Bella Mente Montessori Academy

Vista, CA 92083

Phone: (760) 621-8948
District: Vista Unified School District

8

GreatSchools Rating

charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 • 424 students

Bella Mente Montessori Academy, a charter school located in Vista, CA, serves grades K-8 in the Vista Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Bella Mente Montessori Academy is a charter school located in Vista, CA. 424 students attend Bella Mente Montessori Academy.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 6/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth 10/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

If you need support for a student with disabilities that affect their education do not enroll your child at this school. As the reviewer below said, if you start asking questions or ask for support they pretend not to notice anything is wrong and treat you like you are an enemy and not a collaborator in your child’s education. The administration has ignored severe problems at this school. The special education at this school is nonexistent and the school’s evaluators do not test correctly. Save yourself the trouble by not enrolling here and enroll in a school where they actually want to support the student and work with the parent.

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Bella Mente Academy may be a good fit for parents who prefer to take a quiet, hands-off approach—those who don’t ask questions and accept school decisions without much involvement. In those cases, families are treated warmly and respectfully on the surface.
However, when a parent begins to raise concerns—even thoughtfully and professionally—the tone can shift quickly. The administration may start to view you not as a partner, but as a problem. Instead of open dialogue, the response often comes in the form of subtle retaliation, increased formality, or distancing behavior. Eventually, the pressure and lack of transparency can make a parent feel isolated and unsure, while the child—unfairly—is framed as the issue.

From my experience, what seems to challenge the administration most are parents who:

• Are observant

• Ask questions

• Understand how systems and accountability work

• Expect clear communication, not vague policies

These qualities appear to disrupt the comfort of those in leadership, and the reaction is often controlled but intentional.

There is also a notable level of teachers turnover, which contributes to a sense of ongoing instability.

If you’re a parent who intends to advocate for your child, ask questions, or expect partnership, I encourage you to carefully consider not only the academic environment—but also the emotional and psychological safety the school provides. The experience can be deeply discouraging for engaged families when collaboration is replaced with control disguised as professionalism.

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: May 15, 2025

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 18, 2024

I can't be more grateful for this school, the teachers, staff, and leadership. The Administration staff is full of good vibes, good energy, and you are always greeted with positive countenance. Whenever a misunderstanding or a question arises, it is addressed promptly by their team, and the outcome is always beneficial to the best interest of my children and equally, the staff. Thank you, BMMA, I have entrusted my daughter in your hands since Kinder. She is now in 3rd grade with Ms. Brielle, and I can't imagine anyone more capable of teaching and supporting my daughter in Lower El outside of BMMA. With my son in Kinder now, Ms. Melanie and Mrs. Cristi have been a winning combination for him during this new journey in his young life.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

BellaMente aims to create a friendly and engaging learning environment. Both my children have grown both academically and socially through the Montessori method. It promotes self-directed learning and individualized plans tailored to each child. It encourages students to learn at their own pace, fostering independence and a love for learning. The students receives a laptop packed with educational content to re-enforce their learning (clever,khan,etc). There is an on site garden where the students learn to manage. Tons of after school activities. I know my children will carry those experiences and values the rest of their lives.

Principal has made a great efforts to understand the needs all the students and parents. The staff has addressed and improved communication, resulting in a much better experience for everyone involved. The school also have deployed apps to keep communication flowing smoothly between students, teachers, and parents, making sure everyone is always in the loop.

There are lots of fun activities throughout the year. The more you participate, the more enrich experience you will have.

- Victor M

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

My twins have attended Bella Mente Academy since kindergarten and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The teachers are incredibly nurturing and knowledgeable, truly embracing the Montessori philosophy. They foster independence, creativity, and a genuine love for learning in a way that feels natural for our kids.

The classrooms are beautifully set up with thoughtful, hands-on materials that encourage exploration and critical thinking. What we love most is how each child is treated as an individual, with lessons tailored to their specific needs and interests. We've seen tremendous growth in both their academic skills and personal confidence.

The sense of community at the school is also wonderful. Everyone, from the teachers to the administrative staff, is welcoming and supportive. We feel like we are truly part of a family that cares about our children's development.

