Montessori Children's House of Denver in Denver

Posted: January 13, 2025

As parents, we had high hopes when we enrolled our child at MCHD, but unfortunately, our experience has been disappointing on several fronts. My older son attended MCHD 8 years ago and we were thrilled when it came to his experience. He had one teacher, Ms. Itzel, his entire time there. He grew so much educationally and socially. I was excited to send my younger son and enrolled him when he was two. We spent 4 years at MCHD Parkhill and just left mid year because we were beyond disappointed. I am floored when I recall the significant differences from 8 years ago.
First and foremost, the teacher retention issue is a serious concern. It feels like every few months, were seeing new faces in the classroom, which has created a lack of consistency in our childs education. Its difficult to form a relationship with teachers when theyre constantly leaving, and its clear that the remaining staff is overburdened. Additionally, communication from the school is abysmal. Important updates and changes are rarely communicated in a timely manner. Its frustrating to find out about scheduling changes, school events, or policy updates at the last minute or, worse, not at all. As parents, we feel left out of the loop and constantly have to chase down information that should be readily available to us. Weve also been disappointed by how the school has handled changes. There has been a lack of transparency when it comes to alterations in curriculum, staffing, and even basic facilities. The school doesnt seem forthcoming with this information, and weve been left to figure things out for ourselves, which is not acceptable for the fees we are paying. To add insult to injury, despite paying the same amount as families at the Central Park campus, our childs campus does not offer the same resources or opportunities. Its hard to ignore the disparity in facilities, extracurricular programs, and even classroom materials. We understand that different campuses may have different needs, but the quality should not be this uneven when the financial commitment is the same. Overall, were incredibly disappointed with MCHD. For the amount of money were paying, we expected much better communication, teacher stability, and a more consistent and equitable experience for our child. We hope the school takes these issues seriously and works to address them for the sake of the students.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Posted: August 28, 2024

We attended MCHD for two years. Let us preface this review by saying that our daughter made some amazing friends and connections while attending, and had a satisfactory education (attended ages 1 and 2). Without going into every detail, the biggest theme that came up for us as parents was a hypocrisy in how the schools were run. During our daughter's first year at the park hill campus, she was sent home when she had a runny nose and no other symptoms, and many times when she had diaper rashes (she never had them at home). Her first year teachers and administration changed a lot which is not great for a kid her age, and after a multitude of meetings later, there was a lot of talk and pointing fingers at parents, but no action taken. We didn't have much of an idea of what was going on during that time and what our child did on an even monthly basis. The director of Park Hill often criticized and blamed parents and was extremely defensive when we brought things to her attention, yet we were told to do so. We stopped after a while since mentions of "you can go to another school" felt threatening and concerning to us. We calculated she was refused to come to school an average of 2/5 days per week which is a lot considering the cost of this school. Prices went up during the summer and we were paying more for teachers that didn't even have a Montessori credential completed. During the summer as well, nobody worked on potty training with her, which set her back a lot - it took us about 6 months to potty train her. During her second year, we moved to the central park campus and we loved the main teacher and the campus was much better. However, the administration was still pushing back on simple things like security and safety of the campus, and we didn't get a lot of information about what she was doing on a weekly basis. I love Montessori and it makes me sad that this was our case. We have since moved on to another school which provides more insight and cares more about improving the school and their teachers on a daily basis.

Posted: August 28, 2024

Posted: March 5, 2024

If you are looking for a school that will communicate with you, and have administrators that do their jobs say away from here! We were hoping that this would be a good environment, and it has been nothing but a disappointment. While a few of the teachers we have had have been great, you can tell that they are not appreciated by the administration or valued for what they do every day. I don't fault the teachers at all but when your Camus director can't be bothered to pull her face out of her phone and interact with parents and kids there is an issue.

Posted: March 5, 2024

Posted: November 14, 2023

It is such a great way to start your day by seeing so many kids of all ages running, literally running, into school with big smiles on their faces. At the end of the day, the kids dont want to leave. Our child has thrived at MCHD, finding a love for learning, supportive and nurturing teachers, and a great group of friends.

