Alta Vista Montessori School

Posted: April 27, 2024

My daughter attended the school in 2021/2022.

This school is designed to minimize teacher work under the disguise of Montessori.

Poor organization at drop off. Kids were drop off and sometimes I had to look for a helper to make sure I was not leaving her by herself.

During the day, very little teacher-led activities. They heavily rely on “the stations”… but there are so many times a 3/4 yr old can play with a puzzle.

Many times I would pick her up and I would see kids laying on the floor by the classroom door… doing nothing with one helper for the entire class. One theme is that they were heavily understaffed.

Not a hands on school; demand high accountability to parents and teachers — but that is not reciprocated.

If I could do it all over again, I would probably look for alternatives Liz

Posted: April 27, 2024

Posted: April 27, 2024

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Posted: August 7, 2020

So far, we love the staff. They are kind, supportive, and transparent. The use of the Bloomz app is also really nice to see photos of our children and different activities in the classroom.

Posted: August 7, 2020

I believe they embody the Montessori philosophy well. I’m excited to see my child’s continued growth.

Posted: August 7, 2020

Posted: August 7, 2020

I have really enjoyed our experience so far. I have also been learning a lot more about the approach and how I can support it at home. Their COVID response has been great. My child has been back for the summer and I do have faith that they are taking all precautions seriously. Young children need socialization and the consistent routine.

Posted: June 15, 2020

Excellent introduction to the Montessori philosophy, but not sure the adherence was consistent from classroom to classroom.

Posted: June 15, 2020

Posted: June 15, 2020

We had a solid experience with she first teacher, but the teacher in the next classroom was underwhelming and lacked patience with emerging skills

Posted: June 15, 2020

Posted: June 15, 2020

While the director was very promising when we first looked at the school, her management of a complete breakdown in communication was far from ideal.

Posted: June 15, 2020

If your child is a “typical” child with no challenges, this place is ideal. If not, they are not the best option. Not sure the “following the child” philosophy resonates here.

Posted: June 15, 2020

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

ADMINISTRATOR IS RUDE & CHEAP! – When first joined, the head teacher was rude and spoke to me like a child. Concerned, brought this to attention of Administrator and not only did she SNICKER AT MY COMPLAINT, but BRUSHED IT OFF and then proceeded to SPEAK OVER me on the phone so much so, **I had to nicely ask her to let me finish my thoughts. WOW.** Setting the example comes from the top and clearly she needs to work on her own people skills. Administrator is also very focused on keeping cost down at the expense of the parents. She has made many ridiculous requests like bringing in old STROLLERs (how about Craigslist, Offer Up, or a garage sale and buying one yourself??), JUNK (pots and pans, etc.) - so kids can get 'creative' and entertain themselves?, and FREE TIME & LABOR (instead of paying for assembly, asked parents to volunteer to put together/carry heavy, water structures for outdoor area, assistance with technology, donate $ and do set up for their events, in she CLOSES the school for event preparation, while the parents scramble for alternative childcare. Also, have a go-to babysitter on call BECAUSE THIS SCHOOL HAS A LOT OF TIME OFF.

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

Posted: June 14, 2019

School administrator is rude, dismissive when given feedback, and does not know how to communicate with parents. If you don't like what she has to say, too bad and find somewhere else to attend.

Administrator also forces the parents to bring in paper towels/tissues/products for events and asks for a lot of donations to fund and attend such events, expect to do grocery shopping 2x a year (~$325 per year), and extensive guidelines to follow when it comes to prepping children before and after drop-off (i.e. For water play unit, before drop off, parent applies SPF, puts child in swimsuit, buys and provides waterproof laundry bags with shoes/clothes/towels, and then brings home wet bag on daily basis. While it is not unreasonable to bring in extra gear, previous daycares were better equipped to manage the children and these activities without making the parents do all the heavy lifting.

School is outdated, dull, and have questioned the cleanliness/hygiene many a time.

Parents probably put up with the administrator, strict guidelines, and donations because they don't want to force their child to attend another school and suffer from the transition.

Posted: June 11, 2018

We wish we could have had our daughter stay there through elementary. She is entering 3rd grade now and she still remembers the experience vividly. Everyone was so caring and thoughtful to make sure the child had the opportunity to grow, experience and be independent at their own pace.

Posted: June 11, 2018

In Montessori the learning is done in the classroom so the guide can observe and coach the child. Homework is very rare.

Posted: June 11, 2018

Caring, fair, very thorough and challenge children when their skills are mastered to go on to the next lesson.

Posted: June 11, 2018

Taught children how to respect their environment which includes care of self, working with others, doing the right thing and being peaceful.

