Mountainside Elementary School

Posted: September 21, 2021

2 of my children attended this school and the experiences differed greatly for both. One of my kids had no issues ever and loved every second.
My other child attended from grades K-2nd and I was urged by the school (office staff and counselor) to put my child on ADHD medication starting at age 5 due to some behavior issues, however, the medication didn’t help. I tried explaining that the behaviors exhibited at school were never behaviors exhibited at home and was told my hands were pretty much tied (get the meds or my child wouldn’t be able to attend). Any time my child did something a teacher didn’t care for, I always got an email asking if my child had taken medication that morning. My child was constantly in time out (placed outside of the classroom in the hallway, alone) for not speaking loud enough, not understanding the material, or not answering questions when asked. I personally witnessed my child’s 2nd grade teacher scream in my child’s face in the pick up like for saying hello to me while she was talking to my husband, because my child interrupted her. After being stationed in another location, the new school’s therapists realized my child did not have ADHD, but an anxiety issue and that the medication my child was on would not, in any way, help. I was also notified at this new school that my child was testing extremely far behind (an entire grade level) however none of my child’s grades, parent/teacher reviews, or report cards from Mountainside reflected this.
Mountainside had also lost both of my children on one occasion and my oldest on another sending them on daycare buses when the school sent out recorded messages to parents stating that parents needed to pick up their children because they daycare buses weren’t running (they were but the school didn’t send out new messages to correct the old ones) so when I left work early to pick them up, the staff in the pick up line couldn’t tell me where my children were.

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: September 21, 2021

Posted: August 16, 2016

I haven't had experience w multiple teachers, just one so far. It hasn't been a pleasant experience.

Posted: August 16, 2016

I would not know because he was not sent home with any homework. So I cannot answer this question properly.

Posted: August 16, 2016

My child is singled out & instead of implementing a plan, they just want to get rid of him.

Posted: August 16, 2016

Unorganized. My child is singled out. I can't get a straight answer out of anyone. Very unhappy w how they handle my child & my concerns.

Posted: May 11, 2016

LOVE THIS SCHOOL AND IT'S STAFF. HAVEBEEN WORKING WITH THEM FOR 3 YEARS AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS AS TO THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK ETHICS AND COMPASSION FOR THE KIDS.

Posted: April 12, 2015

My son is in there behavioral ASD program. He is way ahead of the kids his age. Can't say enough good about this school!

Posted: November 11, 2014

My son loves mountain side and is having an amazing second year. We have all enjoyed both of the teachers he's had and all the staff we have worked with. My son has made student of the month twice and is on the honor roll every quarter. We really couldn't be happier.

Posted: April 16, 2014

Mountainside School has a principal, who talks a good game, but does not follow through on promises. Standardized test scores are not impressive. My child is not happy there.

Posted: May 25, 2012

Mountainside is an awesome school. They have a wonderful staff and supportive teachers. Mrs. Zupans, the principal is very approachable and is usually on the school lobby to greet the children in the morning when school starts. They have a lot of great after school clubs for grades 3-5. Not only that, but they bring in the Missoula Children's Theatre where my son has participated each year they visited. Academically,they have ALP for children who is advanced and needs to be challenged; they also have the Gifted Children program that guides the development of gifted learners. We will miss Mountainside. Thank you for all the good times.

Posted: May 1, 2012

We moved to Mountainside with kids ahead of their grade levels and have been pleased with the way their teachers have been able to challenge them. We've been given challenge work in lieu of regular work to keep our kids still moving ahead, as well as their teachers making sure they remain interested. Plenty of after school options for the older grades (3-5), math, spelling, reading, science clubs, plus art, basketball, etc. Our children's teachers have been outstanding in communicating with us and helping our children adapt to a mid-year move. In terms of other "complaints", it is common knowledge that FFC-D8 only offers free half day kindergarten and must be paid for if you want full-day. Complaining that you did not pay your bill for an optional program is not a reflection of the school or its quality. The rates for military families are excessively reasonable for a full-day kindergarten with great teachers.

Posted: March 29, 2011

I have 3 children that go to this school. Me and my children personally dislike the school and how they treat the children. We are a lower income family and my son was attending full day kindergarten because i felt he needed more than a half day because he has a learning disability, when i was unable to make the payment for him to stay in kindergarten they immediately moved him back to half day not even caring that he was doing better in the full day. They would not work on a payment plan with me. They were very rude! I am counting down the days until i move away from the district...

Posted: June 13, 2010

I've had nothing but great experiences dealing with the staff at Mountainside for my autistic son.

Posted: July 29, 2009