If you’re looking for a nurturing, engaging environment where your children can thrive and develop lifelong learning habits, we highly recommend this Montessori school!

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

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Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

My nieces did terrific at this school. I can’t thank you all enough for helping them grow. You provided great support and real-life skills. Thanks, Bella Mente staff, for everything!

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 7, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

This school has been great for my boys

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 6, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Great school with awesome teachers and a unique way of teaching. Bella Mente’s the only AMS-certified school in North County San Diego, and you can really tell the difference. My two kids love it here!

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

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Posted: November 2, 2024

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Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Looking back, going to Bella from 1st to 8th grade totally shaped who I am. Montessori helped me grow into myself—gotta give Bella some props! Now I’m so excited to see where I get in for neuroscience!

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

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Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Loved everyone here. The staff is super friendly and the students are excited to go to school!

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: November 2, 2024

Posted: August 16, 2023

I have a really bad experience at this school. Very disorganized. First day of school they misplaced my 4 year old son . When, I ask they didn't know where he was. Then the front office person tell me he was located and place in his classroom. Later, in that day principle confirmed that he was all day in a different class and his teacher thought he miss the day . I brought lunch for him but they never give it to him. He spend all day without eating. Not coming back to this school.

Posted: August 16, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

We joined the Bella Mente family in 2019 and we all know what happened in 2020. BMA did their best to keep the kids learning while the entire world shutdown. No one could have predicted what happened. It was a huge adjustment for everyone and it wasn't easy. Overall we have been pleased with the school. The staff are friendly and are there because they enjoy what they do and have a heart for the kids. Our kids enjoy going to school and look forward to Mondays. The staff is working hard to bring back school events and opportunities for parents to be involved. We are wrapping up a great 22/2023 school year and things are getting back on track. We look forward to what the next school year brings. If you choose to enroll in Bella Mente, we encourage you to attend the events and get involved.

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: April 19, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

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Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

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Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Can’t say enough good things about Bella Mente! The school is so thoughtful on ways to promote education and personal development for the students. They also show so much care for the families, from weekly produce boxes to fun activities for parents and family members to be involved in the school and community: Family Move nights, after-school activities to allow parents a date night out, and festivities in the community.

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Bella mente has an amazing staff and teachers! They have so many fun events that help make families more connected to the school!

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 7, 2023

This school has been a God sent to us. We had a neighbor who was an instructor for all montessori style teachings. She told us about BMMA(BellaMenteMontessoriAcademy) and that it's opening soon. As soon was it opened....we applied to put our daughter in there. She was going to a regular elementary school, a 1st grader at the time and bringing so much homework home EVERY night. My exact thought was, "Why are the teachers not doing their job but making us parents do more work after a hard day at work they had already. BMMA barely send homework home because they discuss and learn all their lessons in class. Their classes are small with only 24 students per class and I believe the instructor for each class has an assistant. I love the ratio of teacher to students. This sets them up for great success.

Posted: March 7, 2023

Posted: March 6, 2023

Posted: March 6, 2023

Posted: March 6, 2023

Posted: March 6, 2023

Posted: March 6, 2023

My oldest attended this school from 2nd grade thru middle school, and now my youngest is in middle school and started at pre-k. They have enjoyed this school. It’s a very good education program and have prepared my kids for their futures.

Posted: March 6, 2023

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Posted: February 8, 2023

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Posted: February 8, 2023

We love bellamente and looking foward to years ahead!

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 30, 2023

A small school that fits really well with my student. My son has an IEP and the Special Education team is very professional and essential to his progress and confidence. I like that the front office is bilingual and is ready to help when needed.
Every week they provide food donations for the school families. Is a small but caring school!

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 30, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

I had two daughters who attended this school. Time flies- one just graduated and is doing great in high school, while the other graduated 5 years ago and is doing great at UCSD. They both really miss this school and the teachers who helped them so much. My family will forever be thankful to all the teachers and staff!

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: January 4, 2023

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: August 16, 2022

Bella Mente is the greatest school! The staff is so incredible! They are very dedicated to the Montessori way of teaching and it makes a big difference for my son.