Posted: November 14, 2023

Posted: September 14, 2023

My child attended middle school (grades 7-9) at MCHD, and the experience was stellar for the entire family! I toured other Montessori schools in the area, but chose this one because it felt so genuine and child focused. It lived up to that and offered more!

Posted: September 14, 2023

Posted: May 16, 2023

My children attended this school for several years and I believe they are better for the experience. Of course, it is an organization of humans teaching humans, so nothing can be perfect all the time, but the teachers and staff worked hard to always improve and find ways to support students and families. In my experience, they were very willing to hear me out, ask questions, and partner with me for the well-being of my kids. These teachers are passionate, knowledgeable, and foster curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking in kids.

Posted: May 16, 2023

Posted: May 4, 2023

I have two children going to MCHD and they are thriving and happy. The teachers really care for the students. We feel so lucky to be a part of this community.

Posted: May 4, 2023

Posted: May 1, 2023

Both of my daughters attend school at the central park campus, and it's a wonderful environment. It's expensive, but I feel we get our money's worth in helping us raise well adjusted, resilient, curious and happy kids. We love the teachers, curriculum and environment!

Posted: May 1, 2023

Posted: April 26, 2023

We absolutely love this school, the teachers, the specialty staff, and the entire community!

Posted: April 26, 2023

Posted: April 12, 2023

Our daughter started Primary at 3 years old and has thrived at MCHD. The teachers, staff, and community are wonderful. We see benefits from the Montessori approach at home every day.

Posted: April 12, 2023

Posted: April 10, 2023

We have had an excellent early childhood education experience with MCHD. Both of our children (4, 2) began around age 1.5 in the Toddler classroom and they are each thriving in development, independence, and happiness.

Posted: April 10, 2023

Posted: March 23, 2023

This school claims to have a 1-10 teacher ratio however the reality is that there are approximately 28 students, 1 teacher and a couple "helpers" You will pay premium tuition but the reality is that your child will often be on their own in the classroom. If your child is not a self starter or does not fit in the "Montessori "mold then you will be made to feel like something is wrong with your child. Despite multiple efforts to work with faculty we were constantly contacted when our child was not engaging in classroom activities even after we were assured that they were capable of working with our child. In addition to the complete classroom mismanagement disaster we experienced with our older child, our younger child who attended the toddler classroom had an allergic reaction one afternoon. When I contacted the school the teacher was unbelievably rude and when I asked her if she was aware of his allergy she said she'd received an email when he was first enrolled about a suspected allergy and therefore disregarded it. At no time did she ask how my child was, whether he was ok or even apologize for the mishap. It was so bad that we pulled both our children from the school before the school year was out. Save yourself the headache and look elsewhere.

Posted: March 23, 2023

Posted: February 11, 2023

I worked at MCHD years ago. At the time, it was a revolving door of staff members. While the original intentions of the founders of the school may have been noble, there were problems with their business expansion goals. We were very underpaid and under supported. Some never returned to the field of teaching, others decided to work for schools that had more resources for teachers. Upper management was usually nowhere to be seen when it came to planning for after school programs or working with teachers on their classroom management. The classrooms were overcrowded and some children needed to be moved up to the next age group for their skills, since they were frequently bored, yet that wasnt an option. Employees felt a lot of pressure to manage the situation and were blamed if parents were frustrated by anything.

Posted: February 11, 2023

Posted: April 25, 2019

My child is a toddler so there is no homework.

Posted: April 25, 2019

My child is in class with Thea and Claudia and I'll never be able to adequately summarize how incredible they both are. They are so clearly loved by all their students and it's evident to me that they cherish and respect each child in their class. There aren't any "favorite" students and each child is given individualized/respectful attention when needed.