Posted: June 11, 2018

Posted: June 11, 2018

As in any private school, it can vary depending on the needs of the child.

Posted: June 11, 2018

When we were there, it was rare to non-existent. Children were taught how to include everyone and if they did not agree to accept their differences.

Posted: January 7, 2018

The teachers are content experts who genuinely care about children.

Posted: January 7, 2018

The character traits of integrity, compassion, and respect is an integral component of the montessori philosophy.

Posted: January 7, 2018

As an educator and as an administrator of a Pre-K through 8th grade school district in the Chicago suburbs, I absolutely love the educational experience that my children are receiving at Alta Vista Montessori. My son started attending AV at 18 months old and my daughter started attending AV at 5 months old. Both of my children will complete kindergarten at this school.

Ms. Sophia Ginder is an excellent school administrator who is very kind and very passionate about children. She is well versed in montessori philosophy.

Posted: January 7, 2018

At Alta Vista montessori, children are active learners and are able to reach their own unique potential.

Ms. Sophia Ginder has created wonderful partnerships with outside educational specialists (speech pathologists, occupational therapist, etc) who come into the school to provide additional support to students in need of additional assistance.

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: January 7, 2018

Alta Vista is a fabulous school! I wish Ms Sophia Ginder would expand the school to educate students 1st-6th grade. I am grateful that my children have had the opportunity to be educated at Alta Vista.

Posted: January 7, 2018

Posted: June 28, 2017

My daughter attended AVM at 3yo and will be leaving at almost 6yo. I am impressed at how well she reads and how much fun she has reading. Academically AVM has taught her so much. In addition, she is curious about the outside world just as equally. Her compassion and innate nurturing quality for the younger children that enter the classroom has been cultivated as well.

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: June 28, 2017

Posted: April 24, 2017

Posted: April 24, 2017

The owner is not a nice human. Treats parents and kids like doggie dodo. Teachers are 1 dimensional. There are better options in Libertyville.

Posted: August 17, 2016

My son started in Alta Vista's toddler class at 18 months and at almost 3 he is just now moving up to the primary class (preschool - k) this fall. We have been so happy with his experience in the toddler class. He loves going to school and has grown so much. He has learned how to interact with his peers in a positive way, sits so politely while eating, and they did the lions share of the potty training! I can't wait to see how he continues to grow and thrive in the primary classroom.

Posted: August 17, 2016

Posted: August 5, 2015

Alta Vista has been an amazing program at helping my child to be at her best in many areas: academics, leadership, sensitivity to others, as well as personal care of herself and the world around her. I initially chose the program because I saw that Alta Vista staff were committed to the emotional development of the children around them. This remains true. Also, she is now entering first grade above her peers in math, reading, and writing with the ability to empathize with others, be supportive to others, and be true to herself. I don't know that I will get this kind of gain, in her whole person, in any other educational setting from here forward. We will miss the amazing staff and students there. Thank you, Alta Vista!

My daughter added, "It was very good. The work was very fun. I miss the teachers and the principal is very nice."

Posted: August 5, 2015

My daughter will be entering first grade already reading at a mid second grade level. She is able to add, multiply, identify continents and oceans on a world map, and think outside of "the box".

Posted: August 5, 2015

Work outside of school was optional. This is just right for a child prior to first grade.

Posted: August 5, 2015

The teachers encourage leadership through social skills. Direct instruction of core values is a piece of this.

Posted: July 29, 2014

As a parent with both kids attending alta vista, I could not be happier with the school and the teachers and staff. The teachers and staff are great -- caring, very knowledgeable and with a lot of passion. Teachers discussed with me about my kids not eating well during the lunch and always encouraged them to eat more during the lunch. They keep communications open and work closely with parents based on what they observe on our kids, physically or emotionally or academically, in school. My older one learned about healthy diet at 5 at Alta Vista. In his room kids are encouraged to brush teeth after lunch. I have not heard any other school around has done this. On the academic or well-rounded side, there is no doubt. My older one who just graduated from kindergarten at alta vista not only has learned reading, writing, multiplication and division, but also a lot about music, poems, artists, maps, geography, cultures and caring about other people. His younger brother after 5 months in a primary room, started to spell some words (not always spelled correctly) at home. Overall, if I had a 3rd kid, I would definitely send the 3rd one to Alta Vista.

