMS you done the job when other schools could not. Thank you.
-
December 2019 by M. S
My kids look forward to coming here every morning. They provide optimal snacks and nutritional food. The staff go beyond expectation when looking after our little ones
-
December 2019 by Komal Gidda
I highly recommend this school! The staff snd teachers are amazing. There is a big focus on academics with the little ones, unlike many other places in the area.
-
December 2019 by Sundip Janjua
A safe, fun and educational environment for kids. The staff is caring and friendly! My kids love the experience.
-
December 2019 by poffomania
Friendly and caring staff, highly recommend
-
December 2018 by Becky Galvin
My son attended CMS for a short transition period before starting TK. The teachers are friendly and my child always came home happy. He’d share with us all the things he learned during the day and how much fun he had.In the short eight months he was there, he learned the entire alphabet. He learned to write his name, write and sound out the alphabet. He also learned his numbers up to 30. They keep a notebook for each kid to see how they’re progressing with their writing and math skills.They updated me frequently on how my son was doing and pointed out any areas for improvement so we could practice at home.They incorporate play time and a nap schedule along with their curriculum. They did a great job in nurturing my kid to be a good student and prepared him well for TK.I am beyond thankful to have chosen CSM; we had a wonderful experience.
-
December 2017 by Nosheen Mirza
I have never written any reviews but this place deserves one! So when I got the job I was worried for my youngest son, 4 year old, as to which preschool he should attend. I searched a few preschools online and came across with CMS. I instantly knew this was the place for him. I went to see the director, she showed me around and I really liked the place, their set up and how they were dealing with the kids.My son went to CMS for one year and that one year has left me and my family some wonderful memories that I will always cherish!Harjit, the director is very experienced with the kids and has been running this place successfully for more than 40 years! She is super good with the kids but when the need comes to be firm she is firm! And thats what I wanted for my son. Friendly environment but also he should learn to respect everyone.Reenu who is taking over the school now is super friendly with kids, she cares for them and genuinely likes children. As a mother it was important to me that the place my son goes to has a friendly environment and that the staff deals with my son as one of their own. Thankfully the staff was always upto my expectations!My son didn't know any of his alphabets and numbers, within a month of attending CMS he knew all his alphabets and numbers. I was so impressed by the progress he made. He instantly liked every single thing about the school and really never complained about anything. I still remember the first day when I was leaving him the director hugged me and told me not to cry :D and that he's in safe hands. He indeed was! My son liked going to CMS so much that he even asked me to take him to school on weekends :)My son always talked about teacher Harjit, teacher Reenu, teacher Linda. They really put a lot of effort in their work, all of them! They are also adding a lot of value in the children's life. The children do a lot of fun stuff and you will love to see what children are doing in school actually because every child takes his all day work back to home with him when the school is over. So parents know exactly what the child has been doing during his day.They have a really nice routine for the kids, their study time, snack time, lunch time, nap time, play time is all very well organized. They staff gives 2 snacks everyday and I must say that everyday the snack is different and something that the kids really enjoy. They also celebrate the children's birthday and its a lot of fun! Every child in treated as an individual and the staff works with the child's pace. They do not rush in things.As a parent if you want your kids to thrive and learn and play as a team this is the place for you and your child! you will have a peace of mind and you won't be worrying about the well being of your children. I would HIGHLY recommend this place!CMS me and my son miss you a lot! :(