Posted: April 25, 2019

YES. It's unbelievable to see the fruits of this important work in the lives and demeanor of such young children. I see it happening all the time. Just the other day, my child was feeling apprehensive about walking into class and two of his classmates joined us in a group hug, took his hand an guided him into the classroom. Character is instilled when they're this this little.

Posted: April 25, 2019

I have only had positive experiences with the leadership team.

Posted: April 25, 2019

I can't speak to this from personal experience but I can only imagine that MCHD would be respectful and on top of any scenario of this nature.

Posted: April 25, 2019

I think they do! These children are taught the language skills, self-awareness and given so many opportunities to communicate with one another in a way that helps mitigate bullying. Respecting yourself and others is like the air they breathe.

Posted: April 25, 2019

People often ask me if sending my young toddler to preschool at a private Montessori school is worth the money... so I'll just come right out and say, "YES". My son started at the Mayfair location at 18 months - before he could talk. As a parent, it always feels a little hard to trust anyone else with your child, especially when they can't articulate with words what's happening when you're away. Your mind can go straight to every worst case scenario. But this school, this program, and the two incredible teachers (Thea & Claudia) have been a gift that I can't quite summarize in a review. I'll do my best. When I walk into the classroom, I see happy, well-adjusted children engaged in meaningful work. They're kind to one another, often greeting each other with an enthusiastic "hello" or hug. They're learning important life skills like patience, taking turns, respecting one another, recognizing their feelings/friend's feelings, giving one another space. They're learning important practical skills like putting their work away when finished, how to undress (for toileting), how to wash their hands, how to set the table... at 22 months, my child was actually clearing his table at home (I have never taught him this). These lessons run deep because really, they're learning the sort of self-awareness and confidence that will produce outstanding humans in the long-run. Thea and Claudia are fully-engaged, ever-patient and not once have I ever heard a voice raised. There is as much respect from child to teacher as there is teacher to child. They work with each child through the hard moments (i.e. having to wait a turn etc) with respect and dignity (you don't see this everywhere). Montessori is a beautiful philosophy that and this place is a shining example of what it can be in real life. PS get on that waitlist sooner rather than later! We aren't the only ones who thinks so highly of this program!

Posted: November 3, 2017

My children (4 and 8) are thriving at this school. All academic work is well ahead of grade level and they LOVE to learn. There is no teaching to a test or memorization and they are allowed to chose the work that excites them. For my 8 year old there may be some guidance by a teacher so that all areas are covered and none are neglected. In my opinion, the most important thing that can be stoked or extinguished through early elementary is a child's love of learning and knowledge. This love is absolutely protected and amplified at MCHD.

Posted: November 3, 2017

My 8 year old is in 3rd grade at the school and there is no homework with the exception of voluntary reading. The school is able to teach him what he needs in the classroom time.

Posted: November 3, 2017

My child is learning everything that he needs to for a typical 3rd grader. Much more importantly, he is excited to learn and is driven to learn because he wants knowledge, not because there is an upcoming test.

Posted: November 3, 2017

This is perhaps one of the strongest aspects of properly implemented Montessori: the whole child is developed including character and leadership. Older students are expected to help younger students and respect for self, others and the environment is central.

Posted: November 3, 2017

I don't have any experience in this so cannot speak to it. However, when my child needed OT in the classroom due to an injury the teachers were incredibly receptive and changed some of his works to focus on the excersizes that were needed.

Posted: November 3, 2017

Due to the focus on respect there is very little bullying but is met head-on when it does present itself.

Posted: November 1, 2017

My son started at MCHD in 2012, and while we always loved the education we received there, it wasn't until my job moved us to another state that I truly understood how amazing MCHD really is. In a very short time in another school, my son went from a boy who loved school, loved learning, loved making new friends, to a boy who dreaded school, hated to read, and started acting out and being very aggressive, angry, and depressed. He talked all the time about his teachers and school at Mayfair MCHD. Fortunately we were able to move back to Denver a year later, and immediately returned to MCHD. And in very little time the curious, gifted, passionate, creative, social boy we'd known returned. No matter what happens in our professional circumstance, our family is committed to staying at MCHD through Middle school! There really is nothing else like this school.