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: August 16, 2022

Posted: January 27, 2021

Honestly not a great school if I am being honest. The mixed grades really does not work for my child. I have a 3rd grader and she is being placed in a group with some 1st & 2nd. The speed of the class is too slow for her and she is not reaching her full potential. I had to withdraw her and switch her to a different school, where she is much more happier.

Posted: January 27, 2021

Posted: January 27, 2021

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Posted: January 27, 2021

Posted: September 5, 2020

Not good. Started off good, but the true nature of the environment became apparent gradually over the few years we were there. It’s a sad place.

Posted: September 5, 2020

Too much homework load for the younger kids in the young grades

Posted: September 5, 2020

They are not supported by leadership, administration or their board of directors

Posted: September 5, 2020

Many families have left because of the toxic culture

Posted: September 5, 2020

Posted: September 5, 2020

Posted: August 5, 2020

Teachers and staff are (were, many have been fired or have left) caring and amazing!! Unfortunately the administration is off the rails and has no desire to listen to or consider the input and experiences of parents and students.

Posted: August 5, 2020

Too much homework for elementary aged kids.

Posted: August 5, 2020

The teachers are incredible, but sadly do not have any support from admin.

Posted: August 5, 2020

Teachers instill and uphold strong values and accountability in students.

Posted: August 5, 2020

Director Erin Feeley does whatever the F she wants.

Posted: August 5, 2020

Posted: August 5, 2020

Admin is more concerned about blowback than effective discipline for these types of issues

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

First of all there is no consistency with teachers at this school so it’s really hard to say weather or not they are effective. The schools original approach is for students to have the same teacher for three years in a row. That has never happened for my two kids and I have been a parent at this school for six years. Teachers have been kind and loving towards students but no consistency with them unfortunately. The teachers could benefit from better leadership!

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

The leadership at the school is simply awful! They do not communicate well with parents at all or even with teachers for that matter!

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

I have given this school so much hope for each year but it’s a ship that’s sinking fast! Parents do your research please! The parent community have been more than supportive of each other, and PTO are amazing in raising funds to create fun events and opportunities for students! Teachers have been wonderful as well in educating our kids. The leadership is not good and it’s driving families away!

Posted: March 4, 2020

Posted: March 4, 2020

Posted: March 4, 2020

Leadership is incredibly poor. Great teachers and families leave due to the oversight of the director and the board. Do your research!

Posted: March 4, 2020

Posted: March 4, 2020

Posted: March 4, 2020

Posted: March 4, 2020

Posted: March 13, 2019

I really really am trying and would love to love this school. Our experience hasn't been great. The PTO is AMAZING. They have alot if activities that are available for your children to participate in. The garden and chickens is great they go once per week as well as art class. I'm hoping it turns around for us. We are really really trying to like this school because it's Montessori kinda, all extra curricular activities available, art, garden class,pto is awesome and it's conveniently located for me. I'm trying but on the verge of pulling my kid out in the middle of the year.

Posted: March 13, 2019

The homework is a fair amount. It involves me more as a parent to know what my child is learning and how my child is doing in that subject.

Posted: March 13, 2019

Academically my child is learning. I see a difference in her math and reading.

Posted: March 13, 2019

There are only a handful of staff that smile. Not a friendly vibe coming from staff. Super rigid.

Posted: March 13, 2019

Not all but a good amount of the staff are snobs and some just straight look like they are miserable working there and hate thier jobs. Not a great feeling when I go and drop my kid off for the day

Posted: March 13, 2019

Doesn't apply to my family, no comment

Posted: March 13, 2019

Lots of bullying going on at this school. I've never seen anything like it at an elementary school.

Posted: November 14, 2018

So terrible. Beware parents! There is a reason there wasn’t a waitlist. They are only about money. Really really sad and disgusting.

Posted: November 14, 2018

Posted: November 14, 2018

Teacher Lack communication skills necessary to schedule a simple conference.

