International Montessori

I could go on and on all day about how great International Montessori Academy has been. All the teachers are great: tender and loving with the little ones, and supportive and respectful of all the students. They really seem to care. The director and owner are always there, providing hands-on leadership, and are always accessible to us if we have questions. Usually we don't even have to ask: they *want* to share information with us. The kids are happy and well-cared for. Within just weeks of starting here, my 2-year old son was running into the school in the morning waving goodbye, without any tears at all. The facilities are sparkling clean, and the materials are new. The only con is that there is a waiting list (it's popular because it's so great!) - so you should take a tour as early as possible. All this for less than $750/month, full-time, including pre- and after-school daycare hours (7am to 6pm). My wife, my son and I all LOVE THIS PLACE.

Posted 12/06/07 | Report Abuse

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PROS: +Montessori-trained owner very involved in the day to day operation.+Helpful administrative staff, common sense rules, 9 out of 10 very nice teachers that don't seem to be acting a role. +Nice balance between a very traditional school and an extreme hippie one. (Maybe a bit too leaned towards traditional but rules are clear) +Security at the door. +Drive thru drop off early in the morning +Parents night out once a month. +Spanish class, encouraging diversity :)
CONS: No garden; children not allowed to be barefoot or to share food. Play time could be better?

Posted 08/08/07 | Report Abuse

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I wasn't sure if I would send my daughter to a Montessori school, but once I took a tour of IMA and spoke with the owner, I was hooked. My daughter just loves International Montessori Academy. Her day is quite balanced with class time, play and other activities like ballet, gymnastics, music, Spanish and computers. I like the Montessori approach because it provides a bit more structure than most preschools, which I think is important in preparing kids for K-12. My daughter's language ability improved considerably after starting at IMA, in part, because she shares a classroom with children who are both older and younger than she is (2-5 years old). The teachers at IMA are caring and attentive, they teach my daughter manners, how to interact with others, and help her learn at her own speed. For what more could one ask? A GREAT school!

Posted 07/24/07 | Report Abuse

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DEBBIE C AND AMS SHOULD REALLY READ UP ON MONTESSORI AND BECOME EDUCATED ON THE SUBJECT BEFORE MAKING COMMENTS ABOUT THE SYSTEM. MONTESSORI IS A GREAT WAY OF LEARNING AND MY CHILD HAS EXCELLED BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS AT THIS SCHOOL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY WITHOUT RESERVATIONS.

Posted 07/20/07 | Report Abuse

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I am in such disagreement with AMS and Debbie C. that I find myself propelled to write a review of IMA. My eldest daughter attended for two years and my middle daughter is on the cusp of completing her third year. My eldest was and my middle is MORE than prepared for kindergarten - all owed to IMA. I can say with my whole heart that it is the best preschool in Pasadena. Perhaps, AMS and Debbie C. do not understand the Montessori philosophy - which is different from a typical preschool. The staff is superb, the facility is wonderful and MOST important, the curriculum is stellar! I would recommend the school in a heartbeat. IMA provides a top-notch quality education. If you are looking for a preschool in Pasadena, it is a must see!

Posted 05/18/07 | Report Abuse

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Started out great, very caring, supportive, and for 3 months, did not notify us of our child's problems until they unceremoniously dumped us because we did not fit their mold. Uncommunicative and very distant, would not recommend to parents who want feedback, since they don't give any as a rule

Posted 12/07/06 | Report Abuse

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I visited this montessori for a tour. To be fair, I have not visited any other montessoris so my view is based on comparisons with other non-montessori preschools. The facilities were unimpressive, the children looked busy but not particularly alive or engaged. The student-teacher ratio is 10-1 (not exactly great for a 2 year old). I would equate this school to a satisfactory looking daycare for older children (3+)but not much better than that. I am surprised that they told me they do not have room for any new students until next fall. The teacher we met was very nice and the people who work at the montessori seemed polite. However, I believe that there are many much better preschools in the area with more engaging programs, nicer facilities and friendly teachers.

PROS: At $700 a month for FT daycare, price seemed good
CONS: Mediocre facilities, lack of energy

Posted 07/13/05 | Report Abuse

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I have two daughters and they are both attending the school, in separate classrooms. I am an educator and did a lot of research before sending my daughters here. I also read some of Maria montessori's books. When looking for a montessori school you have to scrutinize everything since there is no accrediting body. This place is managed well, my daughters are safe and they love being at school. The hours are accomodating. The staff is friendly, low turn-over and they offer a parents night out on a regular basis. It is also very diverse. Awesome place!!!!

PROS:
CONS: Staff in the afternoon is not there in the morning.

Posted 04/22/05 | Report Abuse

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