Bay Area Montessori House

Posted: September 10, 2025

I have two children who have attended Bay Area Montessori House for going on three years now, and I could not be more grateful for this school. One of my children spent two years in public school and was so miserable, just trying to get through basic homework created endless arguments and frustrations that wore our whole family down. When we found BAMH, everything changed.

My other child started here from the beginning, and both of them are flourishing. Their strengths are celebrated, and at the same time, they are given the time and support to grow in the areas where they need it. The learning environment is calm, joyful, and respectful, and the sense of community is truly wonderful.

The head of school is amazing, she is a true AMI-certified Montessori guide, which makes all the difference. As a side note, Dr. Montessori never trademarked the word “Montessori,” so any school can use it in their name whether or not they follow authentic Montessori practices. If you are looking for the real Montessori experience, make sure you choose a school like BAMH that is AMI-certified.

This school has been such a gift to our family, and I can’t recommend it enough.

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Posted: September 10, 2024

As a parent of two children currently in the primary classroom at Bay Area Montessori House, I am incredibly impressed with their growth and development. The Montessori approach has truly made a positive impact on both of them, fostering a love for learning and encouraging their natural curiosity.

My youngest has developed a remarkable sense of independence and self-confidence. She approaches her work with enthusiasm and a genuine interest in exploring new concepts. Her ability to stay focused and take initiative has been wonderful to see. The hands-on learning activities and individualized instruction have really helped her thrive academically and personally.

My eldest was struggling in daycare and frequently getting into trouble. We discovered this Montessori school and enrolled him immediately, and it has made a world of difference. He has truly flourished in the nurturing environment provided here. The teachers took the time to understand him as an individual, addressing his unique needs and learning style. They do not pressure or rush his educational journey; instead, they guide him gently, following his lead and interests. This approach has allowed him to thrive both academically and personally.

I am grateful for the supportive and dedicated teachers who create a learning environment that respects each child's unique needs and encourages their growth. The Montessori philosophy has not only enriched my children's educational experience but also positively influenced their character development. I couldn't be happier with their progress and the positive impact the school has had on their lives. It has also benefited us as a family. We incorporate Montessori principles into our home life, which has made our environment more enjoyable and strengthened our family bonds. I truly appreciate the strong sense of community we've built among the teachers, students, and parents as well.

Posted: September 10, 2024

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Posted: February 17, 2022

My child was bullied for an entire year with no contact from the school to any parents. It was known there were issues with the child who was bullying but the approach was "keep issues handled in the classroom." A culture of silence is created due to poor communication and transparency. The elementary educator is simultaneously the administrator of the school and the Board consists of her husband and father. There is not adequate staffing to support the needs of the educators. No front desk receptionist in the morning unless classroom assistants were pulled from their post to answer phones. Parents are not notified of major changes i.e. staff changes and assistants not working full time or lack of consistent presence of assistants in the classroom. There are also parents (not on staff) who come in to fill the gaps
here and there and there is never any communication about who is in the classroom, when and why. Both my children came home one day alarmed and shared that they saw a boy in the classroom inappropriately touching another child. When I let the school know, the elementary directress told me that she told my son "what you see is not always what is" and that she would not be contacting parents. My child also came home with severe bruising on his leg and shared that a boy in anger kicked him on the playground. I contacted the school and the elementary educator/ administrator informed me that she forgot to tell me.

My children were also allowed to get in the car with someone I had not authorized for pickup. I forgot to let the school know that day. They never contacted me to check, they just let my kids get in the car with another parent's father.

I also had no real way of measuring their progress in the elementary class. The educator would tell me that is "all in her head".

Posted: February 17, 2022

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Posted: June 8, 2020

after transferring to a public school and taking an evaluation test, my child was on 50% which meant he was average. when we go to private school we expect the results to be better than that. the school is not good for boys either. boys need discipline. teachers fail it and instead of admitting it they blame children.
there is no nurse on duty. lack of teachers.they are saving money on your kids.

Posted: June 8, 2020

No homework. you basically dont know where your child is at all.

Posted: June 8, 2020

unfortunately they are saving money on a necessary amount of teachers. upon Montessori rules it has to be one teacher for 5-6 group of children.

Posted: June 8, 2020

my child 5 years later is still struggling with it

Posted: June 8, 2020

Leadership is a family with no authority above them. absolute freedom. you know where it normally goes.

