Cottonwood Montessori School in Corrales

Posted: September 24, 2024

My daughter attended this school from the toddler program through third grade. Like any school experience, there were ups and downs. That said, the school director and every teacher she had supported both of us, listened to our needs, and worked with us to ensure she felt comfortable and could learn effectively. When she moved on to a public school in the area for fourth grade, the contrast in attention and care was shocking! We really missed the hands-on, individualized attention and the sense of safety in a school where all the teachers were genuinely looking out for all the students.

That said, my daughter was far ahead in all academic areas compared to the fourth-grade curriculum at her new school, and I know that was because of the high-quality Montessori education she received at Cottonwood School.

I cannot recommend this school enough. Both my daughter and I have wonderful memories of her time here, and we will always be grateful for the top-quality education she received.

Posted: November 27, 2023

They decided to remove my child from the school for the safety of other children there. There wasnt any danger going on near the school or around by the way. My son was 2 years old, he didnt deserve to be removed, the school took no precaution to keep my son safe at all times. What an entitled and fake privileged place to raise a child. Its New Mexico god sakes, there really shouldnt be a thing for exclusivity in education here since most children are already ranked lower in education than most other states. Sad they chose to protect the rich children and thrown my child out without a fair hearing. Highly do not recommend.

Posted: November 27, 2023

Posted: December 15, 2022

I write this review as a parent but also an experienced educator. I cannot in good faith recommend this school to families. Yes, many teachers are great, but administrative staff and leadership causes high turnover and volatile working relationships for teachers. It is like a revolving door due to the executive director, who seems to also be an absent leader. Research in education shows that a negative relationship between school leaders and teacher turnover and student achievement, which results in low-achieving schools. Please do not spend your money here, it isn't worth it.

Posted: December 15, 2022

Posted: April 5, 2022

Terrible terrible terrible school. If you think that they are helping your child don't be fooled. They put on a facade but truth be told your child will be behind.

Posted: April 5, 2022

Posted: November 28, 2018

My two granddaughters have made enormous strides in language, social skills and learning. They don't want to leave in the afternoon. Having that foundation for life long learning is priceless.

Posted: April 24, 2017

I can't say enough negative things about this school. The first day of our very short stay, I watched the director mock a 3 year old to her face for the way she talked. I immediately felt sick to my stomach that someone who preaches about her "Joyful Learning Community" would do something to mean to a little girl. I kept a very close eye on my own daughter after that. The final straw was when I went to pick her up and there was ONE teacher on the playground watching over 50 kids. I went inside and the other two teachers were talking about going to the grocery store and the other was on her phone in the hallway. I couldn't pull my kids out of that school fast enough, and saw an immediate improvement and couldn't be happier at their new school.

Posted: November 1, 2016

I can't say enough wonderful things about this institution and the amazing people who run it. I came across it on a random drive through Corrales, thought its beautiful campus looked like something out of a fairy tale, and decided to investigate. What I found was a staff that treats us like family, incredible teachers, and a curriculum that includes art, music, and gardening. I wish I could have gone to a school like this. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth every penny for our family? Absolutely. What's most important is finding a school that is the right fit for your children, and for us, we couldn't have asked for a better school than Cottonwood.

Posted: November 1, 2016

Posted: August 13, 2013

Time to go back to school and our family couldn't be more excited to get back to Cottonwood Montessori School! Outstanding program with dedicated professionals and a tremendously warm community. Check it out.

Posted: May 8, 2013

I have to respond to the last review on March 28, 2013 in defense of this school. I have two children that attend this school and the surroundings are charming and beautiful. The grounds are well taken care of and there is absolutely no smell when you walk into the school. That is absolutely absurd and it pains me when people choose to make such terrible reviews that are so off base to those of us who currently have our children enrolled in the school and feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to do so. The teachers are amazing and dedicated and deserve nothing but gratitude. We are happy to help with fundraising because it helps the school continue to facilitate classes like art, music, environmental education, violin lessons, a steel band led by artist Frank Leto, physical education, and other activities for the children. Fundraising is voluntary, however, and if you can't afford to contribute more after tuition than you don't. It seems as though the last reviewer had issues with the school over finances and is lashing out. I walk into school on Monday and every other day of the week and feel my heart lift with gratitude for being able to be part of the community.