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: October 31, 2017

Our experience at MCHD has been and continues to be superb. Our children are thriving, happy, safe, intrinsically motivated learners who are growing to be compassionate, respectful, independent and creative humans. It brings me overwhelming joy and satisfaction to know that my children attend a school that fosters not only academic success and learning that is individualized but also the values that are so important in the world we live in today. My children are respected and valued as individuals, their teachers know and love them (and all of the students) and they are happy, safe and free to learn. I cannot say enough about MCHD!

Posted: October 31, 2017

Posted: October 30, 2017

We have loved our MCHD teachers. Not only have they gone through extensive training, all the ones we worked with seem to have an inherent love of teaching and learning. In turn, they make the environment truly enjoyable for the children. Teachers here are top-notch, and from what I can gather they could teach anywhere. However, MCHD has a high-quality reputation in Denver, and they're here because they believe in the collective vision and values of the school.

Posted: October 30, 2017

From peace education, to communication development, to international cultural study, the value of respect for others is instilled at every level.

Posted: October 30, 2017

I've found the leadership and administrators to be very engaging, responsive, and genuinely committed to individual students, even when they aren't in the classroom with them on a daily basis. It seems to be a true team effort.

Posted: October 30, 2017

My three children run the gamut of learning styles, from highly gifted to learning challenges. But each child is seen for being exactly who they are, and true to Montessori fashion, the teachers are very adept at uncovering and working to their strengths. In doing so, they foster a deep love of learning.

Posted: October 30, 2017

In my limited experience with this, I have found the teachers to be very compassionate and integrative in their approach . They work with the children and parents on both sides of each circumstance, and rather than label or punish, they empower everyone in the situation.

Posted: October 30, 2017

We tried out many different school environments to find the right fit for our three kids, all of whom have different needs. My eldest son, who is highly gifted, really disliked school until he found the challenge, peer group, and stimulation he gets daily at MCHD. MCHD is the only place we have found that is able to meet the unique needs of each of our children, and where each of our babies has flourished. We don't even think twice about driving across town to go to the Stapleton Campus for elementary, even when a top public school is just up the street.

From day one, we have felt like valued members of the MCHD community, and felt that everyone from administrators to teachers to staff has had a vested interest in our childrens' success. Our children have had experiences at each of the three MCHD campuses, and the continuity of care, individualized attention, nurturing acceptance is evident in each one. It's pretty clear that very high caliber, well-trained educators gravitate to this school, and the leadership is top-knotch. On a recent field trip, a parent told me that when her family had moved to Denver, they chose the neighborhood they would live in based on it's proximity to the Stapleton campus. After seeing the impact the school has had on my children, I can completely understand why.

Posted: October 30, 2017

Before coming to MCHD, we were in a FL public school that gave 4-5 year olds loads of homework, which I never agreed with and studies have shown to have deleterious effects. While the kids work hard and are doing high level work, they aren't required to take anything home with them, which I really appreciate.

Posted: October 23, 2017

Please don't send your children to this school. The teachers are and director are inept, and the Mayfair campus is junky, filthy, and brokedown. Our child was bullied there, and the staff was unhelpful and indifferent. Their interpretation of the Montessori philosophy is basically to let the kids run wild while the adults sip coffee and gossip. Especially don't send quiet, reserved, shy, or kind-hearted kidsthey'll get stomped all over, and the teachers will just shrug, if they notice at all. We know at least four other families who left for similar reasons, and I feel guilty for having sent my child there as long as I did. It is not a safe or loving environment.