Posted: June 8, 2020

boys character and their needs to learn differently from girls are absolutely absent. they are trying to make girls out of boys. they ignore that boys are wired differently.

Posted: June 8, 2020

Posted: October 24, 2018

One child gave my daughter a hard time and the teacher immediately and effectively handled it. The child is now best friends with my daughter!

Posted: October 24, 2018

My daughter is six and reads and writes in cursive.

Posted: October 24, 2018

This school teaches compassion and kindness from day one.

Posted: October 24, 2018

The students are encouraged to learn independence and coordinate fundraising on their own.

Posted: October 24, 2018

They are accommodating to children with all kinds of difficulties, I have witnessed it.

Posted: October 24, 2018

Outstanding! I can't express enough positive feelings about BAMH! Quality education. My child comes home happy and excited about school. She picks out her school clothes the night before and comes home with positive stories of her experiences.

Posted: October 24, 2018

Montessori school does not assign homework, it's not part of the philosophy.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Posted: April 19, 2018

Multi generational, family oriented, stable, strong principles and the students are always the top priority.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Posted: April 19, 2018

I recall only one incident in the seven years my child has attended the school. A young boy fashioned a weapon out of a paper clip and threatened another student. His immediate expulsion, while unfortunate for the child, demonstrated the school’s zero tolerance for any kind of disharmony.

Posted: April 19, 2018

I believe I can offer a solid, cast iron assurance to any prospective parent who is on the fence about where to send their child for their schooling. This hidden jewel devotes its entire time to the children who are privileged to go there. The only drama you will find are the short plays the students entertain us all with.

Posted: April 19, 2018

Homework is not overwhelming, but sufficient to instil the new discipline of independent study

Posted: April 19, 2018

Ms Nielsen has been teaching my daughter for several years, and fully embraces the Montessori concept

Posted: April 5, 2018

A Great one.

I hope my positive comments help to remove any doubts about the professionalism and dedication of this school to their pupils.
Right now, we have two kids in the Bay Area MONTESSORI House. One in Elementary, and other in adolescents (mid School). This is our 4th year at this School.
This is an Association of Montessori International certified School.
My family and I moved to the US from United Kingdom about 4 Years ago. My children were in a certified MONTESSORI school back in UK.
In a certified MONTESSORI school, the education system allows children to work in the same environment no matter the school or even country. For us, worked like a charm! It made our lives a lot easier as it was really easy their continuation of their studies when we moved from UK.
We trial three schools in Houston. The first two, have a “Montessori” word somewhere in their name, but no traces of MONTESSORI education, materials, or methodology.
My children spend one full day (for free) as a trial in Bay Area Montessori House. After the day, I query to my children about the day and the school. The answer was in both kids the same, “Can we go back to that school tomorrow? Please?”…

The education is based on the commitment of the school, the Student and Parents/guardians.
We ALL have to do our part of the work to make it a success. I can assure, the school is doing their part. Most of the times, the pupil does too, but it is, in many cases, the home environment the one that fails. Then, it is easier to file a complaint to the school and not assuming your own home environment issues.

The school have programs to have the students take responsibilities to to do their school work, caring of animals, creatures, raise chickens, caring for the environment etc. The pupils kick start micro economies to raise funds towards a school trips or other needs,
They do tons of activities such visiting museums, historical or interesting places, picnics etc.

These are some of their “away from Texas” trips that I know of:

.-They have been to the Montessori Model United Nations in New York and defend the matters representing a country.
.-They have been to an archaeological excavation in Colorado.
.-They have been in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to do studies about the tortoises.
We are Grateful to this school.

Posted: April 5, 2018

The work is done at the school. It is a Montessori certified school and in a Montessori environment there is a beginning of the work or studies by the pupils and it never ends. if the children need more time it is allowed.

Posted: April 5, 2018

They are AMI certified teachers, the owners are a fantastic family and professionals of the education and the contracted teachers a REALLY good.

Posted: April 5, 2018

Absolutely! I have Two boys in this school for the last 4 years

Posted: April 5, 2018

I think that there are always room to improve, but in the overall it is excellent

Posted: April 5, 2018

totally agreed. and with their program of older kids mentoring the younger ones, this and many other things are passed down such being kind and respectful to others also, they also deal with any temporally differences or disagreements that may have. there are not bulling!