Posted: June 18, 2014

"We chose Alta Vista Montessori for our children because it feels like a school in the very best sense of the word. The atmosphere in the classrooms and style of the teachers express a tireless commitment to children and to Maria Montessori's methods of preparing them for their next steps their education. Expediency and convenience are often valued over children and their needs. I have been refreshed to find a preschool that puts children first, always. Our daughter, who is now a fourth grader, transitioned marvelously from the Lilac Room to her public school first grade. I have met with some Montessori skeptics, who believe that children who have experienced the independence of a Montessori classroom will chafe under the rubrics of a traditional classroom. Our family's experience has been quite the opposite. She built confidence and independence as well as a strong sense of self-control at Alta Vista, and those qualities have continued to develop marvelously in her current public school environment. We couldn't be more pleased with the preparation she received at Alta Vista. We are hoping for a similar experience for our son, who will graduate this year." Vanessa G.

Posted: June 11, 2014

I am thrilled to have both of my children experience the Alta Vista Montessori environment. My older daughter graduated from Alta Vista primary program and attended a Montessori elementary school. Her elementary teacher was very pleased with her Montessori background. She developed strong work ethic , and quickly picked up her lessons with high quality results at the elementary school. My younger daughter is currently attending Alta Vista, we feel the strong sense of self control she developed since she started. She was attached to the staff since first day and knows that she is in good hands! I am confident that she truly enjoys her day. We are very happy to be part of Alta Vista family!

Posted: June 10, 2014

Our family has had the wonderful fortune of being a part of the Alta Vista community for the past 5 years. I am so sad to read the poor reviews of this school, which I know for a fact were written by one unhappy family. Our oldest daughter just graduated from Kindergarten, and she is reading chapter books, doing division, and very independent. She started in the toddler classroom when she was almost 2, and over the past 4 years in the primary classroom, it has been amazing to watch her grow and develop. She is a naturally shy girl, and this year in her Kindergarten year, it was unbelievable to watch how much she bloomed. Our 2nd daughter also started in the toddler community, when she was only 16 months old. She is now also in a primary classroom, and although she just turned 4, she is reading! Our daughters are very different, but it has been amazing to see how much Alta Vista has been the perfect fit for both of them. I can't say enough about the teachers, assistants, and the director at this school. We just had a baby, and can't wait for him to start in the toddler room - we're counting the months until he gets the opportunity to be at this wonderful school!

Posted: May 22, 2014

My son started at Alta Vista when he was 18 months old. He is now turning 4 next week. He originally started at a daycare nearby and that was an awful experience. In search for a new school I came across Alta Vista. We visited and from the first day we felt like we were at home. It is such a loving community. The teachers are all Montessori trained. It is NOT a daycare environment, which is what I was looking to get away from. It is an educational environment which allows the children to learn independence, have fun, respect their surrounding and learn. My son has learned so much and loves it there. There are boundaries and respect amongst all students. The children have a sense of community as well. The teachers are engaged and are passionate about what they do. I have visited many montessori schools in the area and Alta Vista is by far the best from the teachers, to parents to the students. I am thankful my son is part of such a great community! I highly recommend it!

Posted: February 21, 2014

Not good. No ethics. Money minded. Management /administration no good. director\owner is very harsh and rude in talking.Teachers are okay. Have to get twice ,a week groceries including tissues and paper towel ,very expensive. Keep asking for donation. Mother-child, father-child, any fundraising activities or any other events organized by school, parents will be asked for donations or sign up the sheet to bring food n even paper goods all the time. Yes during graduation they provide cake n coffee and once a year ice cream social. Fees are high.

Posted: February 2, 2014

My child stayed at the class for a year and it was a nighmare. She cried and refused to enter her classroom every morning for 5 months, which never happened with privous school. She was bullied, and we reported to her teacher, and her teacher simply denied any bully. Unlike other montessori classroom we have visited, this one is very chaotic. My child suffered dramaticlly setback in learning and life skills.

Posted: December 3, 2013

This is not truely montessori school by any sense. Maria montessori's philosophy or ideas are not well implemented in classroom. It;s even worse than Kindcare in terms of learning.

Posted: August 19, 2012

I am thrilled to have both of my children experienced Alta Vista Montessori environment. My older daughter graduated from Alta Vista primary program and attended a Montessori elementary school. Her elementary teacher was very pleased with her Montessori background. She developed strong work ethic , and quickly picked up her lessons with high quality results at the elementary school. My younger daughter is currently attending Alta Vista, we feel the strong sense of self control she developed since she started. She was attached to the staff since first day and knows that she is in good hands! I am confident that she truly enjoys her day. We are very happy to be part of Alta Vista family!

Posted: July 2, 2012

Unlike the previous reviewer, I find the administrator of the school very professional, friendly and open to suggestions. She is very dedicated to the AMI (not IMA) Montessori standards and her goal is to provide the best Montessori program possible. She is open to all suggestions as long as they do not compromise the integrity and quality of the school's program. I respect and appreciate such dedication, leadership and professionalism. My children are thriving at Alta Vista.