Posted: October 23, 2017

Posted: September 6, 2014

My son attended MCHD's Secondary Academy for 8th grade. It was the best overall school experience he's had since he started school. The individualized curriculum helped him gain confidence and experience success in his educational endeavors. The school director and classroom teacher worked collaboratively to come up with interesting and relevant lessons for him: two elements that made all of the difference for him. We loved the incredible opportunities that were woven into his experience: science camp, weekly shopping trips to plan group lunches, weekly cross fit classes and interaction with and teaching younger students--a great way to help him internalize what he learned. Most of all, he was treated with respect and valued for who he is as an individual. To have the combination of excellent academic content with a supportive school environment made our time at Secondary Academy a true high point for our gifted son. I wish they had a high school!

Posted: August 28, 2014

MCHDis a wonderful school where the children are always put first. My daughter is only started in the Toddler Program at Park Hill this August. Already in a few short weeks I can see her learning and growing. She loves school and is happy to go each morning. The staff are warm, friendly, passionate and dedicated , not to mention knowledgeable in both Child development and Montessori Philosophy. MCHD has a welcoming community that I would recommend to parents with children at any age.

Posted: October 12, 2013

This is an amazing school. My son started there when he turned 3, and during his first week there, he woke up in the middle of the night just to tell us all about gravity and spaceships -- the things he had just learned and was really excited about. The teachers are encouraging and nurturing; they really care about the kids' individual talents and structure the curriculum to suit each child's needs. The administration is helpful and responsive. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: May 14, 2013

I read the reviews and wanted to comment on some of the more negative ones. We are at the Stapleton campus and have been very happy with the administration and their adherence to school policies. All the staff from the head to assistants are warm, friendly, & available. As for billing, twice we were incorrectly billed and both times I called the main office and the problem was fixed immediately. The woman who helped me was knowledgeable and very polite. My son loves his teachers, as do we. We have gotten to know them quite well and I am frequently involved in the classroom. Our teachers invite and encourage parent participation. I have never heard any parents at our campus say such drastically negative things about the school or the staff. As an aside, as a long time public school teacher and administrator with a Masters in Special Ed, I found the comment about parents of kids w/ learning disabilities just looking for small classes incredibly naive. Often these children have immense struggles in the cookie cutter world of public education, and unless you've experienced that first hand you should not be making assumptions as to why Montessori is a good fit for ay of these students.

Posted: February 22, 2013

I have two children, both diagnosed as exceptionally gifted, who attend MCHD. They have been at the school for several years, are excelling academically and absolutely love it. The class sizes are small and the teachers are wonderful. I have been grateful to have a school for them that has been able to keep them challenged and engaged, and that also understands the unique social and emotional challenges that gifted students face.

Posted: February 19, 2013

Our family has had both of our children at MCHD. The teachers are some of the most professional, nurturing, accessible and collaborative I have experienced. Both children started at MCHD as two year olds, and our son has now gone on to enter his new school in a great place in terms of both reading and math. It is amazing what children can and want to learn at such a young age! Our daughter is currently at the Birch Street location and is shining under the guidance of her teachers. Lastly, the community of teachers and families is second to none -- we have made many life-long friends through MCHD.

Posted: February 18, 2013

The Montessori Children's House of Denver has played an instrumental role in laying the most amazing foundation with our daughter. Both her father and I attribute her ability to problem solve, apply real-world thinking skills and engage creative solutions as core teaching methodologies she learned through MCHD's attuned curriculum. We believe that MCHD has had a positive effect in shaping her character, and we understand that what s most important is an A+ human being, not necessarily A+ grades. Her parents would recommend MCHD, but in even better words of Ruby Kate; I love my school.

Posted: February 18, 2013

As the parent of four kids, I have experienced many different types of schooling for my children over the years. MCHD provided our family with a wonderfully nurturing, supportive and kind environment for our son. Beatrice continues to hold a special place in our hearts as her approach with our son and our family was gentle as she found the best possible solutions to any challenges we faced. Our son was honored and celebrated for his unique gifts rather than forced to "fit in a box" that wasn't his size.. The staff is caring, thoughtful and fun! I continue to recommend this schools to all parents who are looking for that school with that something special.