Posted: April 5, 2018

As I have said before, with their program of older kids mentoring the younger ones, this and many other things are passed down such being kind and respectful to others also, they also deal with any temporally differences or disagreements that may have. there are not bulling!

Posted: April 27, 2017

Both of my kids went through this school to 6th. I cannot say enough on how well it's prepared them to learn and enjoy learning. At first, there was a little shortcoming in math in 7th on the oldest, but that soon went away. They learn fast, and I think it's from the way the school teaches.

Posted: April 27, 2017

I personally had a bullying problem dealt with very effectively. It stopped.

Posted: April 27, 2017

I've seen several students with learning issues, and most completed MUCH better than they began. One I remember, however, was asked to leave when his acting out was not able to be controlled and was effecting others learning.

Posted: April 27, 2017

I've been a parent there for 10 years. The leadership is in transition now, but I don't see it as a change, really.

Posted: April 27, 2017

Yes. Very much so. It's Christian based and taught.

Posted: April 27, 2017

It's Montessori. And these people have it down. There has been some turnover in the lower school since my kids were in lower elementary.

Posted: April 27, 2017

There is very little homework, usually project related. This did not hinder the transition into public school like I thought it might.

Posted: October 25, 2016

first graders and up are combined together in a group of 43 with only one teacher. with the way montessori system is set up the teacher is supposed to be giving each student a lesson and then check afterwards the work. this is obviously impossible with so many students. kids who leave the school find themselves behind on math. the teacher and director are horrible. they are mean and most unprofessional i have ever seen.

Posted: October 25, 2016

they have students they love and students they dont like. they support those who they like

Posted: October 25, 2016

they support slowly developing better than the others

Posted: October 25, 2016

the director, tony hebert, is the most unprofessional i have ever dealt with. she talks about students and parents with other parents behind their backs. wich is no respect about your privacy. she likes to kick kids out at least once or twice a year and she makes sure she hits them very well emotionaly.

Posted: October 25, 2016

they are a bad example of a good character and respect. they are mean and are used to getting things only their way.

Posted: October 25, 2016

the teacher of first graders and up, which is only one, melinda neilson, cant keep up with all the students she has in a class, which is 43. i believe it is due to economic reasons, although they charge parents fully with no group discount. she tends to get rid of students who she doesnt want to deal with. the first impression of the class when you get there is that kids are well behaved and you automatically think they teach them very well but in reality she filters them out to the type she can handle.

Posted: October 25, 2016

they have no homework. kids are struggling with it at other schools afterwards

Posted: February 4, 2016

This school and the administration is highly unprofessional. They talk about both parents and students behind their backs. In the elementary, students are rarely assessed to see where they are functioning academically and work was not often checked by the teacher. The teacher does not read with students and many struggle with reading and writing. Over all, I found the education my child received to be inadequate and lacked a well-rounded quality.

Posted: February 4, 2016

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Posted: February 10, 2015

My daughter has been at BAMH since early primary, and is now in upper elementary. I don't think AMI Monstessori is right for all children, but it has been excellent for her. She has a very strong foundation in basic academics, and has had the opportunity to pursue her interests in science and art. Her standardized tests at the end of third grade bore out how well BAMH is preparing her academically. She tested at high school level or above on all but one subject, where she tested at 6th grade. She also had three subjects (science, social studies, and listening) where she tested at post-high school level. More importantly, she is learning how to think critically and creatively, direct her own learning and mastery, and be a leader in her peer group.

Posted: October 6, 2014

Not impressed at all. My child was at a previous montessori school, but aged out so we had to find a new school. We were initially very impressed with the teacher, but within a few months, our faith in her diminished. We are very involved parents and we were never told about any issues with our child completing day work until we received it in an email...and we had just had a parent teacher conference the week before! Then when we requested a conference, the teacher was in attendance, but the only one speaking was Ms. Heibert, the owner. After that meeting when we asked questions she didn't like, such as why no one mentioned any issues in the first conference, all of a sudden, my child became a target by the teacher and children. It was also evident all Ms. Heibert cared about was the tuition money, because when we discussed pulling our child, she was sure to tell us we would still have to pay the entire term, even if our child was no longer going there....which is just wrong. We took our child out at the end of the year and found another local montessori school where our child is excelling has many friends and the owners care more about the kids than the tuition.