Posted: November 14, 2018

Posted: November 14, 2018

Posted: November 14, 2018

They are only concerned about the money they get for Special needs children

Posted: November 14, 2018

Posted: April 20, 2018

We are so happy our son goes to Bella Mente. It is a public Montessori school. We love the teachers and community. They teach the whole child. Test scores do not always give an accurate account of a schools ability to help the whole student prepare for life. In my experience at Bella Mente my son is being prepared for life not just test taking.

Posted: April 20, 2018

Posted: April 20, 2018

Skilled, caring, trained, professional, compassionate, creative effective, nurturing and on the cutting edge . My student loves his teacher!

Posted: April 20, 2018

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Posted: April 20, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

We have been here for 3 years know and my son loves it. The school has changedwithin those 3 years, but for the better. The community is happy and welcoming. We love it there.

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 26, 2018

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Posted: January 26, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

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Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

We have had such a great experience at Bella Mente with our two older children, and are looking forward to our third joining them next fall. My daughter said to me the other day, "I'm so glad that I go to BMMA, I hear about bullying at all the other schools, but I just don't have to worry about it in my class. It doesn't happen." She scored above average on all of her 3rd grade state testing, and is flourishing socially, and academically. Our son has a caring and understanding teacher who has helped show him how to be a more attentive student and harness his energy positively in the classroom helping other students, while still flourishing with his own academics.

I feel as though I have a partner in the staff and parents to help all of our children grow up to be productive and caring adults.

Posted: January 25, 2018

There isn’t a ton of homework and what’s given is relavent

Posted: January 25, 2018

Your teacher experience will vary like it will at every school. We are thrilled with the lower elementary teacher, which my daughter will have for three years! She is warm and calm but does a great job at controlling the kids.

Posted: January 25, 2018

This was one of the driving forces behind sending my child to this school.

Posted: January 25, 2018

I love seeing the administration out and walking around campus interacting with the kids and parents. Makes me feel like they are truly involved and care about the school and students.

Posted: January 25, 2018

I really can’t answer this one because I don’t have experience with it. I have not heard any complaints

Posted: January 25, 2018

I have only heard of once incident and I believe it was resolved quickly

Posted: January 25, 2018

We chose this school over the public school because of their focus on the bigger picture. It isn’t strictly reading and math. Students study other cultures in depth (they even bring in story tellers, musicians or artists to go along with their unit). They experience growing, harvesting and preparing their own meals while learning about health and nutrition. The math and reading is odviosly taught as well, but the science, social studies and character studies are what separates this school from others. The teachers are their because they can provide that opportunity for their kids not just because of a paycheck.

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

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Posted: January 25, 2018

We love Bella! This is our fourth year here and love the support our girls get from their teachers and staff. I love that any issues I may have are addressed promptly. The community here is awesome!

Posted: January 25, 2018

For my young kids, I love that they do not come home with loads of homework/paperwork on a daily basis. Their teachers keep us informed of what skills may need additional time to be worked on at home, but no homework on a regular basis.

Posted: January 25, 2018

My children have loved their teachers at BMMA and I have had nothing but positive interactions with all staff at BMMA

Posted: January 25, 2018

These are the basics principles of BMMA and I feel the teachers and staff work to build these characteristics in our children to make them independent, kind and productive members of their community.

Posted: January 25, 2018

They are available and open to hearing feedback. They know the students and families and have the students best interest at heart.

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

I love dropping my kids off at BMMA knowing that it is like leaving them with family where their safety, best learning interests and life skills will be developed properly on a daily basis

Posted: January 25, 2018

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Posted: January 25, 2018

We are in our 4th year and love it

Posted: January 25, 2018

My son is absolutely thriving here! Traditional public school was just not the right fit for him, and Bella has not only met but exceeded our families needs.

Posted: January 25, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

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Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

We have had a wonderful experience at Bella Mente. The staff cares about their students and teach them to show the same respect they are shown.

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: September 4, 2017

We have had a great experience at Bella. The Montessori approach has been great for my daughter and she is constantly learning To care and respect people and the environment.