Posted: March 27, 2013

This school is constantly asking for money yet the tuition is close to 10k/yr. People are very nice but instruction is decent to poor at best. The facility is poor, many areas lack heat and it is extremely dirty. On Monday mornings walking into that school will make your stomach turn because it smells like fecal matter; apparently they do not clean the facility regularly and after a weekend the stench builds up.

Posted: March 2, 2013

Our two daughters attended Cottonwood Montessori. We moved out of state and my girls and I still miss the school and community greatly. The learning environment at Cottonwood was focused and engaged. The teachers were warm and encouraging and very knowledgeable. The families were very invested and involved. I felt it was a joyful and nurturing place for my children to learn and grow. In response to critical reviews, I would say that it is always important to advocate for you own child's learning needs and your goals for you child. Some rooms needed upgrading but the school was in process of completing new buildings. There was some resultant pressure to bring in the additional dollars required. Meanwhile I felt there was beauty, intelligence and inspiration to be found in most learning spaces. I believe children are lucky to attend this school.

Posted: November 7, 2012

We have never found a school with a more well rounded curriculum than this place. Our children are able to study things like art, music, environmental Ed, gardening, violin, steel drums, etc. the list goes on and on, and these are just the fun things. We have noticed a huge jump in our kids understanding of math, reading, and language concepts. All we have have ever seen in this place is a staff who is committed and happy. The director, Trish, is a gem. She truly believes in the vision of this school and acts upon it. We would never send our children anywhere but here.

Posted: October 24, 2012

My son has been a student of Cottonwood Montessori for four years. The teachers are amazing! My son has a passion for learning and can't want to go to school everyday. I could not imagine a better education or a happier child.

Posted: October 23, 2012

Very disappointed in this school! The parents provide everything from lunches, snacks, handyman work, janitorial services, & anything else they can get the parents to do. I don't mind helping out but when I am paying so much money for my child to attend & I can't see where the money is being used for the children then I think there is a problem. The staff of Cottonwood is also constantly asking for more money. Even going so far as asking parents to take out personal loans to help expand the school. Children have classes in greenhouses. The school is unsafe & the children are largely unsupervised. My child burned her hand badly on an exposed pipe, broke her hand, & received a severe cute on her head by an exposed piece of metal on a door frame. After starting this school last year she even regressed to having accidents in her pants again. We changed schools & have seen Huge improvement & a much happier child!

Posted: October 16, 2012

I sent my 4 year old son to Cottonwood for summer school as I was looking for a school to send him to during the school year. I experienced a high teacher turnover and poorly organised programs that did not meet my expectations. Communication was poor regarding what was expected from parent and the programs did not deliver what was described in the brochures. Overall teacher satisfaction seemed low and based on this I decided to place my son in a different school for the semester.

Posted: October 15, 2012

I could not agree with the review posted on July 9 more regarding the constant "lack of finances" even though parents provide lunc, snacks and pay for supplies and the limited oversight of children on the playground. The toddler program is seriously lacking the ability to guide and manage toddlers and the preschool program is pretty depressing. The location and environment is pretty and perhaps we are blinded by that because the quality of care completely ruins this school. I placed my children in a different Montesorri school and noticed a change overnight. I would not recommend this school no matter how pretty the location and "fun" it might seem - there is nothing joyful about this community.

