Village Gate Children's Academy

Posted: November 6, 2025

I often say how lucky I am that my son was accepted into this school. He's thriving, still maintaining the imaginative, creative, and enthusiastic nature he came in with 6 years ago. The school values inclusivity of all kinds - learning, identity, strengths, interests, etc. With traditional Montessori teaching in place, especially in the older classrooms, he is progressing faster in some subjects than others according to his interests, strengths, and encouragement from other students who are a little further in the curriculum than he is. That said, he's well-rounded in the other subjects too, encouraged to develop his interests in music, art, and game creation once his work is completed. Because he has the same teachers for multiple years in each classroom, the relationships are strong. He is seen and supported for where he is and where we collectively (including him) see his potential.

In addition to his development, the community is full of heart-centered people who honestly inspire me quite often. My favorite people have been because of our kids sharing this school. There also is an honest line of communication at every level of the classrooms, staff, and greater parent community. We talk when we need to, and the children are given tools to resolve their conflicts, even if it's uncomfortable.

Nothing can compare to the feeling of seeing how much my child is seen, nurtured, and developed both academically and as a person.

Posted: November 6, 2025

Posted: November 6, 2025

Posted: November 6, 2025

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Posted: November 6, 2025

Posted: November 21, 2022

if your child is autistic and has ADHD and or dyslexia this is the place. VGA is a very untraditional school that takes a different approach to learning. I've gone to this school for several years and it's done good and bad things. The geography program used to be horrible when I was an upper el student and I had to teach myself but it has since improved. VGA is not the most academically driven school but its untraditional approach has taught me a lot and given me a whole set of tools. On a different note if you enjoy watching your kids perform and sing country music for the small fee of 15 grand you can have that but your kid will not enjoy it as much as you do. The middle school program has a lot to offer and the math can be adapted to your skill level. Social issues are very VERY important to the staff and will be investigated and discussed many times. Coming from a student perspective this can be frustrating as students end up relying on teachers and parents to handle issues. With that being said you still need to engage in conversation to work out situations but it can feel micro-managed. This school had undoubtedly been helpful to me and taught me a lot about who I am and what I need to succeed. As to if I would send my child here, that really depends on who my child is. If they are someone who is able to motivate themselves academically and challenge themself with the academically fit level of work yes. If my child could NOT do these things I would say no.

Posted: November 21, 2022

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Posted: April 12, 2020

Posted: April 12, 2020

High ratio of teacher to children. Children work at their own pace and are individually supported by the teachers and their peers.

Posted: April 12, 2020

Bullying is not dealt with in a shameful and punitive manner but rather in a discussion to understand the underlying causes. There is no tolerance for bullying but there is also no bullying problems because the children's need are attended to at school and usually at home. Let's face it. People who send their kids to a private Montessori school tend to be more liberal, more affluent and value childhood development. This translates in a generally healthier home life and more involved parents. There is therefore very little need for discipline.

Posted: April 12, 2020

This school is amazing!
It is a sweet heaven, a green house where my son could develop and grow while maintaining his innocence, his creativity and his love of school. Come September, my son is *delighted* to go back to school! The kids and the families love the village, for it is a village.

When COVD19 hit in 2020, the school closed on a Friday night and Tuesday morning it was up and going full steam with Zoom video and Google classes. Within one day it was business as usual for my son's education. No so for my friends with children in public school :-(

Posted: April 12, 2020

very little homework in earlier grades.
Homework has been demonstrated to be counter productive to learning and childhood development. They are better off playing outside and socializing.

Homework builds up a bit in middle school (7/8 grades) to prepare kids to the normal work load they will face in high school.

Posted: April 12, 2020

high ratio of teacher to students and amazing teachers.
In upper elementary, there is a single class of 4-6 grade mixed.
They have 3 teachers for around 34 children.

In middle school, the class has currently 18 students and two teachers share the teaching load (humanities and science) with a complement of external teachers for PE and arts.