Posted: September 4, 2017

Posted: September 4, 2017

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Posted: September 4, 2017

Posted: March 7, 2017

I am very happy with Bella Mente's well rounded approach to preparing kids for life in the real world!

Posted: March 7, 2017

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Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

I'm continuing my review from below:

There was a comment regarding the difference in test scores when comparing math scores on economically disadvantaged kids. From what I've observed, Bella has many new kids enrolled at the school, most parents aren't familiar with Montessori philosophy and many of the kids from my perspective were already behind in their studies prior to enrolling. I am an active volunteer at this school and I've noticed several kids who are in need of extra help but we as parents should also support our kids at home. Montessori philosophy believes that no matter the child's economic status is doesn't affect the child's intelligence or ability to learn given the right environment. If these economically disadvantaged students math test scores are way below standard average, I believe that the fault doesn't lie solely on the school. Parents have the responsibility to support their kids at home if they are struggling.
Bella continuously develop programs to help struggling students with their academics and recently implemented study time after school to those who doesn't finish their school work.
I grew up being economically disadvantaged but my parents always instilled in me the value of education, hard work and perseverance. Being economically disadvantaged did not deter me from doing poorly in school and on top of that, moving to the United States at age 11; I did a lot of catching up.

Posted: March 21, 2016

My daughter was bullied verbally and physically she was in transitional kindergarten. The teacher claimed she never saw anything. My daughter came home upset many days and one time with a bloody nose another time with bad tooth. I witnessed the boy hit and attack other kids on the soccer fields. He had a huge problem obviously, and it was not handled. He pushed our daughter right in front of me another time in front of my husband. The most appalling part was the teacher said he was from a good family and defended him. From that day forward she came to our car to tell us what our daughter did wrong she turned the tables and said our daughter tried to kiss him, and they have no hands policy. From this day forward she was harassed verbally by other kids. This by the way is one of the best teachers. This school is in a terrible location the teachers are not all Montessori trained huge turnover. Not safe afterschool programs due to open campus. This is not a true Montessori school. My daughter is back in public has a lot of friends and has excelled. There is just not a good feeling on campus. I saw teachers yell at kids and the principal bully some boys. Sorry rethink this school.

Posted: March 21, 2016

Posted: March 21, 2016

Posted: March 21, 2016

No there was no accountability for actions. They claimed they had a peace table to handle this and the teachers did follow this themselves, and my daughter said she had no idea what it was.

Posted: August 31, 2015

Posted: August 31, 2015

Posted: August 31, 2015

Posted: August 31, 2015

If you are intended to enroll your child(ren) specifically for authentic Montessori education, this school will not be the right choice for you unfortunately. The school website indicates that the school offers authentic Montessori education; however, the reality is that the majority of teachers are not certified Montessori teachers. As of August 215, only approximately 30-40% of the teachers are Montessori certified (meaning they went through a proper training and obtained a Montessori teaching certification from accredited Montessori institutions such as AMS or AMI) and the rest has none, which is pretty absurd for a school that claims to offer “authentic Montessori education. The school really seems to struggle to hire and retain qualified and experienced Montessori teachers.

My son attended a Montessori preschool for 2 years prior to joining BMMA, so we enrolled him specifically for Montessori education. He was lucky to be placed in a classroom with 2 Montessori certified teachers with years of Montessori teaching experience last year, and we were happy with the school over all. Unfortunately, he was assigned an uncertified teacher with no prior teaching experience this year. I also observed 2 different upper elementary classrooms taught by non-certified teachers last year, and the classrooms I observed are far from the Montessori classroom that I’m familiar with . 3-4 students were having a lesson with the lead teacher while the rest was just chatting and eating snack throughout my observation. The classrooms weren’t organized. BMMA, like any other Montessori schools, doesn’t typically assign daily homework. This is perfectly fine if the children are actually engaged in their work at school, but I felt that’s not the case at BMMA.

Due to these reasons, we decided to place him in a different school that meets our needs. It’s unfortunate because the school does have the potential to become a successful public Montessori school.

Posted: June 20, 2015

The teachers and the staff are fabulous. They are making miracles happen with a limited budget, lack of Montessori materials, and lack of Montessori training.