Posted: October 15, 2012

I have been a Cottonwood parent for over 12 years now. My 2 students started as 18 month old toddlers and one has finished (and one nearly completed) the elementary program - through 5th grade. This school is second to none in campus, staff, programs, and parent communication. Not only was my oldest accepted into every private middle school we applied to, but when we decided to enroll her in public education she has excelled far beyond her peers. My children have loved every single day of school at Cottonwood. They are happy, well rounded, safe, intelligent, socially aware, and have a deep love of learning. The rates are competitive, and there is minimal fundraising - only a large annual auction and pledge drives. If I had the financial means I would give more to this amazing program. Every cent has been poured back into the school, and the gorgeous new buildings, exceptionalt staff and specials programs are evident of the Director's dedication and teamwork. We have seen little staff turnover in our 12 years, and feel like the school and it's community are our second family. I only wish we could have stayed longer. Cottonwood is amazing.

Posted: July 8, 2012

We chose this school due to it's good reputation and it being Montessori. In the end we found it to be very expensive and there are constant reminders from the owner that additional financial support would be appreciated to the point of it being an underlying (and annoying) theme to the school. We also found teachers to be lackadaisical in providing oversight of students during outdoor activities and teaching some basic skills for toddlers. And we were not overly impressed with our son's primary teacher. Some of the programs were very good however, including the music program and the locale and environment is great. We put our daughter into a different Montessori in the North Valley and think she is getting a better overall learning experience there.

Posted: October 19, 2010

The learning environment in the classroom and out of the classroom is a warm, nuturing, and inclusive experience. My children have learned to manage themselves and their learning in a responsible manner. The teaching staff truly enjoy their role as mentors and educators. I originally chose the school for the external environment. I continue to enroll year after year for the internal classroom.

Posted: October 18, 2010

Cottonwood School in Corrales has helped my children in problem solving both in the academic and social arena.

Posted: October 18, 2010

I love Cottonwood Montessori because it provides a cohesive school community that fosters curiosity for learning, compassion for others, and respect for all living things.

Posted: October 17, 2010

Cottonwood is nestled in the Bosque of Corrales, NM. The tranquil environment combined with energetic teachers who create a happy learning space is the best place to go to school. When your child runs to class... you know they are in the right place. All the children are happy, independant and have great self esteem. The Montessori system allows them to know the "whole" of it. From preschool to 5th grade an activity such as simply washing a desk teaches writing skills. "Specials" are included: Drama, PE, Music and Art. Each of these specials integrates the theme for the year such as Greece or Africa. It is a place where everyone knows everyone. Empathy is taught along with respect and you know how special that school is in helping guide your child when they are out in public and the wonderful compliments you recieve about your child. Please pick this school! It is well deserving.

Posted: October 17, 2010

It's a nurturing environment that promotes education, emotional intelligence, peace and diversity!

Posted: October 17, 2010

Cottonwood school is a place where education is stimulating and exciting and never grows dull or boring. Children learn to explore their worlds on multisensorial levels. Educational themes are delicately woven into each aspect of learning and the children are exposed to not only the academics but also the arts.

Posted: October 17, 2010

The teachers are beyond amazing - their expertise and enthusiasm make such a difference in how much my kids have learned! The 7-acre campus adjacent to the Bosque provides such a unique learning environment. And the way the arts are integrated with the curriculum helps students to be very well-rounded.

Posted: October 12, 2010

The teachers continuously provide an excellent learning environment: my daughter is in 4th grade and she loves to learn. She comes home each day from school with more and more information that she learned that day. It's not about how you dress or who your friends are - it's about what you know and what you have learned. She has always felt safe and loved and accepted no matter what she may say or do.

Posted: March 13, 2010

I have two children that attend this school and we couldnt be happier!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Northeast Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Albuquerque	NM		6.2 mi
2	Blossom Ridge at Anderson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Albuquerque	NM		14.7 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Rio Rancho	Rio Rancho	NM	2.5 mi
2	Ventana Ranch	Albuquerque	NM	6.4 mi
3	Taylor Ranch	Albuquerque	NM	6.6 mi
4	Albuquerque	Albuquerque	NM	9.1 mi

Cottonwood Montessori School

Corrales, NM 87048

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Cottonwood Montessori School

Corrales, NM 87048

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