Posted: April 12, 2020

This school is amazing.
Children learn to communicate and resolve conflicts among themselves. They have a peace table in upper elementary class. The children develop presentations for the class in the form of a TED talk. Communication is highly valued and kindness towards the children and among the children is the prime directive.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Homework is not too heavy and if you have trouble with it the teachers are quick to help

Posted: March 29, 2019

Best teachers you will ever find because they LOVE what they do.

Posted: March 29, 2019

This school is incredible and the qualitys children possess from this school will stick with them
Forever

Posted: March 29, 2019

Posted: March 29, 2019

Yes! They have beenSUPER helpful with learning differences!

Posted: March 29, 2019

Yes there is no drama at all in Village Gate... its amazing

Posted: March 29, 2019

THIS IS THE BEST SCHOOL EVER!!!! Highly recommend!!

Posted: August 29, 2018

Village Gate teachers know the kids so well. They go the extra mile to make their learning experience great, and nurture their needs as people.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Children learn the intrinsic value of their efforts: community, friendship, mentorship. It is a culture vs. something simply taught, and it works.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Very open communication. Staff, owner, directors...all accessible and responsive whenever we have questions.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

Posted: August 29, 2018

It has been just wonderful. I’m so grateful for the care and compassion of the staff and the culture they create every day at VGA.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Students in the upper grades are supported and expected to manage their time and work in order to turn in homework once a week. There is ample opportunity for students to receive any help they need. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and take the initiative to ask for the help they need.

Posted: August 24, 2018

They are outstanding and some of the most gifted teachers I've ever seen.

Posted: August 24, 2018

These are values Village Gate holds near and dear. My children are continually working in an environment where integrity, compassion, respect and peace are at the center.

Posted: August 24, 2018

I feel like I have always received ample communication and feel invited and included to provide feedback, ideas or to work through any problems that may arise.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Education is individualized within the Montessori method. Students can work at their own pace and are encouraged to mentor younger students as well.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Beginning in kindergarten and all the way through 8th grade, students are encouraged and supported to solve problems through communication and conflict resolution. We have begun using this structure at home as well.

Posted: August 24, 2018

Village Gate is an amazing school unlike any other I have ever experienced as a parent and as an educator. I have been in education for 17 years and worked with many different schools and teachers. I have NEVER come across a group of adults so dedicated to children and their growth as students and as people. These teachers know my children deeply and both my children absolutely love coming to school every single day. In fact all summer, both of them were saying how much they missed school and couldn't wait to return. Every school in America should strive replicate the education, community and care for kids that Village Gate provides.

Posted: August 16, 2018

Posted: August 16, 2018

Posted: August 16, 2018

Posted: August 16, 2018

Posted: August 16, 2018

This School meets the needs of children with varied learning styles. There is not another school like it. The school is a hidden gem.

Posted: August 16, 2018

Posted: August 16, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2018

I've seen one student shove another down in the parking lot.

Posted: May 30, 2018

The teacher took away points for a subject that she didn't teach.

Posted: May 30, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2018

The teacher has made an anxious student's panic attacks and depressive episodes worse.

Posted: July 12, 2015

A hidden gem! Village Gate has a Montessori base, but it's also more than Montessori. There are various experiential learning opportunities (and field trips) involving practical life and entrepreneurial skills that are fantastic and out-of-the-box. Students can choose passion projects to delve into their own interests. The nature of the school's curriculum and educational process is flexible and communicative, warm and intellectual. A fantastic character education shines through the school as well. Art, cultural curriculum, music, science, observation, analysis, creativity, all these work through the various projects and lessons. Students can tailor their education in certain subjects (they have pre-conferences, in part to ask the student what they're personally interested in learning and thus plan for it!), while simultaneously mastering the core language arts/math standards and beyond. Our child is happy and thriving here! Village Gate is simply a wonderful place to attend.