Posted: February 3, 2013

Some of the teachers struggle to teach classrooms that have 3 different ages/grades. Many children with special needs such as learning disabilities and they are looking for small class sizes at a private school. Parents are only welcome in the classroom at very specific small time frames and you are not allowed to speak with anyone while in the room because you have to be an observer. However, they are happy to let you sign up for chores such as laundry!

Posted: January 14, 2013

I agree with the previous poster. The administrative staff are absolutely unprofessional, disorganized, and INCOMPETENT! Hope they aren't the product of Montessori, because they reflect very poorly upon this school. To say it best, they are unresponsive and don't care. We too had billing issues and these people just can't get it together. The teacher at our campus is nice, but commucation is broken and English clearly is not a high priority. We certainly will not continue with this school if we even finish the year. Horribly disorganized, no communication, incorrect communication, lack of accountability and excuses from administrative staff. Completely unprofessional and I am beyond disillusioned...

Posted: December 16, 2012

Unfortunately we been fairly dissatisfied with Montessori Children's House of Denver. We were very excited for our child to be exposed to the Montessori method and thought it would be a good environment. The administration is disorganized, laissez faire, and unresponsive. Weekly email communications contain errors and incorrect dates. Policies are fluid and not applied to everyone. Our bills have been incorrect and can not get a response from anyone in order to correct it. At the campus my child attends, there is a lack of warmth from the teacher who seems more concerned with Montessori methods and rituals than my child's happiness. We may not even finish the current year, let alone sign up for the summer and next fall.

Posted: May 10, 2012

We have 4 year old twins that have attended MCHD since they were two years old. We adore the school. The birch location has so much charm, being an original farmhouse. From the moment you walk in and see the cubbies to when you walk around the school, you just feel something special. It has been a home away from home for my children and a wonderful, loving and perfect introduction to learning. My daughter learned to read at the school and my son is very interested in space and math. We are now in the process of enrolling our youngest child. On a personal level, we have met great family friends at the school. I would highly recommend this school. It is delightful.

Posted: November 20, 2011

We have two kids attending the Stapleton campus; a 2 year old and a 7 year old. It's expensive but worth every penny. Our kids are so very happy and LEARNING. Montessori has a reputation sometimes of just being touchy-feely, but the teachers are extremely involved and really help kids with focus and motivation. Bravo and thank you.

Posted: October 28, 2011

Admittedly, my child has only been attending this school for about two months attending the Hilltop campus/primary class, but I have seen a noticeable improvement in him since he started. I like the school community and have not felt that the school/parents are too "snobby" as I have heard some parents say about other nearby schools. I am happy with the education so far and plan to keep my son in the Montessori Children's House as long as possible.

Posted: May 4, 2011

Our son has been with MCHD since he was a toddler. His social and cognitive skills are testament to the quality and care of his teachers and the warm cozy classrooms. He will be in Kindergarten next year, so we could choose another school, but wouldn't even consider it! He has done so well and our family has fit right into the community.

Posted: October 31, 2010

Our daughter has attended MCHD the last two years at the Birch St. location. We love this school! The teachers are top notch, the administration is great, parent involvement is high. MCHD has been a great fit for our family.

Posted: March 21, 2010

We love the warm, nurturing environment, great teacher-student ratio, and individualized curriculum. Our child is thriving here. It is important to visit each school you are considering to see if it is the right fit for your child's needs. Each child is unique.

Posted: March 16, 2010

Sometimes the approach deviates slightly from the Montesorri method, as spelled out by montessori.org. Many of the afternoon/afterschool personnel are not Montessori trained and that can be very discouraging. Administration is not a cohesive unit and can be challenging. Classroom environment is very rich in Montessori 'gadgets.'

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cherry Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Denver	CO	1.6 mi
2	Sterling Hills West	Area of Town	Aurora	CO	10.2 mi
3	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	46.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Loveland	Loveland	CO		45.8 mi
2	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO		49.6 mi

Montessori Children's House of Denver

Denver, CO 80220

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