However, the teachers and staff are being led by principal Erin Feeley, who is directing the school down a path different from the one she promised the community: authentic Montessori education, taught by Montessori-trained teachers, in a small community-centered school environment on 3.33 acres. Here's the reality: The curriculum is not "authentic Montessori"; without the proper materials in every classroom, without Montessori-trained teachers, and with hundreds of new students every year who have never experienced a Montessori education, it can never be an authentic Montessori school. Enrollment has jumped from 325 (September 2013) to a whopping 650 (planned for August 2015). While there is a shortage of both Montessori-trained and California-credentialed teachers at the school, hard-working and well-loved teachers with both requirements are being dismissed without explanation. Community bonds that once felt strong are weakening due to the increase in students and lack of space. The benefits we once had (plenty of parking, adequate playground space, before-school play time) have been taken away, all dismissed by Erin Feeley as unnecessary because "charter schools don't have those things"... except that we DID have those things, and now they're gone or leaving soon.

The three-member Board of Directors supports Erin Feeley in her poor decision-making, which should not be surprising, since they all knew Erin personally before the school was created.

My three-star review is a reflection of the resiliency of the teachers and staff and their kind and generous hearts, as well as the parents and students who strive every day to build community. If if weren't for the teachers' commitment to educating our students and the bonds we have with some families, I would dis-enroll my son.

I strongly recommend you carefully investigate this school (or any school!) before enrolling.

Posted: June 20, 2015

Montessori is traditionally low- or no-homework, and Bella Mente is in line with this philosophy.

Posted: March 16, 2015

This is the second year for both my children at Bella Mente. They LOVE it! The teachers are passionate and dedicated. Their joy of teaching is contagious. They both believe in the Montessori philosophy to develop the whole child. Now Montessori is a leap of faith on the parent side because there is no homework and few tests. In fact, most of the work is done with manipulative (hands on materials). However my kids' teachers do a great job making me feel comfortable with their progression. Both kids are excelling academically and socially. I have NEVER smelt gas. The school went through all regulations to assure it is compliant. Erin, the principal, is definitely a by the book leader as she does not want to risk losing the charter. Also keep in mind that prior to it being Bella Mente, the school was Tri-City Christian. However, it is an urban public school so keep that in mind. Last thing I will say is that what makes this school truly special is the community of parents. It is amazing!

Posted: March 5, 2015

My son's classroom sits closest to the gas station and I volunteer in there regularly. I have never smelled fumes...ever....even outside. That being said, traffic is horrible but they do an amazing job with what little resources they have to control the flow of vehicles at drop off and pick up. The community and families are irreplaceable. It's definitely not a school for everyone. The classroom is Montessori in style and some children to not flourish under such conditions. My son is working on applications two grades above his level when appropriate and most public schools don't accommodate such freedom to grow independently at one's own pace. In kindergarten they had 3 field trips. The local public school my son's friends go to, have had ZERO field trips in the last three years of attendance. The school definitely had some growing pains and communication issues but each year had shown improvement. I don't expect perfection. I do expect a school to constantly strive to be better, which it has consistently done. I applaud the entire staff and teachers for supporting each student individually and allowing the classroom to be a true "hands on" learning environment.

Posted: January 19, 2015

My kids attended when the school in the 13/14 school year. Being a new charter, there were lots of bumps in the road. I think there was a major lack of communication with admin, and not enough transparency in the beginning. I give credit to the very active community of parents. The school was very loose with their philosophy and trying to bridge the gap between public and Montessori instead of committing to one. I just did not feel like my children were learning. In fact, I was seeing regression in both children. There were too many issues and too many growing pains to come, and I was not willing to have my kids suffer through those. There are also some environmental factors I was concerned about as the other parent mentioned. You could smell fumes from the gas station. There was a day when none of the students could go outside because of reports of fumes and a possible leak. I pulled my kids out after winter break. I believe things have improved since then, but the school's culture and broad educational philosophy just didn't fit our family. I believe in school choice and I do believe they will constantly strive to improve. I wish them the best for the future.

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